New York in December for solo female travellers — What to do, safety & tips
- Sassy Travels
- Sep 21
- 6 min read
This has to be one of the most magical destinations of mine to date. I first visited New York in 2012, and fell absolutely in love with this city. I know it's bit of a cliché, because it is a dream city for many, but it is a hype I can definitely relate to. From the busy streets to the beautiful Central Park, it has such a unique atmosphere, you don't really experience anywhere else. My first visit to New York was in autumn/fall, so I just knew I had to return one day to experience the magic of this city in Christmas time. 11 years later, I made this happen, so here come my insights on what New York is like in December as a solo female traveller.
Given that I already did the 'touristy things' (Empire State building visit etc.) before, my second visit to the Big Apple was all about exploring the festive elements of the city, and immersing myself into the holiday spirits. So, just a disclaimer, this is gonna be less about the regular New York and more about the festive things to do.
Where to stay
Accommodation wise I would highly recommend booking something in Manhattan. I know it’s likely to be more pricey, but I think time and commute wise it will pay off. Also, if you’re not planning on staying for long, 2-3 nights will be perfectly enough to experience the festive side of New York. I ended up booking somewhere in Chelsea, and I found that to be perfect, not too busy but everything was either within walking distance (I do love to walk around in New York especially), or a tube/subway ride away. Given that most festive things to do and see are located in the same area, not having to travel to Manhattan every day was very comfortable.
When to go
I went early December, and the city was already buzzing. I would say any time in December is likely to be magical. My only two comments would be; don't get your hopes up for snow and frosty weather, if you're visiting early December. Of course this can vary, but the weather until the end of December is actually a bit more mild. Secondly, try to fit a Sunday into your travel days, some roads are closed for Sundays so that people can freely walk around and enjoy the displays. I did end up being there on a Sunday, and it was amazing to walk around where there normally would be a line of yellow taxis.
Things to do and how much time to spend on it
Instead of giving you an itinerary, I will tell you about your options and how much it would roughly take, so that you can pick and mix, creating your own, personalised itinerary. There might be things you're interested in and others that don't call your name.
Ice skating: and for this you will have options, the most famous ones are obviously the ice rink by Rockefeller Center, and the one in Central Park, Wollman Rink. In my opinion, the former feels more Christmassy and cozy (because you also get to see the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree), but it is smaller, and the latter feels more open and has a better view around. Obviously, You decide which one speaks to you more!
Time spent: 2-3 hours
Central Park: even if you're not opting for the Wollman Rink, a nice walk in the Central Park can still be a part of your trip. I would recommend buying a nice hot drink first, and walk around the infamous green space. There are lots of amazing photo opportunities here, without the crowds but nice backdrops. These are a bit more quiet, but you can always spot some tourists here, who will probably ask you if you can take a photo for them. If you feel comfortable to do that, go for it and ask for the same favour. Given you're travelling solo, this can be your chance to get a photo yourself. I do this all the time in busy places where putting down my camera does not seem like a smart idea. If you end up walking by the Upper East side, you can also pay a visit to the Metropolitan Museum.
Time spent: a morning or afternoon, 3-4 hours with a nice coffee break (I chose The Ballfields Cafe) + 2-3 hours min. if you want to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue: other than Central Park, this is where I probably spent most of my time at. The displays are next level, so detailed and creative. You can visit during the day time, but I think they are most magical when it's getting dark/already dark outside. The good news is, that is likely to happen by 5pm, so you don't have to stay up too late.
Time spent: at least 1-2 hours, but I say easily more if you also want to do some shopping, or just really enjoy window-shopping.
Attend a Christmas carol service: I speak like I planned this myself, but the truth is, when you walk around on Sunday, you are likely to find multiple carol services per day. You don't have to book in advance, everyone is welcome. So, if you have the time I would highly recommend attending one (it is flexible you walk out whenever you are called to do so).I love this tradition and it really does put you in the holiday mood!
Time spent: up to an hour
Time square: okay, this one is a little bit festive, little bit something that you would do any time of the year while visiting New York. But, if you love want to add a broadway show or museum visit to your itinerary, it is a must!
Time spent: just to check it out and walk around an hour should be enough, if you book a show/museum you probably need an afternoon/evening.
Take yourself out on a solo dinner date: if you feel intimidated by dining solo, first of all you need to read my article on the topic, here. I promise you, it is one of the best experiences you can give yourself, and what better place to do it, then in the iconic city of New York. Even if you only end up sitting in for a coffee or hot chocolate (it does not have to be super fancy), you can learn more about yourself and step outside of your comfort zone for once. Famous female characters like Blair Waldorf, Carrie Bradshaw or Holly Golightly paved the way for female empowerment and confidence in New York City, so why not follow their lead?
Safety
New York is a big city with lots going on, so it only makes sense to practise safety precautions like you would do in any other big city. This is why I would recommend booking an accommodation somewhere close to the main attractions, you will feel safer and more grounded for sure. You will also have to take less subway/tube rides, which I also think helps. I personally did not stay out past 9-10pm in the evening, just to avoid unwanted situations. But what I liked about this time of the year in New York is that, given the festivities, there are lots of people, especially families around, which made my experience feel more homey and welcoming.
And that brings me to the end of my post. Spending time in December in New York as a solo female traveller is nothing short of magical. From twinkling lights on Fifth Avenue to the buzz of holiday markets and the serenity of Central Park, the city truly shines during the festive season. Even if you’re exploring on your own, you’ll never feel alone in a city that’s alive with energy and warmth.
I hope this guide gave you some inspiration for your own December adventure in New York — whether it’s a full trip or just a festive layover. And if you’d like a little extra support to feel more grounded on the road, don’t forget to grab my free Travel Wellness Routine Builder. Inside, you’ll find a printable checklist, self-care prompts, and simple rituals to help you feel at home wherever your solo travels take you.
