Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Comprehensive New York City December Itinerary: Attractions, Holiday Magic, and Local Favorites

Viewed by 381 travelers

Day 1: Midtown Manhattan

New York, USA on December 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Best Bagel and Coffee

Start your day with classic New York bagels and coffee to fuel your exploration in Midtown.
USD10, 0h45m

10:00am

Empire State Building Observation Deck

Visit the iconic Empire State Building to enjoy panoramic city views; great for a classic NYC experience.
Included with Go City Pass, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Katz's Delicatessen

A legendary deli famous for pastrami sandwiches serving authentic New York flavors near Lower East Side.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Bryant Park Holiday Market

Explore festive holiday stalls offering seasonal crafts and treats, perfect for December souvenir shopping.
Free entry, 1h

3:00pm

MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)

Discover world-renowned modern and contemporary art collections in this centrally located museum.
Included with Go City Pass, 2h

5:30pm

Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show

Witness the spectacular holiday light displays on Saks Fifth Avenue, a renowned Christmas tradition.
Free, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Smith (Midtown Location)

Enjoy American cuisine in a lively atmosphere close to your evening attractions.
USD40, 1h30m

8:00pm

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Top of the Rock

See the famous Christmas tree and ascend to the Top of the Rock observation deck for breathtaking night views.
Top of the Rock included with Go City Pass, 1h30m
Find Hotels in New York

Day 2: Central Park & Museum Mile

New York, USA on December 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Central Park South

Classic upscale breakfast near Central Park offering delicious pastries and eggs.
USD35, 1h

9:45am

Central Park Exploration

Stroll through iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and Sheep Meadow in winter charm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

American Museum of Natural History

Explore world-class exhibits featuring natural wonders including dinosaurs, space, and more.
Included with Go City Pass, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Shake Shack Upper West Side

Enjoy casual, family-friendly dining with classic burgers and shakes.
USD25, 1h

4:00pm

The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Visit one of the world’s largest art museums showcasing ancient to contemporary art along Museum Mile.
Included with Go City Pass, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Tavern on the Green

Dine in a historic Central Park restaurant featuring elegant cuisine and a magical holiday atmosphere.
USD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in New York

Day 3: Downtown Manhattan

New York, USA on December 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bubby's Tribeca

Comfort food breakfast in a cozy spot near downtown attractions.
USD30, 1h

9:30am

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Visit the solemn and moving tribute to the events and victims of September 11th on the site of the former towers.
Included with Go City Pass, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Eataly Downtown

Enjoy Italian cuisine and market atmosphere with fresh pasta, pizza, and gourmet treats.
USD30, 1h

1:30pm

Wall Street and Charging Bull

Explore the financial district’s history, including the New York Stock Exchange and iconic bull statue.
Free, 1h

2:30pm

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry

Take the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island to see America’s emblem of freedom and immigration history.
Included with Go City Pass, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Fraunces Tavern

Historic restaurant serving hearty American fare near Battery Park, perfect to end the downtown day.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in New York

Day 4: Brooklyn Adventure

New York, USA on December 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bakeri Williamsburg

Cozy bakery in Brooklyn known for fresh pastries with a Scandinavian twist.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Brooklyn Bridge Walk

Walk across the historic bridge with stunning views of NYC skyline and East River.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Explore DUMBO neighborhood

Art galleries, waterfront parks, and great photo spots under the bridge and along the river.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Juliana's Pizza

Enjoy some of New York’s best thin-crust pizza in a classic Brooklyn spot.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Dyker Heights for Christmas Lights

Head to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights to see extravagant Christmas light displays at homes in this festive neighborhood, best viewed after dark.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The River Café

Upscale dining with views of Manhattan skyline near the Brooklyn Bridge, perfect holiday dinner setting.
USD70, 1h30m
Find Hotels in New York

Day 5: Midtown & Broadway

New York, USA on December 16, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Another classic NYC bagel spot near midtown to start your day right.
USD10, 0h45m

10:00am

Radio City Music Hall Tour

Take a guided tour of this iconic entertainment venue to learn about its history and architecture.
Included with Go City Pass, 1h

11:30am

The Museum of Broadway

Explore the history and magic of Broadway through interactive exhibits and memorabilia.
Included with Go City Pass, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Joe’s Shanghai Midtown

Sample authentic soup dumplings and Chinese dishes in a popular Midtown spot.
USD30, 1h

3:00pm

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Visit this stunning Gothic-style cathedral in the heart of Midtown for architectural beauty and tranquility.
Free, 0h45m

4:00pm

Summit One Vanderbilt

Ascend the new observation deck for an up-close look at NYC skyscrapers with modern art installations.
USD39, 1h30m

6:00pm

Early Dinner at Bryant Park Grill

Enjoy fine dining outdoors with a charming view of the park's winter decorations.
USD50, 1h30m

8:00pm

Aladdin Broadway Show

Experience the magic of Aladdin live on Broadway, pre-booked for your convenience.
USD120 (prebooked), 2h30m
Find Hotels in New York

Day 6: Shopping 5th Avenue

New York, USA on December 17, 2025
Find Hotels in New York

Day 7: Friends and Grand Central

New York, USA on December 18, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Magnolia Bakery

Treat yourself to famous cupcakes and coffee to start your day in NYC style.
USD15, 0h45m

10:00am

Friends Experience NYC

Immerse yourself in the beloved sitcom’s set recreated with props and activities for fans.
USD35, 1h30m

12:00pm

Visit Friends Apartment (90 Bedford Street)

See the iconic exterior location featured as the home of the Friends cast in NYC’s West Village.
Free, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Spotted Pig

Enjoy gastropub fare in the West Village with a cozy local vibe.
USD40, 1h

2:00pm

Grand Central Terminal

Visit this historic and beautiful train station for architecture, shopping, and food markets.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Madame Tussauds New York

See lifelike wax figures of celebrities and historical icons in an engaging museum experience.
Included with Go City Pass, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relaxing Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel

Enjoy a festive afternoon tea in the elegant Plaza Hotel with beautiful Christmas decorations.
USD65, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Modern

Savor Michelin-starred dining at MoMA’s restaurant, blending fine cuisine with artful ambiance.
USD90, 2h
Find Hotels in New York
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed