Things To Do In NYC December 2023

New York City is an incredible destination that has something for everyone. From the world-famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building to the buzzing nightlife, there’s something for everyone in the Big Apple. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a few weeks, here are the best activities to enjoy in NYC during the winter months of December 2023.

Iconic Landmarks to Visit

No trip to New York City is complete without visiting some of the city’s iconic landmarks. One of the most famous is the Statue of Liberty, which stands proud in the harbour as a symbol of freedom and hope. Take a ferry out to the island to visit the statue and learn more about its history. You can also visit the iconic Empire State Building and learn about its part in NYC’s history. Other landmarks worth visiting in NYC include the Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central Station, Central Park, and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Museums and Galleries

New York City is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the world. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must-visit for art lovers, with collections from all over the world. For something more interactive, visit the American Museum of Natural History, where you can explore the different exhibits and learn about the history of the Earth. Other museums and galleries worth visiting in NYC include the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Live Music and Theater

New York City is world-famous for its live music and theater scene. From Broadway shows to jazz clubs, there’s something for everyone. Book tickets to a show on Broadway, like The Lion King or Wicked. For live music, visit one of the city’s famous jazz clubs, like the Blue Note or the Village Vanguard. Other theaters and live music venues worth visiting in NYC include the Apollo Theater, the Radio City Music Hall, and the Bowery Ballroom.

Shopping, Dining, and Nightlife

New York City is also home to some of the best shopping, dining, and nightlife in the world. Visit the iconic Times Square for bright lights and the hustle and bustle of the city. Explore the trendy stores in SoHo and search for a bargain in the vintage stores of the East Village. For delicious food, try some of the city’s famous pizza restaurants or visit one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in the city. And for nightlife, check out some of the city’s famous nightclubs and bars, like the Mercer Kitchen or the Ace Hotel.

Day Trips from NYC

New York City is also a great base for exploring the surrounding areas. For beach lovers, take a day trip to the Hamptons for some sun and sand. Or for the adventurers, explore the Catskill Mountains for some hiking and scenic views. Other day trips from NYC worth taking include visiting the historic town of Sleepy Hollow, exploring the nearby towns of Beacon, Rhinebeck and Woodstock, or taking a trip to the upstate town of Saratoga Springs.

Additional Tips for Travellers

When travelling to New York City, it’s a good idea to bring a few different types of clothing. In December, the temperature can vary greatly, so bring layers that can easily be taken off or added on. It’s also a good idea to bring a few pieces of warm clothing, like a coat, hat, and gloves. The currency in the US is the US Dollar, so make sure to exchange some money before you arrive.

Conclusion

New York City is an incredible destination for any traveller. Whether you’re looking for iconic landmarks, museums, galleries, live music, theatre, shopping, dining, or nightlife, there’s something for everyone in the Big Apple. With all its amazing attractions, NYC is the perfect place to visit in December 2023.

An Insider’s Guide to New York City in December 2023

Anyone who’s been to New York City knows that December is an enchanting time to visit. With the entire city aglow in holiday lights, the crisp winter air, and the festive spirit all around, it is hard not to fall in love with the Big Apple. However, beyond the usual tourist spots, there are a plethora of hidden gems, off-beaten-path experiences, and local traditions that travelers must seek to make their trip to NYC unforgettable. Here is an insider’s guide to some of the best things to do in NYC in December 2023.

Local Attractions

During the holiday season, many tourists flock to the Central Park Winter Village, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and Fifth Avenue’s window displays. While undoubtedly magical and worth the visit, other lesser-known gems equally deserve your attention. For instance, The Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, located in Washington Heights, is a medieval-style castle housing over 5,000 works of art and relics from religious institutions across Europe. Besides, the private apartment museum of The Frick Collection on the Upper East Side is an exceptional art museum with Renaissance to impressionist masterpieces.

For an unusual outdoor experience, visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, less crowded in this season, featuring thousands of multicolored Japanese Garden lights, or take a winter stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge with views of the New York skyline as the sun sets.

Dining Spots

New York City offers an endless variety of cuisine- from spicy picked carrots to falafel to pizza, to upscale dining in Michelin-starred restaurants. During winter, some classic comfort foods that New Yorkers love include cupcakes from the Magnolia Bakery in Greenwich Village, Brooklyn Blackout Cake at the Doughnut Plant in Chelsea, or pancakes at Clinton Street Baking Company in the East Village. For a trendy culinary experience, visit DOMODOMO, a sushi spot in the West Village, serving the finest fish cuts for sashimi and dreamy Donburi served on lacquer boxes or try Llama Inn, a Peruvian-fusion spot in Williamsburg, for some of the best ceviche in town.

Cultural Experiences

New York City’s cultural scene is as diverse as its population. In December, the New York Philharmonic hosts holiday shows featuring contemporary and classical favorites. For a unique rendition of the Nutcracker, visit the Mark Morris Dance Company’s whimsical interpretation of the Tchaikovsky classic. The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx also has a winter show featuring various decorated Victorian-style glasshouses and thousands of cherry trees and poinsettias.

For a unique cultural experience, visit the El Museo del Barrio, the only museum in NYC exclusively dedicated to Latinx art, and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant Latin community and culture. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Flushing, Queens, and explore the night-time street food markets serving up some of the best seafood or dim sum found outside Asia.

Local History

New York City has a rich and complex history dating back to the country’s founding and includes enigmatic characters and tales. Did you know that the Algonquin Hotel near Times Square was home to the literary Round Table scene of the 1920s? Or that Central Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the mid-19th century? For a spine-tingling experience, visit the Morris-Jumel Mansion in Washington Heights, NYC’s oldest surviving house, and famously known for its links to George Washington’s spy ring.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a unique winter wonderland experience, head to the Queens County Farm museum and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride across lush fields or attend a cozy barn dance. For something truly out of the ordinary, take a trip to the International Center of Photography in Midtown or the Museum of Illusions in Washington Square Park, to experience mind-bending exhibits and interactive installations.

In conclusion, New York City in December offers a myriad of things to do beyond the usual tourist spots. Visiting New York offers travelers a chance to explore the city’s enigmatic history, taste flavors from around the world, and experience the diverse cultural offerings that make this city so unique. Start your adventure off the tourist trail, and embark on an unforgettable journey through an insiders’ guide to New York City.