There are many free activities in New York City during December.
While New York City may be known for its high cost of living, residents enjoy a wide-range of free activities in the country's most populous city. During the Christmas holidays in December, the city is decked out in decorations on famous avenues and tourists brave chilly temperatures to admire the free outdoor shows and events in Manhattan.
Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony
Start the month off with the famous Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony. Every year at the beginning of December, NBC broadcasts a live show of the lighting of the spectacularly decorated tree. The free show includes celebrity hosts and guest performances at the broadcast company's famous New York City headquarters. The Radio City Rockettes are regulars on the holiday show and tens of thousands of spectators line up all around Rockefeller Center to catch a glimpse of the festivities. The tree remains lit for the entire month and into early January.
1250 Avenue of the Americas
New York, 10112
212-632-3975
rockefellercenter.com
Holiday Window Displays
The upscale flagship locations of some of the world's most famous department stores in New York City attract tourists and city dwellers alike with the yearly unveiling of elaborate Christmas scenes in their window displays during the holiday season. Macy's, Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdales are among the retailers that construct full-scale holiday showcases. The displays are akin to full theatrical productions and include motorized mannequins, puppets, music and more.
Macy's
151 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-695-4400
macys.com
Lord & Taylor
424 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10018-2771
212-391-3344
lordandtaylor.com
Bloomingdales
59th Street & Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022
212-705-2000
bloomingdales.com
Grand Light Show and Holiday Fair
The one million travelers and commuters passing through New York's Grand Central Terminal each day during the Christmas holiday season enjoy free light shows that are projected 125 feet above their heads on the Astrological Ceiling of the station's Main Concourse. The shows begin in late November and run for six weeks. Grand Central also hosts a holiday fair for shoppers. Over 70 vendors sell an array of holiday-themed arts and crafts.
Grand Central Terminal
87 E. 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017
212-532-4900
grandcentralterminal.com
Ice Skating: The Pond at Bryant Park
In midtown Manhattan, behind the main branch of the New York Public Library, is Bryant Park. While in the spring it hosts the world's most famous fashion shows, during December it is a winter wonderland for ice skaters. The Park is the only free admission ice skating rink in New . Over 250,000 skaters visit the park during the holiday season. During the month of December, the rink is open daily. Skate rentals and bag check are available. Lockers are free but skaters must bring their own locks.
The Pond at Bryant Park
Between 40th and 42nd Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues
New York, NY 10018
212-661-6640
thepondatbryantpark.com
Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Drop
The world's most famous New Year's Eve celebration takes place amidst the neon of Times Square. Dating back to the early 1900s, the ball drop is televised worldwide. A billion viewers watch as a crystal ball descends from a flagpole marking the beginning of another year. One million people brave the cold for the celebration.
Times Square
42nd Street and Broadway
New York, NY 10036
212-768-1560
timessquarenyc.org
Tags: York City, Grand Central, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Central Terminal, Grand Central Terminal