Where to Stay in NYC at Christmas (3 Best Areas & Hotels)

Q: How Early Should I Book a Hotel for Christmas in NYC?

When booking your hotel for Christmas in NYC, the earlier, the better! Christmas is one of the busiest times of year to visit New York City, so hotel prices can increase as the holidays get closer. I’d recommend booking your hotel 3-6 months or more in advance, especially if you have a specific area or hotel in mind.

Q: Is It Better to Stay Near Times Square or Rockefeller Center?

I’d choose Rockefeller Center for a Christmas trip. You’ll be close to the famous Christmas tree, ice skating rink, Radio City Music Hall, and Fifth Avenue’s holiday displays. Times Square is still a great area to stay, especially if you’re seeing a Broadway show, but I prefer being a little removed from the crowds while still being close enough to walk there.

Deciding where to stay in NYC at Christmas is an important step in planning your trip, as the city is quite spread out.

Do you want to be near the best holiday attractions? Near food? Or save money and stay outside of Manhattan?

Choosing the right area to stay can save you time getting around and make it easier to fit more into your trip.

I visited all the best areas in New York City and stayed in 2 different locations to compare.

While staying in Queens was more affordable, I spent a lot of time transporting into Manhattan every day. I loved staying in Midtown, where I could walk to many of the Christmas attractions and easily get around the rest of the city.

Let’s get right into the best places to stay in NYC for Christmas, including things to do nearby.

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in NYC at Christmas: Overview

Best for first-timers: Midtown Manhattan

Best for sightseeing and culture: Downtown Manhattan

Best for affordability: Brooklyn

Midtown Manhattan: Best For First-Time Visitors

Midtown Manhattan is overall the best neighbourhood in New York to stay in during Christmas.

I stayed here on one of my Christmas NYC trips, and I love how it is near most of the festive activities, and a great base to get around the rest of New York City. So much faster to get anywhere from here than commuting in from other parts of the city.

The majority of famous holiday lights and displays are in the area, so you can easily spend 3 days in New York around here.

Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan at Christmas

See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the most iconic Christmas tree in the city
Go ice skating in front of the Rockefeller Center, which makes visiting NYC during Christmas worth it
Take photos with the Christmas decorations at Radio City Music Hall
See the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City – this alone was worth visiting New York City at Christmas for
Admire the NYC skyline from Top of the Rock – it’s even better than the Empire State Building viewpoint since you can see it
Stroll through Central Park and even go ice skating on the large ice rink
Admire the iconic holiday display at Macy’s, and enjoy window shopping at other beautifully decorated stores along 5th Avenue, including the Saks 5th Avenue Light Show
Visit Columbus Circle Christmas Market for the European Christmas Market atmosphere in NYC
Wander Bryant Park Winter Village, a charming holiday market with an ice rink and festive food stalls
Get the tickets to see The Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet

Our Top Choice: Hyatt Centric Times Square New York

It doesn’t get better than staying in Times Square for your first visit to New York City.

The city’s most iconic square is lively all the time, and you’ll quickly see why New York is called the city that never sleeps.

Hyatt Centric Times Square offers the best of both worlds, a fantastic central location, but in a quieter street than staying directly on the Square.

Rooms are spacious and luxurious, creating a cozy retreat to return to and warm up after a day of exploring.

Most Unique: Dream Midtown

Dream Midtown is one of the best Christmas hotels in NYC, best known for its spectacular Christmas decorations and a rooftop terrace with a view of the city skyline.

The hotel is ideally located within walking distance of most Christmas attractions in the city, including Columbus Circle Holiday Market at Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Broadway.

Rooms in Dream Midtown are spacious, and you can choose between regular rooms with double beds and suites with a separate seating area with city views.

Affordable Luxury Hotel: EVEN Hotel Times Square

Midtown Manhattan is one of the more expensive areas to stay in New York, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable options!

EVEN Hotel is located slightly outside the main tourist area, but close to everything at the same time. You’re also just a short walk from the subway station, making it easy to get around by public transportation.

Rooms are nicely decorated and make for a cozy home base after a day in the City.

Downtown Manhattan: Best For Sightseeing and Culture

Downtown Manhattan is a great place to stay for more affordable accommodation options, sightseeing opportunities, and easy access to the main tourist attractions.

Christmas time is one of the best times to visit NYC, so the downtown area is busy during the day, but surprisingly calm at night and on the weekends.

I’d recommend staying here if you want to experience a different side of New York while still being close enough to get to Midtown when you want to see the big Christmas attractions.

A downside of staying far in the south is that you’ll have to go to Midtown to discover NYC nightlife.

Things to Do in Downtown Manhattan at Christmas

Check out the giant Christmas tree at 11 Wall Street and the festive lights at the New York Stock Exchange
Visit One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial, it’s not very festive but an important part of the city’s history and great for a rainy winter day
Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island, one of the most popular things to do in New York
Go on a festive brunch or holiday jazz river cruise

Our Top Choice: AC Hotel New York Downtown

AC Hotel is one of the best hotels in New York for Christmas if you prefer to escape the crowds in Midtown Manhattan and enjoy a calmer place to stay.

The hotel offers that iconic Downtown atmosphere, allowing you to admire the surrounding glass skyscrapers or enjoy stunning views of the East River from your room.

Rooms feature large comfortable beds and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of winter sun.

Most Unique: Washington Square Hotel

If you’re unsure where to stay in NYC for Christmas, the Washington Square Hotel perfectly balances proximity to the main tourist area with the charm of a historic property in a calm neighbourhood.

The hotel is situated on the edge of Downtown Manhattan, close to the trendy Greenwich Village.

Dating back to the early 20th century, this hotel also gets beautifully decorated for Christmas which only emphasizes its unique charm.

Affordable Luxury Hotel: Arlo Soho

Arlo SoHo is one of the best value-for-money hotels in the city, and a great place to stay at Christmas time.

Situated in the trendy SoHo neighbourhood, this hotel features a modern, clean style with elegant and interesting design choices that make for an upscale retreat.

Brooklyn: Best For Affordability

Brooklyn is the best area to stay in New York for Christmas if you’re on a budget or it is your second visit to the city and you want to get off the beaten track.

Downtown Brooklyn and Williamsburg are fantastic neighbourhoods to stay when you want to enjoy a lively neighbourhood and explore local culture away from the usual tourist hotspots.

You’ll also find some of the best Christmas experiences outside Manhattan here, including the famous Christmas lights in Dyker Heights.

Things to Do in Brooklyn at Christmas

Ice skate underneath the Brooklyn Bridge with NYC skyline views at Glide ice rink
Admire all the Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights, where residents go all out with decorating their houses
Walk the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, and take photos from the popular DUMBO photo location
See Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, a wining trail running through the Botanic Garden illuminated with Christmas lights
Enjoy the Nutcracker ballet in King’s Theater for a fraction of the price of the New York City Ballet

Our Top Choice: EVEN Hotel Brooklyn

EVEN Hotel Brooklyn is the best place to stay in New York if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and comfortable hotel away from the main tourist area.

The hotel is situated just a 2-minute walk from the metro that takes you right to the heart of Manhattan, Central Park, and Times Square.

Rooms are bright and quite spacious for New York standard, the perk of being outside the city center.

Most Unique: Wyndham Garden Brooklyn Sunset Park

Situated just a short metro ride from the festive Dyker Heights neighbourhood, Wyndham Garden Brooklyn Sunset Park is one of the best NYC Christmas hotels.

This eco-friendly hotel has spacious rooms with one or two double beds, which makes it perfect for those travelling with friends, family, and couples.

Affordable Luxury Hotel: NU Hotel Brooklyn

If you’re seeking a place you’ll look forward to coming back to every night, NU Hotel Brooklyn is the one for you.

This affordable luxury hotel is situated in the heart of Brooklyn, just a short metro ride from the trendy DUMBO neighbourhood and Glide ice skating rink.

Rooms are bright and spacious, with complimentary L’Occitane toiletries for a pampering experience. You also have access to the gym, or you can borrow one of the hotel bikes on warmer winter days.

Is It Worth Staying Outside Manhattan?

Staying outside Manhattan can be a great way to save money, especially if you’re visiting New York on a budget.

I stayed with family in Queens during one of my trips, and it was a great experience. The only downside was spending more time commuting into Manhattan to see the sights.

For a Christmas trip, I personally prefer staying in Manhattan so I can be closer to the holiday attractions and spend less time getting around.

If you do stay outside Manhattan, I’d recommend choosing somewhere with easy access to the subway.

Where To Stay In New York At Christmas FAQs

How Many Nights Should I Stay in NYC at Christmas?

I recommend spending at least 3 days in New York at Christmas. This gives you enough time to see the major Christmas attractions without having to rush around the city. If you have more time, even better! There are plenty of things to do beyond the main holiday attractions.

How Early Should I Book a Hotel for Christmas in NYC?

When booking your hotel for Christmas in NYC, the earlier, the better! Christmas is one of the busiest times of year to visit New York City, so hotel prices can increase as the holidays get closer. I’d recommend booking your hotel 3-6 months or more in advance, especially if you have a specific area or hotel in mind.

Is It Better to Stay Near Times Square or Rockefeller Center?

I’d choose Rockefeller Center for a Christmas trip. You’ll be close to the famous Christmas tree, ice skating rink, Radio City Music Hall, and Fifth Avenue’s holiday displays. Times Square is still a great area to stay, especially if you’re seeing a Broadway show, but I prefer being a little removed from the crowds while still being close enough to walk there.

Ready to Plan Your New York City Christmas Trip?

Midtown Manhattan is my top choice for where to stay in NYC at Christmas, as it is close to most Christmas activities and tourist attractions.

Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn are great alternatives if you’re looking for more affordable accommodation or want to experience a different side of the city.

I stayed in Midtown Manhattan and loved being within walking distance of all the attractions.

Now that you know where is the best place to stay in New York during Christmas, it’s time to start planning your New York Christmas itinerary to ensure you visit all the iconic landmarks!