Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Midtown
Morning: Arrival in New York City Check into your hotel in Manhattan (preferably near Times Square or Central Park for convenience).
Freshen up and get ready for your first day of exploration.
Afternoon: Times Square & Rockefeller Center Times Square: Start your holiday in NYC by strolling through the famous Times Square. Snap some photos of the vibrant billboards.
Rockefeller Center: Head over to the iconic Rockefeller Center to see the giant Christmas tree and the world-famous ice skating rink. If you’re feeling festive, go for a skate!
Grab a bite at one of the restaurants nearby, like Bryant Park Grill or Carmine’s.
Evening: Christmas Window Displays Take a walk along Fifth Avenue to admire the stunning holiday window displays at department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Macy’s.
End the night with dinner at a cozy spot like Eataly NYC Flatiron or Serafina.
Day 2: Iconic Landmarks & Central Park
Morning: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Take an early ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The ferry ride offers beautiful views of the skyline and Statue of Liberty.
Afternoon: Central Park & Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Grab lunch at The Loeb Boathouse in Central Park.
Afterward, take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. The park looks magical with the snow-covered paths and holiday lights.
Visit Central Park Zoo or simply take in the scenic beauty of the park.
Evening: Broadway Show Catch a Broadway show in the evening. Many holiday-themed shows are on during the Christmas season (like The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall).
Have a late dinner at Joe Allen or The Capital Grille nearby.
Day 3: Museums & Holiday Markets
Morning: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Start your day by visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Don’t miss the beautiful Christmas tree and the Neapolitan Baroque Crèche exhibit, showcasing intricate nativity scenes.
Alternatively, visit the American Museum of Natural History for something equally fascinating.
Afternoon: Holiday Market Shopping Explore one of NYC’s famous holiday markets: Union Square Holiday Market
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Bryant Park Winter Village
Grab some seasonal treats like hot chocolate or gingerbread while browsing for unique holiday gifts.
Evening: Empire State Building Visit the Empire State Building for breathtaking views of New York City at night, illuminated by holiday lights. You can also visit Top of the Rock for equally stunning views.
Enjoy dinner at Keens Steakhouse or Gramercy Tavern for a classic NYC dining experience.
Day 4: Brooklyn & Festive Lights
Morning: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore the trendy DUMBO neighborhood, which offers picturesque views of Manhattan.
Visit the Time Out Market in DUMBO for a delicious brunch with views of the river.
Afternoon: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to see some of the most spectacular Christmas lights in the city. The neighborhood is famous for its elaborate holiday decorations.
Evening: Holiday Cruise Take a holiday lights cruise around New York Harbor to see the city’s skyline and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge decked out in holiday lights.
Enjoy dinner onboard or back in Manhattan at a place like The River Café in Brooklyn, offering fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline.
Day 5: Shopping & Departure
Morning: Last-minute Shopping Visit Macy’s Herald Square, one of the largest department stores in the world, for some last-minute holiday shopping.
Walk through the store’s Santaland, a magical display for children and adults alike.
Afternoon: Departure Depending on your flight time, have a final meal in NYC at The Smith or Balthazar before heading to the airport.
This itinerary balances festive activities with NYC’s iconic attractions, ensuring you experience the magic of the holidays in New York