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Christmas in New York City
- Josie Hough
- Jul 25, 2023
- 1 min read
It's the most wonderful time of the year!!! ANY and ALL of my friends would confirm I'm that person...THE CRAZY CHRISTMAS LADY! I'm basically Elf, but in female mid-40s form and not so great looking in the green tights running around NYC. I can't really say at what age I became obsessed (or possibly if it's peaked) but I hope our home is a cherished Christmas memory for our kids, just like I was lucky enough to have growing up.
The two best places for Christmas are:
1.) Home
"I'll Be Home For Christmas" was a song at our December wedding. It's a feeling and not really a place.
2.) New York City
If you can fit three or four days in the city to experience the charm that is Christmastime in NYC, I highly encourage you to start planning! I thought today was the perfect time to review my last trip to New York City with my friends - Christmas in July gives you some time to throw together your itinerary!
STAY
The Plaza
I traveled to the city a few days early for some work meetings. I've always wanted to stay at The Plaza and I did it! It was just as magical as you've seen in the movies. The bubble bath (OMG), the Christmas decor, the most friendly staff, the room service breakfast, the Champagne Bar! I don't know where to start and where to stop. It was a highlight for me and I'm so thankful I talked myself into the splurge. We ended our girls' trip by coming back to the Plaza for Afternoon Tea. I'll share more about that later.
Homewood Suites by Hilton New York/Midtown Manhattan Times Square-South
Great location-
5th Avenue Shopping: 0.30 miles
Central Park: 1 mile
I found this hotel had great room sizes when traveling with a larger group (we had five and used the sofa bed). The kitchenette in the room was a nice touch. There was hot breakfast and it was quiet for the early risers but seemed to get very busy during the mid-morning hours. Hotels in NYC are not cheap, but I felt this was a great value for a large group.
DINE
PER SE
https://www.thomaskeller.com/perseny
This was the most amazing culinary adventure I've ever been invited to attend. My friend's son, Reagan, is a chef at Per Se and we were lucky enough to dine in this Thomas Keller playground of the senses. I have posted just a few of our photos from this once in a lifetime night. We cannot thank Reagan and the amazing people at Per Se enough for the royal treatment.
DEL FRISCO'S GRILLE - Rockefeller Center
https://www.delfriscosgrille.com/location/del-friscos-grille-new-york-ny/
I went to explore before my other travel mates arrived and the lighting of the tree was later that evening. I sat at Del Frisco's Grille and worked for a few hours and enjoyed soup, salad and a great glass of champagne. Their menu was vast and was in a great location.
THE DEAD RABBIT
Steeped in history, this Irish Pub is a must stop. In a five-story, 19th-century townhouse, The Dead Rabbit offers three distinctly different dining and drinking experiences: The Taproom, The Parlor, and the Occasional Room. It’s a concept that works, and the bar remains the most awarded pub in the world.
RUSSIAN SAMOVAR & PIANO BAR
There is only one way to describe it: Classic Russia in the heart of New York.
Rumor has it, the table in the picture above was commissioned by Mikail Barishnikov so that a half dozen Russian men could dance on it (or possibly a half dozen women from Iowa after a few of their cocktails).
AFTERNOON TEA AT THE PLAZA
https://www.theplazany.com/dining/the-palm-court/
The Palm Court is Manhattan’s iconic destination for afternoon tea. Visitors delight in the tradition of tea with our extensive, 25-variety collection of Palais des Thés tea, as well as sandwiches, snacks and fine pastries. The Palm Court offers visitors an elegant piece of old New York with unmatched sophistication and charm.
It was the perfect way to end our trip together. I cannot wait to go back and do it again!! Get a reservation EARLY!!! It books up months in advance.
PLAY
THE RADIO CITY ROCKETTES CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
https://www.rockettes.com/christmas/
This is a must see in NYC. I cannot say this loud enough. I am also a dance mom, so there is that :)
CENTRAL PARK
https://www.centralparknyc.org/
A trip to New York isn't complete without a stroll through Central Park. It's beauty cannot even begin to be captured in photos.
SUMMIT ONE VANDERBILT
You need to check out what all of the hype is about! This was a highlight for me on our trip.
Atop Midtown’s Tallest Skyscraper SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art, technology, architecture, and thrill to take the concept of New York City “observation deck” to entirely new heights.
HUDSON YARDS, THE CHELSEA HIGH LINE & THE CHELSEA MARKET
https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/discover
https://www.chelseamarket.com/
We dedicated one day and visited all of these. The rain didn't slow us down. Follow the High Line right from Hudson Yards and end at the Chelsea Market (we chose to end at the Starbucks for a HOT Irish Coffee).
MOULIN ROUGE! ON BROADWAY
WOW WOW WOW!!! What a fun night we had going to this show! Check it out if you're in NYC and wanting to see a great show that covers all things from laughter to tears! This cast was ultra talented!
Overall, the biggest tip I can share with you for a trip to NYC at Christmastime is to PLAN! I've been blessed with a girlfriend who is the best in the itinerary game. Plan for some down time, too. It's a little like your first trip to Disney...you are exhausted - there's a lot of PEOPLE...WALKING...BUSY.
Let me know your favorite things to do in NYC at Christmastime in the comments! We are planning a trip again in two years and can't wait to add your tips to our list of "must see".
Cheers!!! & Merry Christmas (in 153 days)
xoxo
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