Key Takeaways: December 21, 2025 Update
- Urgency Alert: Union Square Holiday Market closes for the season on December 24 at 4:00 PM. Go now or miss it.
- Dyker Heights Strategy: Avoid driving. Traffic is gridlocked from 10th to 13th Avenues. Take the R train to 86th St.
- NYE Reality Check: If you aren’t in a Times Square “pen” by 3:00 PM on Dec 31, you likely won’t see the ball drop.
- Congestion Pricing: Remember that taking an Uber/Lyft below 60th Street now incurs a congestion surcharge. The subway is your wallet’s best friend this week.
Things to do in NYC in December 2025 revolve around three critical pillars: catching the holiday markets before they pack up, navigating the Dyker Heights lights without getting stuck in traffic, and deciding whether to brave or avoid the Times Square Ball Drop. With Christmas just days away, the city is at peak capacity. This guide cuts through the tourist fluff to give you the logistical reality of navigating New York right now.
The 2025 Holiday Market Showdown: Last Call
If you are visiting this week (Dec 21–28), your window for shopping is closing rapidly. Unlike European markets that often stay open through Epiphany, New York’s biggest markets pack up promptly on or before Christmas Eve.
Do not assume all markets have the same schedule. We have broken down the “Big Three” below so you don’t show up to an empty park.
| Market | Closing Date (2025) | Vibe & Best For | Local’s Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union Square Holiday Market | Dec 24 (closes at 4 PM) | The Artisan Hub. Best for unique gifts, local art, and chaotic energy. Tightly packed aisles. | Avoid weekends. If you go on Dec 24, expect deep discounts but picked-over inventory. |
| Winter Village at Bryant Park | Jan 5, 2026 | The Experience. Includes ice skating and the Lodge Bar. More commercial brands than Union Sq. | The only major market open after Christmas. Great for NYE visitors. |
| Columbus Circle Holiday Market | Dec 31, 2025 | The Scenic Route. Located at the entrance to Central Park. High-end food and jewelry. | Grab a hot cider here, then walk into Central Park to escape the noise. |
| Grand Central Holiday Fair | Dec 24 (closes at 6 PM) | The Warm Up. Indoor, curated, and warm. Focus on high-end crafts. | Perfect for freezing days. Located in Vanderbilt Hall. |
For more on moving between these boroughs efficiently, consult our guide on Navigating NYC Like a Pro.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: The Logistics
By December 21, Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is in full swing. The displays are world-famous, but the traffic is a nightmare. This is not a “drive-through” experience anymore; it is a gridlock.
Where to Go
The highest concentration of over-the-top professional displays is located from 11th to 13th Avenues and from 83rd to 86th Streets in Brooklyn.
How to Do It Right (The “No-Stress” Method)
1. Transit is King: Do not drive. Parking is nonexistent. Take the R Train to 86th Street (Brooklyn). It is a 15-minute walk from the subway station to the lights.
2. Timing Matters: The lights turn on around dusk (4:30 PM). The crowds peak between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Arriving at 5:00 PM is the sweet spot.
3. Respect the Residents: These are real homes. Do not walk on lawns, and keep noise levels reasonable. The NYC Parks Department and NYPD often have a presence here to manage crowds.
If you are already in Brooklyn, consider pairing this with a trip to Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo (if you want to travel north) or stick local and grab food in nearby Bay Ridge.
New Year’s Eve 2026: The Realist’s Guide
If you are in NYC for December 31, 2025, you have a choice: The “Bucket List” endurance test or the “Local” celebration.
Option A: Times Square Ball Drop
If you are committed to this, know the rules for 2025:
* Entry Points: You must enter via specific security checkpoints, usually around 6th or 8th Avenues. You cannot just walk down Broadway.
* The “Pen” Reality: Once you are in a viewing pen (often by 3:00 PM), you cannot leave to use the bathroom. If you leave, you are not getting back in.
* Weather: You will be standing on concrete for 8+ hours in near-freezing temperatures. Dress in heavy layers.
Option B: The Saner Alternatives
* Central Park Midnight Run: A 4-mile run (or walk) that starts at midnight with fireworks near the Bethesda Terrace. It is festive, active, and far less claustrophobic.
* Brooklyn Bridge Walk: Walking the bridge around 11:30 PM allows you to see fireworks from multiple boroughs, though the bridge itself gets crowded.
* Concerts & Comedy: Many locals opt for indoor events. Check listings for venues like the Comedy Cellar or jazz clubs in the Village.
Practical Utility: Weather & Congestion Pricing
### The Congestion Pricing Factor
Since the launch of congestion pricing in 2025, getting around Manhattan below 60th Street has changed.
* Rideshare Surcharge: Every Uber, Lyft, or taxi trip that touches the “Congestion Relief Zone” (below 60th St) has a surcharge added (approx. $0.75 for taxis, up to $2.50 for rideshares).
* Traffic Flow: While traffic is slightly better, the cost is higher. We strongly recommend using the subway for all travel between Midtown and Downtown.
### What to Wear
December 21–31 is unpredictable. Averages hover between 30°F (-1°C) and 45°F (7°C). The wind tunnels between avenues make it feel 10 degrees colder.
* Essential: Waterproof boots (slush is inevitable at crosswalks), thermal base layers, and a wind-resistant coat.
FAQ: December in NYC
Is the Rockefeller Center Tree lit 24/7?
No. On regular days, it is lit from 5:00 AM to Midnight. On Christmas Day, it is lit for 24 hours. However, on New Year’s Eve, the lights are turned off at 9:00 PM.
Are stores open on Christmas Day?
Most major retail stores (Macy’s, Saks) are closed. However, many bodegas, ethnic restaurants (especially in Chinatown and Koreatown), and the Bryant Park Winter Village skating rink remain open.
Is the subway safe late at night in December?
Yes, generally. During the holiday season, ridership is high even late at night, and the NYPD increases patrols. Stick to cars with the conductor (usually the middle of the train) if you are traveling alone. For specific safety advice, see our guide on Safety in NYC.
