
10 NYC Christmas 2026 Ideas: Rockettes, Markets & Drinks
Planning Christmas in NYC? These 10 stops cover the Rockettes, festive windows, holiday markets, afternoon tea, Broadway and rooftop drinks.


Radio City Music Hall hosts Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rock on 11-07. Guided tours explore backstage areas and the theater's history. I'd linger over the 1932 art deco stairways. Reviewers praise the architecture and acoustics, though some note long entry lines and high concession prices.
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The Plaza hosts Christmas Day Afternoon Tea and the Champagne Bar Yuletide Dinner on 12-25. I'd set aside time for tea beneath The Palm Court's stained-glass dome. The Eloise boutique has a post box for letters to the character. Visitors praise the grand atmosphere and tea service, though some cite high prices.
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Grand Bazaar NYC hosts the Art and Decor Bazaar on 12-06 and Special Holiday Market on 12-12. I'd browse the handmade jewelry and engraved woodwork for gifts. Net proceeds support four neighborhood public schools. Visitors highlight the mix of vintage finds, handmade crafts and local food stands.
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St. George Theatre presents Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House on 12-29 inside a restored 1929 auditorium with intricate moldings and ornate plasterwork. I'd make the Staten Island trip for the contrast between a live holiday show and this richly preserved room. Visitors describe the historic venue as well-maintained, with ornate decor, great sound and comfortable seating.
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Saks Fifth Avenue stands directly across from Rockefeller Center. Detailed winter windows and a free light show synchronized to music mark the festive season. I'd browse the fine jewelry and beauty departments for holiday gifts. Reviewers describe the store as an elegant luxury shopping landmark and praise its seasonal windows and light shows.
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Break up an Upper West Side holiday walk at Levain's original bakery, 167 West 74th Street. Its thick cookies have crisp exteriors and soft centers. I'd split a Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie along the way. Reviewers praise the large, warm, gooey cookies and friendly service, though one found the flavor underwhelming.
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Eataly - Flatiron puts fresh pasta counters and specialty groceries beside Madison Square Park. For a food stop during holiday outings, I'd pair browsing the shelves with a caffè and mortadella sandwich. The 50,000-square-foot market also hosts cooking demonstrations. Visitors praise the Neapolitan pizza, fresh pasta and Italian goods, while noting crowds at peak hours.
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Oscar Wilde's 26 antique clocks all read 1:50, the time of the author's death. I'd stop for a holiday cocktail among the Victorian antiques and take a closer look at the Hope Castle panelling. Visitors praise the Alice in Wonderland decorations, though they note higher prices and mixed reactions to the food.
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Vintage Green Rooftop frames the Empire State Building from Murray Hill beneath a retractable glass atrium. I'd share the Moroccan spiced lamb pizza over craft cocktails during the holiday season. Evening service is 21+. The dress code is casual chic. Visitors praise the rooftop views, chic decor and excellent service.
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Wicked adds a Broadway show to a Midtown holiday itinerary at the Gershwin Theatre. The 1,900-seat auditorium is Broadway's largest. I'd plan an evening around its immersive acoustics and views from almost every angle. The dress code is casual. Platform reviewers rate the venue 4.8 out of 5 across 12,395 ratings.
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