When I think about New York, I think about Christmas: the entire city transforms into a fairy-tale, with the gigantic Christmas tree from the Rockefeller Centre, the ice rink in Central Park, the fairy lights, the different Christmas markets. Add snow to it and everything becomes magical under the big fluffy snowflakes.
I have always wished to go to New York before the winter holidays, to feel the festive atmosphere and to do my Christmas shopping there. And with the cheap flights between London and New York I can shoot two birds with one stone: buy presents for my dear ones and also feel the magic of Christmas in this amazing metropolis (also hope for the weather to delight me with snow, as we almost never have a white Christmas in London).
I can imagine walking on the Fifth Avenue, admiring all the beautiful decorated Christmas window displays and enter each department store to search for special gifts. Did you know that some of the department stores in New York recreate in their window displays classic Christmas tales, with moving elements?
This year for example, Saks Fifth Avenue has chosen a very delicious theme for their window display, including colourful lollipops and cotton candy, animating “The Nutcracker sweet” alongside its six windows from the Fifth Avenue. Macy’s on the other is displaying a touching “Believe” theme, centred around Santa Clause and his workshop, to inspire watchers to have faith in the magic of Christmas. Barneys theme is “Love, Peace and Joy”, where different famous artists have reinterpreted these concepts in their own creative ways.
The Christmas Markets in New York can’t be missed also. Borrowing the idea of a German Christmas market, the Union Square Holiday Market awaits its visitors with mulled wine, warm cider, hot chocolate and a huge selection of artisan crafts. You can buy here unique handmade gifts, from artwork to home goods, gourmet treats or winter scarves, hats and gloves.
Did you know that even if with the falling of the pound due to the unfortunate Brexit, it is still cheaper to do your Christmas shopping in New York rather than in London? The Post Office Travel Money together with the researchers from Cheapflights have created a great Christmas Shopping Brand Guide comparing prices of different brands in both London and New York, finding out that on average it’s 43% cheaper to shop in the Big Apple.
Disclaimer: Please note that this is a sponsored post for which I received financial compensation. However, all the comments and opinions in this article are my own.
That New York is actually cheaper than London is really surprising , and especially during Christmas Season. I really enjoyed reading your post because NY aka Big Apple is a bit like that lifetime dream that never will come true. Flying that many hours to be spending a weekend or so over there, really turns me off. But still , I would so want to go ! That infographic is brilliant !
NYC is so beautiful all year round 🙂 But especially during the Holiday season. Oh my goodness I miss NYC so badly!
Your description of NY Christmas makesme want to go there. 🙂 I miss everything that looks like Christmas. I’m living in a place without Christmas so no change of decorations here.
The prices look good too. Now, I really want to go. 🙂
I’d love to be in New York for a festive season. Even though I could imagine it being the busiest of the busiest lol. Who knew fares were cheaper in November from Lon-NY
oh I would love to go shopping in NY at Christmas – i think its that whole Home Alone/Miracle on 34th street vibe with the big tree and toy stores etc!
NYC really is very festive at Christmas, and it does sound so very tempting to visit during that time. It is surprising that fares are lower at this time, I would think they would be inflated because of this very reason. It would be a very fun trip though!
One of my dreams is to go shopping in New York, and christmas would be the ideal time to go as I bet it is even more amazing. And the bargains you can get would make it even better x
I went to Christmas in New York a few years ago. I actually don’t like New York at all, but Christmas was the one time I understood the love!
This is mad! I’ve always wanted to go to New York during the holidays, but seeing how much cheaper shopping is just makes me want to book a flight for next year. Seriously.
– Elodie x
What an interesting read. Funnily enough I was comparing prices of Disney products recently and they were cheaper in the USA. If only I could afford the flight x
I have to say I wouldn’t mind heading to NY for some shopping! Living in Chicago, I get a bit of that NY feel but I have never been to the city to get the real experience.
It’s amazing how much more cheaper thing are in New York than they are over here. Would love to visit there one day
Christmas in New York would be a blast. Now I just need some cheap airfare
Well if given the chance I would jump on a plane and go, it would be an amazing experience for sure
Wow, fantastic guide! That picture looks absolutely beautiful!
I would love to go to NY to do my Christmas shopping but it’s just not plausible what with work and childcare. My daughters uncle lives in New York though and we are always getting him to bring things home with him as everything is so cheap xx
New York, how much I miss you :(. Christmas shopping in NY is crazy, but I love it!!
Thanks for all of these tips, it is always good to know when and where to find a bargain!
New York is the perfect hot spot for shopping. I have never been but when I was 12 or so my foster mum went out there and brought me a few goodies from Macy’s!
I would love to go Christmas shopping in New York. The prices are so good for the branded products.
I love this! I love NY at Christmas too and I go every year. 🙂 I just got back last week–did you see the light show on the side of Saks? It was the most amazing thing!!
I go to the States a couple of times a year for work – although not at Christmas time, I definitely need to research the best value things to buy out there after reading this! And of course, NYC at Christmas would be an absolute dream!
New York, New York. You are definitely right, when I think about Christmas I think about New York. Thank you for the post, it was really informative. I WISH I was in New York this Christmas.
I love New York too I wish I could get cheap
Flights from Melbourne to New York. Instead I’ll have to live vicariously through you.
Really interesting! Love the tips about which brands to buy in New York instead of the U.K. and which ones are actually more expensive. At the same time I’m a wimp and avoid the East Coast once it starts heading into winter!
Yes I have heard about this thing, many stuff in NY is cheaper than London during Christmas Time; anyway next year everything will change in UK, money change too!! We will figure it our, right now it’s great live a Christmas in both colourful and fantastic cities!! 😀
I’m not sure what you mean by saying that everything is going to change in the UK next year, including money.
Independent.co.uk posted an interesting article about : How Brexit has already changed Britain two months after the EU referendum; this is the main reason about my comment! 😀
I really want to get back to NYC. It’s been years since I’ve been. I had fun shopping there.
I’m a native New Yorker now living in California, and this makes me miss New York so much. There’s nothing like Christmas in the city.
Iam blessed to live this everyday! New York is awesome all year..but amazing at the Holidays…Everyone should experience New York!
I’ve lived in a NY for a long time and it’s definitely one of the best places to shop especially during the holidays! The displays are just going to leave you stunned! There’s really nothing like Christmas in NY!
Christmas in NY is amazing and so is the shopping. I love to do my holiday gift shopping in the city.
That’s some great prices! Quite some savings! My friend has been to NY over Xmas and new years and I would love to go! Hopefully next year. I really want to ice skate in central Park and see the shop windows with their amazing designs! Ree love30
I would love to go Christmas shopping in New York! It would be so much fun! Thanks for sharing these valuable tips about what brands to buy and avoid!
It’s lovely visiting New York around Christmas time. I went with a fried a few years back and it was great. The Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Centre was gorgeous but I wasn’t brave enough to go ice skating.
and the christmas feeling is finaly in the air. cool having to read up people shopping experience and other things that follow.
I would love to see the window displays for Christmas! I haven’t been to New York yet–love your first photo in this post! The city’s decorations must be so fun!
I really want to go to New York around Xmas one year and see the Rockafella tree and just see how magical everything looks x
I went to New York before Christmas a few years ago and loved it, would love to do it again x
I want to go just to say I have been, but the shopping aspect whilst I want to see some stores, it is the atmosphere for me x
Going to New York is very high on my list! I’ve never actually really thought about going there in the Christmas season but you opened my eyes. I would love to see those classic Christmas tales in the shop displays. I love the whole atmosphere! I love Christmas Markets as well. Who wouldn’t want to go to New York and visit the Christmas Market and feel the atmosphere. Especially when it’s that cheap!
While I must admit, I’m not much of a shopper, my American girlfriend is and always tells me about shopping in New York. Certainly, Christmas time seems like a wonderful time to go there and sure to put even the most cynical old codger in the festive spirit. Not entirely sure my bank account would be so happy about it though!
Wow. This post was a revelation! I always thought everything about New York was expensive! Thanks for letting me know about the huge price difference of some items/brands if bought from NY or London.
Such a wonderful post. I love how you compared prices between London and New York. I love New York especially during the holidays. The beautiful window decorations are alone worth the visit but if you could find some bargains too, all the better. Nice information and enjoyable post.
Have never been to New York 🙂 Looks really festive over Christmas.
I live here in NY and I can tell you that shopping here is great all year round BUT the prices are higher during the holidays ! It is worth visiting though because seeing NYC decked out for the holidays is something everyone needs to experience at least once!
Wow! Although I won’t be in either city for the holidays, this was such an informative post! I had no idea! I definitely would have assumed it would be the other way around. And I absolutely love the comparisons you gave as examples, since I’m a visual person!
I have heard so much from friends who have visited New York during the Christmas holidays and seen their pictures it is such a visual treat for the eyes. What an interesting fact to know that London is a lot more expensive a place to go to during the holidays
When I went to New York last October I was mesmerised and wondered what Christmas time is like. Such a lovely infographic and wouldnt mind exploring some of those offers
NYC is the best place on the planet earth during christmas time, but shopping in NYC can also cost you a little more, but from the items listed by you in this article is definitely going to help me to my trip to NYC next trip!
Thanks for sharing these beautiful tips Cheers 🙂
Christmas shopping in New York is the best! I am a huge fan of Bloomingdales 🙂
I’d love to go to New York at Christmas, I bet it’s so festive. I do love the shopping in America and have got some really good deals in the past! xo
I knew shopping in New York was cheaper than London or anywhere in Europe for that matter but the differences you have showed is really huge, Oh my! You can totally make a trip out of all the money you will save just by shopping in the states.
xx, Kusum
It is something I have always wanted to do, go Christmas shopping in in New York. It is such an incredible city.
New York City is such a great place for Xmas shopping. While you’re there you should stick on local brands – just like you mentioned the European brands are more expensive over there, but I that’s pretty logical.
I’d love to go to New York. I’ve seen some pretty sweet deals and I’m so temped to just book it!!
I’ve never been to New York before. I have always wanted to go though. I think shopping would be a great and fun experience there.
My family and I want to plan a trip to NYC for next Christmas. I have been dying to go for years! I have a friend who moved to NYC a few years ago and he absolutely LOVES it. I can only imagine how cool that Saks 5th Ave. display looks in person!
Wow those price differences are incredible! I have always wanted to go to New York before Christmas, it just looks beautiful.
Christmas shopping in New York would be a dream come true! One day!!
Amazing to know that kids toys are cheaper there
Thanks for sharing hun
Charlotte x
It’s a dream to be in NY during Christmas and always imagined things will be expensive. This is quite a tempting side to the city’s shopping scene which you have written about. I know London is expensive, but THIS much of a difference can as a surprise!
I would love to go to New York near to Christmas just to see the sights – I am not a massive shopping fan, but to see everything decorated for the festive season would be lovely!
quiet a comprehensive guide for those looking to shop in New York during christmas time in comparison to London. with all the details around discount and what to look for, I think your post will help people a lot. And you have taken into account the whole logistics calculation as well in the comparison
New York at Christmas would be a dream come true! I can’t believe that it would still be cheaper for us to do our Christmas shopping in the Big Apple 😮
Stunning colors! You captured the magic in NYC. I’ve always wanted to do NY at Christmas, now I’ve seen your pictures I want to even more! I have only one fear that I would finished broke. I am compulsive buyer and must restrain myself from New York.
The comparison between prices is just “WooW”! That’s something new for me! Incredible…
I would love to visit New York finally…!!! (… in the future) Maybe next year?!
Beautiful post my dear!! Wish you an amazing afternoon and the rest of the week! <3
I’ve been to New York shopping on the 23rd Dec last year. It was too busy. I love the detailed price comparison so I know where exactly to get stuff for a bargain. Thank you
Wow, nice idea. Cheap in NY. I actually went to NY once back in HS for a class. It was in December, around Christmas time. It was so beautiful. The lights! I will never forget my trip! (The whole class went to see a living taping of a TV show called Hope & Faith — Kelly Ripa and Faith Ford.) 🙂
Christmas Season is fast approaching. Where is the best time to spend Christmas?New York City? Great idea but not in budget (sad life). I would love to experience, someday.
This is so useful as I have family in the states and if and when we do eventually visit this will come in extra handy (although things may have changed by then).
New York has been my ever dream City since then. I wonder how beautiful the streets are during Holiday season just by reading your blog post. I wish I could visit this City very soon. Who would have expected that shopping in NY is more cheaper than in London? This is awesome!
I haven’t been in New york, This is one of my bucketlist. I wish I can go there soon
So it is really much more expensive in Britain than in the city of New York? What if you were not shopping in New York? From what I understand, NY is more expensive than in other areas because of taxes, for one. How about the nearby New Jersey?
The prices are just jaw-dropping! I’ve never celebrated Christmas in a foreign country but this sure is tempting. I just hope this would still exist in the future. Even if we celebrate Christmas in various ways, the world will unite for Christmas shopping especially if the prices are that low!
Enjoy shopping! And exploring the New York city! It’s really a place to be especially when you write such a compelling story about it during this Christmas season. Merry Christmas in advance!
I have always dreamed of a shopping trip in New York. I did visit the Big Apple as a teenager it was a blast. Enjoy the adventure.
OMG! kill me now, I would sooooooo love to shop and visit NYC! especially during this time. Reminds me of warm memories like home alone 2 and other festive movies that have made NYC seem almost magical
Ahh, what every shopaholic wants- SALE! I wish I have the money to spend on those stuff with red tabs. Heck, I wish I was in New York right now! Merry Christmas! 🙂
This is interesting, I didn’t know products can go low so much when shopping during this time of the year. I hope those who are staying near can purchase those good branded stuff at a better rate. I haven’t been to NY but have been to UK. So fun that they have cheap flight tickets to travel all the way to NY.
As a man, there are times I like shopping. But then again, shopping is mostly not for girls. I’ll have my girl look at these items and let her tell me what’s best and not. xD Seeing the difference, it’s really cheaper in NYC at certain cases.
I have always wanted to go to New York at Christmas! It’s been a dream for such a long time but I always thought it would be too expensive! I can’t believe some of the price differences! Maybe next year will be the year I’ll go.
I don’t know if I can afford Xmas shopping in New York but I think I would still be game for some window shopping. That should be a lovely experience.
I’ve always wanted to visit New York, especially at Christmas time. One of these years I’m going to just do it!! 🙂
Louise x
I knew that a lot of people fly to New York to do their Christmas shopping but I always thought they just did it for the fun of it. I didn’t know it’s so much cheaper as well!
I knew all this time about new York being among the cities with a lot to offer for shopping but I certainly didn’t know that it would be cheap. I always thought that things would be expensive.
I’ve always wanted to go to NYC for Christmas! Mainly to see the Rockettes. I didn’t even consider the shopping! I need to get myself there asap!
Wow, to us as Americans New York is scene as an expensive place but when you look at some of those prices above…43% is a bargain for Brits. And, as you said, you get to check out New York in winter AND also get that shopping done. A win-win situation!
Walking and just window shopping is my favorite things to do during the holiday season because of all the lights, decoration and festivities! New York at this time is worth braving the weather and visiting!
If I’m going to visit New York during Christmas season, I would like to experience the lighting ceremony of that famous Rockeller Christmas Tree.
Just like in a movies.
We are always fascinated by the glimmer, decoration and vibrancy of Christmas. Christmas in Newyork is a dream and if we were there for real shopping will definitely be on list. We were aware that London is costly but not that its cheaper in NYC. We would definitely make use of this advantage.
New York looks so magical at both Christmas and New Years! Shocking I’ve never been since I’m only a stones throw away in Ohio… One day!
I’m not really a fan of shopping, nor celebrating Christmas. The decorations would be lovely to see though! I do love how cheap it is to get from London to New York! I hope to get their one day.
Now I wish I could get there somehow 😛 🙂 Just seeing would soothe my senses.
I like how it is all decked up to celebrate Christmas!
I haven’t been to NYC for so long now and I miss it so much ! However I’ve never been there for the festive season, wish I could go shopping there, one year, for Christmas 🙂
Christmas Shopping in New York is on my bucket list. I’ve never been it it definitely seems like it’s most magical at this time of year! And if love to see all the lights – and not forgetting the bargains!
Ooo very helpful guide to Christmas shopping. A lot of these facts kinda went against my instinct, but now I’ll know for the future. Being in Australia, I miss cold Christmases anywhere!
I appreciate the amount of data you collect and presentations you make for such posts. It is almost like beng spoonfed to shop. I wish somebody does that for markets nearer to my place.
Ahhh…it has been on my list forever to go to NYC for Christmas. The energy is already so amazing. I can’t even imagine at Christmas just how magical it is. This is a great guide for holiday shopping!
In my younger years, when I regularly made trips to Chicago, one of my favorite holiday things to do was to look at the holiay window displays. I’m not much of a shopper, so I wouldn’t go to NYC for that, but I would go to check out their window displays.
Wow, I never thought of having these places from the lens of a shopper. This is some great info, especially love the interactiveness of the informercial. Thanks!
Christmas shopping in New York , sounds so perfect! Prices are so cheap hope to visit NY during Christmas someday.
Your featured picture just says it all. Want to celebrate Christmas in a grand way thenNYC is the place to be. the city looks so vibrant in the shades of reds and greens. and Yes The budget shopping even makes it better. Love you post. Merry Christmas in advance And Merry Shopping. 🙂
I would love to go to New York at Christmas 🙂 Very interesting and informative post 🙂 I always thought that New York is more expensive! Thank you for great tips.
I love visiting NYC and this time I’m super excited to visit there during Christmas Week! Can’t wait to explore the magical white Christmas!
i love new york. i haven’t been at christmas time, but I want to.
Absolutely! New York must be one of the most christmas-feeling cities these days!! I would also love to go there for this period and enjoy the environment and do some shopping, stopping for a coffee in the Central Perk :D:D:D
Having lived in both these places, I can totally attest to things being cheaper acroas the pond and back again. It’s kinda crazy how that happens haha. I looooove Christmas time in London, there’s just something so whimsical about it. Though the window decorations in New York maaaaaay be better haha.
New York is pretty much the perfect place to do all our Christmas shopping and i agree that its much better than London. Thanks for Cheap flights! Added in my bucket list <3
I would love to enjoy white Christmas in New York, your first picture depicts the vibrant colors of the festivals. Wish you Merry Christmas!!
I’ve seen the picture of the giant Christmas red baubles a few times around the internet now and they look so cool! Would love to see them myself one day! Also, in terms of Christmas in New York, it just looks magical! I hope you have a lovely Holidays! 🙂
It’s Christmas time and I am seeing lots of lovely blogs on Christmas such as this one. I hope I get to see one for myself soon.
Christmas in NY looks magical. Although at the moment with the dramas in the lead up to a family Christmas exploding all around me Christmas just about anywhere other than home sounds appealing lol. As an Aussie it would be lovely to experience a cold Christmas for a change!
I lived in the USA for 10 long years and never visited New york, now that I’ve moved to France, I regret it, it’s a beautiful city! This is a good post, although I don’t share the idea of buying gifts to each other, because we don’t need them. Cristhmas turned into a craziness for shopping things and decorations, people forget about the real meaning that is Jesus.
Christmas in NYC in general is just so fantastic, especially the decorations and people watching. I have friends from the UK and they always try to make it around this time because it is definitely much cheaper for a lot of their clothes and gifts for family and friends.
Radio City at Night!! I can’t believe your article is illustrated with exactly this picture. Is the place I love, I dream about, I spent good hours of night sitting at the little stone tables at the corner on 6th Avenue, what is called Avenue of The Americas. Been there, Loved that. Soon we’ll visit New York together <3
❤❤❤
That photograph has been taken infront of 1221. I used to pass by it everyday. Christmas and New Year’s eve are the best times to be in NY/NJ. We got huge discounts at Best Buy, Target and Radio City. Loved the celebrations around Rockefeller center with the huge Christmas tree. I always love be in NY during Christmas.
NYC is my favorite city for celebrating Christmas and New Year. I was there during this Christmas and had the most magical Christmas of my life. Loved the festivity and buzz of the city during the most magical time of the year.