Christmas Day in NYC 2026: What’s Open & Things to Do on December 25

Christmas Day 2026 is a Friday. New York is unusually quiet in the morning, which makes it a wonderful day to see the city’s landmarks without crowds. Many attractions close, but plenty stays open.

Usually Open on Christmas Day

• The Rockefeller Center tree — traditionally lit for 24 hours on Christmas Day.
• Ice rinks: Rockefeller Center, Wollman and Bryant Park typically open with holiday hours (Bryant Park’s shops: noon–5 p.m.).
• Observation decks such as the Empire State Building usually open, often with extended hours.
• Movie theaters — Christmas Day is one of the biggest moviegoing days of the year.
• Chinatown and Flushing restaurants — a classic Christmas Day tradition.
• Lights, windows and outdoor displays all stay up.
• Broadway — a handful of shows play on Christmas Day; most are dark.

Usually Closed

• Most museums (including the Met and AMNH), department stores, holiday markets and many shops.
• The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights and Turtle Back Zoo are closed Dec 24–25.

A Christmas Day Plan

Start with a quiet morning walk through Central Park, see the Rockefeller tree before noon, skate in the afternoon, then dinner. Restaurants open on Christmas Day book up fast; see Christmas restaurants.

Getting Around

The subway runs on a Sunday-like schedule. Traffic is light, so taxis and rideshares are quick.

Christmas Morning in New York

Christmas morning is one of the rare times New York is truly quiet. It’s the perfect moment for photos of Fifth Avenue, the Rockefeller tree and Central Park without the crowds. Start early, grab a coffee from one of the cafés that open on the holiday, and wander.

A Christmas Day Itinerary

• 9 a.m.: the Rockefeller tree and empty Fifth Avenue.
• 10:30 a.m.: a walk in Central Park to Bethesda Terrace and the Bow Bridge.
• Noon: skating at Wollman Rink or Bryant Park (check holiday hours).
• 2 p.m.: dim sum in Chinatown or Flushing, or a movie.
• Evening: Christmas dinner at a restaurant you booked weeks ago.

Observation Decks and Views

Many of the city’s observation decks open on Christmas Day, sometimes with special hours. A late-afternoon visit lets you see the city by day and as the lights come on.

Things to Book in Advance

• Restaurant reservations: essential, and the best tables go weeks ahead.
• Skating sessions at timed-ticket rinks.
• Any Broadway show playing on the 25th.

Getting Around

The subway runs on a reduced holiday schedule. Light traffic makes taxis and rideshares quick, though prices can surge in the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What day is Christmas 2026?

Friday, December 25, 2026.

Is the Rockefeller tree lit on Christmas Day?

Yes, it is traditionally lit for 24 hours on Christmas Day.

Are NYC museums open on Christmas Day?

Most major museums are closed on December 25.

Is NYC busy on Christmas Day?

Christmas morning is unusually quiet. It gets busier in the afternoon around attractions that are open, like the Rockefeller tree and skating rinks.

What should I book in advance for Christmas Day in NYC?

Restaurant reservations, skating sessions and any shows you want to see.