What’s Open on Christmas Day in NYC?

Other posts by MudslideMama

Your Questions Answered: A little while ago, one of our readers wrote to ask about Christmas in New York City. Specifically, she wanted to know what would be open on Christmas Day in NYC: It would be her last day in the city, as she has a nighttime flight home and some time to spend strolling around by herself. Well, the Mudslide family spent a lot of Christmases in New York City, so I’m happy to help her figure out how to fill the last day of her vacation with NYC activities!

Radio City Christmas Spectacular in NYC (radiocitychristmas.com)

  • Sure, not EVERYTHING’S open in NYC on Christmas Day, but you’d be surprised at what IS. Since you’re not leaving until nighttime, you have all day to wander the chilly streets and take in the sights. Radio City Christmas Spectacular has shows at 1PM, 4PM and 7PM – plan ahead, buy a ticket, and watch one of the most famous Christmas time shows in the world. Who hasn’t heard of the Rockettes?
  • If you’ve already seen the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Show, or if you’re just not that interested in it, there are several Broadway theaters that aren’t dark (i.e. closed) on Christmas Day. This changes year to year, of course, so check playbill.com to see what your options are.
  • Why not see NYC on Christmas Day from up high? The Empire States Building is open until early Empire State Bldg. is open on Christmas Day (wikipedia.com)afternoon (last year it opened from 10AM-2PM) and Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is open all day.
  • Also at Rockefeller Center, the ice skating rink is open all day, straight through to midnight on Christmas Day. Other ice skating rinks that are open on Christmas Day include the Wollman Rink in Central Park and the Pond – well, it’s presumably a frozen pond by late December – in Bryant Park. Both remain open through the late evening.
  • Now, tons of restaurants stay open during Christmas Day in NYC. If you want to splurge, consider making a reservation at the Rainbow Room. Yes, this is in Rockefeller Center, like the Rink and the Top of the Rock – this restaurant is pretty fancy, though, and men need to wear jackets. If you’re wearing what you want to fly home in (meaning comfortable clothes), then The Rainbow Room Grand Holiday Buffet may not be the smart choice for you. Chinatown restaurants are by and large open. A great resource for dining is Open Table. It has updated lists of the restaurants in NYC that are open on Christmas Day.
  • And, you know, it IS Christmas Day. If you so choose, there are religious services (and special concerts) in churches all over New York City. St. Patrick’s Cathedral Christmas Day Mass is celebrated nearly every hour on the hour until 1PM. and St. John the Divine hosts annual Christmas Day concerts – usually one mid-afternoon and one at night. The Trinity Wall Street has a late morning Holy Eucharist on Christmas Day too, although St. Paul’s Chapel itself is closed on Christmas Day.

He Knows What To Do in NYC on Christmas Day! (TapRootDancer via flickr.com)B. wrote back and said, in part, “…Going to NYC at Christmas time  has been a dream for years and I’m going alone as no one else thinks it’s such a wonderful idea!! (I think it’s just because it’s so cold). But I love Xmas lights and all the excitement. I’m all ready to go shopping and see the sights…Thanks again for all your information.” You’re welcome, B. The Traveling Mamas hope you have a wonderful Christmas in New York.

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June 8, 2009 | Filed Under Destinations, Family Travel, Luxury Travel 

Comments

6 Responses to “What’s Open on Christmas Day in NYC?”

  1. Amy @ The Q Family says:
    June 8, 2009 at

    Talking about advance planning. ;) This is great. I would love to take my kids to experience Christmas in NYC one day. Not sure when yet but your post will come in handy.

  2. Carnival of Cities for 17 June 2009 says:
    June 17, 2009 at

    [...] Miner is already thinking ahead to her holiday travels, as she responds to a reader question about What’s Open on Christmas Day in NYC? posted at Traveling [...]

  3. marina villatoro says:
    June 17, 2009 at

    All I remember about xmas in NYC is that we used to go to the movies and my mom would always get so giddy because she’d say that’s when all the jews are out. And maybe her daughter, me, can meet a nice jewish boy. Hahaha, I actually ended up marrying a Guatemalan, but ‘nice jewish boys’ are definitely an attraction!

  4. Uiqasdnz says:
    June 23, 2009 at

    Xg0eAM comment5 ,

  5. Cor says:
    August 2, 2009 at

    i am going to nyc with my bf this year for christmas day…. Cant wait!!

  6. CHARLES says:
    November 6, 2009 at

    Awesome write-up, really! I really love this time of the year!

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