What to do on Christmas Day in New York City

On Christmas Day the frenetic pace of New York City slows to a delightful crawl and amounts to what feels like a giant exhale. And with it comes a day of relative quiet which is ideal for enjoying much of what the city has to offer. While many institutions are shuttered on Christmas Day, there is still plenty to do in the Big Apple. We have a round up of just a few ideas of where to spend the day!

Enjoy the epic New York City skyline with a birds-eye view at Summit One Vanderbilt. Summit One Vanderbilt is NYC’s newest attraction, and it is open on Christmas Day. There are unprecedented mirror rooms (30,375 square feet of mirrors), a shape-shifting visual immersion experience by artist Yayoi Kusama, and sweeping views. For those who are up for a bit of adventure, there’s also the Ascent.

The Ascent is the highest rack-and-pinion elevator system in the world! It is currently home to the largest glass floor elevator in the world, too.

There are 3 different types of tickets to choose from. The Summit Experience $35 (day) $49 (night), The Summit Ascent $59 (day) $69 (night), and the Ultimate Summit $73 (day) $83 (night).

45 E 42nd St

New York, NY 10017

Entrance located on the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal

Warm up at Grand Central! Take advantage of the lull of Christmas Day to tour this iconic New York landmark that has been featured in more films than can be counted and is as integral a part of New York City as the Yankees. Take in the incredible ceiling paintings, bask in the glow of the famous clock and enjoy the marble pillars and steps that lead you through the majestic building. It’s a bit like stepping back in time.

89 E 42nd St

New York, NY 10017

This Christmas why not go see the famed Radio City Rockettes! Scope out the famed Radio City holiday decorations while you’re there. Experience Radio City Music Hall as it transforms into an immersive, magical wonderland and discover what’s new in this iconic New York City tradition. Let the Rockettes’ high kicks, delightful dancing and musical extravaganza become part of your holiday memories! Currently, there are 5 show times available at 11 AM, 2 PM, 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 10 PM.

Tickets can be found here, and yes, they are performing on Christmas Day!

260 6th Ave

New York, NY 10020

Take a leisurely stroll through Central Park on Christmas Day and experience the majesty of this epic, more than 800-acre city park. Popular and scenic spots to see include: Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Gapstow Bridge, and Umpire Rock. Stop into the Loeb Boathouse for a hot chocolate or coffee to complete your stroll. And if you’re still looking for something more active, you can hit the ice at the Wollman Rink. Lace up your skates and glide through your Christmas Day! Tickets for ice skating can be purchased at the Wollman Rink site. 

Wollman Rink Address

830 5th Ave

New York, NY 10065

Christmas Day has a slower pace to it and it’s a wonderful moment to explore the West Village and have it more or less to yourself! The buzz and clipped pace are gone, making space for quiet contemplation. Stroll among the brownstones and maybe if it’s truly empty, walk the middle of the streets, or do some window shopping. Perhaps you’ll get lucky and find a tiny corner bar that’s open to duck into and warm up with a hot toddy.
The West Village is located between Sixth Avenue and West Street (east to west) and 14th Street and W Houston (north to south).

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.