Christmas in NYC: Holiday Events, Markets & Things to Do in Midtown
New York does not ease into the holidays. One week the last leaves are falling in Central Park, and the next, Fifth Avenue is wrapped in lights, the Rockettes are kicking in perfect unison, and there is a line for hot chocolate that circles the block. If you have ever wanted to see Christmas in NYC up close, Midtown is where it happens, and Chambers sits right in the middle of it on West 56th Street, between Fifth and Sixth.
Here is how to spend the season, a few blocks at a time.
Start With the Tree
Every New York Christmas has a center, and it is at Rockefeller Center. This year's Norway spruce arrives on November 7, and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on Wednesday, December 2, a little earlier than usual.
Our advice: watch the ceremony from somewhere warm, then walk over the next morning, before the crowds, when the tree still feels like a secret. The Rink at Rockefeller Center is already open below it, and for the view from above, ride up to Top of the Rock.
See the Rockettes
Just down Sixth Avenue, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes runs November 4 through January 4. This season brings 230 performances, the most in the show's history, plus a brand-new number. "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" still steals the show. Radio City Music Hall is close enough to Chambers that you can walk over in heels.
Walk the Windows on Fifth Avenue
In December, window shopping becomes an art form. The Saks Fifth Avenue holiday light show returns November 23 under the theme "Main Character Energy," with animated windows and a facade that lights up across from Rockefeller Center. It is free to watch from the sidewalk.
From there, head north. Bergdorf Goodman dresses its windows like stage sets, and Tiffany & Co. anchors the corner of Fifth and 57th, both a short walk from Chambers. On the way, step inside St. Patrick's Cathedral for LUMINISCENCE Christmas Edition, an immersive light and sound experience running on select dates through January 2.
Shop the Holiday Markets
New York's Christmas markets are where you find the gifts no one else will have.
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is already open, with more than 180 vendors in its Holiday Shops through January 3 and a heated rink-side Lodge with two bars for warming up between purchases.
At Grand Central Terminal, the Holiday Fair fills Vanderbilt Hall from November 9 through December 24 (closed Thanksgiving Day), with local makers set beneath the chandeliers. Closer to home, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market usually sets up at the southwest corner of Central Park in late November or early December. And if you are willing to hop on the subway, the Union Square Holiday Market runs November 12 through December 24. For a full rundown, Secret NYC keeps a guide to every holiday market in the city.
Skate Under the Skyline
New York has no shortage of rinks, and each has its own personality. Bryant Park's rink is the city's only free-admission option (bring your own skates or rent), Rockefeller Center's is the most famous, and Wollman Rink in Central Park gives you laps framed by the skyline along Central Park South. From Chambers, Wollman is a ten-minute walk.
Make It a Holiday Night Out
Some traditions are worth dressing up for. New York City Ballet's George Balanchine's The Nutcracker runs November 27 through January 3 at Lincoln Center, while Carnegie Hall, just around the corner on 57th Street, fills its December calendar with holiday concerts. Start the evening with dinner at Felice 56, downstairs at Chambers, and let the night take it from there.
Kick It Off Thanksgiving Weekend
In New York, the holiday season officially starts with a parade. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade marks its 100th edition on November 26, and Macy's Santaland opens at Herald Square the next day, with reservations opening November 20. Planning to be here for the big day? Our Thanksgiving Day Parade package takes care of the details.
Worth the Trip Beyond Midtown
If you have an extra afternoon, a few holiday favorites are worth leaving the neighborhood for: the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show (November 14 through January 10), Shine Bright at Hudson Yards (November 16 through January 7), Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights (November 21 through January 3), and Gingerbread NYC at the Museum of the City of New York. For even more ideas, browse NYC Tourism's seasonal events calendar.
Come Home to Chambers
Christmas in New York is a lot of city, in the best way. The trick is having somewhere quiet to come back to. At Chambers Hotel, the tree, the Rockettes, the windows of Fifth Avenue and Central Park's skating rinks are all within walking distance. Book your holiday stay and spend the season right in the middle of it.