What to Wear in NYC in December
What to wear in NYC in December is one of the first questions visitors ask before booking their holiday trip. The city is magical at this time of year, but it is also cold, unpredictable, and best enjoyed if you arrive prepared. A December day in New York means moving constantly between outdoor attractions, like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or Bryant Park Winter Village, and warm indoor stops, such as cafés, restaurants, and museums.
Without the right clothing, you risk cutting your sightseeing short. With the proper gear, you can walk for hours, enjoy every decoration, and feel like a local. Our Christmas in New York team spends the whole month outdoors, guiding thousands of guests through the city, so we know exactly what works. Thermal layers, comfortable clothes, a serious winter coat, and weatherproof boots are not optional, they are essential. In this guide, we share our complete packing list, tips to stay warm, and advice on how our tours balance outdoor magic with indoor comfort. For more inspiration, read our cornerstone article Best Things to Do at Christmas in NYC, and follow our Instagram @MyChristmasInNewYorkCity for daily photos and outfit ideas straight from the streets of New York.
Table of Contents
How Cold Is NYC in December?
Expect daytime highs close to 40 to 45°F (4 to 7°C). Nights often sit near freezing, and wind makes it feel colder, especially on wide avenues and near the rivers. Snow can happen, but rain and slush are more common. Weather can also change fast. A sunny morning may become a wet evening. That’s why knowing what to wear in NYC in December is so important. Plan for layers that you can add and remove quickly, depending on the conditions. A warm scarf protects your neck and face on windy corners, and waterproof pieces help when sidewalks turn slick. Comfortable shoes matter because you will walk a lot. Dress smart, then adjust during the day as you step in and out of heated spaces.
Essential Packing List: What to Wear in NYC in December
When planning what to wear in NYC in December, build outfits around thin thermal layers, a warm mid layer, and a serious winter coat. Thermal tops and leggings, like Heattech or merino, add warmth without bulk. Sweaters or fleeces sit well over base layers and remove easily indoors. Jeans and thick trousers work for most days, while fleece-lined tights or leggings help under dresses and skirts. Choose a coat that blocks wind and reaches your thighs. Weatherproof boots with grip are essential, since slush and icy sidewalks are common in December. Sneakers are fine only on dry days, but they should not be your main choice. Always pack a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Hand warmers and foot warmers are lifesavers for long evenings outside. Bring a compact umbrella, lip balm, and a small backpack for spare layers and souvenirs. Comfort always comes first in New York, regardless of the occasion or event.
Here is a clear packing checklist you can use:
Serious winter coat, long and wind-blocking
Weatherproof boots with grip for icy sidewalks
Beanie or ear covers
Scarf for neck and face protection
Warm socks (preferably wool)
Gloves with touchscreen tips for phone use
- Rechargeable hand and foot warmers
Rechargeable heating sweater or vest (some guests swear by them)
Thermo bottle for water, tea, or coffee on the go
Soft tissues and wipes
Small backpack for layers, water, and purchases
Lip balm and hand cream to fight dry air
Outerwear Tips: What to Wear in NYC in December for Comfort
When deciding what to wear in NYC in December, your coat is the hero of every outfit. Pick one that is insulated, water resistant, and long enough to shield your legs from gusts. Down parkas are practical for long days outside, while a wool coat works well if you use strong base layers.
Shoes deserve equal attention. Wet or painful feet can cut a day short. Weatherproof boots with a supportive sole are the safest choice for walking the city. Keep colors simple so your pieces mix and match easily. Layering helps you stay warm outdoors but prevents overheating once you step inside. This approach not only feels good during busy days but also looks tidy in your holiday photos.
Can You Wear Sneakers in NYC in December?
Many visitors wonder if sneakers are part of what to wear in NYC in December. The answer is yes, but only when the weather is dry and clear. December often brings slush and icy patches, and sneakers soak quickly while offering little grip on wet sidewalks. Save them for short indoor days or mild afternoons. For most of your trip, rely on weatherproof boots as your main pair. Choose styles with strong tread and enough room for warm socks. This way, your feet stay comfortable after a long walk on Fifth Avenue or while exploring a Christmas market.
How to Stay Warm on Tours
Clothing is only part of the plan. The smartest way to enjoy New York in December is by mixing outdoor highlights with warm breaks.
All of our tours are designed with that balance in mind. You never spend hours outside without relief. There is always time on a heated bus, moments indoors to recharge, and a festive finale to finish the experience.
If you join our My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant, you will cover all the important Midtown sights without freezing, then sit down at a reserved table inside one of the most festive Christmas restaurants in the city.
On the Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour with 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, you enjoy the best of Lower Manhattan, then skip the line to relax in the heated Christmas igloos overlooking the skyline.
With the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour with DUMBO and Free Hot Chocolate at Bryant Park Winter Village, you spend about one hour walking through Brooklyn’s dazzling displays, but the warm bus brings you there and back, and you end with a hot chocolate at the city’s best Christmas market.
If you participate to the New York Movie Tour with a Christmas Twist, you will visit many famous film sites without long waits in the cold, since the bus is always your base, and the finale is shopping time in New York’s best indoor, year-round Christmas store.
Every tour gives you the magic of December while keeping you comfortable, with a thoughtful mix of outdoor sparkle, indoor charm, and warm transport.
Insider Tips from the Christmas in New York Team
When guests ask us about what to wear in NYC in December, we always answer from experience. Our team spends the whole month outdoors, checking in guests in the morning, leading tours all day, and finishing late at night. We know exactly what keeps you warm and comfortable.
The best approach is to dress like an onion. Start with thermal layers, then add a sweater or fleece, and finish with a proper winter coat. Heattech or merino fabrics are thin but very effective, and they are what our guides wear daily. Hand warmers and foot warmers, whether disposable or rechargeable, are lifesavers on colder nights.
Comfortable shoes are not negotiable. Even on evenings out or at special dinners, it is better to wear boots you can walk in than shoes that look stylish but hurt your feet. We also recommend planning warm-up breaks. Step into a café, food hall, or hotel lobby for ten minutes, recharge, and then continue exploring. Always keep a backpack with you for layers, water, tissues, and souvenirs. And never leave your hotel without a scarf, hat, and gloves. This is how we dress, every single day, from the first check-in until the last guest steps off the bus.
Conclusion: Dress Smart and Enjoy NYC in December
Packing for New York in December is not about style alone. It is about comfort, warmth, and flexibility. Thermal tops, leggings, and smart layering keep you warm without bulk. A quality winter coat blocks wind and rain.
Weatherproof boots protect your feet on icy sidewalks. Hats, scarves, and gloves should be with you every day. These essentials allow you to enjoy long walks along Fifth Avenue, explore Christmas markets, and take photos at the city’s most famous trees without worrying about the cold. Hand warmers, compact umbrellas, and a small backpack for layers are practical extras that make life easier.
Pair this preparation with one of our tours, and you’ll experience New York’s holiday season in complete comfort. Ride warm buses between stops, enjoy time indoors at festive locations, and explore outdoor highlights without freezing. From Midtown icons to Lower Manhattan skylines, Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights lights, and iconic movie sets, our tours are designed so you see everything while staying warm.
With smart clothing and thoughtful planning, New York in December becomes magical rather than uncomfortable. Dress wisely, stay comfortable, and let the holiday spirit of the city create memories you will treasure for years.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
