Mum & Daughter Christmas NYC Trip [5-Day Itinerary]

I last visited New York at Christmas in 2017, so after my most recent summer trip to NYC, I figured 2024 was the year to return at Christmas time for a festive vacay.

When I was planning the trip, I was trying to figure out who to invite along for the ride. Then I had the great idea to ask my mum!

She had never been to New York before, and I knew it was unlikely she’d ever go with my dad because he used to travel there a lot for work in the 90s and he always said he never wanted to go back.

It had also been eight years since we last did a mother-daughter trip (to Paris!), and as it’s her 60th birthday year this year, I thought it would be nice.

New York is actually such a great city for a mother-daughter trip, but especially at Christmas!

So, are you ready to find out how to have the best mother-daughter trip to NYC at Christmas!? Let’s go!

Day 1 – Travel on a Wednesday

If you’ve been following for a while, you’ll know I usually travel to NYC on a Wednesday. It means you get in by Wednesday evening, and have some time to recover from jetlag before the weekend.

Fly out to New York Wednesday morning. If you’re in the UK, this will get you to NYC by around 3pm. I love the Virgin Atlantic flight at 11:15am, as it gets you into JFK at 14:30.

It can then take up to two hours to get through immigration, and another hour to get a taxi from the airport to Manhattan.

Where to Stay in NYC at Christmas

If money is no object, stay at The Plaza or St Regis New York for the epic decorations and iconic accommodation.

However, if you’re looking for more of a mid-point hotel, The Langham New York remains my favourite hotel in New York.

I’ve also stayed at The Knickerbocker and The Hard Rock Hotel and loved both of those too if you’re after something in the mid-luxury range!

If you want more of a mid-budget range hotel, I’ve also stayed at Hyatt Grand Central New York and it was perfectly comfortable and clean, and also the Moxy Times Square which was a very fun and reasonably priced hotel.

5:30pm – Fifth Avenue Christmas Decorations

Once you’re checked-in, I recommend heading straight out to keep yourself awake and help your body adjust to the timezone.

Walk from the hotel along fifth avenue and check out all of the Christmas decorations!

See the large nativity set inside St Patrick’s Cathedral, and pop into Saks and Bergdorf Goodman to see their decorations too.

The Rockefeller Center is probably the most famous location for Christmas in New York.

Make sure to see the Rockefeller Christmas Angels, Nutcrackers, and the famous Christmas Tree! Don’t go up the Top of the Rock just yet – we’ll do this tomorrow!

7pm – Dinner at PJ Clarke’s

Walk up Fifth Avenue and turn right on E 55th Street (the road the St Regis is on), and keep walking until you get to PJ Clarke’s on the corner of 3rd Ave.

PJ Clarke’s is one of my fave NYC restaurants. You walk in and it just feels like New York.

I took my mum and while they didn’t have a huge amount of Christmas decorations, we both really enjoyed the atmosphere still.

They do a great burger and chips, it’s proper comfort food, and they also do really amazing cocktails and desserts too (try their pumpkin pie!).

8:30pm – Drinks at The Campbell, Grand Central Station

One of my favourite bars in New York is The Campbell, at Grand Central Station, and at Christmas time they go BIG on the decorations.

It feels very ‘old’ New York and very Gossip Girl. You can also visit Grand Central Station while you’re here – killing two birds with one stone!

Hidden away inside the ornate Grand Central offices of a 1920’s mogul is The Campbell bar. Their cocktails are unbelievably good and it’s a bar I stop by every time I’m in the city!

After, head back to the hotel to get some sleep and rest before your adventure properly begins the next day!

Day 2 in NYC (Thursday)

Wake up bright and early – jetlag will be in your favour if you’ve flown from the UK!

For your first day in NYC at Christmas, you’re going to explore Midtown.

The weekends in New York get crazy in December, so you’ll want to see all the things around Midtown on the weekdays, and you can explore the much quieter Chelsea and Lower Manhattan on the Saturday. Trust me on this one!

8:30am – Breakfast at Lexington Candy Shop

IMO, Lexington Candy Shop is the epitome of New York.

Founded in 1925 (almost 100 years ago!) and run by the same family ever since, it’s an old fashioned soda diner that still serves coca-cola the traditional way – by hand mixing it!

They do a great diner breakfast and their malt shakes are insaaaane! The best shake you will ever have.

You really can’t visit New York without going to Lexington Candy Shop.

10am – Central Park

From Lexington Candy Shop, walk 10-mins along E 83rd Street to The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

See those famous Met steps (xoxo, Gossip Girl), and then stroll down 5th Avenue until you get to the entrance to Central Park on the corner of 5th and 79th.

Head into Central Park and walk all the way to Central Park Boathouse and The Lake. There are toilets just at the side of Central Park Boathouse if you need them!

Continue walking round to Bethesda Terrace, and enjoy the buskers and musicians dotted around the terrace.

Walk through the giant arches and it’ll take you up some stairs and through to ‘The Mall’, which is that famous long walkway through the park, flanked by trees and benches to sit on. This is my favourite part of Central Park!

Enjoy the walk, amble slowly, take in the musicians and atmosphere, maybe even sit for a while and just soak it all in.

Eventually, you’ll reach Center Drive, cross the road across E 65th St and you should spot the Wollman Rink just in front of the visitor centre (where there are more toilets) and one of the giant bedrocks.

11:30 – Ice-Skating at Wollman Rink

There are plenty of ice-rinks to choose from in New York, but the Wollman Rink is still the most breathtaking IMO, and my favourite one.

It’s the largest out of the NYC ice-rinks, and skating around it feels as though you’re in a Christmas movie; the tall skyscrapers all lit up in the evening and the park surrounding you really is something quite special.

If you’re on a mother-daughter trip to NYC, ice-skating together at Wollman Rink is unmissable – even if you’re not very good at skating!

12:30 – Lunch at BG at Bergdorf Goodman

After your ice-skating session, it’s time for lunch.

On the seventh floor of Bergdorf’s is BG Restaurant, their luxe-relaxed dining space that is the epitome of New York City’s upper class.

I first went in 2017 and really, really loved it.

Book in advance and request a seat by the window, where you can alternate between staring out over Central Park and The Plaza, and looking around at the New Yorkers casually having lunch in one of the finest stores in the city.

It’s such a great spot for people watching and really feeling as though you’re right in among NYC’s high society, and the lobster mac & cheese is delicious!

2pm – Top of the Rock

Go up the Top of the Rock for sweeping views over the whole of Manhattan and the Empire State Building.

Now, I much prefer the Top of the Rock to the top of the Empire State Building.

Not only do you actually get a view of the Empire State Building, but the whole experience is just far more professional and slick. The Empire State Building experience is a bit…uh…amateur and nowhere near as good.

4pm – Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall is completely unmissable! It’s one of the best and most impressive shows I’ve ever seen, and is 1000% worth the ticket price.

To get the best price, wait until the Black Friday sales.

They usually do 40% or 50% off during Black Friday so check regularly during this time.

Thursday is a great day to see the show as it’s a weekday, on the weekends the ticket prices can be more than double because of its popularity! Definitely see the show that starts at 4:30pm – do not see the later shows because you’ll be so jetlagged you won’t enjoy it as much.

Trust me on this. I’ve seen both an afternoon performance and a 10pm showing, and I fell asleep during the 10pm showing because I physically could not keep my eyes open no matter how much I wanted to. So take it from me, and go to the early afternoon show.

7pm – Cocktail at The Plaza

The only way you can go inside The Plaza is if you’re a guest, or if you’re dining at the restaurant or drinking at their bar.

Their Christmas tree is really, really special, so I highly recommend you go and see it via a cocktail at their bar!

Also, it’s just one of those fancy, fun things to do at Christmas in NYC. They do special Christmas flavoured cocktails and it was really just a great experience.

8pm – Dinner at Monkey Bar

The only way I can describe Monkey Bar, is it feels as though you’re in one of those 80s movies.

As a Brit, Monkey Bar and BG’s both made me feel as though I had been transported onto a movie set and I was suddenly playing the part of a glamorous New Yorker.

The white linen table cloths, red leather and dark wood booths, caricatures adoring the walls, and loud chatter of well-heeled guests made my heart swoon, and the delectable food and cocktails gave me even more reason to fall in love with the place.

Day 3 in NYC (Friday)

9am – Breakfast at Black Seed Bagel

My fave breakfast in New York is a classic bagel.

Go to Black Seed Bagel in the Rockefeller Centre shopping centre for the most epic bagel, and then wander down Fifth Avenue and enjoy all the window displays and decorations in the daytime.

10am – New York Public Library

One of the most beautiful Christmas trees in all of New York is the tree inside the New York Public Library.

The public library is usually quite quiet compared to other attractions in NYC, and the tree always looks incredible.

Whilst you’re there admiring the tree, make sure to head upstairs to see the famous Rose Main Reading Room – you’ll recognise it from countless TV shows and movies.

10:30am – Bryant Square Holiday Market

For everything festive you can’t miss the Holiday Village at Bryant Square.

It’s right behind the New York Public Library, and there’s a free ice-rink (just pay for your skate hire), holiday markets, and food huts galore.

Pick up some adorable NYC-themed Christmas decorations here for your tree back home, and remember your New York Christmas forever.

11:30am – Macy’s Herald Square

Macy’s is a Christmas wonderland this time of year, with a huge Christmas department perfect for picking up Christmas decorations to take home with you!

The famous store usually have plenty of offers on this time of year too, perfect if you’re looking for a bargain or any Christmas gifts.

1pm – Lunch at Tick Tock diner

Just round the corner from Macy’s, Tick Tock diner is one of those places that’s touristy, but worth it.

The decor is SO cool – very 1950s diner style, and the food is decent too. Overall it was just a fun experience and it’s one of the few diners where you can actually reserve a table – and make sure you do reserve a table in advance!!

2:30pm – Times Square

From Tick Tock diner, walk up to Times Square.

It’s chaotic, it’s busy, it’s overwhelming. But did you go to NYC if you didn’t go to Times Square?!

And let’s face it, you need to see all the Christmas ads on the billboards! My favourite is always the Coca-Cola one!

3pm – Museum of Broadway

Named one of the “Best Museums in NYC” by Condé Nast Traveler, the Museum of Broadway is an immersive museum experience right by Times Square.

The museum celebrates Broadway’s rich history, starting in 1732! Make sure to book your tickets in advance, and you can see hundreds of rare costumes, props and artifacts from Broadway shows, and you’ll go behind-the-scenes into the making of a Broadway show.

5pm – Early dinner at Gayle’s Broadway Rose

After the museum, head down the road to Gayle’s Broadway Rose to continue your Broadway experience!

You have to book a table a few weeks in advance, and you’ll only get a 60-minute slot as it’s such a popular place, but I promise it’s worth it.

The wait staff at Gayle’s are all Broadway singers and actors, who work at Gayle’s part-time, and there are constant musical performances of Broadway hit songs throughout your meal.

It’s a really unique and incredible experience, and the food was also surprisingly very good!

6:30pm – Columbus Circle Holiday Market

The Columbus Square holiday markets are a collection of wooden huts in the middle of Columbus Square with cute handcrafted gifts, and a wide selection of festive food and drink (and not-so-festive treats – their churros are divine).

Spend some time browsing the festive markets, pick up a hot chocolate or hot apple cider, and enjoy the churros!

7pm – Big Band Holidays Jazz at Lincoln Centre

If you visit New York between 18th-22nd December, you’ll be able to catch a showing of the Big Band Holidays Jazz concert at the Lincoln Centre.

It starts at 7:30pm but you’ll need to arrive around 7pm. The Lincoln Centre is right by Columbus Circle, so it’s only a short walk between the two.

9:30pm – Drinks at Bemelman’s at The Carlyle

The Carlyle is Rosewood Hotel group’s luxury NYC property, with Bemelmans Bar being named after the author of the Madeline children’s books, Ludwig Bemelmans.

The bar features an art deco interior, jazz nights and cocktails, and the large-scale murals in the hotel bar are the only surviving Bemelmans’ commission open to the public.

Day 4 in NYC (Saturday)

Right, now on the Saturday we’re going to explore Chelsea and the lower part of Manhattan! Midtown is craaaaazy on a Saturday, so it’s best to avoid it if you don’t want to be crushed by crowds of people.

Chelsea and the whole area below are much quieter and more civilised, and it’ll be more enjoyable for you.

8am – Breakfast at Bubby’s

Start by getting the subway down to Bubby’s.

Bubby’s is my favourite breakfast place in NYC – they honestly do the best pancakes I have ever eaten.

I mean look at them!

Make sure you book a table a few weeks in advance as they get suuuuper busy and booked up, especially on a weekend.

Read my review of Bubby’s NYC!

9:30am – 9/11 Memorial & Museum

After breakfast walk down to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum via the Oculus Centre, which will take you about 20-minutes. You’ll walk through Tribeca and it’s just a really nice area to walk through.

The Oculus Centre is a great photo opportunity!

But, you can’t really visit New York without visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

It’s a truly haunting experience, and well worth visiting the museum to find out more about the day and recovery efforts (although very heavy).

When you finish up at the museum, walk across the road and visit St Paul’s Church, where they carried Father Mychal’s body after he was killed in the attack (you’ll learn more about him in the museum).

11:45 – Lunch at Katz Delicatessen

After spending the morning at the 9/11 museum, get the subway to the East Village to have lunch at Katz Delicatessen.

This is the famous deli from When Harry Met Sally, and is the best place in NYC for a pastrami sandwich.

It’s one of those rare places that’s super touristy, but actually amazing. Make sure you get there just before 12, because the queue gets HUGE as soon as it hits 12noon.

If you arrive around 11:45 you’ll be able to walk straight in rather than queuing up down the street for hours.

The pastrami here is SO flavourful and just really, really tasty.

1pm – Washington Square Park

After lunch at Katz, walk to Washington Square Park to see the famous spot from Where Harry Met Sally and the giant Christmas tree, and then get the subway to 34 St – Penn Station.

From the subway station at 34 St – Penn Station, walk 10mins along W 33rd St to The Vessel, which is right by the entrance to the Highline on W 30th St.

1:30pm – Walk the Highline

The Highline is one of my favourite things to do in New York, no matter what time of year it is!

It’s absolutely unmissable, and so so beautiful.

You walk along the old train tracks above the city, surrounded by benches, trees, and plants, and see the area of Chelsea from up above.

You’ll want to get off The Highline after around 20-minutes of walking, at W 16th St, because this is where Chelsea Market is located!

2pm – Chelsea Market

Oh my gosh. Chelsea Market is incredible, and there are sooo many cute decorations and lights in there.

There are sooo many different shops and food places to grab a sweet treat, so have a wander, take your pick, and enjoy your dessert!

Have a look at the Chelsea Market food options here.

3pm – Staten Island Ferry

Now, to end your sightseeing, take the free ferry from the Staten Island Ferry terminal located at 4 Whitehall St near Battery Park, to Staten Island!

No, the aim is not to visit Staten Island, the aim is to see the Statue of Liberty for free 😛

It’ll save you the high cost of the organised tourist ferry tours of the Statue of Liberty.

Stay on the ferry when you reach Staten Island, and come back to Manhattan on the same one (unless you actually want to visit Staten Island, of course).

You won’t get as close to the Statue of Liberty as you would on the proper tour (the photo below is on the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island tour, and above is the Staten Island Ferry), but it’s a great cost-effective alternative.

5pm – Wall Street

Just a short walk from the Manhattan Staten Island Ferry terminal, is the famous Charging Bull on Wall Street, and just round the corner from the Charging Bull is the famous New York Stock Exchange.

The New York Stock Exchange has an incredible, huge Christmas tree outside that’s well worth seeing!

6pm – Dinner at Rolf’s

After visiting Wall Street, get the Subway to Rolf’s for dinner.

Rolf’s is famous for their ceiling that’s covered in Christmas decorations!! It doesn’t look much from the outside, but just look at the interior decorations…

8pm – Drinks at The Rum House

Alright, now, after dinner you’ll want to go to The Rum House – which is in the same hotel as Gayle’s Broadway Rose – for their epic cocktails! It’s also super close to the show you’ll be seeing afterwards.

And if you love rum, you can’t miss this bar.

It feels like a dark and moody den and the cocktail menu is one of the best I’ve ever seen (although I am a huge fan of rum).

9pm – Cabaret at 54 Below

Then, after your cocktail, walk the short distance to 54 Below, which is located next to the old Studio54 (which is now a theatre).

Seeing a show at 54 Below was one of the best music experiences of my life. And I’ve been to a lot of shows and concerts.

It’s similar vibe and intimacy to Ronnie Scott’s in London, but instead of being a jazz club, it’s a cabaret club with a wide variety of shows each night.

On Saturday nights at 9:30pm they have their ‘Broadway’s Greatest Hits’ show, where they invite Broadway stars to perform. But you’ll want to arrive for 9pm because you’ll get a better seat if you get there early. You have to book tickets for a ‘section’ in advance, and then the actual seating is done on the night on first-come-first-servce.

My mum and I had the best time here, and the experience left us feeling so happy and joyful!

We were very fortunate to have stars including Ben Jones, Sophie Rapeijko, and Jared Goodwin (whose rendition of Gethsemene made me ball my eyes out).

I think this actually ended up being one of my favourite ever experiences.

Day 5 in NYC (Sunday)

It’s your final day! We’re going to have an easy morning before you leave for the airport in the afternoon.

8am – Breakfast at New York Luncheonette

Like Rolf’s, this place doesn’t look much from the outside, but it absolutely saved me and my mum on our Christmas trip to NYC.

We hadn’t booked somewhere and everywhere was packed with 1-hour queues out the door. We stumbled across New York Luncheonette and it was full, but with a couple of spare tables.

We sat down and noticed it was full of locals, there were no other tourists there other than us.

We ordered french toast and eggs and actually, we really enjoyed our breakfast there! It was great and very tasty, and very reasonably priced too.

9am – SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is really fun and SO cool, but very busy and chaotic as it’s veeery instagrammable.

It basically blends elements of art, technology, architecture, and thrill to take the concept of NYC “observation decks” to entirely new heights.

You’ve probably seen it all over Instagram and TikTok already, but honestly nothing really prepares you for how epic it is. With sweeping views across the city, there are also fun rooms with interactive art.

11am – Serendipity Frozen Chocolate

For another classic ‘NYC at Christmas movie experience’, of course you need to go to Serendipity 3 on the Upper East Side for their famous ‘Frrrozen Hot Chocolate’ from the movie Serendipity.

The Upper East Side location is the original one from the movie, so make sure you go to that one rather than the Times Square location. Again, make sure you book at least a few weeks in advance as they get booked up very fast.

Head home!

And now it’s time to head home – grab your luggage from your hotel and get a taxi to the airport.

You’ve just completed an epic mother-daughter trip to NYC at Christmas, and have a collection of special memories together for life!!

PS: Follow me on Instagram and tag me if you do this itinerary – I’d love to see your photos from your trip and know your thoughts!