‘Tis the Season to Celebrate Christmas in New York with Margaritaville

There’s nowhere in the world quite like New York City at Christmas. From the moment the first lights go up in November, the city hums with festive energy, holiday windows sparkle along Fifth Avenue, carols spill into the streets, and the smell of roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate fills the air.
Staying near Times Square puts you at the heart of it all. Within minutes, you can stroll to the season’s biggest attractions, take in the skyline from a rooftop perch, and return to a tropical-inspired retreat that feels miles away from the winter chill.

 

A City Transformed: What to Expect in NYC During the Holidays

New York in December is pure theater. Skaters loop around the ice rink at Rockefeller Center beneath the city’s most famous Christmas tree. Bryant Park glows with the soft lights of its Winter Village. Even the daily bustle of Midtown slows into something more cinematic, street corners strung with garlands, store windows turned into glittering art installations, and every block offering its own slice of holiday magic.

At Margaritaville Resort Times Square, guests are perfectly placed to experience it all, close enough to walk to the icons, but tucked just far enough away to unwind when the crowds get dense. Between rooftop cocktails and skyline views, you’ll find your own quiet corner of paradise amid the city’s most dazzling season.

Must-See Holiday Attractions & Events in New York

Rockefeller Center Tree & Ice Skating

No holiday trip to New York is complete without seeing the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Visit early in the morning or after 10 p.m. to avoid the crowds, then lace up your skates for a spin beneath the twinkling lights.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Just a short walk from Times Square, the Rockettes’ annual show is a true New York tradition. The combination of high-kicking choreography, vintage glamour, and a live orchestra never fails to spark holiday joy.

Holiday Lights at Saks & Fifth Avenue

The iconic Saks light show runs nightly and pairs perfectly with a stroll along Fifth Avenue to admire the city’s most creative window displays, think Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., and Bloomingdale’s.

Bryant Park Winter Village

Only two blocks from the resort, this market-meets-ice-rink hybrid is one of the city’s most atmospheric winter experiences. Sip mulled wine, shop artisan gifts, and watch skaters glide under a canopy of lights.

NYC Holiday Markets

For a local feel, visit Union Square, Columbus Circle, or Grand Central Holiday Market. Each has its own personality, from handmade crafts to gourmet treats, and they make for excellent last-minute gift hunting.

Central Park Carriage Rides

When the snow falls, few things are more quintessentially New York than a carriage ride through Central Park. It’s a must for couples or families seeking a quieter moment between the city’s big attractions.

Where to Eat, Drink, and Unwind After the Festivities

After a day exploring the city’s winter wonderland, warm up with festive drinks and laid-back dining right at the resort.

• 5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar – High above Times Square, this indoor-outdoor bar turns into Christmas Island, a holiday pop-up featuring five seasonal cocktails, collectible cups, and skyline views. Sip a Sleigh Ride or a Winter Wave while live entertainment fills the rooftop with festive cheer.
   
• License to Chill Bar – Cozy interiors, spiced rum cocktails, and a calm fireside atmosphere make this the perfect place to wind down after a day in Midtown.
   
• LandShark Bar & Grill – Ideal for casual dining and group gatherings, with weekday Happy Hour specials still running Monday through Friday.
   

Whether you’re dressed up for the theater or coming straight from the ice rink, every space at Margaritaville Resort Times Square feels like a retreat from the city’s winter rush.

 

The Perfect Holiday Home Base — Now with a Seasonal Offer

To make the season even brighter, the ’Tis the Season offer brings exclusive perks for holiday travelers. Guests enjoy 15% off stays, plus a $25 Macy’s gift card and a $25 dining credit at one of the resort’s on-site restaurants. For every room night booked, Margaritaville also donates $5 to The Bowery Mission, spreading the holiday spirit beyond the hotel walls.

Booking direct ensures the best rates and early access to limited holiday dates, right in the middle of New York’s most festive neighborhood.

Tips for a Magical (and Low-Stress) NYC Christmas

• Book early for popular attractions like the Rockettes or The Nutcracker, they sell out fast.
• Visit Rockefeller Center first thing in the morning or late at night to skip the crowds.
• Stay central—Times Square, Bryant Park, and Fifth Avenue are all within 10–15 minutes on foot.
• Keep warm with rooftop cocktails or indoor dining instead of waiting in long restaurant queues.
• Layer up—New York weather can swing from mild afternoons to snow-dusted nights.
   

Small planning tweaks make a big difference when the city’s at its busiest. Staying somewhere that balances location with comfort ensures the experience feels magical, not manic.

 

Planning Your Trip: What to Pack & When to Visit

The holiday magic in New York begins early. Lights and window displays start appearing in mid-November, with skating rinks, markets, and festive performances running straight through New Year’s Eve. December is the city at its most dazzling and its busiest, so a little preparation goes a long way.

What to Pack: Think warmth and versatility. Bring a heavy coat, waterproof boots, gloves, and layers you can peel off once you’re indoors. The weather can swing from crisp sunshine to snow flurries in a single afternoon, and comfortable shoes are essential for exploring markets, walking tours, or skating at Bryant Park.

Getting Around: One of the best parts of staying at Margaritaville Resort Times Square is how walkable it all is. Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, and Fifth Avenue’s lights are within minutes, while nearby subway lines make it easy to reach uptown museums or downtown neighborhoods without the holiday traffic. After a long day of exploring, retreating to a warm rooftop pool or your resort-style room feels like the perfect reward.

Wrap-Up: Make Your NYC Christmas One to Remember

From ice rinks and rooftop cocktails to the glow of Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center, Christmas in New York is unforgettable. At Margaritaville Resort Times Square, guests can experience it all, without sacrificing space, warmth, or ease.

Celebrate the season from the skyline down, start with a festive cocktail at Christmas Island Rooftop Bar, Margaritaville’s holiday pop-up high above Times Square. Then unwind over island-inspired bites at License to Chill or LandShark Bar & Grill, or make it a full getaway with a stay in the Christmas Island Suite, a festive retreat designed for the holidays.

Explore our rooms & suites, dining options, and exclusive seasonal offers to start planning your New York Christmas escape, where city sparkle meets tropical cheer, and every night feels like a celebration.