NYC between Christmas and New Years

[Anonymous]

We are thinking of going to NYC between Christmas and New Years just for a day or two to see the Rockettes and take our 6 and 8 year old to some fun tourist sites. Is this a horrible idea as far as crowds? Our youngest is ADHD with some mild sensory issues so I am worried that tons of crowds could be really stressful for him but want to take advantage of the long break. We could potentially go before Christmas (probably 12/21 to 12/22) if that would be less intense.

[Anonymous]

I live in NYC and work in Midtown. Actually right across from Radio City. The crowds around that area are real and nonstop and absolutely nuts for the whole second half of December. So I guess it depends on what sites you want to see - if you want to do things like FAO Schwarz, the Rockefeller Center tree, decorations on 5th Ave, and Radio City, be prepared for massive and overwhelming crowds. For the Rockettes show, you’ll wait in line but that should at least be managed and somewhat neat. The tree is a different story.

If you plan to do the standard tourist stuff like museums and an observation deck (I’d go to FiDi for that), I think that will be a little better with respect to crowds. But I would recommend minimizing time in Midtown.

[Anonymous]

No - the crowds will be overwhelming for your youngest. My oldest is similar, and even now at 11, he can only handle about an hour of midtown during the holidays.

[Anonymous]

Go right after Thanksgiving or after New Year’s. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is insane

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live in NYC and work in Midtown. Actually right across from Radio City. The crowds around that area are real and nonstop and absolutely nuts for the whole second half of December. So I guess it depends on what sites you want to see - if you want to do things like FAO Schwarz, the Rockefeller Center tree, decorations on 5th Ave, and Radio City, be prepared for massive and overwhelming crowds. For the Rockettes show, you’ll wait in line but that should at least be managed and somewhat neat. The tree is a different story.

If you plan to do the standard tourist stuff like museums and an observation deck (I’d go to FiDi for that), I think that will be a little better with respect to crowds. But I would recommend minimizing time in Midtown.

We went last year between Christmas and New Year's, and it's exactly as this poster described. The 20th/21st will be just as bad.

[Anonymous]

The Christmas markets shut down before Christmas though, don't they? So the stalls in BRyant Park aren't still operating?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do it. I actually do like this time of year, but I'm visiting family and avoid midtown and anything touristy like the plague. The rest of the city clears out and is really pleasant, but midtown is nuts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Christmas markets shut down before Christmas though, don't they? So the stalls in BRyant Park aren't still operating?

I think they are still up through early January. The Bryant Park market is billed as a “winter market” or “winter wonderland”, something like that. So not explicitly linked to Christmas.

[Anonymous]

We went the weekend before Xmas last year and it was insane. I've been to NYC dozens of times and have never seen it that crowded -- you couldn't walk down 5th Ave, you were in a mob that only moved when the traffic lights changed. Maybe right at Xmas is different but I won't ever go again in December.

[Anonymous]

I’ve posted this before on a similar thread, but I love going right after New Years. Crowds are mostly gone, but you can still see the Rockettes and most holiday things.

[Anonymous]

Op here: thanks so much for the reposes. Appreciate the info! We will do it another time! I really don't want my youngest to have a bad experience.

Looking at right after New Years or next year before Thanksgiving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Christmas markets shut down before Christmas though, don't they? So the stalls in BRyant Park aren't still operating?

Bryant Park market will be open until at least New Years.

I take my kids most years between Thanksgiving and New Years - including my seriously ADHD son. I would leave no later than the morning of 12/30. IME, there’s no difference between the days before and the days after Christmas. It’s busy but so much fun. If you are early people you will see lots more than if you wait until later. I personally prefer avoiding restaurants during that time and it’s easy because you can get bagels and pizza slices everywhere.

Have fun.

[Anonymous]

Just before Thanksgiving the decorations will be up.

[Anonymous]

Go the weekend after NYE. we did that one year. Still crowded but much more manageable (and cheaper than your other options).

[Anonymous]

You could also do MLK weekend when crowds will be down - see something like Aladdin instead of the Rockettes. The skating rink will be open and will still feel cozy.