Ultimate 4-Day Christmas in New York City Itinerary (On a Budget)

Is spending Christmas in New York City on your bucket list?

If you find yourself smiling at sparkly festive decorations and dreaming of holiday magic, then this experience is a must. With so much to see and do, planning a trip can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget.

When we visited in December 2023 for our first ever trip to New York, everything felt magical. The pretty lights, charming markets, and the festive atmosphere made it an unforgettable experience.

As first-timers, we wanted to soak in all the classic Christmas experiences. By choosing a convenient location and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, we enjoyed an amazing holiday within our NYC trip budget (<$1,300 per person).

Here’s our 4-day itinerary that ensures you get the most out of your NYC Christmas adventure without breaking the bank. We’ll check out the festive decor around Times Square and Fifth Avenue, visit some museums, take a trip to DUMBO, and eat to our hearts’ content in Chelsea.

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Where to stay

Midtown Manhattan is the best place to stay in New York City during Christmas. It’s near the main attractions including Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and has great public transit connectivity.

Staying here can be more expensive, but the convenience is worth it, especially for first-time visitors looking to maximize time enjoying the city. However, you can still find reasonably-priced accommodations in the heart of the city.

During our stay, we opted for a hotel in Midtown Manhattan to save time and energy. Since we were close to many attractions, we could easily walk there and avoided the need for long train rides. Plus, the area is filled with excellent dining options including the famous Artichoke Pizza within a few blocks.

We paid $280 per night for a small room, but prices vary depending on when you visit. Here are some accommodations in Manhattan that are relatively affordable, have excellent locations, and provide great customer service.

Moxy NYC Times Square

We picked Moxy NYC Times Square for our NYC Christmas trip because it struck a good balance between location and facilities. It’s conveniently located near Times Square and the train stations, with so many things to eat nearby.

There’s also an iconic rooftop bar where you can see the Empire State Building. In addition, your booking also comes with dining credits that can be used in the hotel’s cafe for breakfast or when you need a coffee.

Prices from $197 | 4-Star | 8.1 on Booking.com

Radio City Apartments

Another place we shortlisted was Radio City Apartments which has spacious rooms and kitchen facilities, which is rare in other hotels. If you want to order takeout to enjoy in your room, this might be a good choice.

This building has been around since 1901 which gives it the vintage old-school charm. In addition, Broadway is just a few minutes’ walk away, hence it’s popular with people who are coming to New York City for the shows.

Prices from $269 | 3-Star | 8.5 on Booking.com

Margaritaville Resort Times Square

If you want a little more comfort in your stay without shelling out top dollar, consider Margaritaville Resort Times Square. With 5 restaurants, a bar, a swimming pool, and a fitness center, you are going to be taken care of well here.

The hotel has a fun, tropical vibe that is a refreshing contrast to the cold wintery streets outside. There’s also lots to do as soon as you step out of the hotel, such as a short walk to Bryant Park and nearby eateries. Best of all, it’s just one block away from the nearest train station.

Prices from $289 | 4-Star | 8.7 on Booking.com

Suggested 4-day NYC Christmas itinerary

Throughout the 4 days, we’ll be exploring the Christmas markets, lights and decor, visit museums and each all the food. Depending on your mood, you can also swap out some activities for observation deck visits or to watch some shows.

Day 1: Midtown Manhattan

If you’re coming in from JFK airport, the cheapest way to get to Manhattan is via AirTrain and then Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The entire public transit journey only takes about 1 hour which is impressive considering a taxi takes about 50 minutes at a much higher cost.

Arrival at Times Square

Once you arrive at Times Square, if you are staying here you can drop your luggage off at your hotel’s storage facility. From there, you’re free to start exploring! The vibrant lights and giant billboards set the tone for an exciting trip ahead. Although I’d seen photos of Times Square, I was still surprised by how bright it was there even on a rainy day.

Brunch at a cafe

You can count on NYC having a decent coffee place, especially in Manhattan. We loved the cozy atmosphere of the Bird & Branch Coffee Roasters, known for their signature drinks that incorporate berries, spices and more.

American Museum of Natural History

Next, we head over to the Upper West Side to visit the American Museum of Natural History. If you’ve watched Night at the Museum, you’ll recognize many of the exhibits here. Our favorites were the T-Rex skeleton and the animal exhibits in the Africa section.

If it happens to rain that day, a museum visit will be the perfect activity for just $28 per person. It’ll be even better if you don’t have to stand in the long ticketing lines while it’s pouring outside.

Skip the line and buy your ticket online here!

Lights at Macy’s Herald Square

Before continuing our holiday adventures, we can return to the hotel to check in and freshen up. We’re going to do a bit of walking throughout the trip, so let’s pace ourselves and rest whenever we need to.

As the sun sets, we’ll take an evening stroll to Macy’s Herald Square to admire the building lights and whimsical window displays. Each of them features animated scenes and tells a story in their own creative way.

Bryant Park Winter Village

Next, we continue to Bryant Park Winter Village, where you can enjoy ice skating, browse the charming holiday shops, and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. The rink is free if you bring your own skates, making it an affordable and fun activity.

In addition, if you want to shop for holiday gifts or souvenirs, you can check out the boutique-style shops selling gifts, seasonal treats and crafts.

Dinner around Korea Town

You’ll find lots of Korean and Asian eateries in the area around Korea Town. Specifically, Cho Dang Gol blew our minds when we ate there and it cost $76 for two of us. It was cold outside, and their Tofu Stew and Wasabi-drizzled Egg Roll was exactly what we needed.

Like most of the popular restaurants near Korea Town, you might not be able to make a reservation beforehand. Instead, go there in person to put your name down on their waitlist. I recommend deciding on a dinner place first, get a spot in line, before going off to see some lights (like we did at Bryant Park).

Day 2: Central Park and Chelsea

Get your comfortable shoes on, because today is going to be a walking day.

Explore Central Park

Head to Central Park, where you can cycle around the park or check out the Columbus Circle Winter Market. You can also ice skate on the Wollman Ice Rink while looking up at the tall buildings surrounding it. If you’re a fan of Home Alone, The Plaza hotel is nearby too.

Another great way to see Central Park is by walking. Look out for Umpire Rock which you can walk up, The Dairy Visitor Center and Gift Shop, the statues lining The Mall and Literary Walk, and Bethesda Terrace overlooking a fountain.

Lunch at Chelsea Market

Make your way to Chelsea Market for lunch and you won’t be disappointed. This indoor market is really a food lover’s paradise.

We tried food from so many stores including mini donuts at Doughnuttery, pizza at Filaga, sushi at Lobster Place, and asian noodles at Very Fresh Noodles.

Walk the High Line and visit Hudson Yards

After lunch, take a stroll along the High Line, an elevated park built on a historic freight rail line. The park offers unique views of the city and features art installations and gardens along the way.

It’s above the street level so you feel invincible walking up there. It’s also very relaxing and there are benches across the entire stretch. We walked there during golden hour which made the views extra pretty.

Continue towards Hudson Yards, a modern development with shopping, dining, and the famous Vessel structure. You can also go inside to take pictures of the stunning indoor hanging light decor.

Dinner at Los Taco No. 1

We had to try Los Tacos No. 1 after hearing so much about it. It’s a very fuss free and efficient fast food style eatery that we really enjoyed. Overall, it reminds me of subway – just the taco version of it where you can choose how to “build” your taco. You can bet that this isn’t the last time we eat here.

Chill at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar

There are many rooftop bars all over NYC, including the one at Moxy NYC Times Square (where we stayed). However, 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar is a classic and you’ll get unobstructed views of the Empire State Building while sipping on a cocktail.

It does get cold up there but there are heaters and blankets provided to help you feel comfortable. Overall, it has a casual and fun vibe, with photo booths and props to take pictures with against the skyline. We had a drink each and paid about $33 for both of us.

Hot chocolate at Venchi

Before heading back to your hotel, stop by Venchi for some of the best hot chocolate in the city. Their rich, creamy hot chocolate is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening. You can definitely taste the difference.

Day 3: Financial District & DUMBO

More walking for today – we’re going to cross a bridge!

Charging Bull and Financial District

Start your day in the Financial District by visiting the iconic Charging Bull. After that, take a walk around the area to see historic landmarks like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Federal Hall. Look out for the huge tree outside the NYSE building which looks very similar to the one at Rockefeller.

Walk across the Manhattan Bridge

For a quick energy refill, we went to Chinatown for a snack. We had some congee, fried wontons, and curry fishballs in Chang Lai Fishballs Noodles.

From Chinatown, the Manhattan Bridge is not too far away, and you can walk all the way across to Brooklyn. This 1-mile walk offers incredible views of the city skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Many people also choose to walk the Brooklyn Bridge instead, but it might be more crowded and you won’t actually get to see the bridge you’re walking on.

DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park

Once in Brooklyn, explore the DUMBO neighborhood which is known for its cobblestone streets and Manhattan skyline. Don’t forget to snap a shot at the Dumbo – Manhattan Bridge View while you’re there.

You can also take a leisurely stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront to enjoy unobstructed views of the city. There are plenty of benches and green spaces to relax, which you’ll probably want after walking across the bridge.

If you’re up for a late lunch, check out Juliana’s Pizza. It gets really crowded and you might have a better chance of getting a seat at off-peak times. Alternatively, check out Pebble Beach for the views or shop a little at the Time Out Market.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Saks Fifth Avenue

We’ll end the day by visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. It’s a must-see during the holiday season, and there’s also an ice skating rink that adds to the festive atmosphere.

Afterward, walk to Saks Fifth Avenue to see their famous holiday light show. It runs at regular intervals through the night so you don’t have to worry about missing it. Along the way, you can also look out for the window displays at Bergdorf Goodman, Cartier, and more.

This area can get quite congested and police are often deployed to help manage the crowd. Make sure to keep all your valuables close to you. You can also move on to see the Radio City Music Hall and the Christmas Balls Fountain.

You’ll also pass by St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. The cathedral is a stark contrast and also peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Before heading back to your hotel, grab a slice of Artichoke Basille’s Pizza. Their creamy, cheesy artichoke slice is the perfect way to end the day.

Day 4: Bagels and The Met

For our last day, we’ll wind down with some indoor activity before heading back home.

Bagel breakfast

Start your final day with a classic New York breakfast: bagels and coffee. Best Bagel & Coffee is a well-known local shop across the road from Moxy NYC Times Square, so we decided to get it to go. There was already a long line forming when we got there – and it was a weekday morning!

You can choose from several types of bagels and creative spreads. If you know what you want, you can order a fully custom bagel. Alternatively, just pick something from the menu and rest assured that it’ll be good. They actually bake all their bagels in the kitchen, so you can be assured of the freshness.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met)

Spend a relaxing afternoon at The Met, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums. With a collection of over 5,000 years’ worth of art, it’s a NYC classic that you shouldn’t miss if you’re a creative.

From Picasso paintings to European sculptures, you’ll hardly be able to see it all in a day. I don’t consider myself artsy, so I’m surprised we actually spent 3 hours in there!

Do also look out for The Met’s very own Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche which is set up as a tradition each year. Tickets cost $30 per person, though you can also pay a little more for guided tour.

Watch a holiday show

Alternatively, consider treating yourself to a holiday show. You can try to look out for same-day discounted tickets, or enter a lottery system for last-minute shows. We didn’t try this during our trip but it would be such a steal if we could watch The Lion King for just $35, or Wicked at $54.

Another classic is the Christmas Spectacular performed by the Radio City Rockettes. Tickets cost at least $100, but are often sold out even for matinee shows. Do make advance ticket purchases if you’re keen to watch this during the holidays.

Summary of things to Do in NYC During Christmas

For a summary of the itinerary, click on the image below for the custom map. The activities are color-coded based on the day for easy reference.

To add on, here’s a list of more Christmas activities you can look forward to when visiting NYC, including the ones in our itinerary.

You probably won’t be able to get through all of them in one trip, and that’s totally normal. What’s important is for you to enjoy each attraction at your own pace.

Shop at Christmas markets

• Bryant Park Holiday Market
• Union Square Holiday Market
• Columbus Circle Holiday Market in Central Park

Go ice skating

• Bryant Park Winter Village
• Rockefeller Center
• Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Central Park’s Wollman Rink

Admire the Christmas lights, decor, and trees

• Fifth Avenue (e.g. Bergdorf Goodman, Cartier, etc.)
• Macy’s Herald Square
• Saks Fifth Avenue light show
• Rockefeller Center
• NYSE
• Dyker Heights
• Hudson Yards
• Christmas Balls Fountain (or Giant Red Ornaments)

Watch holiday shows

• Radio City Christmas Spectacular
• The Nutcracker
• Various Broadway shows (e.g. Wicked, Lion King)

Eat all the food (and drinks)

• Food trucks – e.g. Halal Guys
• Pizza – e.g. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, $1 Pizza, Prince St Pizza, Joe’s Pizza
• Bibble & Sip (matcha and earl grey cream puffs)
• 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
• Magic Hour Rooftop Bar and Lounge at Moxy NYC Times Square
• Bird and Branch Coffee Roasters
• Best Bagel & Coffee
• Cho Dang Gol
• Los Tacos No. 1
• Venchi (hot chocolate)
• Juliana’s Pizza
• Chelsea Market
• Time Out Market

See more NYC classics

• Grand Central Station
• Ferry around Staten Island (State of Liberty)
• Wall Street Bull
• Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and DUMBO
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
• Top of the Rock
• 9/11 Museum
• MoMA
• The Met
• American Museum of Natural History
• Visit the set of Suits (lawyer TV series)
• The Plaza Hotel (the hotel in Home Alone)
• The High Line
• The Edge

FAQs

Hopefully our itinerary has gotten you excited for your trip! Here are a few more questions you might have about visiting New York City during Christmas.

How many days do you need for NYC Christmas?

You need about 4 days to experience the highlights of a New York Christmas. This allows you to visit major attractions, shop, and dine at a leisurely pace. Thankfully NYC has an efficient public transit system and is very walkable, so you can see a lot within a day.

Is it a good idea to go to New York for Christmas?

Yes, of course! New York City during Christmas is pretty much a classic, especially if you grew up watching movies that romanticize the festive decorations, holiday markets, and lively atmosphere. Not only is it a great time to visit this vibrant city, you’ll also see it in the best light (pun intended).

Is it expensive to go to New York during Christmas?

Oh yes, visiting New York during Christmas can be notoriously expensive during the holidays, especially if you choose premium hotels and book flights during peak flying times.

However, by referencing budget-friendly itineraries like this one, you can find more affordable options for accommodations, dining, and activities. In addition, public transit is inexpensive and generally safe within Manhattan.

For example, take advantage of free or low-cost attractions like holiday markets and light displays, instead of going for too many observation decks or Broadway shows. You can also opt for the New York City Pass to save some money on the paid attractions.

Is New York cold during Christmas?

Yes, it can be quite cold in New York during Christmas, with temperatures often ranging from 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 5°C). It usually doesn’t snow until January, but you could always pray for a white Christmas.

Be sure to bundle up in warm clothing, including base layers, a good coat, hat, gloves, and a scarf. The wind gets really strong sometimes, which makes it feel colder than the temperature suggests. If you’re not used to the cold, bring some chapstick and moisturizer along.

It does get rainy as well, so bring an umbrella and wear waterproof shoes to stay dry.

Conclusion

Spending Christmas in New York City is definitely a magical bucket list experience. With this 4-day itinerary, you’ll be able to enjoy the best the city has to offer during the holiday season.

Even if you’re on a budget, many of the attractions and places are free or don’t cost a lot! We definitely had a lot of fun traveling based on this itinerary and highly recommend it for first timers. You can check out exactly how much this trip cost in this article.

So go ahead and embrace your festive spirit and get ready to immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere in the Big Apple!