A Fashion Lover’s Guide to NYC Christmas Outfits and Where to Wear Them
The magic of Christmas in New York City
The twinkling lights, the landmarks iconic at any time of year festooned in holiday finery and a certain holiday buzz in the air make for one of the best places in the world to be for the holidays.
But for fashion lovers, NYC at Christmastime is particularly special — it’s like the grand stage on which to flaunt your winter wardrobe.
From ice skating at Rockefeller Center to strolling through Central Park to browsing the luxury department store windows on Fifth Avenue, the chances to get dressed-up are many.
But here’s where things start to get tricky: You still have to look swell while dressing for New York’s winter chill.
I’ve watched scores of folks fall for the fashion over function.(screams ice woman inside), purporting that holiday Instagram shot but freezing on route to capturing it.
So, in order to ensure that you can absolutely slay those NYC Christmas looks with neither warmth nor comfort being sacrificed in the process, I enlisted none other than my friends who are pissed at me right now because I texted them all but its for a good cause (these girls dress well, OK) to put together what I’m dubbing, hands down, the ultimate guide.
This is your fashion lover’s guide to NYC Christmas outfits and where to wear them, whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor!
1. The Glamorous Outfit for Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
There’s something so New York Christmas about ice skating at Rockefeller Center.
With the giant tree looming overhead and the iconic Prometheus statue glittering, it’s an ideal setting for both holiday revelry and style.
What to Wear:
My women friends informed me that for ice skating you have to find consistency in warmth and flexability.
With fleece-lined leggings or fashion-forward thermal tights, go with a fitted sweater.
Complete the look with a long, padded puffer coat that is both sleek and functional.
Top off the look with a cute beanie or headband to keep your ears toasty, and don’t forget your gloves!
Footwear:
You’re going to be ice skating, of course, but you’ll want comfortable boots for when you’re not on the ice.
My friends suggest a pair of trendy faux-fur-lined boots that I can slide on and off easily but will still make me look super stylish.
Where to Wear It:
Rockefeller Center is a holiday must-see, and ice skating there is a bucket-list experience.
This ensemble is great for skating and then walking around afterwards and exploring some of the surrounding Christmas displays.
2. Central Park Strolls: The Cozy and Chic Look
December is ‘wonderland’ in Central Park.
Wandering its snow-capped pathways, particularly around the Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge, is like stepping inside a Christmas card.
What to Wear:
My friends continued that layering for warmth, while still looking effortlessly chic, is key here.
Begin with a wool or cashmere turtleneck sweater dress.
Top it with opaque tights and over-the-knee boots — chic but practical enough for traversing icy expanses.
A neutral-colored belted wool coat in camel or gray adds a touch of polish over top.
Accessories:
Drape yourself in a textured and luxurious scarf, perhaps a beret, too, to keep things festive (and classy).
A crossbody bag also helps to keep your hands free for snapping pictures or holding hot cocoa while you walk the park.
Where to Wear It:
This look is great for a fun day strolling through the winter sights of Central Park.
Head down to the park’s southern end for scenic views of the city’s skyline or head up to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir for a tranquil stroll.
3. Chic Overlayering for Holiday Shopping on Fifth Avenue
New York City is known for high-end shopping, and there’s no better time to indulge than around Christmas, particularly along Fifth Avenue.
Be it window shopping or browsing for holiday gifts, you want to look good and be warm enough to go in and out of the stores.
What to Wear:
My style-of-all-trades friends are huge fans of layering for this sort of thing.
A light, long-sleeved thermal shirt will keep you insulated without taking up much room.
Put on a cashmere sweater and then throw a chic wool coat over it.
If you are looking for a classic black or navy coat you can do that, or go bold with a plaid or houndstooth pattern at the very least to stand out against the salty backdrop of Fifth Avenue.
Footwear:
When you’re shopping in NYC, comfortable word answer, however stylish, shoes are key.
My friends recommend ankle boots with a low, block heel — definitely comfortable enough for walking but also still chic.
Select a waterproof style if you’ll be traversing slushy streets.
Accessories:
Even a wide-brimmed fedora or structured hat would work to glam up the look while keeping your head warm.
Add leather gloves and a chic crossbody bag for a polished, high-fashion edit.
Where to Wear It:
Fifth Avenue is famous for its lavish department store windows over Christmas, so this is the ideal place to reveal a high-end outfit.
This look is perfect for browsing Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue or visiting designer shops, such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
4. A Relaxed Outfit for Christmas Markets and Food Halls
So, there is no shortage of Christmas Markets in NYC, and one of the best things about these markets is the cozy, festive vibe.
From Bryant Park’s Winter Village to the Union Square Holiday Market, you’ll want to wear something that will allow you to move comfortably while browsing for unique gifts and noshing on holiday treats.
What to Wear:
My friends rely on oversized, cozy sweaters and skinny jeans or faux leather leggings for this kind of day.
Layer it with a plaid shacket (a shirt-jacket hybrid) for a fashionable, yet relaxed look.
You’ll be warm, but you won’t feel stifled as you stroll past the market stalls.
Footwear:
For the footwear, flat Chelsea boots or cute snow boots are the way to go for this look.
Comfort is key here, since you’ll be on your feet for hours.
My friends recommend boots with memory-foam insoles to keep your feet happy as you’re out and about.
Accessories:
Pack a knitted beanie and also a backpack purse to keep your hands free while you grab street eats or pick up souvenirs.
A thermos loaded with hot chocolate is a festive accessory that enhances the holiday spirit.
Where to Wear It:
This outfit is great for outdoor Christmas markets such as Bryant Park’s Winter Village, or for wandering indoor food halls such as Chelsea Market.
It’s the ideal blend of fancy and comfy, so you’ll look put-together and feel cozy all day.
5. Night Out at The Nutcracker or a Holiday Dinner: The Ultimate Glam Look
Catching a performance of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center or enjoying a Christmas dinner at one of the city’s upscale dining venues like Tavern on the Green is one of the best ways to experience Christmas in NYC.
For this, you’ll want to get full glam, but keep in mind the city’s winter chill.
What to Wear:
My friends always say, for things like this, to pull out your fanciest holiday dress.
A velvet or sequined cocktail dress is a common Christmas choice in New York — it’s festive and glamorous and the perfect thing to wear on a night out.
If you want even more coverage, wear opaque tights and pair the dress with a luxe faux-fur coat or a fitted wool coat.
Footwear:
I recommend heeled ankle boots or block-heeled pumps for this outfit.
At the same time, if you’re worried about icy streets, my friends say you should opt for stylish block-heeled boots with a grip sole so you don’t wipe out while walking around.
Accessories:
If your outfit needs a lift, try statement earrings, a clutch bag, and a bold red lip.
And don’t skip a chic shawl or wrap to throw over your shoulders when the coat comes off.
Where to Wear It:
There is perfect for glam holiday outings — like going to see The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center, taking in a Broadway show or having an expensive dinner at a top New York restaurant.
You’ll light up heads wherever you go!
Final Words: NYC Christmas Attire
The New York City Christmas experience is one that is magical but also a fashion lover’s dream.
From the glitzy streets of Fifth Avenue to the cozy Christmas markets, there is an outfit for every holiday moment.
And the best part?
You don’t need to choose between being warm and looking good.
With guidance from my stylish female friends, I’ve devised this guide to help you tackle the holidays in NYC with aplomb.
Whether you’re ice skating at Rockefeller Center, taking a casual walk in Central Park or icing it up for a night at The Nutcracker, you’ll be ready to tackle the holiday season in style!
So keep these outfits in mind while you plan your Christmas in New York — it’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all, and you’ll want to revel in it, looking fabulous along the way.
