New York City in December: When Does the Sun Go Out to Lunch (and Never Come Back... Almost)?
Ah, December in New York City. A time of twinkling lights, festive cheer, and... astronomically early sunsets. Yes, folks, the days get shorter than a grumpy elf's temper in the month leading up to Christmas. But fear not, fellow sunshine seekers! We're here to shed some light (pun intended) on this situation.
So, When Exactly Does Darkness Descend?
Brace yourselves for some not-so-bright news: New York City gets dark really early in December. We're talking around 4:15 pm on the shortest day of the year, which usually falls around December 21st (the winter solstice, for all you science buffs). That's barely enough time to squeeze in a snowball fight in Central Park before the streetlights come on!
But wait, there's more! The darkness creeps in gradually throughout the month. The earliest sunsets actually happen around December 7th, clocking in at a chilly 4:28 pm.
The good news? As December progresses, the days do get a smidge longer. But let's be honest, that smidge is about as noticeable as those extra holiday cookies on your waistline.
The even better news? More twinkle lights! Because let's face it, the city takes on a whole new magical vibe when bathed in the warm glow of a million tiny bulbs.
Embracing the Early Night: How to Make the Most of NYC's Short Days
So the sun dips below the horizon early. Big deal! Here's how to turn those short days into sparkling nights:
- Embrace the twinkle: Plan an evening stroll through a festively lit neighborhood like Dyker Heights or Dyker Heights. You'll be blinded by the brilliance (in a good way).
- Happy hour with a twist: Early sunsets mean earlier happy hour! Grab some friends and toast to the season at a cozy pub.
- Museum marathon: Take advantage of the extra indoor time by hitting the world-class museums. The Met practically glows by night, anyway.
- Catch a show: Broadway is always dazzling, and what better way to escape the cold than with a night at the theater?
December Darkness FAQ
Alright, alright, we know you have questions. Here are some quick hits to keep you shining bright:
How to find the exact sunset time for a specific date in December?
There are many websites and apps that can give you the sunrise and sunset times for any location. Try a quick Google search for "[sunrise sunset NYC December]"
How to survive the short days without getting the winter blues?
Stay active! Get some sunlight during the day, even if it's just for a short walk. And don't forget to socialize with friends and family.
How to dress for the early darkness?
Layers are your friend! It can be chilly in the evenings, but those afternoons can still have a bite.
How to take advantage of the festive atmosphere?
NYC goes all out for the holidays. Check out holiday markets, see the tree at Rockefeller Center, or go ice skating in Central Park.
How to find the best hot chocolate in the city?
Now that's a question we can't answer in this post, but hey, that's half the fun of exploring the city!