NYC in December: A Guide to Planning Your Holiday Adventure

When planning a trip to New York City in December, preparation is key. As the winter weather can be unpredictable, it is important to plan ahead to ensure that your visit goes as smoothly and safely as possible. Additionally, due to the influx of tourists during the holiday season, prices tend to be higher and availability can sometimes be limited. Planning ahead will help you get the most out of your trip while still staying within budget.

For many people, a trip to New York City in December is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. December in NYC brings with it festive holiday spirit: decorations lining Fifth Avenue; Christmas carolers singing in Rockefeller Center; holiday markets dotted throughout Central Park; ice skating around Bryant Park or Central Park’s Wollman Rink; and, of course, the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

 
Things To Consider Before Planning Your Trip

 Budget: When planning a trip to New York City in December, it’s important to decide what type of vacation you want—whether it’s an affordable weekend getaway or an extravagant week-long splurge—so that you can create a realistic budget before you even start researching flights and accommodations. While NYC can be expensive, there are plenty of ways to save money while still enjoying all that the city has to offer (which we’ll cover later). 

 Travel Dates: If you’re flexible with when you travel, try looking for flights on off days like Tuesdays or Wednesdays when airfare tends to be cheaper than other days of the week (and avoid traveling during peak times like school holidays). Be mindful when booking hotels too because prices often spike for special events such as Thanksgiving or New Year’s Eve celebrations so try booking earlier if possible! 

 Accommodation: Depending on your budget, there are many great accommodation options available throughout Manhattan from luxurious five-star hotels like The Plaza or The St Regis down through mid-range options such as Holiday Inn Express Midtown West or Courtyard by Marriott Times Square South/West Side all the way through budget friendly accommodations like HI NY Hostel Chelsea or Pod 51 Hotel which offers dorm rooms for about $50/night per person (including taxes).

 Activities: Once you have taken care of your travel dates and accommodation needs, consider what type activities are important for your vacation plans such as sightseeing tours, museum visits or Broadway shows then plan accordingly so that your stay fits with those activities without breaking bank at every turn!  

Must-See Attractions In NYC In December

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: Every year since 1931 an enormous Norway spruce tree has been lit up at Rockefeller Center making it one of the most iconic symbols associated with Christmas in NYC! Thousands flock each night for photo ops underneath this impressive display but don’t forget – there are also plenty more trees around town including one at Bryant Park across from Fifth Avenue where complimentary hot cocoa awaits!

Ice Skating At Central Park Or Bryant Park: Whether you’re an experienced skater looking for some exercise on the ice rink at Central Park's Wollman Rink (just north of Bethesda Fountain) or simply want some classic winter fun at Bryant Park's 17000 square foot outdoor rink located right behind The Library Hotel – both locations offer great views and plenty of opportunities for family fun! 

Holiday Markets: From Columbus Circle near Central park South down through Union Square – NYC holiday markets have something for everyone whether its unique gifts found at Grand Bazaar NYC (located by Columbus Circle) where 100% proceeds go towards public schools across five boroughs – down through Union Square Holiday Market which offers artisanal goods from over 150 vendors - these markets are sure perfect places find something special this season!

Broadway Shows: Do not miss out on seeing some world class theater performances while in town either – Broadway theaters host some amazing shows throughout December including ‘The Lion King’ , ‘Frozen’ , ‘Hadestown' , ‘Mean Girls' , ‘Hamilton' just name few - so do check out what show best suits your taste & schedule !  

Times Square: Of course no visit would be complete without stopping by Times Square - where millions gather annually over new years eve - and all the traditional holiday decorations are in full swing by December. Be sure to top off your evening with a classic Hotdog from one of many small carts found around Times Square, they never disappoint! 

Hotel Recommendations:

• Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel
• Soho Grand Hotel
• Soho Grand Hotel
• Roxy Hotel New York
• The Roxy Hotel Tribeca
• NoMo SoHo
• Hilton Garden Inn New York/Tribeca
• Walker Hotel Tribeca
• 11 Howard by Suiteness
• 11 Howard

This December, NYC has something special in store for everyone. From theater and music performances to indulging in classic hotdogs from one of the many carts around Times Square, there's no better place to create lasting memories with your family and friends. Book your tickets, hotels and car rentals now so you can plan ahead and enjoy all that New York City