Thanksgiving and Christmas in New York City is a magical place, the Holiday spirit seems to lighten people up, bringing them together, to just have a good time! But sometimes, it can be hard to find places that are the best in New York, sometimes people don’t know if it’s a scam. This is why it’s good to read this article, for troubled travelers wondering where they should go.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a fun, yearly event. They have giant balloons, floats, bands, and more! The parade starts in Central Park, 77th Street, and ends on 6th Avenue. It usually starts at 8:30 AM, ET, and ends at noon. It is free to watch the Thanksgiving Parade in person!
Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center is one of the most popular places to go during the Holiday season. It’s where the big, beautiful Christmas tree is located, it opens up November 8th, 2025. It’s totally free to visit, and take pictures.
Rockefeller Skating Rink
Just below the beautiful Christmas tree, anyone can ice skate! The admission fees are $22 to $124, depending on how long you’re going to skate. The toddlers under the age of six get charged between $11, or $37. If you rate some skates, it’s $12.
Radio City Music Hall
The Radio City Music Hall is a famous theater in New York, they perform yearly Christmas shows! Starting from November to January. The Rockettes is a musical show that they perform in Radio City Music Hall, tickets can be up to $88 and more, depending on seats and how many people there will be. And if you can’t afford tickets, you can always get a tour that starts at $44.
The Nutcracker Show
The Nutcracker is the most famous, and beautiful ballet performance you can see in New York! The most famous theater to watch the Nutcracker in, is at David H. Koch Theater (NYCB), tickets can cost up to $100 and more, depending on where you’ll sit. The performance begins November 28th, 2025 to January 3rd, 2026.
5th Avenue
Fifth Avenue is said to be a beautiful place to look at during the Holidays, they have great Christmas lights, you can see the window displays they have! Even the Louis Vuitton Cafe is on 5th Avenue. You can look around for free.
Bryant Park Holiday Market
If you would like to walk around, or shop for Christmas presents, then this is the right place! There is also an ice skating rink there, for free. The market offers sweet treats, like hot chocolates, and s’mores, to brownies. There are many stores in the market to look at, especially clothing stores!
Plaza Hotel
Is your favorite Christmas movie Home Alone 2? If yes, then you would love to visit the beautiful hotel that Kevin stays at. The Plaza Hotel has been around since 1907, and it continues to be the most popular hotel in NYC. You are allowed to take pictures and look around for free, you can also book reservations online to stay in the Hotel, it can be pricey, but worth it. Prices are online.
Angelina Paris
Angelina Paris is a tranquil cafe, located in Bryant Park. It is said that they have the best, and creamy Hot Chocolate around! With many people lining up at their doors to try this delicious Hot Chocolate, the Hot Chocolate can cost up to $12 in total. They offer more stuff, their menus are online! There are no reservations, as they only take walk-ins.
Classic Harbor Line
This company offers amazing boat rides around Manhattan, the most popular event in these boats are the Christmas rides. They offer Christmas jazz cruises, and sometimes, hot chocolate for the kids! This can also be for adults as well, as they offer Champagne, their brunch on the boat is also very popular, they offer organic items. Prices may vary depending on which experience you will choose!
New York City can be a crazy, but lovely place at the same time. You can have the best Holiday experience in November and December, by visiting NYC!
