A Very New York Christmas

By Tayler Nowak

Edited by Taylor Morgan

Stella / @stellaiagrecia on Pinterest

Whether you are from New York City or making final decisions about traveling over Winter break, there is nothing better than the city during the holiday season. 

Manhattan Sights 

You can never go wrong with Bryant Park, especially this time of year, with its winter village. This is a spread-out holiday market with over 200 vendors selling everything from hot chocolate to fine jewelry. The winter village surrounds Bryant Park’s ice skating rink, which is usually less crowded than the Rockefeller Center rink and features private igloos you can book in advance to stay warm and enjoy beverages from the lodge across from the rink. If you have never been to the winter village, it is definitely worth the visit—and if you love pastries, don’t forget to stop into Ole and Steen, a bakery and cafe right across the street from the park. 

Although this area will be busier, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is seventy-five-feet with over 50,000 LED lights; it is a must-see. If New York City is known for one thing, it’s lights, which means Fifth Avenue will be glowing and glamorous with shopping, presents and, of course, its Christmas light displays. 

Christmas Restaurants

The Victorian-style restaurant Oscar Wilde is known for going all out this time of year with giant nutcrackers, lights, classic Christmas trees and even a cozy fireplace. Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark is on Pier 15, with heated glass houses lined up on the pier. Rolf’s German Restaurant is known for being NYC’s most festive restaurant with a wide variety of lights and decorations on the walls, ceiling and tables. Snow Globe in the Sky in Midtown is a must-see glamorous cocktail lounge that has been taken over by snowflakes and winter decorations. 

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Hotels 

If your favorite Christmas movie is “Home Alone 2,” you are in luck. The Plaza featured in the movie is offering a Home Alone 2-style deal where you can stay in one of their rooms, ride in a limo while eating cheese pizza, and receive room service of the ice cream tower all in one fee. Need a Christmas getaway alone or with the fam? This is the perfect steal for you. 

Whether you are planning to travel or stay with friends and family this season, enjoy the break and happy holidays!