South Street Seaport
South Street Seaport, located on Pier 17, has tons of activities and events on Christmas Day. The German Christmas Market works until Dec. 24, so stop by to get handmade crafts, gingerbread and hot Gluehwine. Then come back on Christmas Day with a small picnic and sit near the water to enjoy the views. Unless it's snowing, the weather is usually mild. Christmas tree and lights abound and cafes and restaurants are open to offer hot chocolate or a quick bite. Live events on Christmas Day vary but have included choral performances, classical music concerts and appearances by Santa and his elves.
South Street Seaport
Fulton & South Streets
New York, New York 10038
(212) SEA-PORT
www.southstreetseaport.com
Rockefeller Center
Home to the famous giant Christmas tree, Rockefeller Center should not be missed on Christmas Day. Caroling and special lighting events are conducted here on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The ice rink is open on Dec. 25, or you can simply walk around and enjoy the horn-blowing angels, giant toy soldiers and thousands of lights. Once you're done skating, walk down Fifth Avenue toward 34th Street to see the window displays, Christmas lights and décor that grace most shops. Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue have the best window displays during the holidays.
Rockefeller Center
600 Fifth Ave.
New York, New York 10111
(212) 632-3975
www.rockefellercenter.com
Helmsley Park Lane Christmas Buffet
While there will be plenty of restaurants open during Christmas, most specialize in bringing Christmas Eve dinners, and few make the most of Christmas lunch on Dec. 25. If you want to celebrate the day from the get go and do it in style, the Park Lane Hotel on Central Park South offers a great lunch buffet on Christmas Day. The buffet is served from noon to 6 p.m. and costs $60 per person. Meal choices include shrimp cocktails, smoked salmon, mini-bagels, winter green salads and sweet potato risotto. There are both hot and cold items, as well as appetizers and desserts. Coffee and tea are unlimited as well.
Helmsley Park Lane Hotel
36 Central Park South
New York, New York 10019
(212) 371-4000
theparkroom.com
About The Author
Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
