Our Guide to Christmas in New York City
Happy Holidays! It is an exciting time to be in New York City. There is so much to do and so much to see during the holidays. Perhaps you are looking for foodie gift ideas or maybe you are looking for fun things to do including fun holiday events around the city. With that in mind, here is everything you need to know in our guide to Christmas in New York City.
Gift Ideas
Scrambling for the perfect gift? Here are some ideas.
Cheese and Prosciutto from Di Palo’s Fine Foods and Alleva Dairy
When it comes to authentic Italian cheeses, prosciutto and other treats, you can’t beat Di Palo’s Fine Foods (200 Grand St) and the oldest Italian cheese shop in America, Alleva Dairy (188 Grand St), both in Little Italy. Also you can pick up cannoli and other sweet Italian pastries across the street at Ferrara Bakery and Café (195 Grand St).
A Tea Set from Pearl River Mart
A teapot and tea set can be a great conversation starter. Whether you are looking for a traditional tea set or something more unusual, Pearl River Mart (477 Broadway) just outside of Chinatown is the place to go. It is also a great place to shop for Asian/ Chinese theme gifts in general.
Pig Candy from Roni-Sue’s Chocolates
Looking for a fun and delicious gift? How about chocolate covered bacon aka pig candy from Roni-Sue’s Chocolates. It is the perfect mix of salty and sweet and it is unbelievably addictive.
Ahoy New York Tour & Tasting Gift Certificates
Finally, Ahoy New York food tour gift certificates make a great gift! Your friends and family will have a lot fun exploring Chinatown and Little Italy and tasting some of the best foods that the neighborhood has to offer. Use the code GIFTCERTAH before December 24th and get 20% off.
Here are some more gift ideas.
Where to shop?
Maybe you are still unsure what to get. Here are some great places to shop for the holidays.
Macy’s
Macy’s is one of the meccas for shopping in New York City. The flagship store in Herald Square is one of the biggest department stores in the world. Also be sure to check out their holiday window displays (and bring the kids to see Santa). Year after year it is just breathtaking.
Union Square Holiday Market
There is sure to be a little something for everyone in the outdoor Union Square Holiday Market with a huge range of shops with vendors selling spices, toys and everything in between.
Brooklyn Flea
Similarly, you can find all sorts of unique gifts at the Brooklyn Flea (Saturday and Sunday at 1000 Dean St). It is a huge space with over 100 vendors. In the past, we have gotten everything from a vintage cup to a painting of New York City here.
Chelsea Market
If you are shopping for a foodie, you might want to check out Chelsea Market. You can find cupcakes, candy jars, Christmas gift baskets and more! There are a tons of shops and it is also a great place to pick up lunch or maybe just a snack…
What to see and what to do?
OK maybe now you are done with shopping and you are looking for holiday events and fun things to do in the city in December. Here are some ideas.
Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular
If you want to experience the magic of Christmas, you can’t miss the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular featuring the world famous Rockettes. The show premiered in December 1933 and it has since become an annual New York Christmas tradition.
New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show
Another annual New York Christmas tradition is the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show. It is fascinating to see all the sets and all the intricate details. It is a lot of fun for the whole family.
South Street Seaport
It is hard not to be in the Christmas spirit and in a festive mood at the South Street Seaport! There is a huge Christmas tree, a bunch of shops, carolers and an ice skating rink. What more can you ask for?
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Finally, there are many Christmas trees across the city but there is only one Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. It is by far the largest and most celebrated Christmas tree in New York City. While you are there, you can lace up your skates and skate around the famous Rockefeller Center ice rink.
Here are some more fun things to do and things to look forward to.
