Top Holiday Food Traditions in New York City You Can Still Taste Today
New York City sparkles during the holidays; twinkling lights, festive window displays, and, most importantly, food traditions that taste like nostalgia. From Italian pastries in Nolita to Jewish deli classics on the Lower East Side, the city’s holiday flavors are as diverse as its people.
Here are NYC’s most beloved holiday food traditions you can still enjoy today — and where to find them.
1. Italian Holiday Sweets in Nolita
No place in NYC does the holidays quite like Little Italy and Nolita. These neighborhoods come alive with the scent of espresso, pastries, and freshly baked bread.
Panettone, struffoli, and cannolis are the stars of the season — sweet, rich, and steeped in family tradition.
Try:
Cafe Belle in Nolita for a cannoli, a delicious cappuccino, or hot chocolate to go.
La Bella Ferrara in Little Italy for a lobster roll, rainbow cookies, eclairs.
Figo in Little Italy for authentic Sicilian gelato – try the gelato filled brioche
“Little Italy: Neighborhood Guide” on Time Out New York — it highlights the food, the atmosphere, what to do and where to eat.
Tour Tip: Our Nolita Food Tour takes you into the heart of this old-world charm — complete with authentic tastings that make you feel like part of the family.
Book the Nolita Food Tour and experience NYC’s sweetest holiday traditions firsthand.
2. Jewish Deli Comforts: A New York Holiday Staple
New York’s Jewish delis are an essential part of the city’s culinary identity — and the holidays are the perfect time to enjoy them.
Classics like matzo ball soup, latkes, and pastrami sandwiches offer the ultimate winter comfort.
Visit the 2nd Ave Deli for iconic Jewish deli food or Russ & Daughters for smoked fish and latkes that taste like history.
Learn more about NYC’s deli scene on Time Out New York.
Insider Tip: These delis often inspire stops on our Downtown Food Tour, where guests explore authentic, historic eateries that helped define NYC’s food culture.
Join our Nolita NYC Food Tour and discover the flavors that made New York famous.
3. Warm Apple Cider & Holiday Markets
Few things say New York winter like walking through a festive market with a hot drink in hand.
Sip warm apple cider at the Union Square Holiday Market, where local vendors sell seasonal snacks, handmade gifts, and cozy bites.
Pair it with an apple cider doughnut from The Doughnut Project or a pretzel from Sigmund’s Pretzels for the perfect winter treat.
Check out the NYCgo Holiday Market Guide for updated hours and locations.
Pro Tip: Combine a market visit with our Chelsea Market & High Line Food Tour for the ultimate winter foodie day — half cozy indoor eats, half city adventure.
Book your Chelsea Market Food Tour and explore NYC’s top winter bites without the chill.
4. Chinatown Dumplings: A Warm Holiday Tradition
While the holidays are often associated with turkey and cookies, NYC locals know there’s nothing more satisfying than a steaming plate of dumplings on a cold winter day.
Head to Joe’s Shanghai for soup dumplings, or Nom Wah Tea Parlor — one of the city’s oldest dim sum restaurants, open since 1920.
Want to try something truly authentic? Sample spicy Szechuan noodles or pork buns that bring the heat.
Discover more on Explore Chinatown NYC.
Tour Tip: Our Chinatown Food Tour is one of NYC’s most flavorful winter activities — offering comfort, culture, and incredible bites you’ll remember long after the holidays.
Join the Chinatown Food Tour and experience the city’s warmest (and tastiest) traditions.
5. Sweet Treats at Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market glows during the holidays — fairy lights, festive music, and endless dessert temptations.
Sample artisan chocolates from Li-Lac Chocolates, one of NYC’s oldest chocolatiers, or mini donuts at Doughnuttery, dusted with cinnamon sugar.
Stop by Fat Witch Bakery for their famous brownies — the perfect edible holiday souvenir.
Browse more options on the Chelsea Market website.
Tour Tip: The Chelsea Market & High Line Food Tour is an indoor winter favorite — perfect for escaping the cold while sampling holiday flavors from around the world.
Reserve your Chelsea Market Food Tour and savor the sweetest side of NYC’s holiday season.
Wrap-Up: Celebrate the Holidays Through NYC’s Food Traditions
From Italian bakeries to Chinatown dumplings, New York City’s holiday food traditions tell the story of its people— diverse, delicious, and full of heart.
This season, skip the tourist traps and experience these authentic flavors with the experts who’ve been showcasing NYC’s best bites for over 20 years.
Taste the holidays with Foods of New York Tours.
Book your NYC food tour today and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year — one bite at a time.