While lots of things will be closed on Christmas and New Years, lots will be open as well. It s kind of hit or miss, but most places do close for those days (those are major holidays after all!)But the truth is, you can have fun in NYC just walking around Manhattan. You don t need things to be open to have a great time in NYC!As for the ferry, the truth is, there is nothing within a close walk of the ferry that is interesting to see. There are many interesting things to see on Staten Island, but you d have to take a bus, train or cab from the ferry. If you feel like doing that, you might head to the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, though it s a much nicer place to visit in warm weather! (They have lovely gardens there!)I really would advise getting off and getting right back on at this time of year, to be honest.
i think u would be better off to schedule an appointment with a travel agent once you arrive in NYC. for a small fee (usually around $200) they can create an itinerary for you, that way your entire trip will be spent doing and seeing things, and the only time u will have to spend at the hotel will be 8 hours a night for sleeping, then you will get right up early in the AM and be ready to go see the sights! u seriously do NOT want to spend any time hardly at ur hotel.....go see the neat things and places!
The stores will be closed. So u might want to go the day before or after.This link can help u:http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g60763��And the Staten Island Ferry will be fun! Good luck!
Store will be close on Christmas day, therefore, if have any shopping plans you might want to do them on the day after.In regards to things to do in the Big Apple on Christmas Day, Rocekefeller Center will be open and the tree will be lit all day, so you can skate at there. Most museum and landmarks will be closes, I believe the Empire State will be open for a half day, but that about it.In regards to Staten Island. The borough is quiet on Chirstmas Day, but still you can take a nice walk through for a few hours. There are several place on the Island that I would recommend.-Alice Austen House (one of the first professional women photographers, many of her prints are on display, and her home had an absolutely unbelievable view of the harbor)-Snug Harbor (nation s first and only home for retired mariner, its now a museum complex)-Conference House (scene of the only Peace Conference during the Revolution, Lord Howe versus John Adams and Ben Franklin)-Staten Island ZooI hope this information is very helpful.Good luck and Merry Christmas