One thing to keep in mind is that most places (museums stores etc) shut down quite early on Dec 24, and will be closed on the 25th. There should be shows on the 25th later in the day.
So for many of the things you want to do, you'd have to schedule them for the 23rd or the 26th. Do you have full days in NY those days?

I agree with most of the posters above that the days leading up to the holiday range from busy to very busy, and then Xmas day is pretty quiet. The 26th is busy with shoppers, but many people are away from work, so the crowds of tourists are somewhat offset by fewer office workers.

Never mind goddesstogo, some of us understood your comment about going to New York for Christmas and then seeking out quiet neighborhoods to eat -- SILLY! Most have us could stay home and eat in nice quiet neighborhoods and save all that money. Isn't the point of going to NYC to experience what we don't have at home?
I suppose New Yorkers go to Florida or Hawaii for Christmas and avoid going to the beaches because that's where the tourists go? Same sort of idea.

I know, NP. And the 'well, I live in NY' aspect makes no sense. Some of us, even though we don't live in NY, have lived close enough or visited often enough that we're pretty knowledgeable about the city. My idea of a 'quiet residential neighbourhood' is my friend's apartment in the UWS.

I have been to NYC many times around Christmas time, and this may sound a bit "cheap", but I always bring breakfast and lunch snacks so that I can eat rather "normal" during the day, and then splurge on a great dinner. If I don't bring my own munchies, I find that I can easily spend $50.00 or more during the day on mediocre meals at restaurants. Save your money for dinner and enjoy!

One of my "to do before I die" lists was NYC at Christmastime. So we did it last year, only did it the first week of December, so can't speak to your exact time line.

It was Magical!!. Top of the Rock at sunset, seeing the city go from light to dark, Rockefellar Center with the tree, skaters, happy families everywhere. Wow.

We rejoiced in the crowds, but were glad we had made plans well in advance for our hotel (Holiday Inn Express) and dining (restaurant on the rink in Rock Center, La Madeline) and our shows (Rockettes, Jersey Boys) WELL in advance.

Go and have a blast!

We have been going to NYC during the week before Christmas for years. Our family is there, and we always have a really wonderful time. Last year we stayed at a friend's apartment on the UWS and therewere nights that it was quiet; we walked in to a decent restaurant on both the 22nd and 23rd.

Bryant Park was a bit crowded but not at all impassable. We enjoyed the tree there and watching the ice skaters. I think the skating there is less crowded than at the other rinks, but there was a line in the evening.

Been to Macy's windows and although the scene was very lively, it wasn't unpleasant.

We have enjoyed shopping in Soho, Union Square, the UES, and other places. We've also been to lots of galleries and museums at this time of year. As I said, we always enjoy it.

Have a great time.

Even when there is a line at Bryant Park, it moves quickly. If the line goes about half-way between the steps and the corner, it's about a half-hour long.