Holiday Travel in NYC: Best Areas for Christmas, NYE & Winter Experiences

Are you planning a NYC holiday anytime soon? If you’re going in the winter, there are tons of fun experiences in store! Be it Christmas celebrations to the exciting build-up to New Year’s Eve, the Big Apple transforms into a winter wonderland that you’ll love exploring for sure. Let’s look at all these aspects in more detail below.

Best Places to Travel in NYC- Holiday Lights & Window Displays

When you’re traveling to NYC in winter, here are some of the best places to view amazing window displays and holiday lights. They will undoubtedly get you into the festive spirit right away!

View the famous Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center, adorned with innumerable lights and the sparkling star on the top. The nearby rink also helps you go ice skating.
Fifth Avenue is also a great place to view some of the city’s most ionic holiday window displays.
Saks Fifth Avenue is famous for its dazzling light show and unique window displays.
Bergdorf Goodman also comes with artistic and extensive window displays, while Macy’s lights up its stores on Broadway and 34^th Street with handcrafted displays.
Bryant Park Winter Village is a fascinating festive market with food, decorations, holiday presents, and an ice skating rink as well.
Other festive displays and lights worth considering include the Dyker Heights locality in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Lightscape event, and the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights.

Where to Celebrate? New Year’s Eve in NYC Beyond Times Square

NYC is famous for the Times Square Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve, and the fabulously lit-up vibe all throughout Christmas and the festive week. However, it’s not just about visiting Times Square. Here are some other options worth considering:

Prospect Park offers fabulous (and free) fireworks displays with hot beverages and live music for attendees.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is another hotspot to enjoy gorgeous fireworks over the Manhattan skyline.
Pier 17 and 15 are also excellent spots in Lower Manhattan to view the fireworks over the New York Harbor.
You can also hop over to the Brooklyn Bridge for the best skyline and fireworks views.
Tavern on the Green hosts a formal New Year’s Eve Gala at Central Park, with an open bar, multi-course meals, and viewing spots for the fireworks.
Columbus Citizens Foundation offers more intimate and smaller parties on the Upper East Side.
You can also venture to Coney Island with its carnival-like celebrations or participate in the New York Road Runners Midnight Run in Central Park.

Must-Visit Winter Attractions- Skating Rinks, Markets & Festive Streets

Some of the must-visit winter attractions in NYC, in the USA, include the following:

Bryant Park Winter Village- It is the biggest free-admission NYC ice skating rink, although timed entry tickets should be booked in advance. There are several holiday shops and vendors here as well.
Wollman Rink- You can enjoy a classic NYC winter experience at this ice skating rink in Central Park.
Chanukah On Ice- This is an event celebrating Hanukkah and offers ice skating among the festive activities for visitors.
Rockefeller Center- It’s a great place to see amazing holiday decorations and explore some other attractions.
Winter Wonder at Hero- This is an immersive experience with ice caves, a snow-covered forest, and even an Aurora Borealis sighting.
New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Nights- You can enjoy the lovely displays with model trains here.

Best Winter Walks: Parks, Scenic Routes & Snowy Photo Spots

NYC has several fabulous winter walks and scenic routes, with amazing snowy photo spots along the way. Central Park turns into a winter wonderland with its frozen lakes, pathways, and the romantic Bow Bridge, along with snow-laden trees. Then there’s the Alley Pond Park in Queens and the Carl Schurz Park in Manhattan. Sunset Park in Brooklyn has a sledding hill with lovely views and the Clove Lakes Park in Staten Island is a lovely winter walking option.

You can also walk over the snow-touched Brooklyn Bridge for fabulous photographs and scenic beauty, along with experiencing Times Square with its neon lights. Take the Staten Island Ferry to view the Statue of Liberty amidst the falling snow and explore Fifth Avenue with its festive lights.

Winter Food Experiences: Hot Chocolate Cafes, Restaurants & Seasonal Treats

NYC also has several tempting winter food experiences lined up for visitors. Some of them include the following:

Top Hot Chocolate Cafes- Some of the best choices include Angelina Paris, MarieBelle, L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolate, Hani’s Bakery & Café, Asgi’s Counter, and The Hungarian Pastry Shop.
Best Restaurants & Seasonal Treats- Don’t miss La Pizza & La Pata and Vino at Eataly and the classic winter dining experience at Nobu (both in Downtown). Then there’s the Rigor Hill Market with its array of culinary attractions.
Things to Try: You shouldn’t miss trying the classic hot dog and apple pie in winter, along with pastrami sandwiches and the famous NYC hot chocolate with an ice cream scoop. In fact, Max Brenner New York is a chocolate-themed restaurant offering signature cocoa-based treats and beverages to warm you up.

Stay in NYC During the Holiday Season for Easy Travel & Festive Access

Wondering where to stay in NYC for the holiday season? You’ll find multiple holiday apartments in New York that are situated in close proximity to festive venues and other hotspots, along with public transit facilities. You’ll find studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments New York, including furnished rentals in New York’s most strategic and prime locations.

Get access to the best hotel-style service and amenities, along with plush furnishings, abundant space, workspaces, well-equipped kitchens, and access to diverse on-site building facilities. The best part about New York holiday rentals is that they come with affordable rates, diverse configurations, and flexible leases for hassle-free short and long-term stays. So, what are you waiting for? Gear up for a fabulous NYC winter holiday ahead and book your apartment today!