Babs It will most likely be very cold over the Christmas period in New York, possibility of snow also. I've been there in late winter and it was bone chillingly cold.

I think everything will be open on Christmas Eve, shops may be open late and quite a few places of interest/restaurants will be open Christmas Day. New York isn't called the City that never sleeps without reason.

the following couple of web sites may be of help

http://gonyc.about.com/od/christmasdinner/
http://www.chiff.com/home_life/holiday/christmas/open-christmas.htm

they are both 2013 Websites but should be similar to what will be available this year

Judith