Here we go, folks! The holidays are on deck, and cities around the world will soon be decked out with lights, tinsel, and bling.
A fun tradition for many around the country is watching New York City’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television with the kids anticipating the arrival of Santa at the parade’s end, ushering in the holiday spirit. Rather than welcoming the season with NYC through a screen, why not embrace it in person?
Enjoying the holidays in New York City is pure magic — shake that snow globe and you’ve got a city that twinkles with millions of lights, merry people, and shiny sights. And if its snows, that’s icicles on the cake.
Sleigh through Santa’s NYC nice list, and check out some of these top attractions to get your cheer on! Many of these sites and experiences are evergreen, classic traditional holiday experiences, so let’s dig in!
Winter Village in Bryant-Park / Photo courtesy of Colin Miller
Santa’s Nice List
NYC Holiday Favorites
The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is a New Yorker itself this year, coming from upstate in East Greenbush. Tens of thousands of lights and Swarovski crystals adorn the towering tree for midtown magic. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Medieval Sculpture Hall is home to a 20-foot blue spruce with cherubs and angels inspired by 18-century Naples Nativity scenes. And the 13-foot Origami Tree in the American Museum of Natural History is an artistic wonder.
Kids get a kick out of The Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall — incredibly, this is the Rockette’s 100th season. Another reliable holiday tradition is “The Nutcracker,’’ performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center.
And of course, a visit to sit on Santa’s lap in Macy’s in Herald Square is a quintessential Christmas photo-op; you can make a reservation to beat the long lines.
Holiday decor at Music Hall Radio City / Photo by Laurie Bain Wilson
Shopping, Attractions, and More
Bryant Park Winter Village is the city’s only free admission ice skating rink (if you have your own skates, or you can rent them there). There are also 180 holiday shops by Urbanspace and food kiosks, the cheese wheel is a favorite. Also, be sure to visit the New York Public Library’s wreathed stone lions; Bryant Park is the library’s backyard.
Louis Vuitton Store on Fifth Avenue / Photo by photo credit Laurie Bain Wilson
Central Park’s Wollman Rink for ice skating is another winter treat, and the Park’s views are a gift from Mother Nature. You could also skate under The Brooklyn Bridge at The Roebling Rink and then grab a cocoa and walk across the iconic bridge for skyline views that rival the best of any of the City’s Christmas lights displays.
Holiday shopping along Fifth Avenue is a classic NYC Christmas experience. Tiffany’s, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and other pricey shops are eye candy. And peeking into the incredible holiday window displays (Saks Fifth Avenue light show is back this year) is memory-making tradition. Greenwich Village and Soho are sweet for unique, funky gift shops.
The Grand Central Holiday Fair in Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall is returning this year for unique artisan gifts. The terminal itself is a Christmas ornament — look up at the celestial ceiling. And the New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show here features a holiday-themed model train display that’s been chugging for 20-plus years.
The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is another sought-out holiday spot for train lovers. Located in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, it exhibits model trains that zip by 170 New York landmarks created from pinecones, leaves, and barks. There are also Holiday Train Nights with holiday lights and eats.
Holiday Views in the City
Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck is a heady holiday experience. It sits 1,200 feet in the sky with 1,215 mirrors and kaleidoscope views.
You won’t find Scrooge in Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. The neighborhood dazzles with an incredible display of lights, holiday music, and merry making.
A 32-foot-high Hanukkah menorah across from The Plaza Hotel is lighted for the Jewish Festival of Lights on December 14 this year and a lighting will take place daily during the eight-day holiday. The Hasidic neighborhood in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is another must-see spot to view the menorah lights and enjoy latkes at a local bakery.
Holiday Eats
Drinks, Dinner, and Dessert
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire… it’s true, you can buy roasted chestnuts at many street corner vendors, especially along Fifth Avenue, perfect for holiday window stroll snacks. A special holiday dinner: The Christmas decorations at Rolf’s in Gramercy Park are exquisite and the schnitzel is a star. Family-friendly Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is a good idea after a nearby Macy’s Santa visit; the enormous CrazyShakes deliver kid smiles every time.
Madhatter’s Tea at Serendipity3 / Photo courtesy of Euphoria Agency
Hot Drinks for Cold Nights
The Plaza Hotel is an iconic spot for traditional afternoon tea — pinky up! And the Mad Hatter Tea at Serendipity3 on the Upper East Side is a trip down the rabbit hole for New York’s most enchanting tea made by award-winning SerendipiTea, and sweet treats, too. The Afternoon Tea Tower at the 400-seat Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Station is a festive way to steep the Grand Central Holiday Fair spirit.
Hot cocoa is another classic warm-up favorite. Max Brenner Hot Chocolate Bar is a popular spot for creative cocoa sips; grab a cup at the Times Square and Union Square locations.
Where to Stay
New York’s Times Square in the evening / Photo by Laurie Bain Wilson
From big to boutique to borough, here are some ideas for holiday stays.
Omni Berkshire Place has a sugar plum location, a skip from Central Park and Fifth Avenue. Book the Wander & Wishes Getaway Package which includes a stay in a Madison or Specialty Suite; a seven-and-a-half foot, in-room decorated Christmas tree; an FAO Schwarz keepsake ornament; and Bûche de Noël (yule log cake). The package runs through January 4. And the American Girl Dream Package features a Kids’ Welcome Pack, American Girl doll-sized travel bed to take home, cookies-and-milk turndown service, and breakfast for two kiddos (hello, room service!).
For a quintessential Lower Manhattan experience, boutique Arlo SoHo is a dashing idea with some guest rooms that feature bunk beds. The outdoor courtyard becomes a Winter Village for the holidays with heated yurts and a seasonal menu from the hotel’s Linden restaurant. And the year-round rooftop, ART SoHo, has a cozy indoor lounge for holiday sips and views of the Hudson River.
Buche de Noelle at Omni Berkshire Place Hotel / Photo by Laurie Bain Wilson
The shiny Hyatt Regency Times Square just made its sparkly debut in NYC’s tinseled Times Square. For the holidays, the lobby will be transformed into a Botanical Holiday Garden and winter wonderland with lots of twinkle, garland and five decorated holiday trees. Also, the hotel is the official partner of “Mamma Mia!” show running on Broadway, just a skip from the hotel at the Winter Garden Theatre. For a festive mother/daughter holiday getaway, book the 44th floor Mamma Mia! Experience and you’ll enjoy a musical-inspired room with wintry Hudson River rivers and guest room décor inspired by the Greek Isles (white stone-like walls, florals, and hand-painted ceiling inspired by the Greek sky.
Why not opt to stay in one of the boroughs? The Westin Flushing LaGuardia Airport hotel is the only five-star hotel in Queens, a quick subway ride into Manhattan, a couple miles from the airport and a home run blast from Citi Field for the seasonal Tianyu Lights Festival (live performances; illuminated playground; food court featuring Chinese, Thai, and Argentinian cuisines; a marketplace with panda-themed items; and lots more cultural holiday magic). The hotel offers complimentary breakfast and evening snacks in the lounge, and an indoor pool, too.
For some visiting families, an overnight stay in a hotel outside of New York City is a solid option. Parking can be much cheaper or included in a package, and yet you can still jump on a train and be in Manhattan in a New York minute. Book the White Plains Sonesta in Westchester and the kids will be merry for the indoor pool and Yoto, the children’s audio activity program. The rooms are spacious, and pets are welcome.
Christmas in NYC: A Holiday to Remember
The City That Never Sleeps is a dream come true during the holidays. New York City is on Santa’s nice list, but you can cross it off your bucket list as well as you explore these festivities this holiday season! A winter visit to NYC is the gift that will keep on giving, providing memories your family will treasure for years to come.
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About the Author: Laurie Bain Wilson’s work has appeared in Real Simple, Working Mother, OpenTable, PBS/Next Avenue, Travel Channel, CNN Travel, Travel Market Report, Eat This, Chowhound, Parents, Salon, Wine Enthusiast, VinePair, and New York Times. She is also a longtime correspondent at The Boston Globe. Find more from Laurie at weekendsandcupcakes.com and her Muckrack profile.
