Oct 18, 2024 4 min read Accessible Experiences

5 Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in NYC During The Holidays

Ice skating in NYC during the holidays

This article is written by Emma Bailey - a wheelchair-user who shares her travel and lifestyle tips as someone living with a Spinal Cord Injury.

There is something extra special about New York City during the holiday season. Every street corner is decked out with twinkling lights, sparkling ornaments, and massive Christmas trees, making the chill of the winter air a little more bearable. From the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree to the festive window displays along Fifth Avenue, you’ll never run out of things to do in The Big Apple. Visiting New York City in a wheelchair can seem daunting, but it’s totally possible! My cousin and I were fortunate enough to visit the city for a few days this past December.

Wheelchair user enjoying window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC — Saks Fifth window in NYC

The Best Accessible New York Holiday Activities

Here are 5 wheelchair accessible things I recommend doing during the holiday season in NYC.

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

If there’s one show you should see during the holidays, it has to be The Christmas Spectacular! Luckily there are usually 4-5 shows each day, but the sooner you get your tickets the better. I got mine for a 1 pm show on a Monday and found ADA floor seats (ORCH2, Row TT, Seats 206-207) for a decent price. When purchasing on Ticketmaster, make sure the ADA seat is fully wheelchair accessible and not a “semi-ambulatory seat,” otherwise you’ll have to transfer out of your wheelchair and into the seat.

There are elevators and accessible restrooms are on the first, second, and third mezzanine.

Christmas lights around Radio City Music Hall in New York City — Radio City Music Hall, NYC

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Bryant Park Winter Village

During the holidays, Bryant Park transforms into a winter village/Christmas market. There’s a skating rink, shopping kiosks, and food booths. I wanted to visit the Winter Village because I saw several people recommend the food on TikTok, but what they didn’t show was how insanely crowded it was (I went on a Saturday though). I don’t regret going because we got some really delicious pasta at one of the food booths but just be prepared if you aren’t a fan of large crowds. The shopping kiosks had a step to enter into them but instead of trying to get inside, I was able to look from the outside and had my cousin buy what I wanted for me.

There’s an accessible ramp entrance mid-block on 40th and 42nd Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show

Each Christmas, Saks Fifth Avenue displays a light show on the outside of their building. The show runs daily every 10 minutes from 5 pm - 10 pm and is free to the public. I recommend going late at night as it’s not as crowded. Saks Fifth Avenue has beautiful window displays so be sure to check those out too!

Big ornaments in NYC for Christmas festivities — Big ornaments in NYC for the holidays

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

Yes, you read that right! Wheelchair users are welcome on the ice at Rockefeller Center as well as other skating rinks like Bryant Park. Wheelchair users can skate independently or use staff assistance if needed. This was something I regretted not doing but it’s on my list for next time!

An accessible entrance to The Rink is located west of 5th Avenue on 50th Streets, through the lobby of 620 5th Avenue.

Take a Holiday Tour

Nowhere else does Christmas lights like New York! Tour the iconic holiday attractions and see sights like the Cartier store, Rockefeller Christmas Tree, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Carnegie Hall. Book an accessible tour of New York City’s most iconic attractions, such the wheelchair accessible tour of Central Park and the Financial District.

I had such an amazing time spending Christmas in New York, and I hope it helps you plan your next trip! It’s never too early to start planning!