What to Wear in New York in December: Everything you Need to Pack!
What to wear in New York in December! Heading to New York City for Christmas is such a SPECIAL trip! I still dream about our trip and it has been 3 years already.
But dressing for a trip to a cold destination that also requires a lot of walking can be tricky! Not to mention walking to a show at night in the cold and then having to sit inside a warm building for hours.
So, here are some tips for what to wear and pack for your NYC Christmas trip! Outerwear tips, bottoms, tops, shoe options and more!
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Weather in NYC in December
Weather in NYC in December can be a little unpredictable.
Officially, the average high in December is 44 degrees F and the average low is 33 degrees F per weather,com.
And, obviously, the temperature will change quite a bit from the beginning of December to the end of December.
Once you get toward the end of the month, there is a chance the temperatures may stay in the 30’sF all day; you will just have to keep track before you begin to pack!
We visited the first weekend in December and it honestly felt very manageable. It was cold but it wasn’t miserable and with the right clothes we were able to walk miles and miles around the city without freezing to death.
Precipitation: Unfortunately, rain is more common than snow in December. But, these chances WILL increase closer to the end of December.
What to Wear in New York in December: Coats and Jackets
With the temperatures reaching mid-40’s F you will be comfortable in a lighter coat with layers if you don’t want to wear something bulky.
However, you do need to pack something that is waterproof. Rain or shine, you are going to have a lot of walking to do and an umbrella likely won’t be enough.
For the first weekend of December, I packed one long, light peacoat and one thick, long, waterproof coat (I got mine from Old Navy, but something similar to this white puffer coat). The day I wore the long, thick jacket on top of my layers I actually got warm while walking around.
However, we took a Hudson River cruise (which was fun!) and I was GLAD to have that thick coat!
Everything to know about taking a Hudson River Cruise!
P.S. Coats that cover your butt are so much warmer than shorter coats! And even more-so when it covers the knees.
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Tops to Pack for NYC in December
What tops you bring depend on what outer coat you plan to pack. If you are bringing a lighter coat, be sure to bring thicker sweaters and layers to wear underneath.
If you opt to bring a thicker coat, you won’t need thick sweaters, especially after walking miles around the city. I actually got warm in my thicker coat up until we did a Hudson River sunset cruise.
How to spend a perfect New York Christmas weekend!
On the first weekend of December I packed thin sweaters and a hoodie to wear underneath my peacoat and thin sweaters to wear underneath my thick jacket.
I also packed one thicker sweater to wear with my thin coat and a skirt when going to see the Rockettes!
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Bottoms: Jeans, Leggings, SKirts?
I am a proponent of being comfortable but I am trying to be better about not LOOKING so comfortable 😅.
When I went to NYC for Christmas, pleather was everywhere, so I opted to wear leather leggings and jeans. Surprisingly, they are quite weather-resistant. They did a great job of blocking wind, the rain ran off them instead of soaking me all day and the stretch was nice and comfortable.
However, I know style changes within half a second. Whatever you choose, choose something you can walk miles in and that will keep you at a comfortable temperature. You don’t want to freeze all day nor do you want to start sweating and then get cold.
Good options to pack are:
- Comfortable jean you know you can wear all day
- Leather or corduroy pants that you can put another layer under
- Fleece-lined leggings you could wear with a skirt without freezing
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Shoes to Keep you Walking
Obviously, New Yorkers’ feet are tougher than mine as they walk around in heels without blinking an eye.
However, if you are the average human and aren’t used to doing this, I don’t recommend it.
You will walk a LOT while in NYC, so make sure whatever shoes you pack can hold up to the miles!
Also, if it is going to rain while you are there, make sure you have at least one pair of shoes that can holdup to the rain.
I packed a pair of white, leather sneakers, one pair of warm boots and a pair of Dr Martens.
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Layers? How many Do You Need?
The best thing you can bring is a set of long johns/under layers that you can put under a sweater or under your pants to improve the warmth if you decide you have’t dressed warm enough. Or that you can take off during the day if you get warm.
If you opt to wear a lighter peacoat, a great layering option is a base layer top, light sweater and then a lighter peacoat-type jacket or even a thicker sweater over the layers.
You can get a base layer that is fleece-lined, traditional waffle thermals or more of ski base layers that are spandex-type materials. For the top, I prefer traditional thermals because fleece-lined can be too much for me.
Also, a great fleece-lined legging is the nude-based legging that makes it look like you have regular pantyhose on with skirts, but without freezing.
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Additional Outwear: Are Gloves and Scarves Necessary?
What to wear in New York in December? Outwear accessories!
Bring all of the outwear. When your hands and head get cold, your whole body is going to get cold.
For nighttime or if you plan to do a Hudson River cruise or visit The Edge where the wind will be more of a factor, you are going to want your head and digits covered.
Is The Edge worth visiting? Plus, everything to know if you do decide to go!
Bring the gloves, bring a scarf, a beanie and make sure you have warm, moisture-wicking socks!
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What to Wear in New York in December Recap
For a general rule of thumb, err on the side of cold and pack layers. Also, be prepared for rain, sleet or snow with proper outwear and shoes and make sure whatever outfit you wear you can walk miles in it!
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