Navigating NYC's Crowded Holiday Attractions

New York City's holiday season draws massive crowds to iconic attractions, often making navigation difficult. A visitor's account from 2023 describes the experience at locations such as Wollman Rink, the Plaza Hotel, and Fifth Avenue. The ice at Wollman Rink was described as swarming with people, while Fifth Avenue felt swept away by crowds.

St. Patrick's Cathedral, despite its free entry, was packed with visitors viewing decorations. The crowds were also heavy at Rockefeller Center and Macy's Herald Square, where the author noted a sea of people. According to the city's Economic Development Corporation, tourism has grown significantly since 2023, with Times Square seeing 48,000 more weekend visitors in December 2024 compared to the previous year. Seasonal tourism brings approximately $500 million in revenue to the city.

Tourism in New York City has nearly fully rebounded from pandemic lows, leading to increased congestion at popular sites. A report published in November by the city's Economic Development Corporation highlights a significant rise in visitor numbers. In December 2024, Times Square saw an average of 48,000 more visitors per weekend compared to December 2023. Fifth Avenue experienced a similar increase, with 27,000 more weekend visitors during the same timeframe.

Seasonal tourism is a major economic driver for the city, generating approximately $500 million in revenue. In December 2025, predictions indicated that 8 million people would visit New York City in the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's. This influx of visitors transforms the city but also creates significant crowds at major landmarks.

The holiday tour began at Wollman Rink in Central Park. The rink, which has been a popular destination for decades and featured in movies like Serendipity, was extremely crowded. Visitors were seen climbing on rocks just to view the rink, and lines formed around the gates. The ice was described as swarming with people, and the refreshment area benches were full. The author noted that the rink felt disorganized compared to others in the city.

Next, the tour moved to the Plaza Hotel. Opened in 1907, it is one of the world's most famous hotels and a location featured in the movie Home Alone 2. However, entry was restricted to hotel guests and restaurant patrons only. Across the street, the Pulitzer Fountain was decorated with giant ornaments and lights. The journey continued down Fifth Avenue, known for its legendary shopping and holiday displays. The crowds here were so dense that the author felt swept away, and constant stopping for photos caused congestion.

St. Patrick's Cathedral offered a break from the cold but was packed with visitors. As the largest Gothic Catholic cathedral in the United States, it opens its doors to over 5 million people annually. While entry is free, the church was heavily decorated with wreaths, Christmas trees, and poinsettias. The Nativity scene, located near an exit, caused significant traffic delays as visitors stopped to take photographs.

The tour concluded with visits to major retail locations. Saks Fifth Avenue featured a light show called 'Your Story in Lights,' set to uplifting music, though the interior was described as minimally decorated. Across the street, Rockefeller Center was overrun with visitors, making it difficult to approach the iconic tree. The final stop was Macy's Herald Square, the largest department store in the US. The store featured a 'Give Love' sign instead of the traditional 'Believe' sign. Inside, the crowd was overwhelming, particularly on the floors housing the returned Toys 'R' Us section and Santaland.

Navigating New York City's major attractions during the holiday season requires patience due to the heavy influx of tourists. The experience at locations like Macy's Herald Square and Wollman Rink reflects the city's status as a premier holiday destination. Despite the crowds and the physical exhaustion reported by the visitor, the trip was deemed worth it to experience the festive sights. New York City remains a top location for holiday travel, driven by its iconic landmarks and seasonal revenue of $500 million.