Everyone dreams of visiting New York City during the holiday season. The Christmas lights, decorated storefronts, festive markets, and iconic attractions make the city feel like something straight out of a movie. But there's one thing that catches many visitors by surprise: how much longer some experiences take during the busiest weeks of the year.
From late November through New Year's Eve, crowds can dramatically slow down your itinerary. Even if you've carefully planned your day, you may find yourself spending far more time at certain attractions than expected.
After photographing visitors throughout countless New York City holiday seasons, these are the five places where I always recommend budgeting extra time.
1. Observation Decks
New York City is home to some of the most spectacular observation decks in the world, including SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Top of the Rock, Edge, and the Empire State Building. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, seeing Manhattan from hundreds of feet above the streets is an unforgettable experience. Watching the skyline stretch in every direction truly makes it feel like the entire city is in the palm of your hand.
During the holiday season, don't expect to walk right in—even if you've already purchased timed-entry tickets. Security lines, elevator queues, and the sheer number of visitors can significantly increase the amount of time it takes to reach the observation deck. Sunset time slots are especially popular, and thousands of people share the same goal of watching the city glow as the sun goes down.
My tip: If you've booked a sunset ticket, plan to arrive at least 45–60 minutes before your scheduled entry time. It's much better to spend a few extra minutes inside than to miss the sunset because of holiday crowds. To learn more about the most popular observation decks in NYC click here
2. FAO Schwarz
FAO Schwarz is one of New York City's most iconic toy stores and a destination that's just as exciting for adults as it is for children. From oversized stuffed animals and interactive displays to beautifully decorated holiday windows, visiting the store feels like stepping into a Christmas movie.
That popularity comes with one downside during December: the line to get inside can become surprisingly long. It's not unusual to see the queue wrapping around the building, especially in the afternoon and evening, as families from all over the world stop by to experience one of New York's most beloved holiday attractions.
My tip: Visit as close to opening time as possible. Early mornings are usually much calmer than the middle of the day.
3. Magnolia Bakery
Magnolia Bakery became internationally famous after being featured in Sex and the City, and today it's one of the city's most visited bakeries. While you'll find plenty of delicious desserts inside, it's the legendary banana pudding that keeps people coming back—and after trying it myself, I can honestly say it's absolutely worth the hype. Out of everything on the menu, it's still my favorite.
Because of its popularity, Magnolia Bakery becomes especially busy during the Christmas season. The line often stretches outside, and what might normally be a quick dessert stop can easily turn into a much longer visit.
My tip: If possible, stop by in the morning or on a weekday rather than during the evening rush.
4. Ralph's Coffee Truck by St. Patrick's Cathedral
If you've spent any time browsing Instagram during the holidays, you've probably seen Ralph's Coffee Truck. Located near St. Patrick's Cathedral and just steps from Rockefeller Center, it's one of the trendiest places in Midtown to grab a festive coffee. Between the charming green truck, cozy seasonal drinks, and beautiful holiday surroundings, it's no surprise that so many visitors add it to their Christmas itinerary.
The popularity of the truck means there's almost always a line during December. Many people aren't just there for the coffee—they're also waiting to take photos with one of New York's most Instagrammable holiday spots.
My tip: If you're hoping to grab a coffee and snap a few pictures, plan a little extra time into your schedule so you don't have to rush.
5. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
No Christmas trip to New York City feels complete without visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. It's the symbol of the holiday season in New York and one of the most famous Christmas trees in the world. Every year, millions of people come to admire its dazzling lights, iconic location, and magical atmosphere.
The biggest surprise for many visitors isn't standing in line—it's simply how crowded the entire area becomes. During peak evening hours, sidewalks are packed, pedestrian traffic slows to a crawl, and moving through Rockefeller Center can take far longer than expected.
If you've planned dinner reservations, Broadway tickets, or another activity immediately afterward, make sure to leave yourself a generous time buffer.
My tip: If you want to truly enjoy the tree, consider visiting early in the morning. The atmosphere is much calmer, you'll have more space to admire the decorations, and your photos will turn out much better.
Final Thoughts
New York City during Christmas is every bit as magical as you've imagined—but it's also one of the busiest times of the year. Building a little extra flexibility into your itinerary will help you enjoy these iconic experiences without feeling rushed or stressed.
Sometimes, simply arriving earlier or choosing the right time of day can completely transform your experience.
Capture the Magic of Christmas in New York
If you're visiting New York during the holiday season, I'd love to help you capture it. I specialize in Christmas photo sessions around some of the city's most iconic holiday locations, including Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, Bryant Park, and other beautifully decorated neighborhoods. Early morning sessions are my favorite because they allow us to create stunning holiday portraits before the biggest crowds arrive. Click here to explore the photoshoot packages
Looking for even more New York inspiration? Be sure to browse my New York City Print Collection, featuring some of my favorite photographs from around the city throughout the year. And if Christmas in NYC is your favorite season, don't miss my Christmas Print Collection, filled with festive scenes that bring the magic of New York into your home long after the holidays are over (coming in October).