New York City, with its sparkling lights, festive markets, and breathtaking Christmas displays, transforms into a true winter wonderland during the holiday season. If you're eager to experience the magic of Christmas a little early, here are five enchanting ways to get into the holiday spirit in NYC.
1. Rockefeller Center Ice Skating
The iconic Rockefeller Center is one of the first places many think of when imagining Christmas in New York. Its famous ice rink, surrounded by towering buildings and the city’s sparkling skyline, opens as early as October.
- Skate under the dazzling Christmas tree, even if it’s not fully decorated yet.
- Enjoy the Angel of the Waters statue, which gets its own special lighting for the season.
- Check out the Saks Fifth Avenue light show, just a block away.
2. Visit Early Holiday Markets
Christmas markets in New York City begin setting up their stalls before Thanksgiving, offering an array of festive experiences:
- Union Square Holiday Market - Begins in mid-November and offers crafts, gifts, and food stalls.
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market - Starts late October, featuring unique gifts, ornaments, and culinary delights.
- Bryant Park Winter Village - Boasts an ice skating rink and over 125 vendor booths for shopping.
These markets provide the perfect setting to soak up holiday vibes, even if the full decorations haven’t quite made their appearance yet.
3. Catch Holiday Shows and Displays
New York’s Broadway and other cultural venues begin their holiday performances well before December 25th. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- The Radio City Christmas Spectacular - Features the Rockettes kicking off their show in early November.
- Window shopping - Marvel at the elaborately designed window displays at Macy’s, Saks, and Lord & Taylor starting late November.
- Christmas light tours - NYC’s neighborhoods like Dyker Heights in Brooklyn start decorating their homes for Christmas quite early, with lights on by late November.
4. Participate in Thanksgiving Parades
While Thanksgiving marks the official beginning of the holiday season, the city starts preparing for its festive parades long before:
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade - Balloons, floats, and Santa himself appear in November, bringing the first taste of Christmas to the city.
- Parade workshops - You can visit workshops to see the creation of parade balloons and floats in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
5. Explore NYC’s Churches
Visiting the city’s magnificent churches is an excellent way to capture the solemn beauty of the Christmas season:
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral - Known for its elegant decorations and early Christmas masses.
- St. John the Divine - Known for its famous Christmas bazaar, which signals the start of the holiday season.
- Grace Church - Offers a candlelight Christmas service before the actual holiday.
When enjoying these early Christmas activities in New York, keep in mind:
❄️ Note: Weather can be unpredictable in November and early December, so dress in layers and ensure you're ready for both cold and milder temperatures.
Visiting New York City during the early Christmas period isn't just about celebrating the holiday earlier; it's about witnessing the transformation of the city. From the scent of roasting chestnuts to the sound of carolers and the sight of twinkling lights, there's an early magic in the air that's uniquely New York. Whether you're ice skating, shopping for unique gifts, or soaking in the city's festive atmosphere, each experience is a prelude to the season's joy, offering a taste of the enchantment to come.
When do the holiday markets in NYC start?
+
Holiday markets in NYC typically begin setting up in late October to mid-November, offering early holiday shopping and activities.
Can you skate at Rockefeller Center before December?
+
Yes, you can skate at the Rockefeller Center rink from early October, although the Christmas tree might not be fully decorated.
What other holiday events can I attend before Thanksgiving?
+
You can attend the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes, participate in or watch the preparations for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and visit holiday light tours and early markets.
