Our Top 5 Budget-Friendly NYC Christmas Adventures without breaking the bank! ❄️✨
December 20, 2024
source: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
You heard it! Christmas in NYC is pure magic. Whether you're a broke college student, a jet-setting adventurer, or a lifelong New Yorker, we've got your holiday spirit covered with a sleigh-load of budget-friendly fun under $20!
Dive into our Top 5 Budget-Friendly NYC Christmas Adventures without breaking the bank! ❄️✨
1. Ice Skating - a winter essential.
source: Scott Lynch / Gothamist
Whether it is with your family, friends or going on a date, ice-skating is the best ICE-breaker of all (see what we did there?). It’s the best budget friendly winter activity out there! Here’s our top picks:
Ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park: $15 with IDNYC or NY Public Library Card which includes admission, skates and cocoa during public skating just show them your id!
Where: 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065, The closest entrance is at 59th Street and 6th Avenue.
Admission: $15
When: Holiday Hours! 9am – 10pm, December 20 through January 2nd
What: Ice-Skating!Ice skating at Roebling Rink under Brooklyn Bridge: $10 for general admission with $7 for skate rentals!
Where: Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Admission: $10
When: Open Monday through Sunday from November 25, 2024 - February 2, 2025.
What: Ice Skating beneath the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, with the breathtaking skyline all around
2. WINTER MARKETS!
source: Colin Miller/ TimeOut
Forget fancy tours, winter markets are the ultimate free experience! Imagine strolling through a wonderland of twinkling lights, the air thick with the aroma of hot cocoa and sizzling treats. You'll find unique gifts, maybe even snag a few early Christmas presents for your loved ones, and soak up the festive energy.
Pro Tip: Dress warmly! These outdoor adventures can get chilly.
Here are some winter markets we love:
Bryant Park Winter Village This iconic spot has it all – ice skating, cozy igloos, even a curling cafe! It's a winter wonderland waiting to be explored.
Where: Bryant Park, Manhattan
Admission: FREE
When: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Jan. 5, 2025
What: Holiday shops will be set up on the Upper and Fountain Terraces, rink deck, along 40th Street, and northern and southern allées.Columbus Circle Holiday Market Perfect for families, this market is a bit smaller and less crowded, making it easier to navigate with little ones. Plus, you'll find tons of kid-friendly goodies!
Where: Central Park, Columbus Circle
Admission: FREE
When: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 31
What: Over 140 vendors will be set up in Central Park for holiday shopping.Union Square Holiday Market This bustling market boasts a huge variety of vendors, from quirky crafts to delicious food. You can easily find unique gifts and tasty treats without breaking the bank!
Where: University Place & East 14th Street, Manhattan
Admission: FREE
When: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 24
What: Over 100 booths set up in Union Square Park with gifts for the holidays and coupons for local businesses.
3. Dyker Heights
source: www.dykerheightschristmaslights.com
Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without a little sparkle, right? That's where Dyker Heights comes in! This Brooklyn neighborhood transforms into a dazzling wonderland of over-the-top Christmas decorations.
Imagine strolling down the street, jaw dropping at every turn. Life-sized Santas, reindeer pulling sleighs, and enough lights to rival Times Square – it's a must-see!
Pro Tip: After your festive stroll, cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa and a viewing of "Home Alone" for the ultimate Christmas movie experience. 🎄✨
Where: Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Admission: FREE
When: November 29, 2024- Early 2025.
What: Over-the-top Christmas light decorations with life-sized Santas, sleighs and snowmen taking over the neighborhood's homes. Some houses even bump Christmas carols from loudspeakers.
4. Hudson Yards Vessel
source: @nyclovesnyc/ twtitter
For any true New Yorker, the Vessel at Hudson yards is a must-visit. Whether you're dazzling in the Christmas lights, catching a convention, celebrating the 4th of July, or just soaking up the incredible views, the Vessel is always a showstopper. Not only is it a beautiful stroll but, get ready for some festive photo ops! You can often find Santa hanging out at the Vessel on weekdays, making it the perfect spot for a unique Christmas memory. Plus - on Thursdays, show your NYC ID and climb the Vessel for free! What a deal!
Pro Tip: Don't miss the magical balloon lights in the shopping center right next to the Vessel. Trust us, you'll want to snap some pics!
Where: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Admission: FREE for NYC residents, $10 general admission
When: 10AM to 9PM
What: A structure and visitor attraction built as part of Hudson Yards in Manhattan decorated with a million lights for Christmas!
5. Go see a Christmas tree! .. Now!!
source: https://www.inlovewithnewyork.com/
This year's NYC Christmas tree is a total Massachusetts-ian! 🎄 That's right, it's the first time since 1959 that the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree hails from the Bay State - so not only is this tree iconic (duh!), but it's also got a bit of extra New England charm. Head to 30 Rockefeller Plaza to see this beauty for yourself (for free!), and don't forget to snap a pic!
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112
Admission: FREE
When: Sunday-Wednesday from 5am to midnight and Thursday-Saturday from 5am-1am. On Christmas Day the Tree will be lit for 24 hours and on New Year's Eve it will be lit from 5am-9pm. The Tree will be on view through mid-January.
Psst! Gossip Girl fans, you know what's next... The Lotte New York Palace also has a gorgeous tree that's a must-see! It is one of the most ICONIC trees in NYC! 😉
Where: 455 Madison Avenue at 50th Street New York, NY 10022
Admission: FREE
When: November 22 and remains up until early January.
Author Information
Anisha Miah
Digital Marketing and Events Manager at NYSMDA
Read more from latest NYSMDA Blogs:
