40,000 Steps and a Million Memories: NYC in December

By Amy Davoli, Owner · Travel & Cruise Consultant
Updated October 2026 · 6 min read

A nighttime view of the Empire State Building illuminated in NYC, with a large billboard featuring a Volkswagen advertisement in the foreground.

Quick takeaways

Amy packed Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Battery Park and the Brooklyn Bridge into a day and a half.
Must-eats: street hot dogs, candied almonds, a slice from 2 Bros Pizza, and a “Robin Sparkles” at McGee’s Pub for How I Met Your Mother fans.
The holiday highlights: Central Park lights, Fifth Avenue windows, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Bryant Park’s Winter Village.
Still on the bucket list: the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.

There is just something so magical about the dazzling lights, energetic buzz and iconic backdrop of NYC in December. And when you only have a day and a half to explore it all, you need to make every step count! That’s exactly what I did on a whirlwind trip to NYC with my two boys and their girlfriends.

A group of five people posing together outdoors in New York City during the festive season, surrounded by holiday decorations, including large red ornaments.

An exterior view of a modern building in NYC at dusk, showcasing illuminated advertisements and a multicolored screen on the ceiling. People are walking up the stairs to the entrance, surrounded by festive decorations.

In our short time there, we packed in festive sights, historic attractions, delectable eats, and more than a few teachable travel moments. Here’s how we covered over 40,000 steps in under two days, and why I think everyone should add Christmas in New York to their bucket list.

First impressions and iconic stops

From the moment we entered the city, I could feel its energy radiating around me. We didn’t waste any time before turning on sightseeing mode and hitting some of NYC’s most iconic landmarks. We got to see Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, and, of course, Times Square, all on our first day!

Sightseeing in Midtown Manhattan in December

A couple poses together in front of Madison Square Garden, illuminated with bright lights, showcasing its iconic entrance and the bustling atmosphere of New York City.

While we didn’t do a whole lot of shopping, the boys did insist I check out the Disney Store. It was a non-negotiable experience, according to the kids. And boy, am I glad we went! If you are a Disney fan, this store should be on your NYC in December bucket list.

Decorated Christmas trees adorned with lights in an urban setting, featuring a modern architectural backdrop.

Aside from a few “I ❤️ NY” gift shop souvenirs, we mostly just wandered and soaked it all in. Watching the kids gape at the size of the buildings was one of my favorite parts.

Four young adults posing together in Times Square, NYC, illuminated by bright neon lights and large digital billboards at night.

We even spotted the traditional New Year’s Eve ball, sitting high above Times Square, just waiting for its moment. We admired it from a distance and agreed that while the holidays in NYC are magical, New Year’s Eve would be frightening…we are simply not built for the massive crowds.

Subway shenanigans

A ride on a New York City subway is always an experience in itself. One of the unexpectedly fun moments came when my son Christopher and his girlfriend started posing for goofy photos on the platform. Before long, we were all in on the trend and ended up with some awesome pictures to show for it!

Posing for fun photos on a New York City subway platform

Two young adults posing playfully in a New York City subway station, with a colorful mural of dancers in the background.

From the Financial District to Battery Park

Our next stop was to explore the Financial District and Battery Park, the quieter side of Manhattan. Here we caught a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty and admired it from afar.

A bustling New York City street featuring tall skyscrapers, yellow taxis, and a historic building in the foreground under a bright blue sky.

Two people walking in a park, observing pigeons on a paved path under a cloudy sky.

After exploring the park for a bit, we were hungry and ready to eat! We went true New York style with street food: hot dogs and hot candied almonds. Both were delicious, although we were so hungry, anything would have tasted good!

A skyscraper and a hotdog stand surrounded by pedestrians in NYC

A stroll on the Brooklyn Bridge

My trip to NYC in December included a personal highlight, walking the Brooklyn Bridge…well, part of it at least. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to cross the full way over and back, but we did make it far enough to enjoy the incredible skyline. We were all stunned by how massive the bridge was in person.

Walking on the Brooklyn Bridge in December

During a trip to NYC in December, the Brooklyn Bridge viewed from a highway, with buildings in the background and a gray sky overhead.

A group of four people walking together on a city street, dressed warmly in winter attire, with notable skyscrapers in the background of NYC in December under a blue sky.

As we walked back across the bridge, we got to talking about the Twin Towers and how the skyline changed after they fell on 9/11. We even pulled up some old photos to compare. It was one of those deeper moments that travelling allows you. We were no longer just looking at the skyline; we were now steeped in its history.

NYC pizza was obviously mandatory

It was time for another real meal, and NYC pizza was the obvious choice. But how do you pick when there are a hundred options on every corner?

Exterior view of 2 Bros Pizza in New York City, featuring the shop's signage and promotional advertisements for pizza slices and soda deals.

Two young adults holding slices of pizza outside 2 Bros Pizza in New York City, smiling and wearing winter attire.

We let fate tell us where to go and made our choice based on the name alone: 2 Bros Pizza. While it was a gamble, it was the right choice! The pizza was perfectly crispy, topped with gooey cheese, piping hot (or maybe it was just freezing outside), and absolutely delicious! We devoured our slices in no time. Sometimes, simple is best.

For the How I Met Your Mother fans

Okay, fellow How I Met Your Mother fans, this one’s for you. I took the group to McGee’s Pub, the inspiration for the show’s MacLaren’s Bar, and it was SO fun.

Amy enjoying a "Robin Sparkles" at McGee's in NYC in December

A busy street scene in New York City featuring the brightly lit exterior of McGee's Pub, with cars passing by and buildings in the background.

The pub was fully decked out in memorabilia from the show. Plus, it was the holiday season, so the festive décor made it even more magical. I, of course, had to try the “Robin Sparkles” cocktail. If you’re a fan, this stop is a must.

A NYC Christmas experience

The main reason we came to New York City was to experience Christmas in the city, and thanks to my friend, David, we got an exclusive tour of the city’s holiday lights. We strolled through Central Park, admiring the dazzling lights before wandering past the glittering storefronts along Fifth Avenue, where we got a peek inside Tiffany’s and Louis Vuitton.

A bustling New York City street at night, adorned with warm holiday lights on trees, showcasing busy pedestrians carrying shopping bags and vehicles on the road.

Holiday lights along Fifth Avenue in New York City

A festive window display featuring mannequins dressed in elegant outfits and vibrant decorations, set against a backdrop of colorful lights and whimsical props.

When we got to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the kids were in complete awe. They’d never seen a church so big. We got to step inside and admire the beautiful nativity scene. The whole experience was quiet and peaceful, a truly moving moment.

A night view of a grand cathedral adorned with lights, surrounded by buildings and cars in New York City.

Interior view of St. Patrick's Cathedral showcasing the ornate altar and architectural details, with congregants seated in the pews.

NYC in December nativity scene displayed inside a cathedral, featuring figures of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus surrounded by animals and hay, with candles in the foreground.

The only disappointment we ran into was that it was still too early in the season for the tree in Rockefeller Center to be lit up. Nonetheless, we enjoyed taking in the sights around the Plaza Hotel, Rockefeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall before making one last stop at Bryant Park’s Winter Village.

A large Christmas tree illuminated at night, decorated with a star on top, surrounded by festive lights and buildings in a cityscape.

Holiday lights near Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall

If there’s one thing I wish we had more time for, it’s the Christmas market. From handmade gifts to gourmet food vendors and a free ice-skating rink, it’s the kind of place you could spend half a day in without realizing it.

Holiday market stalls at Bryant Park's Winter Village

An outdoor dining area featuring empty round tables and woven chairs, illuminated at night, with a beautifully decorated building in the background.

Amy’s tipCheck the Rockefeller Center tree lighting date before you book. If you visit before it, the tree won’t be lit yet!

Still on the bucket list: the Rockettes

One thing we didn’t get to do, but definitely wish we had, was see the Rockettes. If you’re unfamiliar, the Rockettes are a world-famous precision dance team known for their high-energy performances. They’ve been dazzling audiences at Radio City Music Hall since 1932!

During the holiday season, they put on their iconic Christmas Spectacular, a festive tradition we would’ve loved to experience. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t squeeze it into our schedule this time, so it’ll have to stay on the bucket list—for now!

NYC in December, you did not disappoint!

In just 1.5 days, we saw so much, learned so much, and made memories I’ll carry forever. It was a fast-paced trip, sure, but every moment was worth it.

Amy's family enjoying New York City in December

A group of four friends poses in front of the bright lights and impressive architecture of the Empire State Building, surrounded by festive decorations.

I loved watching my boys learn to navigate the subway, check bus schedules, and figure out city maps. I will also say that we all learned a bit of history, and they learned that when Mom says “wear a scarf,” she means it!

Planning your own NYC Christmas trip

Thinking about New York in December? Here’s what I tell clients who are planning a holiday visit.

When to go: the Rockefeller Center tree is usually lit the Wednesday after American Thanksgiving, and the holiday lights and windows stay up into early January. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Book early: December is one of the busiest times in the city, so book your hotel and any Rockettes Christmas Spectacular tickets well ahead.
Getting there from Canada: it’s a short flight from most Canadian cities, and you’ll need your passport. Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
Getting around: the subway is the fastest way around. You can tap a contactless credit card or phone at the OMNY readers to pay your fare.
What to pack: warm layers, a hat, gloves, a scarf (trust me!) and your most comfortable walking shoes. We walked more than 40,000 steps!

Amy’s tipPick a home base near the sights you want to see most, like Midtown for the holiday lights. You’ll save time and energy when your feet need a break.

Book tours and excursions

Never been to NYC in December? Put it on your list! And if you want to make the most of your visit, you know who to call.

Plan your NYC holiday getaway Broadway Up Close

FAQs

Is New York City worth visiting in December?

Absolutely. The holiday lights, Fifth Avenue windows, Central Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Bryant Park’s Winter Village make December one of the most magical times to visit.

What can you see in NYC in a day and a half?

Amy and her family saw Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Financial District, Battery Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Bryant Park.

Where is the How I Met Your Mother bar in NYC?

McGee’s Pub in Manhattan was the inspiration for MacLaren’s Bar, and it’s decked out in memorabilia from the show.

Is the Bryant Park Winter Village free?

Bryant Park’s Winter Village has a free ice-skating rink along with a holiday market of handmade gifts and gourmet food vendors.

When is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lit?

The tree lighting is usually held the Wednesday after American Thanksgiving, in late November or early December, and the tree stays lit into January.

What is the easiest way to get around NYC?

The subway is the fastest way to get around. You can tap a contactless credit card or phone at the OMNY readers to pay your fare.