Christmastime in New York City is seen as iconic by nearly everyone. The big city lights supplemented by Christmas lights really set the stage for all of the shopping, sight-seeing, and general jolly times throughout the area, and it’s no wonder that tourists literally flock here during December despite the usually cold temperatures. While I’m sure everyone who visits wants to see all the most popular spots, the large crowds can feel overwhelming at times. So, instead of trying to brave the lines and heavily-foot trafficked areas, I’ve gathered up some suggestions for places just as jolly, but not quite as jarring.
Instead of Rolf’s German Restaurant, Try a Local Favorite, Heidelberg
Every time I research the best places for Christmas pictures in the city, Rolf’s always appears on the list. It’s somewhere I have personally never been, and I do want to go to, except they don’t take reservations and to snag a lucky table, you have to show up before opening and wait in line for almost an hour (or more!) to be seated. All the waiting and all of the tourists trying for the same Instagram shot of the highly-decorated interior kind of kills some of the merry mood, so instead of Rolf’s try another local German establishment. While not quite as festive, it still has great cozy Christmas vibes.
Living in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Yorkville, I dove into the history of the once-German area and have walked past two of the remaining relics of the time: Heidelberg Restaurant and Schaller & Weber, a butcher shop with attached sausage take-out window. If you’re looking for authentic German food with the warm, cheery feel of a German Christmas market, head up to East 86th Street and 2nd Avenue and grab a table and a liter of beer at Heidelberg.
Instead of Ice Skating at Rockefeller, Try Bryant Park
Arguably one of the most iconic places to ice skate, the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink has the crowds to prove it. Long lines, expensive skate rentals, and a large crowd on the ice (even with COVID protocols) make the experience slightly less enjoyable. If you absolutely have to skate, head to Bryant Park’s Winter Village and hop on the rink. I strolled through the park on a very busy Sunday night and was pleasantly surprised at how few people were actually ice skating. No one likes to have to dodge dozens of clumsy skaters while making their laps around the rink, and Bryant Park’s is a perfect option to avoid those crowds while still being in the middle of a magical winter wonderland. When you’re done, grab a warm hot chocolate (or a boozy Baileys hot chocolate) to warm back up.
Instead of Shopping at Bryant Park, Try Union Square Holiday Market Instead
While the ice skating at Bryant Park is less crowded than other places, the holiday market is so crowded you can barely walk through the aisles and properly assess the crafts and gift shops. I tried shopping there and got so claustrophobic and fed up with the crowds I didn’t even actually have a chance to really look at anything. I was determined to support small local businesses, so I tried Union Square’s Holiday Market and absolutely loved it. There were so many great booths and I managed to get all of my holiday shopping done in one easy trip. Of course they have booths selling hot chocolate and hot cider to keep you warm while you shop.
Instead of the Rockefeller Tree, Try These...
Of course the Rockefeller Tree is big beyond belief and everyone wants to take a peek during the holiday season, but the crowds are unbelievably overwhelming. I walked past and tried to snap a picture and within two minutes of being shoved around in a dense group of tourists, my fight-or-flight response started kicking in. To get a shot at a great picture with a festive tree, instead head to the Lotte New York Palace Hotel for their stunningly gorgeous Christmas tree. It’s a LOT less crowded which makes for MUCH better photos, and an all-around more peaceful environment. It’s my personal favorite tree in the city.
(Much to my disappointment, the tree is NOT there this year, 2021, as the building is in the midst of renovations and the scaffolding is obstructing where the tree would go. Very sad, but try again in 2022!)
Two other great options for Christmas tree viewing are at Madison Square Park and Washington Square Park. Both parks have pretty massive trees that are simply decorated and have way less crowds than some others. I actually preferred these simple yet large trees and LOVED that I was able to grab some pictures without a ton of people I don't know hanging out in the background.
They also feature great backdrops and are located in nice areas to explore. The tree at Madison Square Park features the Flatiron Building in the background, and the park itself is right near Eataly and other great shops and restaurants. Washington Square Park set their tree under the famous arch, and with the right angle you can get the tree, the arch, and the Empire State Building all in one shot.
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