Cheapest way to do New York in December?

[wherewillwegoto]

Looking into a 5 day trip to New York but direct flights seem to be making it very expensive, really don't want to change flights if it can be helped.

We wanted to see the Christmas decorations, so earliest would be last week of November I think.

I've never been before, so no idea what would be a good area to stay, for easy access to main tourist attractions and shops.

Ideally looking for under a thousand pounds each in total incl return flights and accommodation.

If not we'll be going to the canary Islands for some winter sun. So again grateful for hotel recommendations if anyone has been and stayed somewhere they'd recommend for a couple, no children.

We took the queen Mary 2 one way and flew back, was under £1000 each for 7 nights on the ship and 2 nights in New York (full board on ship, b&b in New York

We went years ago and stayed in Long Island in a hotel apartment…buffet breakfast was included, and we were able to fill up on fresh waffles, fruit, cereals, bread etc and our room had a little tiny kitchen with plates, cutlery a hob and a microwave, which meant that we could eat cheaply. We had things like takeaway pizza in our room and noodles etc.

We went about 18 months ago. Pizza slices were good and really cheap $4 maybe for one with toppings. Bagel was maybe $15 but massive and enough for two for breakfast. We just ate fast food really for 5 days! I was a bit sick of it by the end.

Register on big Apple greeters - it’s free walking tours.

Can you afford the cost of eating out once you're there? Don't forget that they expect at least a 20% tip. Also, prices in shops are excluding tax, which gets added on at the till.

America is expensive.

I’d save a bit more and go next Xmas. We went last year as stayed next to the Natural history museum. No doubt you’ll want to do things like an observation to work, Christmas shopping, markets, ice skating, the Rockettes Christmas spectacular, perhaps a Broadway show, and all of this adds up. We were spending approximately £80 for breakfast for four of us in a local café, perhaps £15 a head for lunch and £150 for a midrange dinner ( 2 adults, 2kids) It is a wonderful place to be in December and magical.

You want to go at the most expensive time of the year when flights and hotel prices are at a premium. If you’d been before I would advise just going for three nights to cut your costs but you haven’t so I understand about five nights. Just looked up packages for five nights in January and there’s plenty of choice between £600 - £800 per person staying at good hotels.

A couple of years ago I paid $6 dollars for a portion of fries.

USA isn’t cheap anymore. It’s eye watering expensive for us brits.

I paid $28 for a regular pack of pamper nappies last year. That wasn’t even in tourist town. Just a regular target.

Flights from Manchester via Dublin are £400 each 5-9 December, for example. I know you said you wanted direct but via Dublin is great as you can clear US immigration there and then walk off in NY as if flying domestic. I had a quick look on booking.com and there are a few options that came in under £1200 for four nights in Brooklyn and the Hampton in lower Manhattan is £1300 including breakfast so well worth the extra £100. Proper research could find you something under £2000 total I reckon.

I went on movement 8th a few years ago and all the Xmas stuff was up

Assuming this is meant to say November 8th, some will have been up but not all.

Actually OP it might be worth flying out very early January. I've found deals on TUI, 5 nights direct from Manchester less than 1k pp, flying out on 3rd or 4th of January. Some of the Christmas decor will still be up (e.g. Rockefeller tree), the ice rinks will still be there, and it should be overall cheaper and a bit quieter than December.

That's insane!!! The Americans are suffering 😭

Could I ask whether you used cash when you were there? Is it a good idea for a potential traveller to take a couple of hundred dollars in cash?

No need for cash now. Just make sure your card doesn't trigger extra charges.

We're going in December and found it very expensive. I booked flights through virgin using points so just paying the taxes which is coming in at £600pp return. This is UC so taxes are higher than economy.

I booked hotel separately which is costing £350ish a night in Chelsea. Ive heard going toward FiDi or across to Brooklyn is cheaper.

So far I've booked summit 1 at sunset and intend to get a go city pass for a few other attractions but I expect the sightseeing and food to be as expensive as the flights and accommodation so would probably be worth pricing up what you want to do whilst there too.

🥰

I went a few years ago and flew there on Boxing Day. All the Christmas decorations and activities were still happening and I felt like it extended Christmas for me. The flights were cheaper as well.

Card everywhere. The only cash DH uses is the tip in the hotel room for the maid.

We’re going for Christmas for my big birthday . Have taken a serviced apartment with a decent kitchen . Can’t wait !

Travelling on actual Christmas Day is traditionally cheaper than the days around it if that might appeal to you?!

What did you decide, op? 👀 xx

Not to go at Christmas

I live here and I wouldn't ever recommend anyone coming in December. I know everyone wants to see the tree and the lights yada yada yada but it's literally the worst time to visit. It's heaving, all prices are skyrocketing and it's actually a pretty miserable experience of an incredible city, especially if you've never been before. Plus the last couple of years the lights have been a bit underwhelming.

Come in October. Weather is lovely, the leaves are changing, Halloween is happening and, yes, it's still busy but you can walk down the streets without wanting to murder half the people on them. Or that could just be me....

Second this!

I also live here and would say autumn is a great time to visit. We’re set to have a glorious October - I’m heading to a beer garden on Saturday and to the beach on Sunday. 😊

Love holidays seem to do afew deals

BA do some good deals. 4 of us went on dec 16th for 5 nights in dec 2022 for £3800 BUT the cost of eating/ excursions out there is astronomical

We are coming for Christmas this year, meeting the family ( it’s half way for most of us) so no choice on timing . Any recommendations for the locals ? We have a self catering apt in financial district