There is no denying the feeling of Christmas spirit that affects locals and visitors in New York City every year. For those who wish to take part in the seasonal festivities in this iconic city, there are a few important things to keep in mind before booking your bus ticket to NYC, whether you are coming from Washington, DC or another nearby city.
BestBus runs standard and luxury bus lines to NYC every year during the Christmas season, and they have used their expertise to provide some tips on visiting this festive city at this exciting time of the year.
Tips for a Successful New York City Christmas Vacation
Plan ahead
A Christmas vacation to NYC differs from a visit at any other time of the year. Travelers can expect increased prices of travel and accommodation as this is a popular time for tourists to visit the city. The best way to save money on transportation is to take a bus to NYC, and it is important to book your trip well in advance so that you have several options for affordable accommodation. Travelers should also expect cold weather, and pack clothing accordingly.
Partake in local traditions
For an authentic New York experience, visitors are encouraged to venture off the tourist trail. On Christmas Eve, visitors can find numerous services in beautiful churches across the city like St. Patrick’s Cathedral. If you are staying in a hotel, a home-cooked Christmas dinner may not be an option, but travelers can make reservations at a number of restaurants, which are open on Christmas Day. Visitors can also wander through the residential neighborhoods in quieter parts of the city to view classic New York architecture and decorations.
See a Christmas production
Tourists from Washington DC and surrounding areas travel to NYC by bus all the time to enjoy the incredible Broadway shows. During the Christmas season, visitors can enjoy the city’s on-stage magic with classic productions like the Nutcracker and the Christmas Spectacular.
Don’t miss out on the holiday attractions
New York City is known for its spectacular holiday attractions like the Rockefeller Christmas tree, the famous department store window displays, ice-skating rinks, and holiday markets. No Christmas trip to New York City is complete without paying a visit to these world-famous sites.
II. What to Do in New York City During Christmas Week
Need some more tips? Here’s our suggested itinerary for an amazing week in the Big Apple!
Day 1: Arrival, Union Square Christmas Market, and Times Square
Traveling can be tiring, so keep your first day easy. Once you arrive, you can immediately get into the holiday spirit by visiting the Union Square Christmas Market, which is always beautifully decorated and has a wonderful selection of stalls. Then follow it up with Times Square for dinner, and to see the classic intersection at night in all its glory.
Day 2: Lower Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, and 5th Avenue Lights
Lower Manhattan has the financial district, including some of the most famous buildings and memorials. No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty. If it fits your mood, we’d also suggest paying your respects at the 9/11 Memorial. Never forget! At night, head down 5th Avenue to see the amazing lights they put up every Christmas season.
Day 3: Intrepid Museum, The Vessel & Hudson Yards, High Line & Chelsea Market
NYC has plenty of museums, but the Intrepid Museum really must be seen – it’s an aircraft carrier! It’s great for anyone in your group with an interest in the military or aviation. Afterwards, go for a stroll through the historic Hudson Yards, and check out the iconic “The Vessel” art installation. Once evening hits, head to Chelsea Market for dinner and a little light shopping.
Day 4: Central Park, Natural History Museum, & The Met
You really can spend all day in Central Park – and we suggest you do so! The park itself is absolutely massive and looks spectacular during the holiday season. Afterwards, you could easily spend the rest of the day in the Natural History Museum, still one of the best in the world. If you want, there’s also the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the opposite side of Central Park, the largest art museum in the US.
Day 5: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO
A trip to NYC isn’t complete without a journey to Brooklyn! If the weather is decent, we’d suggest taking a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge to enjoy the stunning view. Once you’re on the other side, it’s time to go DUMBO: Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. This is one of the quirkiest and most interesting neighborhoods in the boroughs, and well worth a visit.
Day 6: Little Island, High Line, and Bryant Park
Little Island is a relatively new park, opened in 2021 at Pier 55, with a really unique mix of natural and artificial features. If you haven’t been yet, it’s well worth a visit. While you’re in the area, check out the High Line as well as Bryant Park. Maybe you can even do a little ice skating!
Day 7: Empire State Building, Times Square, and Return Home
Finally, we can’t forget about midtown. For your last day, take time to visit the Empire State Building and see the city from its observation deck. Then you can kill time in Times Square, just a few blocks northeast of our Penn Station pickup location for a bus.
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