New York could have a white Christmas this holiday season: here’s everything you need to know

The thought of waking up to snow on Christmas Day has become such a fixture in our collective psyches that even New Yorkers who hate the cold secretly hold out hope for a white holiday. And yet, we can't control the weather.

In 2024, though, we're in luck: according to weather experts, in fact, there is a slight chance it might actually snow in the city this Christmas Day!   

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First, let's define our terms: according to the National Weather Service, a white Christmas happens when there is one inch or more of snow on the ground on the morning of the holiday.

Although the forecast reports a low probability of precipitation on December 25 in NYC, things change when looking at Upstate New York, where at least one inch of snow is expected to fall. 

City dwellers shouldn't lose hope just yet: if certain conditions pan out along the Atlantic Ocean, we may actually see a couple of inches in Manhattan this Friday night... potentially staying on the ground through Christmas Day. Sure, it wouldn't be a traditional white Christmas, but we will take it. 

When was the last white Christmas in New York City?

The last time we enjoyed a true white Christmas in New York was in 2009, when two inches of powdered descended upon Central Park by 7am on Christmas Day. According to Pix 11, in 2002, New Yorkers dealt with five inches of snow on the holiday.

Regardless of weather patterns, there will be a ton to do in town this December 25: from tours of elaborate Christmas light setups to festive window displays on Fifth. Make sure you check out our full Christmas guide for recommendations on what to do during the holidays.