The best Christmas holidays to New York for 2023

Any city with such a vast range of things to see and do as New York makes for an attractive year-round holiday destination.

But the US big-hitter really comes into its own at Christmas. As well as its landmarks and sights, from its cosmopolitan neighbourhoods and centuries-old buildings to its world-famous shopping and dining scene, the Big Apple is an old-hand when it comes to getting into the festive spirit.

Perhaps it’s the combination of flurries of snow, a world-famous ice rink at Rockefeller Center, excessive decoration and network of Christmas markets, but NYC has a holiday spirit that makes it an ideal destination for a memorable Christmas break.

There are plenty of options for a holiday stay, from stalwart palatial hotels to more affordable city-centre boltholes, and numerous packages designed around the festive period. We’ve rounded up some of the best below.

Bryant Park Hotel

Stay as close as possible to Bryant Park if you want to have the easiest access to NYC’s Christmas markets. This is the site of New York’s main market, the Bryant Park Winter Village, where a large ice rink is surrounded by over 150 kiosks selling street food and various gifts.

Bryant Park sits roughly between the city’s other two main markets, at Columbus Circle and Union Square. The former, sitting on the edge of Central Park, has more of a traditional European feel to it – with German food and wooden huts galore – and while the latter is a similar affair, the presence of 200 stalls means there’s even more to explore.

For best proximity to the markets, consider booking directly at the Bryant Park Hotel. It is ideally located for reaching all of the main markets while also being suited to exploring Midtown, Downtown and Upper Manhattan thanks to the nearby metro. Set in a towering building overlooking the park, it offers sweeping views from many of its modern rooms.