The best things to do on Christmas Eve in NYC

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 Day, the tree is lit for 24 hours.

Miracle on 9th Street and Sippin' Santa's decked-out editions will be popping up once again this holiday season.

In NYC, Miracle on 9th Street is now open at The Cabinet Mezcal Bar in the East Village. Meanwhile, Sippin’ Santa will take place this winter at Lower East Side neighborhood bar Thief as of November 22.

And as usual, the Miracle and Sippin' Santa holiday mug collections will also be making their return, with limited-edition glassware available for purchase exclusively at the pop-ups.

Since New York City transforms into a magical wonderland with millions of holiday lights right after Thanksgiving, it's good to know where to find the best Christmas lights in NYC.

We'll see over-the-top inflatable Santas and reindeer found at the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn to iconic Manhattan displays such as in Central Park, at Hudson Yards and at Washington Square Park.

Take it all in and get ready to “ooh” and “ahh” at these photo-worthy landmarks, holiday markets and neighborhoods that create the most picturesque holiday light displays during the 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. 

Make the holiday a little sweeter at Swedish candy paradise BonBon, which is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for last-minute gifts (or just to treat yourself). 

Find BonBon at three locations in NYC: The Upper East Side, Lower East Side and Williamsburg. Each shop brings its own flavor and flair, but they're all dedicated to serving up glorious goodies gorgeously wrapped in pastel pink bags and boxes. All the candies are imported directly from Sweden.

Expect to find chocolates, gummy candies and licorice fill the jewel box shop from floor to ceiling, all neatly arranged on custom-made wooden shelving.