New York City in December is the most wonderful time of the year, and what makes it more incredible is spending the holidays in New York City with your loved ones! If you’re planning a trip to NYC, here are the best things to do in NYC in December with your dog, family, friends, or significant other.
But before we continue with the list, remember that if you are taking your dog around NYC, protect their paws with Musher’s Paw Balm from snow, ice, slush, and salt on the grounds!
1. SHOP THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN NYC
If you’re looking to find unique gifts in New York City to bring home, then the Christmas Markets will be the best place to find them. The vendors are primarily small businesses offering unique handmade or local goods. You can find things like jewelry, specialty foods (even treats for your pup), spices and teas, and handcrafted goods.
Best Outdoor NYC Christmas Markets:
- Winter Village at Bryant Park
- Union Square Holiday Market
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market – just right across the street is The Shops at Columbus, and it’s a high-end dog-friendly mall. Come here to warm up and grab some food in the food court.
Best Indoor NYC Christmas Market
- The Holiday Fair at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal
2. SEE THE GORGEOUS NYC CHRISTMAS WINDOW DISPLAYS
Every year, I love seeing the decked-out Christmas window displays. It’s always so magical and makes me feel like a kid again. I usually visit after midnight as it’s a bit less crowded, so it’s much more enjoyable to experience with my pup.
Where to see the NYC Christmas window displays
- 5th Avenue from 59th Street to 50th Street. Luxury shops like Cartier, Bergdorf Goodman, Louis Vuitton, and Saks Fifth Avenue have their storefronts shine bright with tons of Christmas lights and beautiful decor. Want to shop in one of these luxury stores? Go ahead and bring your pup! They are all dog-friendly.
- Macy’s Herald Square. Macy’s during December is another great place to see the Christmas window displays. They have a different theme each year! After viewing the windows, make sure to go inside Macy’s to visit the store completely decked out with Christmas decor.
Tip: There will be a lot of people viewing the Christmas windows. Make sure to watch out for others stepping on your dog’s paws! Another cute Christmas window display is in front of Lillie’s Victorian Restaurant at Union Square. Gatsby looking at the toy trains is adorable!!!
3. VISIT THE ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS TREE
Your New York in December trip would not be complete without visiting the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree! With more than 50,000 lights decorated on the tree, it sparkles so brightly!
Every year, there is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting to kick off the holidays with performances by major artists! Again, this area will be completely packed, so make sure your pup is comfortable before you go, and be careful that their paws don’t get stepped on!
4. VISIT THE LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE CHRISTMAS TREE
While the Rockefeller Tree is a stunner, the smaller tree outside of the Lotte New York Palace Hotel is my favorite, and for a reason! I am a huge Gossip Girl fan, and the hotel’s courtyard is one of the exact filming locations!
5. VISIT THE CHRISTMAS TREE AT WALL STREET
Every year, we take the “Wolf Of Wall Street,” aka Gatsby, my pup, to see the Christmas tree at Wall Street. While you’re there, take a photo with the fearless girl statue!
6. WATCH THE SAKS FIFTH AVENUE LIGHT SHOW
While at Rockefeller Center, stick around for the Saks Fifth Avenue Light show, which is directly across the street from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
7. SEE THE GIANT RED ORNAMENTS
Located at 6th Ave. between 49th & 50th St, the giant red ornaments with Radio City Music Hall in the backdrop is another perfect Christmas in NYC photo!
8. GO ICE SKATING
After years of ice skating, I still can’t seem to learn how to stop without hitting the barriers. However, it has never stopped me from going ice skating in the middle of New York City in December! It’s a fun activity that always gets me into that holiday spirit!
WHERE TO GO ICE SKATING IN NYC?
The following locations are the most iconic in NYC:
- Bryant Park Winter Village
- Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink
- Wollman Rink Central Park
9. VISIT CENTRAL PARK
When visiting New York City any time of the year, a stroll through Central Park is a must! Central Park in the winter is gorgeous, especially when it snows! Read my ultimate guide to dog-friendly Central Park attractions to see where to explore with your pup.
10. HUDSON YARDS LIGHTS
Head over to Hudson Yards, the home to the famous Vessel. Inside the Shops at Hudson Yards (also dog-friendly), you can find over 2 million lights dazzling the mall! Check out the shops and stop by my favorite coffee place at Bluestone Lane for a quick bite. Their salmon toast is my favorite.
outfit details: warm parka | mock neck sweater | black jeggings | over-the-knee boots
11. WARM UP IN A COFFEE SHOP
When it gets too cold, warm up by heading to a dog-friendly coffee shop. Your pup can roam around freely and socialize with other New Yorker canines. Here are a few dog-friendly cafes in NYC. Our go-to is Boris and Horton.
BORIS AND HORTON
195 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
This is hands down the best dog cafe in NYC. Enjoy coffee and brunch here, buy your pup a few treats and toys, and socialize with other dog parents while your pup roams free. Here are two locations where your dog can roam free.
BLACK LAB CAFE
420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Recently opened in March of 2022, the Black Lab Cafe is located on the Upper West Side of NYC. Come here for fresh pastries, coffee, or a casual glass of wine. Your pup has a menu, and they can choose their meal from Clean Bowl Club NYC.
12. DYKER HEIGHTS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
I wonder how much the residents are racking up on their electric bills at Dyker Heights during the holidays. Dyker Heights is a neighborhood in Brooklyn right next to Bayridge, and it is LIT during December! You can find the Christmas light displays from 11th to 13th Avenues (also known as Dyker Heights Blvd) from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
To get here, either call an Uber or take the subway. Ride the R train to 86th Street or the D train to 79th Street. When you get to the streets, it’s a bit of a walk, but it will totally be worth it!
DECEMBER IN NEW YORK CITY FAQ’s
WHEN WILL THE CHRISTMAS DECOR BE UP?
Christmas decorations are up as early as mid-November.
WHEN IS THE TREE LIGHTING IN NEW YORK?
This year, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is on December 1st to kick off the holidays!
WHERE ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS FOR CHRISTMAS IN NYC?
These restaurants are usually all decked out for the holidays. Make sure you make a reservation!
- La Grande Boucherie in Midtown – has an outdoor space with heating so your pup can dine with you too.
- Lillie’s Victorian Restaurant
- Rolf’s German Restaurant
- Oscar Wilde
IS DECEMBER A GOOD TIME TO VISIT IN NEW YORK CITY?
December is a beautiful time to visit New York City. Even though it may be a bit cold, the Christmas cheer and decor are so worth it!
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR IN NEW YORK CITY IN DECEMBER?
Since you’ll be mostly outdoors, bring warm clothes and a jacket when traveling to New York City in December.
Things to Pack for December in NYC
WHAT INDOOR PLACES CAN I TAKE MY DOG IN DECEMBER IN NEW YORK CITY?
- Grand Central Terminal
- The Shops at Columbus Circle
- The Shops at Hudson Yards
- The Oculus & Brookfield Mall (located downtown and walkable to Wall Street)
- Dog Cafes like Boris and Horton
- The AKC Museum of the Dog
What are the best Dog-Friendly Hotels in NYC?
Kimpton Hotels
When traveling to any city, I always try to book a stay with Kimpton Hotels. They don’t ever charge a pet fee, and there is no limit on the number of pets allowed or pet size. When you arrive at a Kimpton Hotel, the staff will greet your pup by name. A pet bed, food and water bowls, and mats will be available in the room. The hotel concierge will provide a list of pet-friendly restaurants, parks, and groomers in the area and courtesy bags for dog walking.
The best part of Kimpton Hotels is their complimentary wine reception from 5pm-7pm! Your pup is always welcome to join.
Kimpton Hotels in NYC:
Kimpton Hotel Eventi | 851 6th Avenue New York, NY 10001
DOG DAYCARE WHILE YOU EXPLORE NYC IN PLACES YOUR DOG CAN’T
You may want to catch a Broadway Show, watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the famous Rockettes, or wish to visit a place that, unfortunately, isn’t dog-friendly.
In that case, you can always take your pup to a dog daycare if you feel comfortable. Just make sure to call ahead of time to find out their policy and procedures, and bring all your pup’s vaccination and medical records because it’s needed to check your pup in. I would high suggest calling the dog daycare center before arriving in New York City. Here’s a list of the best NYC dog daycare centers.
Another option is your check with your hotel to see if they offer pet-sitting services.
December in NYC is the Most Magical Time
You see, there are so many things to do in NYC in December. I hope you’re able to plan a trip here to experience the most wonderful time of the year with your dog, family, friends, or significant other. Let me know which spot is your favorite!
Related Posts:
What To Pack For New York City Winters
Top 9 Luxury Dog-Friendly Hotels That Allow Large Dogs
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