New York City Holiday Guide

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New York City is nothing short of magical during the holiday season, and living here we’ve really gotten a feel some of the most festive things to do & see. If there’s a time to travel to New York, Christmastime is it. There’s things to love about all seasons in The Big Apple, but at least once you should visit in the winter months. Wyatt and I often go on walks just to just explore the city, and we’ve come across some pretty cool spots. I still consider myself a new New Yorker, but here’s my guide for anyone visiting the city this Christmas…some decked out places to go & festive things to do!

Go to a Christmas Market

These are fun to poke around, and they’ll really get you in the festive spirit. You can find unique gifts, ornaments, food & drinks!

Winter Village at Bryant Park – Midtown

Columbus Circle Holiday Market – SW Corner of Central Park

Union Square Holiday Market – Union Square

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Peek at Department Store Windows

Macy’s and Saks were our go-tos this year, but if you do a walk, you’ll be able to hit up a bunch of these, as they’re all around Midtown!

Macy’s

Barney’s

Bergdorf Goodman

Saks Fifth Avenue

Bloomingdales

Lord & Taylor

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Visit Iconic NYC Spots that are Dressed to Impress

You can’t miss these classic NYC spots. They are so beautifully decorated during the holidays, and Central Park is just magical with a fresh blanket of snow! Rockefeller Center is my #1, that tree is ridiculously huge in person.

Rockefeller Center

Central Park

Grand Central Station

Washington Square Park

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Catch a Holiday Show

I got to see the Rockettes this year at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and they did not disappoint! It was such a fun show, I left feeling so festive…I would definitely recommend it!

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

The Nutcracker

There are plenty of holiday shows in the city like Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Elf, A Christmas Carol, and more, check out a list here.

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Pop by Hotels Dressed in Holiday Style

This is a new favorite of mine. I didn’t realize how over-the-top the Manhattan hotels went with their Christmas decor inside and out until living here, and boy do I love it! All of the picks on my list are in Midtown, stop by each one!

Lotte New York Palace

The Plaza

The Peninsula 

St. Regis

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Go Ice Skating

A quintessential New York City wintertime activity!

Winter Village at Bryant Park – Midtown West

Wollman Rink – Central Park

Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center – Midtown East

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Warm Up With a Festive Drink

There are quite a few bars and restaurants in the city that decorate for the season, one of the most famous is Rolf’s. We got to poke our heads in to see the ornament covered ceiling this year, the line was too long to wait in (baby and all)…but it sure was cool, definitely try to stop by at off times. We haven’t made it to Baita yet, but it’s Eataly’s rooftop that they decorate like an Alpine Lodge (pic above)…I die.

Rolf’s – Murray Hill

Baita at Eataly Rooftop – Flatiron

Donner and Blitzen’s Reindeer Lounge – East Village

For a super comprehensive list of holiday bars + resturants, check out this list.

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Visit Santa

If you’re in the Big Apple with kids, here are a few of the top Santas!

Macy’s Santaland– Midtown West- reservations required- but also a great system!

ABC Carpet & Home -Union Square

The Shops at the Plaza– Midtown East

For more options check out this list.

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Dress Appropriately

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At this time of year, it’s not uncommon for NYC to be in the 50s, or to be in the 30s. Layering is key, (my layers are obviously not picture in this snowy photo…this is an example of someone NOT dressing appropriately). It’s been pretty chilly lately, and we’ve already had two snows so bundle up! Here are some great options for dressing in warm outerwear and cute, but comfortable footwear for all of those steps you’ll be logging!

Coats

Hats, Gloves & Scarves 

Footwear 

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