What closes and what stays open
Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday. Expect a quieter city than usual, with big museums and most shops shut, but the outdoor sights and many restaurants carry on.
Closed on the day: the Met, MoMA, the American Museum of Natural History, the 9/11 Museum, the Intrepid, Macy's, supermarkets and the outlet malls. Circle Line cruises and Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island trips also don't run.
- Open: Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, Edge, Summit One Vanderbilt and the 9/11 Memorial.
- Open: Radio City Christmas Spectacular, the Rockefeller tree, ice skating and many restaurants.
- Hours can shift on holidays, so check each venue's site a few days ahead.
The tree, the windows and the lights
The Rockefeller Center tree was lit on December 2 and is on display on Christmas Day. Go early in the morning or late at night if you want room to stand.
The Fifth Avenue windows are on the street, so you can walk them any time. The stores are closed, but the displays glow. Saks Fifth Avenue's facade light show runs every 7-10 minutes from about 5 PM, and Bergdorf Goodman's windows are worth the walk north.
For a long evening of lights, Brooklyn's Dyker Heights is a good choice. Our Dyker Heights guide covers how to get there.
- Rockefeller CenterThe lit tree is up on the 25th; late night is calmest.
- Saks Fifth AvenueFacade light show runs every 7-10 minutes from about 5 PM.
- Bergdorf GoodmanRated the most artistic windows; walk them even with the store closed.
Skating, shows and views
Bryant Park Winter Village runs through February 28, 2027, and skating there is free if you bring or rent skates. Rockefeller Center and Wollman Rink in Central Park also have ice open this season, though check each rink's holiday hours.
For a show, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular plays on the 25th.
The observation decks are open, and the city looks quiet and clear from up high. Book timed tickets online ahead of time.
- Empire State BuildingOpen on the 25th; Midtown views glitter around sunset.
Where to have a Christmas meal
Many Manhattan restaurants serve on Christmas Day, from steakhouses to Italian spots, and Chinatown is a long-standing fallback. Tables go fast, so book now rather than in December.
Check each restaurant's own site for a holiday menu and hours. Some serve a set menu only on the 25th. If you skip the sit-down meal, a Chinese dinner and a late walk past the tree is a very New York way to end the day.
The subway and getting around
The subway and buses run on Christmas Day, usually on a reduced, Sunday-style schedule. Expect longer waits, especially at night, and check the MTA's service alerts before you head out.
Midtown streets are far less crowded than during the weeks before. Walking between the tree, Fifth Avenue and Bryant Park is easy, and the B/D/F/M stops at 47-50th Sts-Rockefeller Center.
A simple plan for the day
Start with a late breakfast, then walk Fifth Avenue for the windows and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Skate at Bryant Park in the afternoon, then eat an early Christmas dinner.
Finish at Rockefeller Center after dark. If you want the full run of Midtown over several days, our day-by-day plan covers the windows, the tree and a Broadway night.
- St. Patrick's CathedralQuiet pause from the wind, across from Rockefeller Center.
Frequently asked questions
Is the subway running on Christmas Day in NYC?
Yes. Subways and buses run, usually on a reduced holiday schedule, so allow extra time and check the MTA's service alerts before you travel.
Is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lit on December 25?
Yes. The tree was lit on December 2, 2026 and stays on display through the season. Early morning and late night are the least crowded times.
Are Broadway shows open on Christmas Day?
Only a few. Chicago, Wicked and MJ are listed for December 25, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular also plays. Check each box office.
Are museums open on Christmas Day in NYC?
Mostly no. The Met, MoMA, the American Museum of Natural History, the 9/11 Museum and the Intrepid are closed.
Can I still go ice skating on Christmas?
Yes. Bryant Park's rink is free with your own or rented skates, and Rockefeller Center and Wollman Rink are also open for the season.
