We are landing in New York after a long flight at 6am on Christmas Day. I am expecting not to be able to check in to our hotel until 3 pm (although we will try...) so I guess we will drop our bags and "hit the streets". But what is there to do? I am planning a walk around the shop window displays, but it appears the shops will be closed. And it will probably be freezing. So a long breakfast somewhere? Followed by a long lunch? Are there any museums or department stores open? Any ideas? It seems a bit weird to get to New York from the other side of the world and go to a midday movie (where we will probably fall asleep). By the way, both of us have been to New York many times so we do not have to do the basics.
As always, thanks for any suggestions.

I was in NYC Christmas Day a couple of years ago -- walked the store windows, and through Central Park a bit. Then had a nice dinner at Sea Grill followed by the Rockettes show late. The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular does 4 shows on Christmas day - 1:00, 4:00, 7:00 and 10:00 PM

https://www.timeout.com/newyork/thin...-christmas-day

If it were I, I'd take a stroll in Central Park, I'd wander down 5th avenue to see the store window displays and the skaters at Rockefeller Center (if I were a skater, I'd skate at Wollman Rink or Bryant Park), I'd have lunch/dinner at dim sum in Chinatown. Breakfast on arrival would be anywhere that's open for a cup of coffee and a bagel.

What about attending a Christmas Day mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral? Or something like this:

Harlem Gospel Holiday Celebration - 1 hour
If you have never been to an authentic gospel concert, do not miss this gig. Spend a memorable Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve with a 1-hour morning concert at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Harlem. You will experience absolutely fantastic and uplifting gospel song.

24 and 25 dec, 2018

Christmas in New York - celebrate Christmas in the Big Apple.

here is a better link related to the Gospel concert

https://www.welcometoharlem.com/harl...ay-celebration

Thanks for the ideas. Some good ones.
I have started a separate thread for restaurant recommendations as I believe it should be booked in advance.

It won't necessarily be freezing.

I can't imagine any regular dept store would be open on Christmas, that would be very strange. Some small convenience store, maybe, but not a major dept store. It is both a major religious and Federal holiday, one of the main ones in the year where all things are closed, including stores and museums, even when museums are open on many days and most minor holidays. Exception are Jewish museums, and there are a couple of those you could go to on Christmas -- the Jewish Museum and the Museum of Jewish Heritage. The museum of Jewish Heritage is down near Battery Park. The Jewish Museum, however, is up on 5th Ave around 92nd St. Those don't open until 10-11 of course. I'd probably eat breakfast, maybe view the store windows and then go to the Jewish Museum. That should work until 3.

Or the Rockettes would be fun, if you could get a ticket.

It really depends on your definition of freezing, but it probably won’t be too bad.

i did that last year—walked in Central Park, went to see store windows, got middle eastern food. Then went to my hotel at three and collapsed. I don’t think I’d bother with a movie or rockettes.

if your hotel has a pool, that might be another option.

The Jewish Museums were an interesting idea, but then I just decided to check the 9/11 Museum and was very surprised to see it is open on Christmas Day. As it was on our list anyway, I have booked the Memorial Tour and Museum admission for Christmas Day. So just letting anyone else know if they are interested. Happy holidays everyone!

It isn’t like the old days. I remember piling into a car with a bunch of friends looking for a place to eat on Christmas a few years ago, well more than a few, probably around 1974, and we drove all the way uptown from the Village without hitting any traffic or finding an open place for pizza or anything else.

that's a good idea for the 9/11 as it probably won't be that crowded compared to other days

New York always surprises me when it comes to Christmas. The beautiful environment, the picturesque surrounding, cheerful kids and beautifully decorated houses and stores. The joy of Christmas fulfils the heart and New York looks very much dressed up with the merry. I would want to visit New York again during Christmas.

I completely agree with those who said to go for a walk in the park. Walking the quiet streets as well is great when you have them to yourself. Haven't done it on Christmas, but I'm sure it will be magical!