December is a fine time to be in New York City!
As a New Yorker, I look forward to the month each year, not just for the holidays but for the other fun things to do.
Below I list the best things to do in December 2025 in New York City, including free, nighttime, and family-friendly activities.
Since the holidays are big in NYC, I include some related activities, but you may want to check out our in-depth post on Christmas in NYC for many more events.
Since, as a local tour guide who speaks with my guests every December, I have gotten a feel for the kind of activities people want to enjoy so I took that into account.
But, let's start with our unique offerings to you in December.
Take a Holiday Tour
In December, we offer a few different holiday tours, including our Holiday Lights Tour which runs daily.
You'll see the famous holiday decorations in department store windows, the stunning lights at Rockefeller Center, and much more.
You can get a taste of them in the video below, where my fellow tour guide Katie takes you on a virtual walk of the most popular Christmas displays in NYC.
We also offer a tour of the famous Dyker Heights Christmas Lights where you will see some of the most outlandish Christmas decorations on Brooklyn homes.
Going to see the Dyker Heights lights is one of my holiday traditions, along with lots of New Yorkers.
The lights are so insane, it never gets old.
Our post above details how you would visit the lights on your own.
But, you could also go with one of our tour guides starting from Times Square.
For fans of Elf, Home Alone 2, and other Christmas-themed movies, check out our pay-what-you-wish Christmas Movie Tour.
Get Tickets to a Broadway Musical
Just like every year, December brings some great shows to the city, like the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular which opens in November and runs until January.
You can buy tickets to The Rockettes shows here.
In the video below, my fellow tour guide Katie explains how to get cheap tickets to Broadway and off-Broadway shows.
Other shows on Broadway in December include:
- Hamilton
- Chicago
- The Lion King
- Wicked
- Aladdin
- Moulin Rouge
- The Book of Mormon
- Six The Musical
- MJ The Story of Michael Jackson
- & Juliet
See what other shows are on in New York City in December.
TIP: Want to save money on theater tickets? Who doesn't, right? Be sure to check our post on how to get cheap Broadway tickets.
See a Holiday Performance
December is THE time to see those beloved seasonal favorites like George Ballanchine's The Nutcracker ballet or A Christmas Carol.
These are the two shows my tour guests ask about the most every December.
I've seen The Nutcracker ballet about 10 times (I grew up in New York City) and I still adore it. I think you will too.
You can read about getting tickets to these and other performances from our post, Christmas Shows and Concerts in NYC for 2025.
See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes
This is one show everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.
I've gone a number of times since I was a child and it's always a blast.
2025-26 season dates are yet to be announced. Last year, the show ran from November 8, to January 5, with multiple shows each day, you have no excuse not to go see it!
Ticket prices start at $49, but most of the cheap seats sell out quickly. Be prepared to spend between $80-$150+ for tickets.
But it's well worth the money. I have never had a tour guest who saw the spectacular say they didn't love it.
Read about the show and how to save on tickets from our post on Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes.
There's a lot more to see besides the Rockettes this year.
See the Rockefeller Christmas Tree
Every December, just after Thanksgiving, the lights on this iconic Fifth Avenue Christmas Tree are turned on in a tree lighting ceremony.
2025 dates are yet to be announced. Last year, the lighting ceremony is on November 27.
The lights stay on through the New Year so you have lots of time to see it, but the ceremony is special.
I've attended the ceremony a number of times and it's important to have a plan in place to enjoy this hugely popular event.
For all the details such as when to go and how to get there, see our post on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Here's a short video on how to visit the Rockefeller Christmas Tree during the lighting ceremony.
The tree lighting marks the unofficial start of the Christmas Season in NYC so all the fun begins after this date!
When you go to see the tree, you might want to visit the Top of the Rock observation deck for unparalleled views of New York City.
Visit an Outdoor Holiday Market
By far one of the most enjoyable things to do in the city in December is shopping at the Christmas markets in NYC.
The goods you can get there go beyond Christmas-themed.
I love the opportunity to shop the eclectic mix of items and also buy unique gifts for friends and family.
The two best markets (of more than a dozen) are the Union Square Holiday Market and Bank of America's Winter Village at Bryant Park.
Here my fellow tour guides Katie and Lori with Tours By Foot NYC take you on a virtual tour of Winter Village.
You can shop for one-of-a-kind items, including handmade winter clothing, sweaters, hats, mittens, scarves, decorative items, and more.
Plus there is seasonal food and drinks such as hot chocolate, hot apple cider and roasted chestnuts.
At the Union Square Market in particular you can find an endless supply of items such as cheesecake, apple cider donuts, fruits, chocolates, meats, cheeses, curries, and more.
Shop Post-Christmas Sales
After Christmas, many stores and shopping malls have huge sales. Our post on Best Shopping in NYC goes over where to shop in NYC.
Woodbury Common Shopping Outlet has 220 stores including many upscale stores.
Shops offer 25%-65% off items with further reductions after the holidays.
Our post on shopping at Woodbury Common has everything you need to know to get there, including bus company recommendations and instructions on how to go by train.
For more savings, see our post on Shopping Outlets in NYC.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in NYC
If you are in town on December 31st, be part of the world-famous New Year's countdown in Times Square.
Each year folks gather in Times Square to watch the almost 12,000-lb. Waterford Crystal ball drop at midnight.
I've participated in this revelry - it's quite an experience!
Here's Katie once more, this time explaining to you the top ways to ring in the New Year in NYC.
Whether you celebrate New Year's Eve there or not, Times Square is a must-see in New York City!
There's more to do beyond Times Square, including fireworks on the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, and much more.
See Billy Joel on New Year's Eve
This will be a very special New Year with the legendary Billy Joel.
Find out how to see Billy Joel on December 31st!
Use a Money-Saving Tourist Attraction Concession Pass
If you’re looking to see and do as much as possible, using a New York City tourist attraction concession pass can help you save money and time.
Attractions Available on Passes Include:
- Museum of Modern Art
- Empire State Building
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Madame Tussauds
- 9/11 Memorial and Guided Tour
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Madison Square Garden All-Access Tour
These passes save you money by bundling dozens of popular attractions and tours into one lower-priced ticket (up to 55% off).
They can also save you time by allowing you to skip the ticket lines and numerous locations.
Read our post comparing your options.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Go to a Museum or Attraction
When the weather is nippy, head for the great indoors!
Remember that much of December (other than around the holidays) is not peak season for tourists. This means more room for you at these museums and more:
- Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met)
- American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- Museum of Broadway
- Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
- Madame Tussauds
- Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
See what other New York City museums and attractions you can visit this month.
On a budget? There are lots of free museums in New York City! Also, some of the top art museums have free hours.
I recommend the Whitney Museum of American Art which has a pay-what-you-wish policy every Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Book in advance if you want to get in! Lots of locals like me take advantage of free hours so it can fill up.
TIP: Since the Whitney is at the southern end of the High Line park, I like to combine my visit with a stroll there.
Attend a Sporting Event
December is mid-season for the NBA, NFL, and NHL, so you can catch home games this month.
Football
- New York Giants
- New York Jets
Basketball
- New York Knicks
- Brooklyn Nets
Hockey
- New York Rangers
- New York Islanders
- New Jersey Devils
Take a Tour of Central Park
There is never a bad time of year to visit Central Park.
Soft and sentimental in the winter, it is a quiet escape from the holiday crowds.
Read our post on Central Park Tours, where you can find out about the many tours available, some free and some with a fee.
If you can't join us, explore the park on your own using our guide of things to do in Central Park and our audio tour.
THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN DECEMBER
Just like every month of the year there are loads of things to do in New York City at night.
This month there are some activities unique to the holidays and winter, which is one reason I like December in NYC so much.
Look through this whole post for other ideas, including going to a concert, a sports event, or a Christmas show.
Go Ice Skating at Night
Nothing brings out the fun of winter as a loop around a rink or a fall on your behind under the holiday lights of the Big Apple.
Many visitors to NYC opt for skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center and it is indeed a spectacular locale.
But I do get a fair number of tour guests looking for alternatives and I recommend Wollman Rink in Central Park and The Rink at Winter Village in Bryant Park.
For a list of rinks with a map, click here.
Attend the Sing-A-Long Vigil for John Lennon
December 8th marks the anniversary of John Lennon’s death.
Every year on this date thousands of fans head to Strawberry Fields in Central Park to celebrate his life.
I am a big Beatles fan and I've attended this vigil many times.
It is something not to miss if you are also a Beatles and Lennon fan.
Starting early in the day, huge groups of people gather around musicians and sing songs. This goes on well into the night.
Strawberry Fields is located across the street from the Dakota Apartments, the historic building where John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono lived for many years.
While you are there, take time to stroll through Central Park.
Take in a Comedy Show
I'm lucky to live in a city with such a comedic tradition.
Comedy clubs are easy to go to, but I suggest that you go see some of the well-known comedians rolling into town this December.
Two must-see shows are at the Beacon Theater.
- John Oliver & Seth Meyers on Sunday, Dec. 15
- Jerry Seinfeld on Friday, Dec. 20 + 21
For even more great stand-up performances, check this list of comedy shows in December in the New York City area.
If you enjoyed Prairie Home Companion, Garrison Keillor will be celebrating its 51st anniversary with a special Christmas show at Town Hall on December 18th.
Read more about seeing comedy in NYC and don't forget to see our post on things to do in NYC at night for more suggestions.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN DECEMBER
What better holiday gift is there than a free activity to enjoy?
Below are a few of the free things you can do in New York City in December.
Also, be sure to check out the other sections of this post since some of the items are free like seeing the Dyker Heights Lights or the Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal.
For more ideas, check out our comprehensive post about free things to do in NYC.
Be Part of Make Music Winter
Now this one is a good one so I hope you are here on December 21!
This date is the winter solstice, the longest night of the year and Make Music New York hosts free outdoor music around the city, showcasing many cultures and genres.
My friends and I go every year.
I've also heard from tour guests over the years who have stumbled across some of these events and loved them.
Check here for where you can join in.
Join Santacon
Every year, hundreds (if not thousands!) of people in NYC dress up as Santa or other holiday figures or symbols and then go on a day-long pub crawl called SantaCon.
It's a pretty hysterical sight when dozens of Santas roam the streets of NYC.
The date is Saturday, December 14th.
Anyone can join in and it’s free to participate. See the SantaCon details here.
Annual Tuba Christmas at Rockefeller Center
This free annual and noisy event takes place on the famous Rink at Rockefeller Center.
During this event, hundreds of tenor and bass tuba players gather to play Christmas carols and other crowd favorites.
It takes place on Sunday, December 15 at 3:30 pm
For hundreds of more ideas, check out our post about free things to do in NYC.
THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN DECEMBER
December is perfect for the whole family. Below are a few of the best things to do with kids this month.
Some of the activities throughout this post like ice skating and seeing a holiday show are suited to kids.
For many other activities, check out our post on things to do with kids in New York City and our 3-day itinerary for families.
Catch the Holiday Train Show at the Botanical Gardens
It's worth taking a subway train ride to the Bronx to see these G-scale mini-trains circle 150 of New York City's landmarks along a half-mile of track.
See over 25 G-scale model trains and trolleys on half a mile of track roar past over 190 New York City landmarks including Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center.
The show has been returning for over 30 years! This year the dates are November 16 – January 20.
For more information, visit the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show webpage here.
Take a Photo with Santa
Before you go rushing to Macy's Santaland for that "Santa's Lap" photo, why not compare prices, locations, and hours?
Our post on Christmas in NYC tells you where you can find Santa photo locations throughout New York City.
Go Sledding in Central Park
When it snows, my nieces love sledding and there are two popular spots we go to, both in Central Park.
Pilgrim Hill is a bit steep but ends easily. Cedar Hill has a number of slopes for various levels of confidence.
Beyond Central Park, you can go to Governors Island and Prospect Park in Brooklyn.
Visit FAO Schwarz
FAO Schwarz is an iconic toy store made more famous than it already is from its giant piano keyboard in the movie BIG!
I have to warn you that you will dish out a fair amount of money at this store, but the specialty toys, like the stuffed animals, are of very high quality.
Many of my childhood favorites came from here and I still have some after a few decades - they are in great shape!
Head to the Zoo
While you may not get a glimpse of all the animals, a great thing about going to the zoo in December is that there are fewer people.
This is especially good if you want to take advantage of Free Wednesdays at the Bronx Zoo.
Central Park Zoo is a good choice for younger children.
Both zoos are included for free with the New York Sightseeing Pass.
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