Snow-covered Central Park with the Plaza Hotel in the background

Visiting New York City
in December

Why December?

December transforms New York City into a magical winter destination filled with holiday lights, festive markets, ice skating rinks, and world-famous seasonal events. From Fifth Avenue decorations to Christmas performances and New Year's Eve celebrations, there is no shortage of unforgettable experiences during a December visit to NYC. While it is one of the busiest months of the year, careful planning and using the Sesame Attraction Pass can help visitors enjoy more attractions while saving money.

What to Expect

Snowing icon

NYC Weather in December

  • Average Daytime Temperatures: 44 F (7C)
  • Average Overnight Temperatures: 32 F (0C)
  • Cold temperatures with occasional snow and rain
  • Shorter daylight hours but plenty of festive evening activities
  • Windy conditions are common near the waterfront and observation decks
Jacket icon

What to Wear

  • Heavy winter coat, gloves, scarf, and warm hat
  • Waterproof boots or comfortable insulated walking shoes
  • Thermal layers for colder mornings and evenings
  • Hand warmers can be useful during long outdoor sightseeing days
  • Dress in layers when visiting indoor attractions and restaurants

NYC Prices in December

December is one of the busiest and most expensive times to visit New York City, especially during the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year's Eve. Hotel prices in Midtown Manhattan and Times Square can increase significantly, and popular attractions often sell out in advance. The Sesame Attraction Pass is especially valuable in December because it helps offset higher seasonal attraction prices and makes it easier to plan a full itinerary.

Planning your trip is key to a balanced budget. Use free online resources such as maps, guides, and itinerary tools, and consider the Sesame Attraction Pass if you plan to visit several paid attractions.

Getting Around New York City

NYC is easy to navigate, but travel times can vary by weather, season, and neighborhood. The subway is usually the fastest and most affordable way to get around, while taxis, rideshares, ferries, and hop-on hop-off buses can be useful depending on your itinerary.

Woman with coffee near the Brooklyn Bridge in winter
  • Subway icon

    Subway - runs 24 hours a day and connects most major attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Taxi icon

    Taxis and rideshares - convenient for evenings, bad weather, or shorter cross-town trips.

  • Bus icon

    Hop-on Hop-off Buses - useful for sightseeing, photos, and covering multiple landmarks in one day.

  • Walking icon

    Walking - often the best way to enjoy neighborhoods, parks, holiday displays, and waterfront views.

Things to Do in NYC in December

Check out the following ideas for fun things to do in New York City in December.

Rockefeller Center Christmas tree at night
Glamorous mannequin with jeweled clutch in a holiday window display
Frozen fountain at Bryant Park in winter
Radio City Music Hall at dusk with illuminated fountains

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the most iconic holiday attractions in the world, surrounded by lights, crowds, and the famous skating rink.

Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows

Stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale's create elaborate seasonal displays.

Bryant Park Winter Village

Bryant Park offers holiday shopping, seasonal food, outdoor seating, and a popular ice skating rink.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

The Rockettes perform this classic holiday show throughout the season.

Rainy Day Options in NY

Times Square at night with bright Broadway billboards
Visitor viewing Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans at a museum
Couple enjoying a panoramic city view from a skyscraper
Woman smiling while shopping on a city street

Broadway Shows

A Broadway show is one of the best ways to enjoy NYC when the weather is wet, cold, or too hot for long outdoor sightseeing. Book ahead for popular shows, or check last-minute options at theater box offices.

NYC Museums

Choose from major museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, the Guggenheim, the American Museum of Natural History, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Museum of the City of New York.

Indoor Observation Decks

Observation decks with indoor viewing areas are useful when weather changes quickly. They are also a great way to see the skyline without spending the full day outside.

Food Halls and Shopping

Chelsea Market, Essex Market, Brookfield Place, Hudson Yards, and The Shops at Columbus Circle are good options for dining, shopping, and taking a break from the weather.

Why Visit NYC with the Sesame Attraction Pass?

If you are planning to see several attractions in NYC, the Sesame Attraction Pass can help you save money and simplify your itinerary.

Pass holders can choose from more than 70 attractions and tours, including observation decks, museums, sightseeing cruises, and guided experiences.

  • Save up to 50% compared with regular admission prices when visiting multiple attractions.
  • Build a flexible itinerary around the weather, your schedule, and your interests.
  • Access popular NYC experiences without buying separate tickets one at a time.
  • Great value for families, couples, first-time visitors, and repeat travelers.
Sesame Attraction Pass app mobile mockups

Other Months

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in November

Visiting New York City
in January

Visiting New York City
in February

Visiting New York City
in March

Visiting New York City
in April

Visiting New York City
in May

Visiting New York City
in June

Visiting New York City
in July

Visiting New York City
in August

Visiting New York City
in September

Visiting New York City
in October