Travelers, be cautious: Your Christmas getaway to New York might be interrupted by the omicron variant.

New York City attracts visitors from around the globe during Christmas and New Year's. Unfortunately, it's not holiday joy that's spreading – it's COVID-19.

Although the Rockefeller tree shines as brightly as ever, the omicron variant is impacting NYC more than many expected, particularly those who thought their holiday plans were secure just days ago. Whether you intended to catch a Broadway show, enjoy a performance by the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, or dine out, your plans may be at risk due to the surge in cases and associated cancellations and closures.

Despite 72% of New Yorkers being vaccinated, the omicron variant, potentially more contagious and with several spike protein mutations that might reduce the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, is driving a rise in positive cases across the five boroughs.

On December 17, over 21,000 new positive cases were reported in New York, marking a new one-day record for the state. Additionally, hospitalizations in the city have surged by 48% in the past two weeks, indicating a worsening pandemic situation. The mayor's office announced plans to distribute 500,000 free at-home COVID-19 tests and 1 million high-quality KN95 masks to New Yorkers via community organizations.

Regrettably, this situation arises just a week before Christmas and two weeks ahead of New Year's Eve. If you have plans to visit the Big Apple, your holiday experience may be altered due to the omicron variant. If you're considering your options, understanding what's open (and what's closed) could be beneficial.

What’s still happening in NYC

While this list is current as of publication, be sure to verify that no changes have occurred since then, as developments are unfolding quickly.

Macy's Santaland

Fortunately, children can still capture moments with Santa at Macy's Herald Square Santaland. However, everyone, including Santa and his helpers, must wear masks. Visits are by reservation only, and Macy's will "monitor & align with local & state health guidelines," making adjustments as necessary. Moreover, all reservation slots are fully booked for the next five days—so ensure you have a booking before visiting Herald Square.

New Year's Eve Ball Drop at Times Square

One of the biggest uncertainties is what will happen with the New Year's Eve celebration.

The mayor's office hasn't announced any changes to the festivities, which are expected to attract thousands of vaccinated attendees to Times Square. Notably, the schedule for New Year's Eve 2022 is yet to be released. The Times Square Alliance advises spectators to check back for updates "later in December"—but with only two weeks left until the ball drop, time is running out.

On Dec. 16, Mayor Bill de Blasio informed reporters that his office is closely watching the coronavirus situation, emphasizing that requiring revelers to be fully vaccinated to attend is "a game-changer."

"Our decision will be based on data and scientific evidence," de Blasio stated. "We'll continue to monitor the situation as the date approaches."

Upcoming Sporting Events

New York Rangers: The NHL matchup between the New York Rangers and the Vegas Golden Knights is still on for Dec. 17 at Madison Square Garden, with another game set for Dec. 22. Guests aged 12 and older must show proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, according to New York regulations. Children between 5 and 11 are required to have received at least one dose as well.

New York Knicks: The Knicks are scheduled for three home games before Christmas: Dec. 21 against the Detroit Pistons, Dec. 23 versus the Washington Wizards, and Dec. 25 against the Atlanta Hawks. Currently, it seems these games will proceed as planned; however, at least 5 Knicks players are currently in the NBA's COVID-19 protocol.

Cancellation Policy: If you wish to cancel your Knicks or Rangers tickets, you can reach out to Madison Square Garden's Guest Relations at 212-465-6225 or email [email protected].

Brooklyn Nets: The Nets are scheduled for 5 home games at Barclays Center before Jan. 1, but similar to the Knicks, several players are currently in COVID-19 protocol.

Cancellation Policy: If a game is canceled due to COVID-19, your account will receive a credit for the ticket's face value. Otherwise, all sales are final.

Ice Skating and Holiday Lights

Outdoor activities like ice skating at Bryant Park or Rockefeller Center are still on offer (though tickets are running low, so plan ahead). Additionally, there's been no change to viewing the festive storefronts along Fifth Avenue or enjoying the holiday lights in Dyker Heights.

Current Cancellations in New York City

Numerous Broadway Shows

Broadway is a major draw for tourists, but if you're visiting the city during the holidays, there's a significant chance you might miss out on a show.

The ongoing coronavirus situation is severely impacting the industry, which is still recovering from more than a year of shutdowns. This week, several Broadway shows were canceled due to multiple breakthrough COVID-19 cases. In recent days, performances of the Tina Turner musical "Hamilton," "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Moulin Rouge," and "Ain't Too Proud" have all been called off.

The same applies at Radio City, where all performances of the "Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes" scheduled for Dec. 17 have been canceled due to breakthrough COVID-19 cases.

The cancellation of shows, combined with the threat posed by the new variant, prompted TPG Editorial Director Summer Hull to cancel an upcoming trip to New York City due to concerns over the omicron variant.

"After months of looking forward to it, we decided to cancel our tickets to a Broadway show for next week for several reasons," Hull explains.

"Firstly, since attending the show was the primary reason for traveling to NYC, the reality that multiple shows are being canceled (often at the last moment) due to positive cases among the cast made it too risky to make the trip and possibly miss out on the show." She also mentioned the concern of crowded spaces, like theaters, in light of the omicron variant's spread.

Fortunately, if your event gets canceled, you should have no trouble securing a refund. For example, those who had tickets for the Tina Turner musical will receive a full refund. If you're seeking a refund, the best course of action is to contact your point of purchase directly.

If you're unsure whether your show is still happening, Playbill.com is a fantastic resource for checking showtimes and more.

Dining Out

Have restaurant plans? The real concern isn't making a reservation right now—it's whether the restaurant is actually open. Several establishments have temporarily closed due to workers testing positive. Local favorites like Yellow Rose in the East Village, Marea in Columbus Circle, and Di An Di in Greenpoint have shut their doors due to the coronavirus.

Recently, New York State has reimposed its indoor mask mandate, so if you're planning to enjoy dining in the city, be sure to confirm that your restaurant is open, and don't forget to bring a mask and your vaccination card.

Steps to Cancel Your Flight and Hotel to New York City

If you need to cancel your travel plans to New York City due to a positive test—or if you're feeling uneasy about traveling and prefer to wait until conditions improve—it's important to know your options for securing a refund for your flights, hotels, and activities.

Given the current uncertainty in travel, it's best to keep things straightforward by booking directly with an airline or hotel instead of through an online travel agency. This is because you might find yourself on your own if complications arise (or if you need to cancel) when booking through an OTA. Additionally, the lowest prices may not always be the most advantageous, especially for flights.

Most airlines permit travelers to alter or cancel their itinerary without incurring a fee, as previously mentioned. However, be aware that some Basic Economy fares are non-refundable and cannot be changed, meaning you'll lose the value of your ticket if plans shift.

Typically, hotel cancellation policies at major chains like Marriott and Hyatt will apply as per your reservation details. That said, many hotels provide flexible booking options, allowing changes or cancellations up to 48-72 hours before arrival. Even if you find yourself outside of that window, it's worth politely inquiring about cancellation possibilities, as there have been reports of success given the rapidly evolving situation.

Regarding Broadway tickets, you might be eligible for a refund at your point of purchase until a few hours or days before the performance if you find yourself unable to attend.

Ultimately, the omicron variant serves as a strong reminder to consider purchasing travel insurance that specifically addresses pandemic-related issues. For added flexibility and peace of mind, you might also want to opt for a cancel-for-any-reason add-on policy that includes coverage for COVID-19 cancellations.