25 Days of Christmas - New York City Edition
I’m SO excited for my Christmas guide this year - NYC style! I’m sharing some of the favorite places in or around NYC that you have to put on your list to experience this year! If you’ve been here a while, you might remember my Nashville edition from last year. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the full blog post here!
Day 1: The first stop is the iconic Bryant Park where you can ice skate, shop the winter village, sip on hot chocolate and even hangout in an igloo!
The winter village is open daily from 8am-10pm and even later on weekends! You can reserve ice skates from $15 and admission is free! Here is the link to reserve ice skates. They offer a plethora of additional add-ons or other activities such as curling, skating lessons, and ice bumper cars too.
Day 2: The 2nd day of Christmas is the City Winery pop up at Rockefeller Center!
Here you can sip wine and grab some light snacks while taking in the Rockefeller Tree and ice skaters! You can make a reservation to sit in the heated igloos or walk up to first come first serve seating outdoors.
They are open 7 days a week from 12-10pm. You can click here to make a reservation. Be aware there is a minimum to be met if you make a reservation for the Winter Dome (igloo) and this changes based on day of the week and time of day.
Ps— you can shop my outfit here!
Day 3: Macy's is a must for Christmas in New York City!
It is best to stroll the streets in the early morning to avoid the heavy crowds. You will find window decor on both sides of the store front located at 34th and 6th ave. A bonus— this activity is free and available 24/7!
Some other great store fronts to check out:
🎄 @bergdorfs
🎄 @saks
🎄 @anthropologie at Rockefeller Center
Day 4: On the 4th day of Christmas I stopped by Westfield World Trade Center for the Oculus Holiday Market!
Be sure to check out the holiday shops here—Chashama is pleased to announce the annual “Artists and Makers” Holiday Market to be held from Friday, November 26 through Monday, January 3 as a part of The Shops at the Oculus’ annual holiday market.
On Thursdays an Saturdays you will even find carolers here 🎄🎶
Day 5: On the 5th day of Christmas I had high tea at The Palm Court in The Plaza Hotel!
Seeing the iconic hotel decorated for Christmas was such a treat! We enjoyed the holiday afternoon tea which runs from November 25th— January 9th. They offer a special Plaza Signature Holiday Tea for $125 per person. I personally do not think this was necessary and the Manhattan Tea, their traditional tea is fantastic for $99 per person.
A reservation is required, which can be made here via OpenTable!
Day 6: Saks light show could not be left out— so here is the 6th day of Christmas!
Daily starting at about 4:35pm to 11:35pm, every 10 minutes you will find this show on display! The Saks light show lasts about 5 minutes. I was incredibly impressed with the show this year!
They have sectioned off the bus lane on 5th ave for additional viewing room. Be advised this area gets extremely congested in during the month of December so plan to go early and prepare for a large crowd.
Day 7: Bells will be ringing for this fantastic Christmas pop up bar Miracle on 9th Street!!!
Every drink is served in an adorable mug you can even purchase to take home! With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.
You’ll find this over the top decorated bar at 649 E 9th St New York, New York from November 9th- December 31st.
They are open daily and take reservations here via Resy. They also accept phone and email reservations at info@thecabinetnyc.com / 347-866-7739. I’d recommend going early if you cannot get a reservation!
Day 8 : Where the magic happens— at Ophelia ✨
We grabbed drinks + apps on the 26th floor rooftop at Ophelia lounge! How incredible are the twinkling lights above the bar?! They have transformed into quite literally a snow globe!
I think the coolest thing about this place was it’s history— this building, Brennan Tower opened in 1928 originally a Panhellenic building for Greek sororities. It now serves as a rooftop bar with amazing views of the city and Brooklyn.
You can make a reservation here.
Day 10: One of my favorite seasonal rooftops is Serra by Birrera at Eataly’s rooftop.
They are open daily from 11:30-9:30pm. You can check out their website here.
Each season they have a new menu with new decor! The winter theme is up now— Italian Countryside Winter! You will want to make a reservation here.
Day 11: You simply cannot do Christmas in NYC and not take in the decor on 5th Ave!
One of my favorites on 5th being Cartier as they transform the store into a huge present 🎁
From luxury stores to over the top hotel decor you will be in awe strolling the streets. Be prepared for the crowds as many come to see the beautiful Christmas spirit!
My favorite places on 5th Ave for Christmas decor this year in addition to Cartier— Louis Vuitton, Bergdorf Goodman, The Peninsula Hotel, Saks, and of course Rockefeller Plaza!
Day 12: You cannot pass the holiday season by without skating at Rockefeller Center.
Ice skating at the Rockefeller Center is one of my all time favorite Christmas activities in NYC! You can also take in the most iconic Christmas tree in NYC here.
You can go ice skating here until March 6th, tickets prices range from $20-$54 depending on date and time.
You must make a reservation on their website— click here.
Day 13: Spending the 13th day of Christmas at Oscar Wilde for dinner + drinks.
This unique bar actually served as the Prohibition headquarters back in 1919! They go all out for most seasons and Christmas is not one to miss.
You can make a reservation here. They do accept walk ins, but be aware there was a lengthy line out the door for 1 in, 1 out bar standing room only when we arrived for our 6pm dinner reservation. It may be best to come early or on a weeknight if you cannot get a reservation.
Day 14: Sunday in Brooklyn for brunch at their winter wonderland pop up!
The spot serves their winter-themed drinks in the most adorable glassware like polar bears, partridges, and Santa’s, as you sit in a wintry space covered in wreaths, garland, and ornaments.
Highly recommend ordering the Nutella pancakes— they’re fab!
You can make a reservation here.
Day 15: The Radio City Rockettes preform a Christmas Spectacular show!
The iconic dancers have been dancing in New York since 1932! They offer several shows and tickets range in price from $45- $220 depending on date, time and seat. Although I have seen this show many times over the years growing up, seeing the performance here was spectacular!
Not only the performance, but the Radio City Music Hall blew me away! We also enjoyed popcorn and a drink while watching the show. You can view their ticket options here.
Day 16: A stroll through Hudson Yards light display!
Back again, the impressive light display titled “Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards Presented by Wells Fargo” features over 2 million twinkling lights in and around the mall in Hudson Yards. The display went live November 15th and is up through the holiday season.
You will find:
115-miles of string lights
725 evergreen trees dressed to create a gleaming forest for visitors to explore
16-foot tall illuminated set-pieces in the shape of hot air balloons arranged throughout the Public Square and Gardens
32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece suspended in The Great Room of The Shops and Restaurants
You can see more at their Instagram highlight “Shine Bright”.
Day 17: We popped into Paddy Maguire’s Ale House for a drink and to check out the famed decorations!
Proprietor Patrick Maguire, a former jockey from Limerick, Ireland has been running Paddy Maguire's Ale House since 1995 in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan. A few years ago they started decorating for Christmas and they hit the mark!
While we were there, the owner told us him and his son decorate the bar every year— which made it extra sweet.
Open daily 11am-4am.
Day 18: Shop the booths of Union Square Christmas Market!
Here you will find snacks, holiday treats and plenty of fun and unique gifts. They offer an assortment of things such as hand made ornaments, candles, clothes, hot chocolate and much more!
Named one of the best holiday markets in the entire United States, the Union Square Holiday Market welcomed over 160 vendors featuring unique gifts created by local craftsmen, artists and entrepreneurs.
The market runs daily from mid-November through Christmas. This is located in Union Square Park— which also offers a main subway stop with the 4, 5, 6, L, N, R and Q trains stopping here.
Day 19: Rolf’s German Restaurant is a MUST for Christmas in NYC!
You simply cannot come to NYC for chirstmas and not stop into Rolf’s German Restaurant. This place is DRIPPING in holiday decor and cheer.
You must call to make a reservation and I recommend doing so in September or October if planning on coming in December. You can call them at 212-477-4750 or 212-473-8718. There is no email or text reminders and when you show up your name is written on a piece of paper. If you do make a reservation, you must order an entree per guest.
I loved their french onion soup! They also offer an assortment of German dishes.
If you are not able to secure a reservation, they do accept walk ins at a first come, first serve basis. There is usually a line that forms well before 12pm— when they open. I have seen a decent amount of people get in at through this line.
Fun fact— the restaurant is decorated for Christmas year round!
Day 20: Exploring the iconic five-star Peninsula Hotel on 5th Ave!
For almost a century, The Peninsula Hotels have combined timeless elegance and unparalleled service to redefine the spirit of sharing during this enchanting season. There is nothing short of holiday cheer found in the Peninsula Hotel.
The decor in the lobby is enchanting and festive. They offer Victorian Christmas carolers throughout the month of December on select days located on the decorated lobby staircase. The holiday spirit doesn’t stop in the lobby.
They also offer a Swiss-themed, pop-up bar on the rooftop— Chalet de Ning.
For the Chalet de Ning rooftop pop-up, The Peninsula New York commissioned an artist to create custom postcards, which evoke vintage travel posters and the spirit of the golden age of travel. The retro-inspired postcards are available for guests to write and mail on-site, in the charming mailbox in the Chalet de Ning, with the hotel arranging postage for anywhere in the world.
You can make a reservation for the rooftop here.
Day 21: Hangout at the Ready Rooftop pop up— Palm Holiday
Experience a tropical paradise featuring colorful plants all over the space, lit-up palm trees, decked out festive trees with flamingos, and of course, frozen cocktails and bites to make you feel like you’re out of office all winter long
Open through March 2022 daily!
Wednesday – Friday 4PM-11PM
Saturday – Sunday 12PM-11PM
You can reserve a table here. They do accept walk-ins pending availability.
Day 22: Take in the ICONIC Nutcracker Ballet at David H. Koch Theater!
The performance includes 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 40 stagehands and more than 125 children, in two alternating casts, from the School of American Ballet.
The Nutcracker first premiered on December 17, 1892, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. It has been performed in New York since 1954 and continues to wow children and adults alike.
Ticket prices range depending on seats, time of day, etc. and generally start around $45. You can reserve a ticket here.
Day 23: Lillie’s Victorian Establishment famed Christmas decor— including this fabulous window display!
A controversial figure who challenged Victorian society’s attitudes to women, Lillie Langtry was years ahead of her time. We created Lillie’s Victorian Establishment in honor of her legacy.
Each Christmas Lillie’s turns into a Christmas spectacular! Of most intriguing is their beautiful window display! Inside you will find Christmas decorations galore— which makes dining here during the holidays so much fun.
You can make a reservation here.
Day 24: Sailing through the holidays with Classic Harbor Cruise Line— Cocoa and Carols Cruise!
We set sail on the Hudson River with Classic Harbor Cruise Line on the Cocoa and Carols Cruise and I cannot say enough great things about this experience. If you are looking for a unique and luxurious holiday experience look no further!
Enjoy the gorgeous view of the island from the heated back-deck salon of these 1920s style yachts in full holiday decor for a 1.5 hour cruise to see the New York City lights.
Delicious Hot Cocoa, Cookies, and treats for all our guests are included! Sit back and enjoy the show & the sites. Tickets are already on sale for 2022 season here.
They also offer a plethora of other holiday cruises you can find here and clicking the “Holiday” tab.
Day 25: Papillon Bistro — for a french lunch!
Papillon is a stunning classic French Bistro featuring an elegant rustic decor that brings you back through time to a provincial town in France. The also decorate beautifully for Christmas! You can enjoy the french cuisine while getting into the holiday spirit!
They offer a lunch special including an entree and drink for $19.95 Monday-Friday 11am-4pm.
You can make a reservation here.
I hope you found some Christmas inspiration in the 25 Days of Christmas! Christmas time in New York City is truly magical. These places make it extra magical. If you find yourself in Nashville for the holiday season, you can also check out my holiday guide 12 Days of Christmas— Nashville Edition.
