NYC Christmas Visit: Must Sees & Free Adventures In The City
- Savvy Single Mama
- Nov 3, 2019
- 24 min read
Updated: Jan 12
All you need to know for your NYC Christmas adventure and exploring the iconic winter wonderland like you live there 🍕🥨🍎
This itinerary is a 3-day guide to making the most of your time, hitting all the best spots during the Winter Festivities. Undoubtedly, you'll want to see all the best decorated spots in the City, and you will already be bundled up and ready for the winter weather. Feel free to linger longer if you have more days. Have a question? Feel free to ask, I am happy to help you enjoy every minute and save as much money as possible while doing it!
Day 1- Central Manhattan
Wear good walking shoes and start early!
The 60th Street and 5th Avenue Walk from Central Park to the Public Library, and Grand Central:
You've arrived. Let's gooooo - Weather can be a huge factor on your day. Plan for some good indoor breaks to get out of the elements, and know that all places in NYC are ready for the season.
1st Choice: Pick a museum: I recommend beginning this day at either the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Natural History Museum. Both open at 10, boarder Central Park, are amazing, and could easily be a full day (depending on how much time you'll have in the area). Hit either museum in the morning, and then proceed with the walk downtown around noon. This route is full of pit stops you can go inside and warm up along the way. There will be plenty of opportunities to eat when you get hungry.
Another Museum option is the Cloisters, in Fort Triton Park – the renaissance museum in a castle overlooking the Hudson. Although not as central, or as huge of an art selection, a real place that will make you feel like you have left NY for another time and place. If you have an extra day this is a GREAT place to wander and take photos. More on that later...
99 Margaret Corbin Drive
NY NY 10040
Phone: 212-923-3700
If you go here don't miss the unicorn tapestries.
The Met Fifth Avenue 10 - 5:30
1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028
Phone: 212-535-7710
If you go here – DO NOT miss the Egyptian section or the roof top view.
10- 5:30
Central Park West at 79th Street New York, NY 10024-5192 Phone: 212-769-5100
If you go here – Do not miss the dinosaurs on the 4th floor.
OR
Many people come to NYC just to visit Van Gogh's Starry Night painting in real life. This world-famous painting is considered one of the most recognizable paintings in Western Art. This is housed at the Museum of Modern Art, of MoMA and can easily be captured along your route today. You can get more info HERE for visiting and planning!
If you only want to see one museum, you've got some of the very best options at your fingertips!
See Day 3 for more on prices and discounts for Museums...
Once you start your walk downtown you will get a real appreciation for NYC. This is definitely a city best seen on foot.
Next Stop: Christmas WOW! Go inside the Lincoln Plaza shopping mall – Upstairs on the second floor are the big holiday stars that change colors and light up – DO NOT MISS THIS
AKA the Shoppes at Columbus Circle – on floor 2, the star exhibit ** BEAUTIFUL **
Today's Itinerary:
See a Museum
Columbus Circle
Cross over 59th Street, dipping in to Central Park
Walk Down 5th Avenue
Stop at Landmarks along the way (Rockefeller Tree, St. Pat's Cathedral and more)
NY Public Library
Bryant Park
Grand Central
Times Square
We are ready to cross over to 5th Ave for our hike!
*Begin your walk headed East along 60th Street, the border of Central Park, at Columbus Circle
*Walk from West to East along the bottom of Central Park to 5th Ave
*Eat hot dogs/pretzels, good street food (also good and cheap souvenirs in this area)
*Wander into Central Park and see some really awesome sites/ landscapes
*Do a little pit stop for Rock Climbing and photos in Central Park
*Start walking down 5th Ave – admire windows, street lit snowflakes and take your time window shopping.
There are Decorations all around
Windows are always displayed well!
5th Avenue –
Even if you can't afford to shop at Cartier or Prada, you must stroll down NY's famous shopping row. Have your own little breakfast/ brunch at Tiffany's or peek into shops along the way. There are also more accessible options like H&M and Sephora. Apple and Rolex are impressive pit stops also. My kids were may more excited at the Apple store than i had patience for, but part of the fun is seeing all your family enjoy this moment.
TIP: Dress warm! Invest in gloves that allow you to touch your phone screen, so you don't have to freeze every time you want to take a picture!
*Walking from fifth avenue and 60 St. (Central Park) going South in direction, plan the following stops: Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, The New York Public Library and stop in Bryant Park's Winter Wonderland. You have a few hours and want to be by the Chrysler building by dusk to watch the sun setting. Check your sun set time and take time wandering.... *Walk over to The Plaza, act like you’re staying there, just stride into the Grand Lobby. Get a good look at the Palm Court Restaurant, and all the shops inside; then stroll out like you’re going somewhere, as the fancy bellmen opens the big doors for you. Trump Tower is just across the street, with Tiffany's beside it. First, go into Tiffany's to oooh and aaah at the Tiffany Diamond. You can walk into Trump Tower. Wander all around the atrium, go up the escalator, and enjoy the views. Next stops are Bergdorf Goodman and Sax. If you want to see Starry Night with your own eyes, visit the MoMA, which is a ticketed stop, but has a world renown art collection that is along your route. Click HERE for visiting the Museum of Modern Art.
Farther down 5th Ave is St. Pat's Cathedral and Rockefeller Center to explore. That little stretch of 5th is a GREAT thing to do with kids who are old enough to appreciate it, and it's free. It’s also hard not to be impressed no matter how old or young you are. The lights and the cold, along with the city hustle and bustle are like no other place in the world.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral - stop for art and prayer
(Right across from Tree)
Address: 460 Madison Avenue, New York City, NY 10022
Phone Number: +1 212-753-2261
Go inside, warm up, see beautiful architecture. St. Pat’s is right across from Rockefeller Center and next door to Saks Fifth Ave. dept. store. The place is always full of tourists taking photos. Go inside and warm up! See Christmas displays and admire the beauty. People walk around inside looking at the many displays, and there is usually quite a crowd.
*If you're exploring the holiday windows, be sure to stop long enough outside Saks Fifth Avenue to enjoy the light show (it runs every 8 minutes or so).
Rockefeller Plaza – STOP FOR TREE, get your iconic photo! People and selfie sticks are everywhere. TIP: The tree is lit daily from 5 AM - Midnight. In the Instagram world, a good photo can make all the difference, and if you arrive right at 5 AM you will likely get that photo op you want! It will still be dark, but uncrowded. Do this only if logistically possible :-)
Walk around the square plaza. See the tree and angels from a variety of view points and find the best photo! NY never skimps on Christmas spirit, although the crowd may be difficult and the weather cold!
Right across from the Tree is Sax 5th Avenue, their light up window shows are part of the reason you are here. Check it out!
KEEP walking down 5th Ave enjoying the displays until you reach the….
NY Public Library https://www.nypl.org
*When it opened, the NYPL was the largest marble building in the country, and home to over a million books – you will know it by the two large marble lions on either side of the steps.
Warm up and go up to the 4th floor for some REAL architectural beauty.
476 Fifth Avenue (42nd St and Fifth Ave)
New York, NY, 10018
(917) 275-6975
Regular Hours:
SUN - 1 PM–5 PM
MON - 10 AM–6 PM
TUES, WED -10 AM–8 PM
THURS - SAT 10 AM–6 PM
917-ASK-NYPL
Bryant Park – STOP to take in the majesty of the Chrysler Building rising up over the Public Library (bonus: watch at dusk as the tower begins to glow). Bryant Park is a 9.603-acre privately managed public park located in the New York City borough of Manhattan. It is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan.
Winter Wonderland exhibit sets up here, you can walk through and get candy, Hot Cocoa, see cool stuff AND ICE SKATE FOR FREE – if you have your own skates. If not, you can rent them! Skating here is cheaper and has a longer ice time that Rockefeller, if skating is on your wish list. Fun village to stroll, and now it should be getting dark. The Christmas lights begin to twinkle right on time. Watching the Chrysler Building at dusk is on many NYC bucket lists.
From there….
Walk over to….
Grand Central Terminal
Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
(212) 340-2583
Grand Central Terminal is a commuter rapid transit railroad terminal at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan and.... Great place for eating – if you want fast and cheap try the food court (also to warm up) – or stop at the Oyster Bar if that more meets your needs. There is a whispering gallery outside of the Oyster Bar if you are into that sort of thing. Look up! The Zodiac ceiling, the Clock, you will feel like you’ve been there before because these are featured in so many places. From there, catch a train up to Broadway/ Times square if you don’t want to walk…. Or if it's too cold! It would not be cool to say you went to NY and didn’t ride the subway. There are usually some street musicians down there playing, and maybe a hustler offering to give you a ticket for some cash…. Keep your eyes open and look like you know where you are going!
Broadway – Cool strip to walk and people see, if this is not your thing skip and walk through Times Square. This will be a busy spot with lots to do and great photo ops set up.
TIP: If you want to see a show, and don't care what you see (and don't mind waiting in line), snag discounted, day-of tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square. It opens each afternoon and offers tickets that haven't yet sold at 20-50% off. The TKTS app will tell you what's available each day. Arrive at the booth early, as the lines will get long. Head off of Times Square for better pre- and post-show food and drink. Restaurant Row (46th St. between Broadway and 9th Ave) has a lot of great options, as does Hell's Kitchen. You will experience shorter lines at the TKTS booths at South Street Seaport or the Brooklyn location.
Question: Can I really go to a Broadway show in casual clothing?
Answer: Yes, that's what most people are doing now.
If it fits your traffic pattern and you prefer to freshen up, feel free- If not do not miss the opportunity!
Rockefeller plaza is famous for being a NYC Christmas time icon. For photos, consider going back by the tree in the dark as well. It will be more crowded, but also a more dramatic experience. If you want to splurge on the Top of the Rock experience, book these tickets in advance. They do have 360-degree unobstructed views of the city! I have to say the beam experience which recreates the famous photo taken of iron workers eating lunch while building this skyscraper is a pretty cool (costly) memory!
ALL of that was one well planned day – the 5th Avenue adventure! That is the Christmas time MUST!
If you followed this plan your route looks like this:
This shows beginning at the Museum of Natural History which makes the easiest traffic pattern)
Day 2 of NYC Christmas Adventure:
Your NYC Christmas Adventure in Lower Manhattan Day!
The Spirit of NY down in the financial district will move you like nowhere else. This day is not as spread out as the first, there is a lot of action clumped into the Lower Manhattan area. Walking will be the fastest way to navigate the busy streets. Just take a taxi, Uber or train to the Statue of Liberty or Battery Park to begin.
Today’s Itinerary:
Statue of Liberty/ Ellis Island (reserve your tickets before 12 noon) -click link for details
Battery Park
National Museum of the Native American
The Bull
The Freedom Tower and WTC Memorial
Liberty Park
Trinity Church
South Street Sea Port (Some people prefer to switch this out for walking the Brooklyn Bridge, which is beautiful at Dusk.)
Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO and Dyker Heights all group together well, but will need about a 3 - 4 hour block to experience well.
If you know you are coming and want to see this attraction, book your tickets in advance:
Round Trip ferry to the Grounds of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is $32.
A Pedestal or crown access, $32.30/ per person. Tickets and sell out 8 weeks in advance typically. Check your options as soon as you know your travel dates. Late afternoon tours, after 2PM and 3PM, will not have enough time to stop at Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
Regardless of if you're going up into the statue or not, the ferry ride and Ellis Island are worth the trip. The views of the skyline, historical presence and monumental significance are awe inspiring. Dress for the weather, plan for some lines and a security check to enter. This could last anywhere from 2 - 4 hours depending on your criteria and speed.
Timing is slow. This whole process takes longer than expected. But also, it is worth the wait. Liberty Island it a great place for a picnic lunch if you pack a little lunch and go to sit in the grass and take in the view. Coming back to Battery Park there are some cool stops: A playscape children's park and the sea glass carousel are state of the art. Catch a variety of street performers and venders as well.
National Museum of the Native American
10 AM–5 PM daily, Thursdays to 8 PM - except December 25
Admission is FREE!
There are tons of exhibits and history under one roof, with some cool hands-on activities under one roof! Great place to spend a few hours.
Walk up Wall Street to the Bull, it's kind of a local favorite.
Ok so it’s just a sculpture right? Well not exactly, it’s a pretty famous little landmark that signifies fighting through the hard times. After a black Monday market crash in 1987, a Sicilian sculptor dropped it off there illegally in 1989 to thank America for the opportunities it afforded him. Since, its been photographed countless times, from both the front, and the back! Pick your angle.
Walk over to the Freedom Tower – WTC Memorials
It is the tallest building in the US, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the 7th largest in the world. Definitely worth a stop! But seriously, the draw here is the WTC memorial. Two large square imprints of the ground zero towers engraved with the names of all who were lost on that horrible day. The water falls and names could not be more thought provoking of the magnitude and reverence we feel. An excellent place to pause and reflect.
The Oculus
The Oculus in NYC is a newly opened artistic landmark within walking distance of the World Trade Center. The transit hub, serving the PATH, cost four billion dollars, making it the most expensive train stop in the world. With its modern design, it immediately became an attraction! The entrance can be accessed through 4 World Trade Center from Liberty Street. Nearest metro train (subway) stations are Cortland St., Fulton St. and Chambers Street. Come and eat, shop or commute! (Window shopping is also appropriate)
Liberty Park (not to be confused with Battery Park where you will find the Statue of Liberty ferry)
Surrounding the WTC and freedom tower is Liberty Park, home to The Sphere, the iconic sculpture salvaged from the World Trade Center site. Another statue, America's Response Monument, can also be found close by. You are already there, so the stroll is convenient.
Walk to Trinity Church
Trinity Church Wall Street 120 Broadway New York, NY 10271 212.602.0800
*Right now (2019) the church is closed for some renovations, but still an awesome pit stop.
Visit the place First President George Washington worshiped during the brief period that NYC was the capitol of the United Stated. Many graves mark the ground on both sides of the famous little church, and serves as the final resting place for Alexander Hamilton, his wife, and son. More recently, it served as a refuge to many on September 11th, 2001 and suffered no damage on that day in spite being so close to the tragic destruction. You many remember this church for the movie National Treasure.
Walk/ Uber or train to South Street Sea Port for dinner/ ice cream
This is where you’ll find a great view of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge, and if you are looking for cheap tickets for a Broadway show the place to stop! Not usually busy - TKTS South Street Seaport, near the Fulton Street metro stops - (199 Water Street, in the back) you can see what tickets are available for shows same day or next day matinee for a 40 – 50% discount.
South Steet Sea Port Recently rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy, this area is known for views and a look at old NYC. Cobblestone streets line upscale galleries, bars, cafes, and shops. Fun shopping, eating and exploring. Happy hour is always a hit! Historical ships and a museum are also here to wander and explore. a great stop and enjoy the moment kind of place with lots of choices for eating!
If this fills your day, or you head off to Broadway, you can easily stop here. This is a perfect place to enjoy NY, however if it’s still early or you are not going to Broadway, try walking the Brooklyn Bridge (weather permitting). This is such a fun was to get great photos and take in skyline views, really cool from the DUMBO area of Brooklyn even with a quick visit! See details for this on Day 3 Itinerary...
If you followed this plan you're route looks like this....
Day 3 NYC Christmas Adventure from Central Park to Brooklyn Bridge -
We can't let you leave NYC without the Central Park and Hudson Yards experience. Get up and get out to enjoy the day! Today may vary based on what you did Day 1 and 2, but this is going to be a fun adventure! You will need public Transportation as this day is more spaced out. If you only have 3 days, I don't want you to miss any of the best spots and do this will be your guide! If you were able to see Brooklyn Bridge/ DUMBO/ Dyker Heights on Day two - we can spend longer in the midtown area.
Today's Itinerary:
*Your Choice of: Central Park Zoo/ Central Park landmarks/ Museum
*The Roosevelt Tram (amazing city views without high-ticket costs)
*Empire State Building (paid observatory)
*The Highline/ The Vessel/ Hudson Yards (all free)
*Walk the Brooklyn Bridge (free)
*DUMBO (free)
*Dyker Heights - (free) This neighborhood in Brooklyn does Christmas like nobody else!
Central Park – (Midpark at 72nd St.) the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace and Belvedere Castle are close enough together to be worth a stop. Wander/ explore Central Park for fun!
830 5th Ave, New York City, NY 10065-7001
A small 6.5-acre Zoo in the middle of Central Park, this is a great place to spend a few hours.
The main zoo area has 4 “zones”: Tropics (indoor multi-level rainforest); Temperate (up the hill to see red pandas, snow leopards, bears, etc.); Polar (indoor penguin exhibit); Central Garden (sea lions). The Tisch Children’s Zoo exhibit is out the gate and down the path from the Main Zoo section. Don’t miss a visit to the 4-D Theater too! A typical zoo visit is approximately 1.5-2 hours.
The most modern aerial tramway in the world, running every 7-15 minutes from 59th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan to Tramway Plaza on Roosevelt Island. For the price of a subway ticket ($2.75 each way) you can take the tram to Roosevelt Island and enjoy some amazing views from the East Side of Manhattan. A 10-minute ride giving unobstructed views of the bridges and Manhattan skyline. No cars drive on Roosevelt Island, it’s a nice place to walk or take the tram back and enjoy the view again.
Sunday through Thursday: 6 AM - 2 AM
Friday and Saturday: 6 AM - 3:30 AM
The Museums:
Remember on Day 1 I suggested beginning your day at a museum? Here is where we circle back. The MET cost’s: General admission is $30 for adults; $22 for seniors; $17 for students; and free for Members, Patrons, and children under 12. General admission tickets include exhibitions and are valid for three consecutive days at The MET Fifth Avenue, The MET Breuer, and The MET Cloisters. Meaning, if you went to the MET on Day 1, today you could go to the Cloisters, or the MET Breuer, FOR FREE or return for longer time to explore! There are all great choices. IT' great to get the most for your ticket price, and I am a firm believer in maximizing your budget. Or take advantage of the Suggested Admission: For New York State residents and New York, New Jersey and Connecticut students, the amount you pay is up to you. These tickets may be purchased at Museum admissions desk with a valid ID.
The Natural History Museum:
A major tip is purchasing your ticket. online ahead of time. The Kiosks inside will print you our a ticket from your electronic payment confirmation.
Constructed in 1874 with Teddy Roosevelt as one of it’s founders, this place is impressive! Dinosaurs and Megalodon artifacts are a favorite! The dioramas of animals on display are well designed and make you think of all the differences in species and unique quality of each.
The 86th Flor Observatory - is quite a landmark with exhibitions and augmented reality viewfinders on the 80th floor; and explore the 2nd-floor museum’s immersive displays on the building's history.
These are not free, and prices vary depending on the ticket you purchase. Many people who come want to NYC experience this, so I thought I'd mention it is pretty cool!
The Free views I recommend are the Brooklyn Bridge, the Roosevelt Tram, and if you find yourself in New Jersey, they really show the skyline beautifully from there!
The High Line – is the elevated railway no longer in use, now a public park – with 1.45 miles of pathway through gardens and beautiful scenic landscapes. AMAZING VIEWS! Runs from Gansevoort St. to W. 34th between 10th and 12th Avenues. Spend a couple hours here, eat, relax, enjoy both garden and sculptures against the city backdrop! Take a bottle of wine up and watch the sun set here. Or no wine, and a picnic with the family. Or, hop off at Chelsea Market and stop to get some of the most raved about tacos ever- Chelsea Market | Hours + Location | Los Tacos No. 1 | Taquerias in New York City (lostacos1.com) But walking here gives you a great perspective of the city. Appreciate the small escape from the City below with some cool places to be.
During the winter/ holiday season the Highline is extremely festive. While flowers may not be blooming, this is still a GREAT walkway. Indoors of the Hudson Yards Mall area you will find scenic festive exhibits, and a fresh winter wonderland!
Hudson Yards/ The Vessel & The Highline:
Revitalized and live! This area has seen impressive revitalization and it's engineering and ingenuity are breathtaking. Walking up to the Vessel we were happy to find that while the structure is closed, you can still go in and access the bottom floor. They have roped off the steps upwards but it's a great free stop along the way with some really cool photo ops! The engineering and ingenuity are breathtaking on the West side here where there used to be a whole lot of nothing. They built a really interesting structure with levels of balconies resembling a beehive. Hudson Yards has an indoor mall with exclusive shops and stores. If you want to shop or eat plan a longer stop and stay here!
Finding the High Line is tricky! We were so close but so far away and needed the maps app to help us get into the starting point. There are many access points in the Chelsea district - mostly centered around 10th Avenue - You may enter at the main interim walkway which is located at 34th Street. Head to Hudson Yards, where there is an awesome eatery, the Vessel landmark, and walk up the steps to get into the old subway line turned garden walk! We hop off at Chelsea Market and enjoy some tacos from Los Tacos No.1.
The Highline can be walked as far as you'd like to explore, and once you've had your fill of the sights, plan to watch a subway down to the Brooklyn Bridge stop, which will have a completely different perspective of NYC!
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge – If you didn't do this on Day 2, and weather permits - enjoy the skyline and take in the view from the monumental Bridge. Many people take this scenic walk (even when it’s freezing which I don’t recommend) but it is all about the weather and good shoes. While views are more dramatic at night when the city lights are on - it is warmer with the sun shining! You decide which works best for you.
*This is where you will see amazing views - for free - Stop and take pictures, take in the scene and go at your own pace! I recommend walking one way and catching the subway the other way.
There is a pedestrian walkway above the traffic, so it is perfectly safe. The trek is just over a mile long, Under the bridge, Brooklyn Bridge Park waits, which great for walking, playing, or relaxing with an amazing view. The surrounding neighborhood is also fun to wander = DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) which is like old NY, cobble stone, and iron posts, just the “home” feeling. You can walk this bridge in either direction, however the best views are going towards Manhattan. I recommend taking a subway to Brooklyn then crossing back over on foot.
The A or C subway run in both directions and are easy to navigate. Get off at the High Street Brooklyn Bridge Stop and you are there!
EAT. Pizza. Bagels. Egg sandwiches. Even the macaroons are better here. Everything is delicious. Book stores and shops line the Brooklyn streets, and it is a unique area to explore.
If you followed the main points of this itinerary (not including museums) your map would look like this: (The MET easily fits this traffic pattern).
Dyker Heights - the BEST Christmas Neighborhood in Brooklyn NY - From the Brooklyn Bridge to Dyker Heights is an hour using public transportation.
The R Train from City Hall Station in lower Manhattan to Bay Ridge 95th Street will be 17 stops and 35 minutes.
Walk to the Bus stop at 4th Ave and 77th Street.
Next board the B4 Bus, toward Sheepshead Bay Knapp Street, free transfer.
Exit bus at Bay Ridge pkwy & 12th Ave.
** You can use Apple Maps, Google Maps or any map on your cell phone to help with navigating these routes. It sounds tricky but most importantly, is knowing your direction and getting on and off at the right place.
While ALL of this can be done in 3 busy days, it can also be spread out if you have more time!
Below I will add some extra stops that are fun with the little ones, the 5 and under crowd...
I have LOVED living in NY and now as a Florida resident, LOVE visiting. There is NO PLACE like it!
NYC with little ones:
I always say travel and Early Childhood go together better than peanut butter n jelly. Get your little ones out and used to your travel style, because your babies gain a wealth of life experience and vocabulary from all of their experiences.
That being said, a little more preparation is needed with the little ones. Potty training? Oh, this is going to be tricky. This city does not have a lot of public restrooms available. As a mom I hate public restrooms in general. But overall, kids need opportunities to explore and wonder, use some hands-on exhibits to discover things on their own and exercise their bodies and minds. They may also need extra nap time from the commotion and high energy of the whole city vibe.
December can be a challenge with the colder weather as well, and I recommend less time outdoors and more time balancing with indoor stops. Try to avoid long lines and big stores as the crowds and waiting time may take from the excitement. This time of year, it would be a good idea to have a few extra blankets on hand and mittens, scarf, hat, and all the warm cozy attire. If you have an umbrella stroller this will help tremendously as smaller legs and all this walking is tough! NY is very stroller friendly.
Consider these options: (links will take you to the websites of each)
*The Children's Museum of Manhattan The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street New York, NY 10024
(212) 721-1223
Tuesday – Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
110 5th Ave (at 16th St)
New York, NY 10011
If you like the Disney Movie Encanto, this is a must see!
*Central Park has 21 different playgrounds! - All through the park, and many have a unique touch!
*The Central Park Zoo is so easy to see and do! (The Bronx Zoo is really a full day where the Central Park Zoo is a few hours of compact fun. There is no parking here, come on foot or mass transit.
64th Street & 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10065
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10111
Open Daily: 10am - 7pm
Open 7 Days a Week 11am – 9pm
Enter across from 17 State Street
Prefer to See NY when it's not Christmas? Go here....
Need a trip to the South?
Visiting Florida at Christmas? Check out Saint Augustine, America's first city!
Their Night of Lights Celebration is my second favorite (NY is first) for Holiday Family time!
Transportation:
Trains/ Subways/ Busses oh my!
Avenues run north/ south, blocks run east/ west.
Apple Pay made the subway easy. My kids showed me how to pay through Apple Pay, which charges $2.90/ ride. We are very comfortable riding the various lines, but pay attention to being at the platform which goes the direction you are going. For example, North or South bound or East or West. If you are on an express train, you will not stop at every stop.
When traveling across town, there are a few options:
The L Train: runs from 8th Ave to 1st Ave (along 14th Street)
The 7 Train: runs along 42nd street, from 10th to 4th Avenues.
The S Train: Shuttle from Grand Central to Times Square with 1 stop (we usually walk as this is a very scenic/ busy area).
And the E Train: Runs from 8th Ave to Lexington (along 53rd St).
Stay up to date with the MTA: Large Type Map
On our recent trips, in January, June, and October of 2024, we used our aps/ phones for ALL of our transportation needs which included:
LIRR from Seaford to Grand Central - this train hub being completed is a dream! Gone are the days where the Long Island Railroad only runs to Penn Station, this was a brilliant decision and so well done. Genius to have the track so far underground. It's like coming from middle earth to the surface, but it's clean, fresh, and well designed!
We didn't even leave Grand Central, just walked through the station and caught the 6 train up to 77th street - then walked a few blocks to the MET.
Afterwards, we walked through Central Park admiring the Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge.
Caught the C Train from the West side of Central Park and Took that down to 34th Street where we walked over to Hudson Yards and the High Line.
Caught the E Train from Chelsea Market to the Oculus.
Took the 4 Train up to Times Square.
I referred to Apple Maps which even told me how far away the train was!
**If your children have their own phones and are connected to Apple Pay, the Subway is now easier than it ever was.
But I need more planning help!!
A few tips for saving $$ as Christmas can be a more expensive trip to NY than other times. Splurge intentionally, but don't go broke!
* Make sure your hotel has free breakfast, and grab some for a later morning snack (hopefully some fruit on the go)
*Travel with a portable electric kettle to keep in your room to have tea/ hot cocoa/ oatmeal/ soup (hot water comes in handy)
*Eat at a Diner which gives you more food on your plate, while pizza is an inexpensive delicacy here, you may need some other food groups at some point!
*Stock your home base (Hotel) with grocery items as soon as you are able, so you have your own water bottles, drinks, snacks and basics covered.
*Wear comfortable shoes. There is a lot of walking.
*Picnic lunches are a pleasure! Pack a sandwich or salad to take on your excursion, eating in a scenic place helps enjoy the view in a new way. I often keep a light blanket or beach towel in my backpack to spread out for my picnic. If it's really chilly, it might be nice to get a warm sandwich for lunch at a deli along the route.
*Sales tax in NY is high, plan accordingly. I offset extra fees by planning a lot of free (no cost) activities then adding a few splurge items in. I don't let dining count as my splurge unless it's a place I really want to eat.
Maybe I am partial to New York because growing up there gave me insight to so many people, cultures, lifestyles, extremes, and the lay of the land. I absolutely feel my best when I am home, something about the energy of the city that just feels good in my veins! I hope that this guide inspires you to explore NY with confidence, enjoying every moment of your time.
Happy travels!
Please share your experiences for the benefit of your traveling friends everywhere,
Mz. Savvy
A note from the editor:
The information in this article was accurate when published but may change without notice. Confirm details when planning your trip. I hope this makes it easier for your planning process.
Thank you for stopping by today! Please share your thoughts and experiences, we are all on this journey to live and love together. I welcome your travel tips & tricks :-)
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Or if you just need a good road trip to the Sunshine State, find trip ideas here....
Something everyone should do at least once. Quite the experience. Thanks for the detailed account.
No one does Christmas like NYC!
Thank you for your detailed itinerary for NYC! This is SO unbelievably helpful!