the new york city christmas charm you have to experience at least once

There is a special kind of feeling that settles over New york city in december. the moment we arrived, it was 19 degrees so it felt super christmasy. it felt like we had stepped straight into a timeless christmas movie-the kind where every streetlight glows a little brighter, every window tells a different story, and somehow this incredibly large city felt cozy.

i planned this trip for us around experiencing the classic christmas moments, the ones you have seen in movies and dreamed about. and even though i will be sharing a full itinerary soon, i wanted to give you a look into our weekend-the feelings, the magic, the unforgettable scenes in case you want to make a last minute trip before christmas.

Rockefeller center: the heart of christmas

there’s nothing like seeing the rockefeller center christmas tree in person. no matter how many photos you’ve seen, it’s bigger, brighter, and more breathtaking when you are standing right there. even though it was very crowded, we took our time soaking it all in-the ice rink below, the glow of the lights, the energy of everyone around us.

it felt like our weekend officially began the moment we saw it light up.

a walk through central park in december:

central park in winter has charm all on its own. the city feels busy and bright, yet it is calm, crip, and peaceful. we wandered through it slowly, taking in the views, the soft winter light, and the quiet moments in between the holiday Excitement.

make sure to walk around and see the view of the plaza and walk over to see the ice skating. i always like to stop by central park Every time i go to NYC because it’s always a little hectic when you first get there and it brings a little bit of calm before getting back out there LOL!

strolling down 5th avenue:

fifth avenue during the holidays is simply iconic. we made our way past the sparkling window displays, each more more elaborate than the last. the designers clearly pulled out all the stops this year-every window felt like its own little storybook!

the music, the crowds, the decorations…it’s the kind of christmas experience you feel in your chest.

watching the saks lights show:

and then there’s the show that everyone should see at least once: the saks fifth avenue christmas lights.

we luckily found a spot and waited as the building went dark-and then suddenly burst into color, music, patterns, and animation. the entire facade becomes a glittering performance, changing every few seconds as people cheer and record the moment.

it’s one of those holiday scenes that makes you feel like a kid again, eyes wide, heart full, soaking it all in.

(i’ll be sharing the best timing tips for catching this show- and avoiding the least crowds-inside the NYC christmas itinerary)

a holiday show to top it all off:

no nYC christmas weekend is complete without seeing a holiday show. the one we chose was filled with music, sparkle, and so much festive energy. sitting in the theater surrounded by families, travelers, and locals all sharing the same moment felt special-like a tradition we were lucky enough to be part of.

eating our way through the city:

you can’t visit new york without eating your way through it-especially at christmas. between warm bites at holiday markets, cozy restaurants glowing with decorations, and sweet treats sprinkled throughout the city, every meal added to the experience.

i’m saving Specific restaurants (and the ones i highly recommend especially for christmas) for the itinerary-but trust me the food alone could be a trip!

what made this weekend so unforgettable wasn’t just checking off the iconic holiday spots- it was how the entire city shimmered with excitement. every corner felt alive, every moment was festive, and the energy was contagious.

we laughed, wandered, ate, explored, took way too many photos, and still somehow it felt like there is so much more waiting for us next time.

i can’t wait to share my full nYC christmas itinerary soon- with the best viewing times, optimal order to explore everything, photo locations, food recommendations, where to stay, and crowd-saving hacks. but until then, i hope this little glimpse inspires you to experience the magic for yourself one day.

new york city at christmas is pure joy!!!