Your Guide to Christmas in NYC

I’ve been to NYC many times but Christmas in NYC had always been on my bucket list. So many Christmas movies are set in NYC from Home Alone, Elf, Miracle on 24th Street and more. NYC at Christmas time has always been on my bucket list and I was able to cross it off a few years ago. NYC truly knows how to do Christmas best. Every corner you turn there’s a reminder that Christmas is coming. Here’s a list of all the Christmas activities you need to do while you’re there and where you need to go to feel like you’re in your favourite Christmas movies:

Arrival

If you arrive at La Guardia, that’s where Kevin from home arrives in Home Alone 2. Get a good deal on your flight by monitoring flight deals.  I was flexible with dates so booked for the cheapest dates in December. As soon as prices went down I booked a trip for 4 days. I was able to secure dates for the weekend before Christmas.

Macy’s Parade

If you’re in NYC Thanksgiving weekend, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is the world’s largest parade and has been around since 1924. It’s a 3-hour parade held in Manhattan and presented by Macy’s. It’s part of the movie Miracle on 34th Street where you spot Santa! 

The Plaza Hotel

The Plaza is where Kevin stays in Home Alone 2. It’s also where the line “Merry Christmas, you filthy animal. And a Happy New Year.” is said.  If it’s out of your budget you can stop by for a drink at one of its restaurants. I used hotwire to book cheaper accommodation.

Central Park

The Plaza is across the street from Central Park that Kevin runs through. Central Park has over 843 acres for you to explore. If you’re lucky when you’re there it will be covered in a blanket of snow.

Wollman Rink

Wollman Rink is a public rink in the southeastern part of Central Park. There’s also a scene with Harvey and Marv here from Home Alone 2. Wollman Park is also in a scene in the movie Serendipity.

Bryant Park

During Winter you can visit the Bryant Park Winter Village. Here you can skate for free on the 17,000 square foot skating rink and explore more than 170 shopping and food vendors.

Walk Down 5th Avenue

5th Avenue has stunning Christmas window displays. All the stores go all out for their Christmas display. It’s worth a stop to see what they have on display when you visit. Here’s what some of them looked like when I visited a few years ago:

Dyker Heights Holiday Lights

Residents of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn deck their houses with holiday lights every year. Many displays are professionally done, some costing up to $20,000.

Get Lost in NYC

Get lost in NYC like Kevin from Home Alone 2. I spent so much time walking around Manhattan and exploring. I was stunning how many blocks had Christmas trees and wreaths for sale.

Head to Rockefeller Centre

Rockefeller Centre is an iconic spot in Home Alone 2 and Elf. It’s also where Katharine Hepburn has her office in the movie Desk Set.

Rockefeller Christmas Tree

This is the Christmas hub! So many movies feature the Rockefeller Centre. Here you’ll find one of the most brilliant Christmas trees you’ll ever set your eyes on. This tree has been a tradition since 1933. More than half a million people pass by the tree every day. If you visit in early December you may be able to attend the official tree lighting. In Home Alone 2, Kevin gets reunited with his Mom at this tree.

Rockefeller Skating Rink

Skate at the base of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. In Elf, this is where Buddy and Jovie have their first date.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Catch The Rockettes in the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular. See the spirit of Christmas come alive through their mesmerizing dances.

Explore Upper Westside

If you’re keen on visiting iconic movie locations, explore upper westside. Scrooged and New Year’s Eve both have holiday scenes here.

Grand Central Station

I made Grand Central Station on my list because of all the movies that have had a scene here or referenced it. I wasn’t to see the hustle and bustle in real life. Every day more than 750,000 people move through Grand Central Station. There are hundred’s of people buzzing around to get to their next destination. It’s a nice thought to think of how many people move through this station for Christmas plans.

Empire State Building

While you’re here, make a stop at the Empire State Building. Get an incredible panoramic view of the city from the top floors. The building will be lit up with red and green on the outside to celebrate Christmas. Fun fact: Sleepless in Seattle has a scene at the top observation deck.  I paid to go to the highest level but the second highest level would have been sufficient and you save money!

Save On Your Trip

Take advantage of these Cyber Monday deals to save on your trip and have more money to spend while you’re there 🙂

CheapOair is offering $40 off when you use code CMONDAY40. I’ve used CheapOair to book many flights in the past.

Hotels.com has an offer right now where you can save up to 60%* off + an extra 11%** off with code BIGDEAL11

If you’re flying out of an eligible destination, Wow Air is offering 40% select flights with code WOWCYBERMONDAY.

Expedia is offering 90% off app coupon on select hotels + $100 off coupon on select flights. New coupons every hour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT.

Orbitz is offering 15% off select hotels with code THANKFUL.

Travelocity is offering 15% off select hotels with code SAVINGSEASON

Relive your favourite Christmas movies and get in the holiday spirit in NYC. I definitely recommend adding this trip to your bucket list. Save this blog post in your back pocket for when a flight deal goes on sale 🙂

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