Christmas in NYC
There is no place quite like New York City during Christmas time! Itching to plan a trip to NYC but wondering the best time of year to visit? My personal favorite is during the holidays. If exploring Christmas markets, sipping spiked hot chocolate in rooftop igloos, ice skating under the famous Rockefeller tree or luxury Christmas gift shopping sounds like a dream vacation, NYC is the perfect destination for you.
Christmas in NYC
I’ve visited NYC during every season (and I must say they are all lovely) but my absolute favorite time is when the city is decorated for Christmas. The city feels a bit more alive, the decorations you see in movies truly don’t do it justice in person and the pop-up Christmas activities and markets are so so special. While New York City can be magical during this time of year, it can also be stressful planning every detail of your trip. This is a city you can’t just trust everything you find online - TRUST ME! You will want an expert in your corner helping consult on which accommodations are perfect for the type of trip you are wanting & what activities will make the most sense for your budget & preferred neighborhood. While NYC might not feel that big in square miles, carefully planning your activities in the city is key to make for a smooth experience.
I’m sharing some of my favorite hotels, bars, restaurants & things to do during Christmas time in NYC below!
Favorite Hotels:
1. The Dominick
I’ll start with saying, I LOVE this hotel! If you are looking for a luxurious stay out of the hustle and bustle of midtown or uptown, the Dominick is the perfect spot. Located in the SoHo area, this hotel is the epitome of modern elegance with a touch of traditional New York charm. Highlights:
Located in one of my favorite parts of the city - SoHo
Sisley Spa on property
Michelin star restaurant (Vestry) on property
Terrace pool with panoramic Manhattan views
Wellness Center
2. Gansevoort Meatpacking
Sophisticated & modern luxury hotel in the Meatpacking/Chelsea area of NYC. If you are looking for romantic accommodations that let the beauty & charm of the city do the talking, this is the perfect spot for you. Highlights:
Modern design
Year-round rooftop pool
24/7 fitness
Rooftop restaurant & bar
3. The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
Lavish 5-star hotel located in the Upper East Side that embodies NYC luxury. If you are looking for unparalleled service in one of the prettiest hotels in NYC, this is the perfect spot for you. Highlights:
Valmont Spa on property
24/7 security
Yves Durif Salon on property
Dog-friendly accommodations
24/7 fitness studio
Champagne bar
4. The Lowell
If you are looking for the ultimate Christmas experience, this is the hotel for you. It’s so festive & SO dreamy. Located near Central Park, these ultra-luxe accommodations are guests looking to splurge on a luxurious experience where you won’t have to lift a finger. Highly recommend this hotel if you are planning to stay during the holidays - I’m still dreaming about the decorations. Highlights:
Most beautifully decorated hotel in the city for Christmas!
Pet-friendly
Contemporary & luxurious accommodations
Walking distance to Central Park & high-end shopping
Onsite Christmas experiences
Restaurants & Bars on property
5. Pendry Manhattan
Located in West Manhattan, the Pendry Manhattan offers contemporary accommodations for guests wanting a calm oasis within a luxurious environment. This hotel is centrally located within the city for guests wanting to explore all neighborhoods in NYC easily. Highlights:
West Manhattan location
24/7 Fitness & Movement Studio
On-property restaurants & bars
Modern & sleek aesthetic
Top Things to do:
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center - Skate right under the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree for the ultimate Christmas experience. If the Rockefeller rink is booked up, consider ice skating in Central Park for a similar but still festive experience.
One Summit Vanderbilt - Newest skyline experience that has some of the most stunning views of Manhattan I’ve ever seen. This experience takes roughly 2 hours to get to the top of the One Vanderbilt building & explore their all glass rooms, see through elevator (if you are brave enough) and still enjoy a cocktail at their rooftop bar. Highly recommend this experience if it’s your first time to the city.
Brooklyn Bridge - Schedule time to walk across the Brooklyn bridge for skyline views and venture into Brooklyn for the afternoon. End the trip with a stop at Harriet’s Bar a 1 Hotel Brooklyn for a cocktail with a stunning view.
Comedy Cellar - This might be my favorite late-night activity in NYC. Whether it’s just two of you or if you have a big group, this will be a hit with everyone and leave you laughing all night long. Be sure to book in advance and hop over to Cafe Wha? after your show for live music & a night cap.
Christmas Village - Spend a late morning strolling the Christmas market in Bryant park for fresh apple cider doughnuts, hot chocolate, and pop-up holiday shops. It’s so fun & festive!
Food/Bars:
John’s of Bleeker - Delicious pizza and chill vibes in the Greenwich Village. Only sells pizza by the whole pie and get ready to wait as lines are sometimes long.
Prince Street Pizza - (My all-time favorite pizza in the city) Sells pizza by the slice and is located in the SoHo area.
Harry Cipriani - Authentic upscale Italian restaurant near the Upper East side. Make reservations early & order the layered vanilla cake - I’m still dreaming about it!
SugarFish - If you love sushi, this is going to be your new favorite spot. Located in SoHo, this spot had some of the best sushi & sashimi I’ve ever had. Come hungry!
Buddakan - If you want an elevated Pan-Asian fusion experience, make reservations at this trendy NYC hotspot. The food is to die for & the atmosphere might be even better. Such a fun dinner for groups of friends.
Au Cheval - I’m still drooling from this burger. This upscale burger spot is located in the Tribeca area and it’s not your average American burger - it’s so much better.
R Lounge - Want to experience the magic of Times Square but from a distance? Book a cocktail reservation for R Lounge (located in the Renaissance hotel) and get aerial views of Times Square while sipping cocktails.
The Polo Bar - Make reservations early but enjoy bar bites & drinks before your night out at the famous Polo Bar. You will be treated like royalty & might even see a few celebs out at this hot spot.
Harriet’s Lounge - Cross the Brooklyn bridge to 1 Hotel Brooklyn & book cocktail hour at Harriet’s Lounge to watch the sunset. The views from this terrace are INSANE and it’s a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.
The Manhatta - Located in the Financial District, visit the Manhatta for a delicious Old Fashioned & unobstructed views of the NYC night skyline.
If you weren’t already convinced that NYC is the perfect spot to spend your Christmas vacation time, let this be your sign. If you are interested in planning your perfect holiday getaway to New York City, reach out & let the TH Travel team customize your perfect Christmas vacation.
