New York City at Christmas - 2018

Rockefeller Center, Time Square, Broadway, Statue of Liberty, Christopher Street, Macy’s

December 19 - December 25, 2018

7 Days

1 Country

2 Destinations

Our Christmas trip to New York City was filled with holiday lights, iconic landmarks, great food, and unforgettable experiences. We stayed near Macy’s, right in the middle of the city’s Christmas excitement, surrounded by festive decorations, elaborate holiday windows, and the constant energy of Manhattan.

Richard went ice skating in Bryant Park, and we explored Rockefeller Center with its famous Christmas tree and dazzling decorations. We walked through Times Square, enjoyed bagels for breakfast, and had a classic New York deli meal at Sarge’s. One evening, we saw The Lion King on Broadway, adding a little theater magic to an already memorable trip.

We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and explored the Financial District, including Wall Street, the Charging Bull, and the area around the World Trade Center. From the top of One World Trade Center, we looked out over the city and its surrounding waterways.

Another highlight was taking the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and climbing all the way to the crown. We also visited Christopher Street and the historic Stonewall Inn, where we met a bartender who had been there on the night of the famous raid 49½ years earlier. Hearing that personal connection to such an important moment in history made the visit especially meaningful.

We spent time in Central Park, visited the American Museum of Natural History, and walked the High Line above the city streets. Between the Christmas displays, Broadway lights, historic neighborhoods, museums, skyline views, and miles of walking, New York gave us a wonderful holiday adventure filled with both celebration and history.

New York City at Christmas - 2018 Trip Map

Marker numbers show the day of the trip when dates are available. Select a destination for details.

Trip Timeline

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Trip Highlight

New York at Christmas

New York, United States

Visiting New York City at Christmas had always been a bucket list dream—and it exceeded every expectation. We stayed near Macy’s and the Empire State Building, perfectly positioned to explore the city’s festive magic and historic highlights. We were put into the holiday spirit at Rockefeller Center beneath the twinkling tree, marveled at the holiday window displays, and wandered through Bryant Park’s Winter...

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Trip Highlight

Statue of Liberty New York

New York, United States

We visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island the week before Christmas, securing the very first reservation of the day to climb all the way to the crown. Boarding the first ferry from Battery Park, we crossed New York Harbor on a clear, crisp winter morning, with the Manhattan skyline glowing behind us and the statue rising ahead like a promise. Climbing the Statue of Liberty was a highlight—354 steps in...

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