Ultimate NYC Christmas Bucket List for Couples: Romantic Things to Do
New York City at Christmas is undeniably magical.
The air is fresh, the city is aglow with twinkling lights and there is an electric energy.
For couples, New York Christmas is the ultimate destination — where romance feels at home on its twinkling holiday displays, festive markets and cozy corners.
If you’re dreaming of a romantic Christmas trip with your partner, here is the ultimate NYC Christmas bucket list for couples that is sure to leave you with some fuzzy feelings you won’t soon forget.
1. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center: glide hand-in-hand
What could be more iconic (and romantic) than ice skating at Rockefeller Center during Christmas?
Beneath the towering Christmas tree, couples can share hand-in-hand trips around the rink, as the Christmas spirit permeates the air.
And even if you’re not the most graceful of skaters, the joy of laughing with friends, attempting to remain upright and soaking in the magic around you is proverbial holiday bliss.
The rink at Rockefeller Center might be among the most famous, but if you’re interested in a more intimate experience, you can check out Bryant Park Winter Village or Wollman Rink in Central Park.
Both offer a fantastic backdrop of NYC’s skyline that’s sure to provide those Instagram-worthy couple photos.
Advice: For a more romantic yet still less crowded experience, book a night skating session.
2. Visit the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Go on a romantic walk through Dyker Heights, Brooklyn’s famous neighborhood for Christmas lights, where residents decorate their homes with dazzling light displays, animated figures and life-sized Christmas decorations.
Needless to say, it is similar to passing by a real life winter wonderland!
You and your partner, hand in hand, can spend the evening walking up and down the bright, glittering streets, sipping hot cocoa and getting lost in the creativity and extravagance of each house.
It’s one of the biggest capes of holiday magic here inNYC and it’ll make for the most festive date night of the season cloaked in magic that will last long after those two holiday martinis.
3. Snuggle Up on a NYC Holiday Cruise
Picture the city skyline of Manhattan sparkling with lights as you and your partner enjoy a glass of champagne on a luxury yacht, cruising the Hudson River.
A NYC holiday cruise has to be the most romantic way to experience the city during Christmas.
Companies like Classic Harbor Line are offering the Holiday Yacht Cruise, while the Circle Line Holiday Lights Cruise zips you past the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and illuminated skyline.
Curl under cozy blankets, watch the skyline glide by, and allow the magic of Christmas — and the gentle lull of the water — create the ideal atmosphere for a romantic night out.
4. Stroll Through the Holiday Markets
Nothing says romance such as exploring New York’s famed holiday markets, hand-in-hand with your loved one.
Eggnog and gingerbread are the flavors of the day at the Union Square Holiday Market and Columbus Circle Holiday Market, just two of the best places to explore the handmade gifts, artisan works and delectable treats together.
The warm, festive vibe will have you feeling like you’re in a Christmas film.
Spend some time sampling various foods, from freshly made churros to hot cider, as you shop for thoughtful little gifts for each other.
And don’t neglect to warm up with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate.
5. Visit the Christmas Tree at Lotte New York Palace
Most people know that the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is the big show in town, but there’s another hidden gem that stands out: the jaw-dropping Christmas tree at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel.
This luxurious tree sits in a courtyard removed from the din of Manhattan streets, providing an incredibly romantic setting.
You can soak in the majesty of the tree and the storied hotel setting and perhaps steal a little holiday kiss in the holiday glow.
Afterward, head to the grand lobby of the hotel and admire the fancy holiday decor — it’s an experience fit for (hotel) royalty.
6. Have Christmas-Themed Cocktails at a Festive Bar
For couples who prefer a cozy evening out, check out one of New York’s many Christmas-themed bars, where you can sip on holiday drinks in an intimate, festive environment.
Two of the most popular are Miracle on 9th Street and Sippin’ Santa, both cozy spaces with whimsical holiday decor, creative Christmas cocktails and loads of holiday cheer.
Have a classic Hot Toddy or a more creative cocktail while you take in the festive atmosphere and keep an eye out for Santa!
7. Enjoy a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride Through Central Park
A horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park is one of the most classic romantic experiences and particularly for the holidays when the park turns into a snowy, magical landscape.
Cuddled up under a blanket, you and your partner can unwind and enjoy the fabulous winter views while you clip-clop past frozen ponds, snow-covered trees and your iconic sights.
Carriage rides can be tailored to your specifications, so if you just want a quick hit, or a longer journey through the park, it’s a moment you’ll remember forever.
8. See a Broadway Show or the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
For an evening of warm and fuzzies, why not get tickets to a Broadway show or the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes.
Filled with incredible choreography, breathtaking performances, and festive music that will leave your jaw dropped, the Christmas Spectacular is a New York City tradition.
If you need a more intimate holiday experience, check out Broadway’s slate of holiday shows running during the season.
It’s the perfect way to thaw from the chill, and the experience of live theater gives your Christmas visit a bit of extra magic.
9. Take the Ledge at the Sky Deck in Chicago
If you and your beloved have an appetite for jaw-dropping skyline views of the city, take your relationship to the top of the domestic barn tower at the Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center.
From this perspective, the whole city is lit up with holiday lights.
It’s amazing to see at any time, but especially during Christmas when the buildings are covered in shiny decorations.
Make sure to go when the sun is setting for an added romantic touch—seeing the city change from day to night is nothing less than magical.
10. A Romantic Dinner at a Christmas-y Restaurant
New York City’s restaurant scene sparkles with the holiday spirit, with many establishments offering festive Christmas menus and winter decorations.
If you’re looking for a romantic night out, you might want to reserve a table at a restaurant like Rolf’s, famous for its extreme holiday décor, or Tavern on the Green in Central Park, which strikes an elegant yet cozy note with its holiday ambiance.
A candlelight dinner surrounded by light is all the Christmas romance you need to indulge in a great meal and celebrate the holidays together.
11. Marvel at the Window Displays on Fifth Avenue
New York City is indeed well-known for its luxurious Christmas window displays, but the most festive ones can be found along Fifth Avenue.
Christmas windows at department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Macy’s are magical, and they’ll give you and your date a lot to talk about.
Walking down Fifth Avenue, pausing to looks at the windows and taking in the holiday spirit around you is a lovely way to spend an evening.
Make sure to wrap up well and pick up a hot drink on your walk!
12. Soak in the loveliness of the Metropolitan Museum’s Christmas tree
A met must for art and history lovers couples — this is a must.
At Christmastime, the museum features a magnificent tree with an exquisite 18th-century Neapolitan nativity set.
Set in the museum’s Medieval Sculpture Hall, the tree creates a quiet, intimate, peaceful atmosphere — a perfect, romantic moment to pause and reflect.
After oohing and aahing at the tree, continue the walk through the museum’s galleries, hand in hand, admiring art from around the globe.
Conclusion: Exciting NYC Christmas Magic for Every Visitor
Christmas in New York City is a season of romance, wonder, and unforgettable experiences for couples.
Whether you’re gliding around the ice at Rockefeller Center, sipping cocktails at a holiday bar, or sharing a still moment in front of the city’s grandest Christmas trees, there are no shortage of romantic things to do.
NYC becomes a festive paradise and these bucket-list worthy things to do will make your holiday trip worthy of fairy tales.
So take your partner and go on the ultimate NYC Christmas adventure — you’ll do this with memories that last forever!
