The unofficial start of the holiday season in the New York Metropolitan area for many consists of the magical holiday lights, ice skating in Bryant Park, seeing the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and shopping on Fifth Avenue.
Visitors to NYC experience seasonal markets filled with gifts for loved ones and charity events to help those alone for the holiday, and many other festive activities that make NYC a winter wonderland.
One of the most popular places to see in all of America is the lighting of the Rockefeller tree. It is an iconic holiday symbol in NYC.
Visiting the Rockefeller tree is a mini-tradition for Matthew Kryshtoff. The sophomore says, “You have to see the Rockefeller tree at least once in your lifetime.”
Although the Rockefeller tree and ice skating in Bryant Park are some of the more well-known attractions, people looking for more can refer to Niredonahue’s 2025 Guide To Finding The Best Free Christmas Lights In NYC. The guide lists many affordable NYC spots to see lights.
Light-seekers can go to the Hudson Yards, the Plaza Hotel, Chelsea Market, and 5th Avenue to see the decorative celebrations. Senior Olivia Torsiello suggests people take advantage of 5th Avenue for its shopping and window decorations as well. Torsiello says, “I shop on 5th Avenue every year before Christmas. I get gifts for my family there too, not just myself. Every time I go, it’s a lot of fun because it’s so festive.” Fifth Avenue is popular with tourists because of its wide variety of stores.
Fifth Avenue is divided into multiple parts for different kinds of shopping. Near Central Park (49th to 60th streets), people can find iconic designer stores such as Cartier. Midtown (42nd to 59th streets) is more used for exploring and visiting popular stores such as Aritzia and Saks Fifth Avenue. Torsiello recommends shopping at stores such as Alo, Aritzia, and Sephora.
New York City’s largest holiday market is the Union Square Holiday Market, featuring over 170 vendors with a variety of distinctive items. The market is open from Nov. 13 to Dec. 24. The organizers decorate Union Square to create a festive atmosphere for the holiday season. It is a popular place to visit during the holidays because it is the largest and oldest holiday market in New York City, offering a variety of food and drinks, festivity, live performances, and it is in the heart of New York City. Junior Matthew Stack says, “I’ve been to the holiday market in Union Square once, and I found more than I thought. It’s because everything there is so unique and specific. It’s really good for buying other people Christmas gifts.”
Those looking to do more outdoor activities may choose the Bryant Park Winter Village, which has been open since Oct. 24. The Winter Village features an ice skating rink, places to eat and drink, and holiday shops. The Winter Village is also a great place to ice skate because admission is free, except for renting ice skates. One of Bryant Park Winter Village’s popular features is the private igloos, which are heated and come with a seasonal selection of food and drinks.
And of course, there are always opportunities for people to share the holiday cheer by giving back to the community and those who are less fortunate.
Winter Wishes is an opportunity to bring joy to children and teenagers in New York City and make them believe in holiday magic again. Coat Drive is another opportunity to help someone out during the holiday season, when it gets cold. Coat Drive collects winter coats and distributes them to those who need them the most. $25 can keep 10 New Yorkers warm. Coat Drive and Winter Wishes are two opportunities to help those in need while helping programs that care about human dignity and keeping people hopeful during hardship.
For more ways to help people in need during the holiday season, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/holiday-giving/
