Christmas in New York: Customs, Films and Sights

Spending Christmas in New York – a wish that is on many people’s bucket lists. What activities are available in New York at Christmas time? What differences are there to Germany? Which restaurants decorate their premises in a particularly festive way? In this article you will find the answers.

When does Christmas start in New York? When does decoration begin?

The “Winter Holiday Season” is celebrated in the United States from December 1st to January 7th. As in Germany, the holidays begin on December 24th with “Christmas Eve”. In Florida, December 23rd is already considered the “Christmas Holiday”. But the decorations start much earlier. A number of shops and restaurants decorate their premises as early as mid-November. The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is usually put up in mid-November. The inauguration ceremony will take place at the end of November.

Christmas in New York: The Christmas season is celebrated in restaurants

The first Christmas decorations will be put up at the end of November. Even small shops put decorations on the street or light up the shop window. These bars or shops are particularly known for their lavish Christmas decorations:

1. Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde on West Street in Manhattan is a bistro known for its Christmas decorations.

2. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

The bar and restaurant has an excellent rating of 4.5 stars. Normally the restaurant features Victorian-style decorations, but at Christmas it is transformed into a “winter wonderland”.

3. Rolf’s Bar & Restaurant

Rolf’s is a German restaurant near the Empire State Building. At Christmas the ceiling is completely decorated with decorations.

4. Papillon Bistro & Bar

The Papillon partially puts up some of its Christmas decorations as early as mid-November. Even the staircase is decorated.

Rockefeller Center: Interesting facts about the largest Christmas tree in New York

The most famous Christmas attraction in New York is the tree at Rockefeller Center. Interesting facts about the tree can be found here:

• In 1931, a Christmas tree was put up for the first time at Rockefeller Center in New York.
• More than 50,000 LED lights decorate the Christmas tree.
• The electrical cables have a total length of around eight kilometers.
• The enlightenment ceremony always takes place at the end of November.
• There is an ice skating rink under the Christmas tree.
• Around 500,000 visitors come to view the tree every day.
• The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York will not be taken down again until mid-January.
• The tree usually weighs more than ten tons.
• At the top of the Christmas tree in New York there is a star made of real Swarovski crystals. He is worth more than a million dollars and weighs 408.23 kilograms.
• The largest tree ever at Rockefeller Center was erected in 1999 and was 30 meters tall.

New York vs. Germany: The Christmas season with customs and dinner

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1. Similar to on Christmas in EnglandIn New York, the Christmas tree is put up earlier in households than in Germany, where the Christmas tree is traditionally only decorated on Christmas Eve.
2. In America, Santa Claus is called “Santa Claus” and children write letters to Santa Claus. In England, letters are burned for “Father Christmas,” a tradition that has not caught on in the United States.
3. In New York, “Merry Christmas” is sometimes wished from December 1st. In Germany, Christmas greetings are only sent from Christmas Eve. Advent greetings existed earlier in Germany.
4. In New York it is not customary to celebrate Advent, so there is no Advent wreath with candles. Nevertheless, decorated wreaths made of fir branches are hung on the doors.
5. “Ugly Christmas sweaters” are very popular at Christmas in the USA. The more colorful and kitschy, the better. You can also buy them in more and more shops in Germany, but the custom has not yet become established in this country.
6. Large malls in New York have a Santa Claus to take photos with in December. In the USA it is also common to send Christmas cards. Family photos are usually sent.
7. Christmas Eve, December 24th, is not celebrated with family in New York. “Christmas Eve” is more of a preparation for “Christmas Day,” December 25th. The presents are only unwrapped on “Christmas Day”.
8. In New York, Christmas decorations are taken very seriously. It’s not uncommon for entire streets to be completely lit – for example in Dyker Heights.
9. Traditionally in the USA, a Christmas turkey is served. For dessert there is a “pie” (cake) and “eggnog” (eggnog) is usually served with it.
10. In the USA, an “Elf on the Shelf” is often placed at Christmas time. He is Santa’s helper and is supposed to monitor the children’s behavior. The elf wanders from room to room. Children love to play pranks and push them on the “Elf on the Shelf”.

Well-known Christmas markets in New York

The three largest Christmas markets in Manhattan are on:

• Bryant Park “Winter Village”: with a free ice skating rink
• Columbus Circle: European Christmas markets
• Union Square: Many small shops are represented

Christmas in New York 2023: Lights at Christmas in Dyker Heights

A popular Christmas tradition in New York is viewing the lights in Dyker Heights. The Brooklyn neighborhood is visited by millions of tourists every year, even though the attraction is located in a residential area. Dyker Heights residents decorate their homes with elaborate lights and Christmas decorations every year. Tours mainly take you to 83rd and 86th Street and houses worth seeing between 10th and 12th Avenue. One of the most famous houses is the Lucy Spata House. It is located on 84th Street. Dyker Heights residents are not required to put up lights, so the spectacle looks a little different every year.

The district is easy to reach by subway. On the way back, you can admire the Manhattan skyline with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Don’t forget your scarf and hat.

Christmas time: Christmas shopping and window displays in New York

Macy’s is the largest department store operator in the USA and was founded in 1858. The company exhibited its first Christmas shop windows in 1874. It has been a tradition ever since. Especially on 5th Street in Manhattan, you can admire a number of decorated shop windows while shopping for Christmas.

Macy’s in Herald Square in New York is one of the largest department stores in the world. Every year the store is lavishly decorated. You can shop for Christmas decorations and send a letter to Santa Claus in “Holiday Lane”. The well-known department store chain Bloomingdale’s and the toy store FAO Schwarz are also very popular for Christmas shopping.

Which Christmas films take place in New York?

There are several Christmas films that were filmed in New York. For example:

• “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)
• “The Spirits I Called” (1988)
• “Kevin: Alone in New York” (1992)
• “The Miracle of Manhattan” (1994)
• “Family Man” (2000)
• “Because you exist” (2001)
• “Buddy – The Christmas Elf” (2003)
• “In Love in New York” (2019)