We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
There is no place like New York City during the holidays. 2017 marks my third Christmas season in New York. After exploring all the festive activities this city has to offer, I want to share some noteworthy spots to make your holiday season the best it can be.
Visit a winter market.
Similar to German-style holiday markets, these are a fun way to get in the Christmas spirit in New York City. My favorite holiday market is in Union Square. They offer local goods and selections from the best eateries in town. If you visit on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday, you can also hit up the farmer’s market.
Some other great winter markets are:
● Columbus Circle
● Bryant Park
● Oculus
Watch a holiday show.
Nothing is better than a Christmas show in the city. When my parents were visiting last weekend, we made it to all three of these delightful shows.
My top recommendations are:
● The Nutcracker
● Sak’s Fifth Avenue Light Show [free & spectacular!]
Visit all of the trees.
All of the tree lightings have happened this season [they are usually within the week after Thanksgiving]. They are all stunning and worth visiting.
The most notable trees:
● New York Stock Exchange
Enjoy some lights.
As a New York transplant, I’ve learned that hotel lobbies and window displays are the equivalent of driving around looking at Christmas lights. There are some incredible displays this year.
My favorite window displays:
● Bergdorf Goodman [windows representing different New York City organizations]
● Lord & Taylor
● Sak’s Fifth Avenue [Disney themed this year]
● Tiffany & Co.
● Cartier
● Macy’s
● Macy’s
The best hotel lobbies/trees:
● Lotte Palace [their tree is fashion blogger’s paradise for Instagram photos]
● The Peninsula
● Waldorf Astoria
● The Plaza
Indulge in holiday activities.
New York City has a number of different holiday-related exhibitions and activities–perfect for getting you in the Christmas spirit.
My favorite activities:
● NYBG Holiday Train Show
● Rockefeller Center Ice Skating
● Bryant Park Ice Rink [free admission]
● Christmas display at The Met
Feast on festive food.
Festive restaurants are always up my alley. Take a peak at some of my favorite options.
My favorites are:
-Rolf’s
–Park Avenue Winter [they change up their menu each season]
-Baita [Eataly’s rooftop restaurant]
Have a wonderful holiday season!
What are your favorite things to do during the holidays in New York City?
Holiday train in the Bronx is great, skating too at Rock center… Then time for a Christmas Concert Yes, and Brooklyn too… Dec 16 concert for Christmas https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-christmas-concert-tickets-39528000313 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street, Bklyn 11238… Schiller Institute NYC Chorus, 2 hours starting 6 pm…. With excerpts from Beethoven's Mass in C Major, spirituals, and Handel's Messiah.