For the first time in 15 years, New York City is celebrating a white Christmas.

This marks only the fourth white Christmas—defined as having at least an inch of snow on the ground by 7 a.m. on Christmas morning—in the past 50 years.

What You Need To Know

  • New York City will experience its first white Christmas since 2009

  • Snowfall will stick around through Christmas morning, with mild conditions expected for the holiday

  • Property owners should clear snow and ice from sidewalks to avoid fines

Snow began falling early Tuesday morning, leaving an inch of accumulation in Central Park. Other areas, like John F. Kennedy Airport, saw about a half-inch, while LaGuardia Airport recorded even less. Despite varying totals, the snow is expected to stay through Christmas morning.

This is the first time snow has fallen on Christmas Eve since 2021, according to NY1 meteorologists.

Snow is not expected for the remainder of the week. Rain is anticipated to arrive on Sunday.

Conditions will significantly clear by Christmas Eve afternoon, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to near 30 degrees across the city.

Christmas Day will bring sunny skies and slightly above-average temperatures, with highs in the mid-30s and lows in the mid-20s.

The city’s Department of Sanitation has already reminded property owners to clear snow and ice from their properties to avoid fines. The penalties start at $100 for the first offense, $150 for the second, and $250 for subsequent offenses, according to a department release.