What to Wear in New York for Christmas: Stylish Outfits That Will Keep You Warm
New York City is magical in the wintertime, and the holiday season takes that magic to the next level.
Wintertime means crowded streets, sparkling lights and holiday markets—but it also means cold weather.
So, if you’re spending Christmas in New York, you’ll want to be looking chic and well-wrapped.
Because, let’s face it: winter in the city can be pretty brutal if you’re not ready!
No corner of NYC at Christmas isn’t a photo-worthy backdrop — whether you’re strolling through snow-filled Central Park, shopping along Fifth Avenue or having hot chocolate at one of the holiday markets.
And the last thing you want is to be freezing while you try to enjoy all that magic, trust me.
Layer on the clothing when assembling an outfit for NYC during Christmas.
But you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style to keep warm.
I turned again to my fashionable female friends about layering — because let’s face it, they know a whole lot more about wearing cool combos than I ever will — to help pull together this round-up of stylish but warm outfits for Christmas in New York.
1. The Ideal Ensemble for City Exploration
When I will be sightseeing during the day — walking over the Brooklyn Bridge, visiting Times Square, shopping Fifth Avenue for the holiday window displays — I will want an ensemble that balances comfort, warmth and style.
What to Wear:
My friends told me layering looks make for a casual — but stylish — look.
Begin with a long-sleeved thermal base layer, then add a chunky knit sweater or turtleneck.
Add an oversized coat — one that’s either insulated but still looks sleek (think wool or a puffer that’s fitted to the body).
For bottoms, fleece-lined leggings or skinny jeans are the way to go; you want to stay warm but not at the expense of looking cute.
Footwear:
Wear ankle boots and thermal socks
My friends suggest waterproof leather or faux-suede boots that can withstand snowy or slushy streets but still look chic.
Remember that when you are walking around the city the whole day comfort is essential!
Accessories:
Complete your outfit with a warm scarf, knitted hat and gloves.
If you go outside on sunny (but cold) days, sunglasses are a good idea too.
Where to Wear It:
This ensemble is stylish but casual enough for a day of sightseeing and shopping, ending with lunch at a cozy NYC café.
It’s the best combination of comfort and style for visiting the city’s holiday sights.
2. Luxurious Layers for Walking Central Park
Christmas time in Central Park is magical, and even more so after a fresh dusting of snow.
But walking around the park in winter is a multilayered process — especially if you intend to stop to take a lot of pictures.
What to Wear:
A wool turtleneck dress, therefore fitted, worn with thermal tights, is, according to my friend, warm yet effortlessly chic.
Layer a long belt and wool coat on top for structure and warmth.
A faux-fur scarf or snood will keep your neck protected from biting winds and will help lend an air of luxury.
Footwear:
Over-the-knee boots are a chic and functional option — they keep your legs warm and look put together.
My friends suggest boots with a tiny heel to elevate the look but still allow you to stroll comfortably through the snowy paths in the park.
Accessories:
And a pom-pom beanie is perfect to add a playful yet warm part to this look.
Combine it with touchscreen-friendly gloves so you can take photos of the delightful holiday displays without freezing off your fingers.
Where to Wear It:
This look is ideal for a winter stroll through Central Park, particularly near Bethesda Terrace or Bow Bridge, where the snow is a stunning backdrop for photos.
3. Fashionable But Functional Ice Skating Getup
Ice skating is one of the most Christmassy things to do in New York.
Whether you’re taking a spin around the crowded Rockefeller Center rink or a quieter session at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, you want to keep warm — but you don’t want to feel bulky on the ice.
What to Wear:
My friends advise a thermal base layer, which will keep you warm without constricting your movements too much.
Over that, layer on a cute turtleneck or mock neck sweater, with skinny jeans or thermal leggings.
A smart fitted, insulated puffy is perfect for this because it will give you good movement and warmth.
You’ll be skating, so you don’t want something too bulky.
Footwear:
You’ll wear ice skates on the rink, but be sure you pack chic but cozy boots to wear when you’re not on the ice.
My friends recommend a waterproof lace-up boot lined in warm fur for style as well as warmth.
Accessories:
A cute, fashion-forward alternative to a hat, a knitted headband or earmuffs will keep your ears warm while you skate.
But add a pair of warm but dextrous gloves — essential when you’re lacing up your skates.
Where to Wear It:
This look is ideal for ice skating at iconic rinks like Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park, and it’ll keep you toasty while you walk around and experience the https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/07/style/2022-holiday-season-in-us.html after.
4. Dress for a Day of Christmas Market Outings
Adventuring to NYC’s Christmas markets, such as the one at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, is the perfect remedy for shopping, swigging hot cocoa and embracing the holiday spirit.
The trick to styling an outfit in which to hop around to markets all day?
Make it cozy, but throw in a few chic flourishes.
What to Wear:
My friends like to wear this with a cozy sweater and a tailored coat.”
Begin with a cashmere sweater and layer on a wool coat in a holiday hue, like burgundy or forest green.
For the bottom, skinny jeans or fleece-lined leggings are my go-to for comfort and warmth.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s better to keep the look trim and chic.
Footwear:
The look caters for those flat boots with a warming lining.
But you also don’t want anything too prim because you’ll be strolling around the market and my friends think stylish, polished-finish booties are perfect for finishing off the outfit.
Accessories:
Scarves, mittens, and a sleepy-beanie are great for keeping familial and storybook warmth in the air.
Extra points if bringing along a reusable coffee cup, which you can fill with hot chocolate while meandering the market stalls!
Where to Wear It:
This outfit is the perfect look for outdoor Christmas markets, where you’ll be outdoors most of the day, but want to look put together as well as stylish.
5. Fancy Christmas Eve Dinner Outfit
Should you have reservations for a feast on Christmas Eve at any of New York’s fine-dining hot spots — the swank Tavern on the Green, among many others — now is the time to go all out.
You’re going to need a look that’s as glam and cozy as the holiday spirit itself.
What to Wear:
My fashionable friends tell me that velvet dresses are the ultimate holiday statement piece.
A long-sleeved velvet dress in a jewel tone like emerald or deep red is luxurious, and warm.
To take the look up a notch, toss on a fitted faux-fur coat or cape — it’ll keep you cozy while adding a dramatic, glamorous touch.
Footwear:
Heeled ankle boots or block heels are the way to go here, as they provide the refined effect of a heel without the (likely wasted) attempts at elegance.
My friends tell me to look for something with a low heel for comfort, especially if I’ll be walking to my destination.
Accessories:
Add some sparkle with a statement earring or statement necklace, and finish with a small clutch.
My friends suggest the red lip; The red lip.
Where to Wear It:
This ensemble is perfect for a chic Christmas Eve dinner or a fancy night out on the town.
You’ll read as effortlessly chic, festive and warm — prepared to enjoy a memorable holiday evening.
So, to wrap it up: What to Wear in New York for Christmas
New in New York at Christmas — as anywhere — is a trade-off of style with practicality, when the mercury plummets.
Whether you are going to wander through the merry streets, ice skate beneath the famed Rockefeller Center tree or savor a special holiday meal, there’s an outfit for every occasion that will have you both cozy and stylish.
Alongside my girly friends (who know a thing or two about holiday-style), I shared the ultimate guide to how to stay chic while celebrating Christmas in New York.
From cuddly, daytime ensembles great for seeing the sights to glitzy looks ideal for a festive night out, these outfit ideas will have you dressed to the nines no matter what you do.
So, before you start packing your bags for New York this Christmas, make sure you plan your outfits well — because in this city, it’s all about dressing the part.
Experience NYC magic at Christmas while looking chic and staying warm because there’s no better place for holidays!
