If you’ve ever visited New York City in December (or hosted family here), you know the feeling when someone says they want to experience the city magic around the holidays: both excitement mixed with pressure. There’s *so much* to see and do that it can quickly feel like a race to fit everything in.
You have a checklist of all the things and not a ton of time to do it in. Plus, the crowds can feel like *a lot* and become super frustrating. I know because I’ve been here more than a time or two. After almost a decade of navigating this city during the busiest times, I’ve learned some things that make the trip(s) out to the sights a little less daunting and a lot more enjoyable.
Over the years, I’ve learned that finding the magic of NYC during the holidays isn’t found in doing more … it’s found in slowing down enough to actually experience it.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or live here and have family in town to see the sights, this is how I approach the season without ending it completely exhausted.
(If you’re looking for more of a suggestion on holiday to-dos you’re looking for this blog post from the archives.)
I hope this helps!
1. I stop treating NYC like a checklist.
The biggest shift I’ve made is letting go of the idea that we need to see *everything* in one trip, or even one season. It might take several days or even a few trips to hit everything on your list, and that’s okay.
Instead of rushing from landmark to landmark, I plan a loose itinerary that includes one-two main experience(s) per day, and everything else becomes optional. That might look like:
- one holiday exhibit or event
- one neighborhood walk
- one cozy meal reservation or popular coffee/food stop
Anything extra is a bonus, not an obligation. This alone removes so much pressure.
2. I break the “big holiday experiences” into separate days.
When family visits NYC, it’s tempting to stack all the iconic holiday moments back-to-back. I’ve learned that spreading them out makes each one more pleasant, and more memorable.
For example:
- one day for holiday lights
- another day for a classic NYC walk and window displays
- another day for food, wandering, and no plans
This keeps everyone energized and leaves room for rest (and flexibility if the weather doesn’t cooperate).
Here’s exactly what I planned for my mom and sister who were in town last week:
- Day One: Rockefeller Tree & Saks Light Show with a walk on Fifth Ave to see the window displays.
- Day Two: Macy’s and walk to Bryant Park Winter Village for shopping & snacks.
- Day Three: rest and neighborhood walk, Industry City (Skyler attended a birthday party).
- Day Four: Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape (see my highlights here and here!).
- Day Five: local bagels, Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Chelsea Market.
We were going to try to see a Broadway show, but I left that plan in the air and we ultimately decided to do other activities instead. If you are itching to see one, I highly recommend TodayTix for the best last-minute deals.
3. I build the days around walking, not racing.
One of the best parts of NYC during the holidays is simply walking, and this is especially true at night when the city feels extra magical. If you have the flexibility to see any of the more popular sights during the weekdays and during typical working hours, however, this is the route to go (with the exception of the Saks Light Show, as it starts at 5pm — but again, the earlier the better for less crowds).
Rather than hopping from place to place, I plan routes that allow us to:
- walk through neighborhoods
- stop when something catches our eye
- take breaks to rest and/or warm up when needed
Walking becomes both the activity *and* the way we get there. It’s movement without pressure, and it naturally encourages presence and a more go-with-the-flow vibe.
4. I choose experiences that encourage slowing down.
Some holiday activities naturally create space to pause, and those are the ones that I prioritize.
Experiences like light displays, gardens, museums, and outdoor exhibits allow you to move at your own pace, take things in, and actually take in the moment. They feel calm instead of chaotic and are perfect when you want something festive without feeling overstimulated.
These types of experiences are especially great when visiting with family of different ages and energy levels. When in doubt, offer more breaks than you think you need, because someone in your group will most likely need it without wanting to tell you!
5. I leave space for real life.
Not every day needs to be magical to make memories.
Some of my favorite holiday moments in NYC are:
- a slow morning at home
- coffee and conversation before heading out
- sitting down for a meal without rushing to the next thing
Leaving space for real life (rest, conversation, downtime, etc.) makes the festive moments feel even more special. And yes, we need a lot of this extra “space” when our hangout time includes a kiddo or two!
6. I let “enough” be enough.
This season in life has taught me that joy doesn’t come from doing it all … it comes from choosing what matters most to put your energy towards.
When I let go of the need to maximize every hour, I end up enjoying the city more. The lights feel brighter. The walks feel calmer. The memories feel fuller.
Whether you’re visiting NYC for the holidays or hosting loved ones, my hope is that you give yourself permission to slow down, spread things out, and soak in the magic that’s already there. You don’t need an absolutely packed itinerary to experience something special, you just need a little space to be present.
More on that and how to find the joy and stress less during December here. 🙂
Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!
xo, Heather
If you’re looking for more simple, realistic ways to enjoy the season without burnout, you’ll find more inspiration over on my Instagram where I share movement, wellness, and everyday moments that support a calmer, healthier life.
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