We've found the best things to do on Christmas Eve in NYC—aside from eating cookies while watching cheesy holiday movies.
’Twas the night before Christmas and all through Gotham, New Yorkers were actually stirring. That’s right, there are still plenty of things to do on Christmas Eve in NYC.
Don’t just laze around your apartment watching Christmas movies (as fun as that sounds). Instead, admire seasonal light displays, see a show, or do some last-minute shopping at holiday markets in NYC that remain open on Christmas Eve.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in New York
It's time to lace up your skates—the best ice skating rinks in NYC are waiting for you. As one of the most beloved cities to spend the holidays in, NYC has plenty of indoor and outdoor rinks where you can glide and practice your toe jumps.
To help narrow down your options, we’ve ranked the top places to go, from the renowned Rink at Rockefeller Center to the iconic Wollman Rink in Central Park.
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights display has definitely earned its stripes as one of the best New York attractions. What’s not to love about all that razzle-dazzle to get you in the Christmas spirit?
The Brooklyn neighborhood is home to the most over-the-top Christmas light decorations with life-size Santas, sleighs, snowmen and some houses even bump Christmas carols from loudspeakers. Crowds of all ages flock to the Kings County neighborhood to wander down the multiple blocks and avenues.
Take a nostalgic stroll to the Rockefeller Tree on Christmas Eve. This tree is one of the top New York attractions to visit in person and is lit daily from 5am-midnight. On Christmas Eve, the tree is lit for 24 hours.
More than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights wrap around the towering tree. It's topped with a three-dimensional Swarovski star that weighs 900 pounds and sparkles with 3 million crystals.
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season—with spirits—throughout the most wonderful time of the year at these holiday bars. With over-the-top decor, holiday music, and festive glassware, these bars take holiday cheer(s) to the next level.
Everything's themed, down to the drinks with options like spiked eggnog, tequila-twisted Coquito Ho Ho Hos, and the Grinch Don't Kill My Vibe.
Since New York City transforms into a magical wonderland with millions of holiday lights right after Thanksgiving, it's helpful to know where to find the best Christmas lights in NYC.
Expect to see over-the-top inflatable Santas at the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn and iconic displays at Central Park and Rockefeller Center. Take it all in and get ready to “ooh” and “ahh” at these landmarks, holiday markets and neighborhoods that create the most picturesque holiday light displays during the holiday season.
Before you even see these gingerbread creations, you’ll smell their sweet-spicy aromas wafting through the halls. Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off has taken over the Museum of the City of New York once again bringing holiday cheer with 20 stunningly beautiful gingerbread structures.
Each one emulates an iconic part of the city, from the Wonder Wheel to the Prospect Park Boathouse to a bodega (complete with a bodega cat, of course). Feast your eyes upon them this holiday season.
Finish a little last-minute shopping at Bryant Park's Winter Village by Bank of America. Along with festive shops, there's a 17,000-square-foot ice-skating rink that's free to use (if you bring your own skates). This year more than 180 kiosks will be there to peruse—all at one of the best NYC parks.
If you’re searching for some yuletide fun, our list of Christmas things to do in NYC will certainly make you jolly
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