New York is a bucket list item for every type of traveller. But what if you only have one day to explore? This travel itinerary will give you all the information you need for your one day trip to the Big Apple.
New York City during any season is unique, but the lead-up to Christmas is entirely different. You have the weather, you have the atmosphere, and you have the festivities. Combine being in New York during Winter and being in a city that never sleeps; well, it is a pretty special place. So check out below for the best New York in December in 1 day.
Table of Contents
New York Itinerary
New York Demographics
With an approximate population of 8,398,748 in New York City, this number only increases during this time of year. According to the World Population Review, the demographics consist of White: 42.78%, Black or African American: 24.32, Other race: 15.12%, Asian: 14.00%, Two or more races: 3.33%, Native American: 0.40% and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.05%
Weather in New York in Winter
New York is a great place to go all year round; the weather is not a factor because each season brings something special.
The warm season, from June to September, with an average daily high temperature above 24 degrees Celcius. The cold season lasts for three months, from December to March, with an average daily high temperature below 8 degrees Celcius.Â
Getting to New York in Winter
Flying – You have three airports: New York City, JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty Airport. The flight from Singapore to New York City (JFK) with Singapore Airlines is direct in under 18 hours.
Private Transfer– The easiest way to get from JFK is by private transfer, where you can book online before you go and have someone meet you as soon as you walk out of customs.
Airport Shuttles -You can book your bus transfer online before your Journey begins; this makes it a cost-effective and efficient way of getting into Manhattan.
Taxi – This is by far the easiest way to get to Manhattan. JFK taxis have a flat rate, but the other airports have a metered fare.
Trains – JFK and Newark airports by train will take, on average, about 1.5 hours and must change a couple of times.
Uber/Lyft – Ensure you upload the app before arriving and set up your account so that once you visit, it is as easy as adding your pick-up location and destination.
Visa
If you are unsure whether you need a visa, you should check ivisa as it takes the stress out of searching the embassy information. It is a one-stop shop for all visa enquiries.
Travel Insurance
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Accommodation in New York
Budget – Courtyard New York Manhattan/Upper East Side
Courtyard New York Manhattan Although this hotel is a little tired, the location is fantastic for the price. The staff are friendly, the rooms are comfortable, and they are precisely what you need after a hard day walking around Manhattan’s streets.
Splurge – J W Marriott Essex
 I can not fault this hotel; the hefty cost is worth every cent. However, the location is ideal, just on the corner of Central Park (165 Central Park South), with gorgeous views from your hotel window. I found the service is also World-Class, friendly and helpful when needed. The rooms are beautiful, and the architecture gives it that old-world charm.
Transport in Manhattan
I love walking the streets of New York, but Winter makes the walk tricky. However, do not be surprised if you walk the streets to get from A to B, as many people will choose this option.
Yellow cabs – Yes, they are everywhere, but sometimes they aren’t so easy to hail. Busy times and weather conditions may see you standing on the curb longer than you hoped.
Subway – The subway is the most cost-effective way of travelling through Manhattan, but it can be somewhat hectic. Outside of rush hour, you will see you moving in less crowded carriages, so take note of times.
Central Park
Central Park is busy even during Winter; sure, it has a better feel during summer, with the plants in full bloom, the sun shining, and many more people enjoying the warmer weather.
But don’t be fooled; there is plenty to see, even in the colder months. Walking tracks allow you to discover this vast park on your own or book a guided Pedicab tour for an affordable price.Â
Recommendation – Strawberry Fields is a must for any Beatles fan.
American Museum of Natural History
You will know the American Museum Of Natural History well if you have seen the movie Night at the Museum. So get out of the cold weather and spend the morning searching for Dum Dum yourself (you can’t miss it; there will be a long line waiting for an opportunity to grab that infamous shot) or look around the museum and pick out all the areas from the movie (It is fun for all the family).
Recommendation – If the lines are enormous, become a member for a few extra dollars and enter the express lane.
Macy’s Department Store
Head down to iconic Times Square, where Macy’s Department store can be found front and centre. Suppose you head up to see Santa. Be prepared to wait in a long line for a chance to get that Santa Photo. Remember that the closer to Christmas you get, the crazier and busier this store becomes.
Recommendation – Try not to take small kids if you don’t have to; this place can be busy!
Top of The Rock
Top of the Rock during sunset is the perfect location for those wanting the best view of this beautiful city. It can be super busy, freezing, and windy this time of year, so rug up and enjoy this gorgeous view.
Instead of choosing to visit the Empire State Building for its view of the city, you can get a great photo of The Empire State Building from the top of the rock.
Recommendation: The sunset is the best time to head up there; ensure you book online before, though, as lines can be hectic in New York in Winter.
Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes
Yes, there are plenty of shows to see here during the year, and Broadway shows are plentiful. Nothing, however, beats the Christmas Spectacular during this festive season.
The show has you entertained from beginning to end and can be enjoyed by any age. This show does make you feel like you are experiencing a New York Christmas.
Recommendation – Book as early as possible, as tickets sell out fast.
Christmas Lights and Rockefeller Christmas Tree
Of course, there are many places to see the beautiful Christmas lights, but if you are already at Radio City Music Hall, this is a great place to start, especially in New York in Winter.
Nothing screams New York Christmas more than Rockefeller Christmas tree, which is only a 4-minute walk away, but remember it is jam-packed in and around this area.
Recommendation – Hold onto your kids; there are people everywhere.
Time Square
New York isn’t New York without a visit to this iconic location, which is buzzing at any time of the day and night. Enjoy people-watching. The bright lights and the millions of buskers that you can find everywhere.
Oh, and a photo in Times Square is something you will look back at for years to come; it doesn’t matter if you are in New York in Winter; this is a must-see.
Recommendation – This place on Christmas Eve is crazy, with loads of last-minute shoppers (like myself), so avoid this place on Christmas Eve if you can.
Pit Stops Not to miss
Serendipity 3
Although the infamous frozen hot chocolate that was a rumoured favourite of Jackie O is much more favourable during the summer months, it did not stop me from indulging in this restaurant’s favourite even though New York in Winter.
Serendipity 3 has seen more celebrities than I can mention, and I can see why; the desserts are to die for, for those with a sweet tooth like myself, you will not walk away disappointed.Â
Recommendation – Make a reservation to avoid disappointment!
The Original SoupMan
Yes, I am talking Seinfeld here! The Soup Nazi himself will probably not be there to serve you, but this place is a must in New York in Winter and can be found at West 56th near 8th Ave.Â
Recommendation – It is takeaway only, so if you are looking for somewhere to sit, you may want to return to the hotel to eat it.
Dylan’s Candy Bar
This candy store is famous for appearing in shows like Gossip Girl and Cake Boss, and it was founded by Dylan Lauren, daughter of designer Ralf Lauren. Dylan’s Candy Store is a boutique candy store that allows you to personalise your gummy bears, amongst other things.
Recommendation – You can personalise your candy, which makes excellent Christmas presents.
If you are spending a day in New York and do not want the fuss of doing it on your own, I highly recommend a tour like “New York in one day tour” you can book it by clicking here
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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I would not recommend the shuttle service from the airports, especially if there is more than one person. By the time you have paid for two or more, it is nearly the cost of a taxi. The shuttle takes you all over the place, dropping off people. A friend of mine once took nearly two and a half hours to get to our apartment on the shuttle, after a flight from Australia. At that time of day, it should have taken less than an hour by taxi.
Times Square is a must, especially at night, but only briefly, it is so crazy and crowded. O”Donoghues Pub on 44th between 7th and 6th is a good place to go for food. Also Carmines, which is an amazing family style Italian restaurant. Best to go with a crowd though, the portions are big.
The subway is a great way to get around but on weekends a lot of lines don’t run on their normal schedule or even their normal line. Always check beforehand. There are usually signs on the platforms.
Never heard of Dylan’s candy bar but I guess it is probably great for people visiting with kids. Have never seen Gossip Girl but remember walking past when they were filming in some places in the city.
Have been to the Museum of Natural History a couple of times and it was okay. The Met is the best museum in New York, have been so many times and always seem to find something that I missed before. They also have some great visiting exhibitions.
Chelsea Market is a great place to visit, with good shopping and great food. The new Hudson Yards complex is amazing, especially The Vessel and Little Spain is wonderful if you like Tapas and other Spanish delights.
West and East Villages both have lots of really good restaurants and interesting shops. Our Aussie friends, Callum and Morgan Sigg, from Sydney, have a great restaurant on Cornelia St in the West Village called Uncle Chop Chop. Fantastic South East Asian food.
Hells Kitchen is another good food area. On 9th Avenue, between 43rd and 52nd Sts, there are lots of restaurants serving, everything from Vietnamese, Thai, Greek, Italian and burgers. 10th Ave between the same streets is good as well. We particularly like Anejo, which is a Tequila and Mexican Tapas restaurant, it is on the corner of 10th and 47th.
The best place for Korean food is in Korea town on 32nd, between Broadway and Madison.
The 911 Memorial is worth a visit, but be prepared, it is very moving and some people find it very hard, I know I shed a few tears. Tickets are best bought beforehand, online.
Coney Island and Brighton Beach are also good places to go in the summer. The main street in Brighton Beach is full of Russian restaurants, shops and supermarkets. You hear very little English, it is known as Little Odessa. My friend and I used to go there to eat pierogis and try to get the very serious Russian people to smile, a bit of a challenge.
There are so many other places I could recommend but would take too long. Morningside Heights to visit Grants Tomb, Washington Heights for Dominican food, East Harlem to visit Alexander Hamilton’s house. Yankee Stadium or Citifield for a baseball game, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, the Staten Island Botanical Gardens, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island.
Thanks so much for your great tips and descriptive post, I always love hearing from a resident rather than a tourist! How else do you find those hidden gems?