Travel tips
Christmas in New York: what to see, when to go and how to plan
The tree, the windows, the skating rinks and the lights, with 2026 dates, weather and tips for visiting from abroad.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- New York's Christmas season runs from Thanksgiving (26 November 2026) to early January.
- The Rockefeller Center tree is usually lit on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, which would be 2 December 2026, and stays up until mid-January.
- Visit in the first half of December for the full festive atmosphere with smaller crowds than the week before Christmas.
| Season | Late November to early January |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving 2026 | Thursday 26 November |
| Tree lighting (usual) | Wednesday after Thanksgiving |
| December weather | Highs around 6–7°C (44°F), lows near freezing |
| Flight from London | About 8 hours |
The essential sights
- The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the ice rink below it. The lighting ceremony is usually held on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving; confirm the date on Rockefeller Center's website.
- The window displays on Fifth Avenue, at Saks, Bergdorf Goodman and others, and at Macy's in Herald Square.
- The light show projected onto the front of Saks Fifth Avenue, opposite the tree, every evening.
- The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes, from November to early January.
Markets and skating
Bryant Park's Winter Village has a free-admission ice rink (you pay to rent skates) surrounded by gift kiosks and food stalls. There are also holiday markets at Union Square and Columbus Circle.
The rink below the Rockefeller Center tree is smaller and busier, so book a time slot in advance.
Beyond Midtown
Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is famous for houses covered in elaborate Christmas lights, at their best in the evening from early December. Take the subway and walk the streets around 11th to 13th Avenues and 83rd to 86th Streets.
The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show, with model trains running past landmarks made from plants, is a favourite with families.
When to go
Thanksgiving weekend opens the season with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but it is very busy. The first two weeks of December are the sweet spot. The week before Christmas and the days between Christmas and New Year are the most crowded and expensive.
Many museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, close on Christmas Day, and some shops and restaurants keep shorter hours. New Year's Eve in Times Square means standing outdoors for many hours with no toilets, so many visitors prefer a party or a view from elsewhere.
Planning from the UK and Europe
Flights from London take around eight hours to New York and around seven on the way back. New York is five hours behind the UK.
Hotel prices peak in December, so book early and consider staying in Midtown East, Long Island City or Downtown Brooklyn, which are a short subway ride from the sights. Pack proper winter layers: it can be cold and windy, and snow is possible.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Rockefeller Christmas tree lit in 2026?
The tree is usually lit on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, which would be 2 December 2026. Rockefeller Center confirms the date each autumn.
What is the best time to visit New York at Christmas?
The first half of December: the tree, windows and markets are all in place, and crowds are smaller than in the week before Christmas.
Is it cold in New York at Christmas?
Yes. Daytime highs are usually around 6–7°C (44°F), nights are near freezing, and snow is possible, so pack a warm coat, hat and gloves.
