Fashion, Lifestyle, Travel

Travel Guide: Holidays in NYC

November 22, 2017

Cue the Macy’s Thanksgiving day floats, and strike up the band. The holiday season is just around the corner, and if you plan on visiting New York City, you may be searching for some fab places and spaces to make your holiday season a bit more festive. While I love escaping the busy city, I’ll admit that I’ve had a blast during our rare holidays spent in NYC. The city comes alive in the fall, and the leaves in Central Park turn every color of the rainbow. The chill in the air is just right, and as much as I’d rather be on a beach, it really is beautiful here. As the holidays approach, the tree is lit in Rockefeller Center, and the city turns into one, glimmering disco ball, as twinkling holiday lights line the street. It really is a site to see. So, if you plan on sipping your pumpkin spiced lattes, here are my holiday sightseeing recommendations for you (make sure to wear your walking boots and your coziest coat). I’ve included traditional touristy spots, as well as some of my favorite non-touristy favorites for you to peruse.

Holiday Activities

  • Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: While I prefer to watch the parade from my cozy couch, it is exciting to see in person if you’ve never been here before. The balloons and fab floats are a site to see! The Thanksgiving Day parade is a true NYC tradition, and the windows of Macy’s in Herald Square are decked for the occasion. Take a stroll by those as well. The event is crazier than you’d imagine, so if you are ready to take on this holiday challenge, here’s some additional info on where to watch, what to wear, and how to tackle the crazy crowds.
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  • Rockefeller Center – Another traditional spot to check out, but it’s worth seeing the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, if you’re in NYC, and you’ve never seen it before. Get ready to bundle up and tackle the holiday crowds, but it’s worth it for the photo op. You can lace up your skates, and take a spin around the Rockefeller Ice Skating Rink, or visit the Top of the Rock, for skyline views of the city.
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  • Central Park – Grab a pumpkin spiced beverage and take a stroll. If you’ve been following for awhile, you know that Central Park is my favorite place to be. The colorful leaves on the trees, are just lovely, and if you’ve ever watched snow fall in Central Park…well, that’s the stuff that dreams are made of.
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  • Wollman Ice Skating Rink in Central Park – Whether you are an Olympic gold medalist, or the next ice queen, you should definitely lace up those skates and take a spin. There is nothing like skating in Central Park. Make sure to sip on some hot cocoa afterwards, to ease your frost bitten fingers.
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  • Bryant Park Winter Village – this charming, little, winter village is a must see around the holiday season. It definitely gets crowded, as it’s another tourist destination, but it’s beautiful and worth checking out. It’s located near Times Square, on the back side of the New York Public Library. It’s got a gorgeous ice skating rink, a twinkling tree, and ice bar, quaint gift shots and yummy eats. Grant and I took a stroll through the park on our first date. We still visit each year.
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  • Serendipity 3 – Best known for it’s famous, frozen hot chocolate, this adorable little restaurant is a definite tourist stop, and was a memorable spot in the movie, Serendipity. Although I’ve lived in NYC for awhile, we’ve still dined at this little gem. The frozen hot chocolate is epic, and the desserts are to die for.
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  • Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows – If you happen to be in the midtown area, around Fifth Avenue, you must check out the light show at Saks Fifth Avenue, along with their stunning window display. In the evening, it’s absolutely breathtaking. Watch out for those crowds though. They get crazy. The window unveiling is November 20th at 7pm.
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  • Madison Avenue – Less touristy, and so much fun to window shop around the holidays! If you’ve got a pretty penny to spare, then you can definitely do some designer damage.
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  • Chelsea Market – hello eats! With so many delicious treats at this gourmet super market, you could really eat your way through. It’s a popular spot in NYC, so take a stroll down the Highline and check out Chelsea Market.
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  • The Plaza Food Hall – Another fun foodie spot. There are so many delicious, and fancy food shops at the Plaza Food Hall, and let’s face it…the hotel itself is downright gorgeous to see. It’s a true NYC landmark, and it’s beauty at the holidays alone, makes my heart skip a beat.
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  • Lincoln Center’s the Nutcracker – Opening November 24th, the Nutcracker is one of the most famous performances of all time. Lincoln Center is absolutely stunning, so stop by and pick up a ticket to watch the New York City Ballet at it’s best.

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  • Radio City Christmas Spectacular – I’ve always wanted to see the Rockettes, perform at Radio City, yet I still haven’t made it there. It’s supposedly a gem of a performance to see around the holidays, so sign yourself up, and take me with you. The performance starts November 30th.

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  • Union Square Holiday Market– with array of holiday gifts, festive shops, and delicious eats, you’ll love the Union Square Holiday Market. Heads up…it does get crowded, but is great for unique gifts to find.
  • Brunch Spots

    • Laduree Soho – known for their colorful macarons, they’ve got a million delicious flavors, and you won’t want to miss this pastry shop. It’s just as lovely as it looks. The shop on Madison Avenue is just for pastries and coffee. The shop in Soho is super fancy, and serves a full, brunch, lunch, and cocktails as well.
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    • The Central Park Boathouse – There’s nothing like the Central Park Boathouse. All I can tell you, is that it feels like “classic New York”. With gorgeous, giant windows, and a pianist in the background, the restaurant overlooks the pond in Central Park, as you watch the row boats pass by. The food is great, cocktails are delish, and it makes for a perfect afternoon. In the winter, you can sit by the fire place and sip cider. It’s a crowd pleaser for everyone that’s visited us. They don’t take reservations, so prepare for an hour wait on the weekend. It’s worth it.
    • The Standard Grille – Located in the heart of the Meatpacking District at the Standard Hotel, this is one of my favorites for lunch or brunch during any season. Grant has a sweet tooth, and loves their custard doughnuts. They’ve got a great beer garden in the fall, and a fun, little ice skating right around the holidays.
    • Tavern on the Green – Although this can be a touristy spot, it is pure perfection and an iconic New York landmark. It has the best patio in NYC, which has a gorgeous view of Central Park. Tavern is truly dressed to the nines around the holidays, with a gorgeous glittering tree and more holiday lights than you can handle. It’s perfect for an evening cocktail, or brunch after a post fall, stroll through the park.
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    • While We Were Young – I cannot wait to try this little gem! With the fanciest decor, and prettiest brunch cocktails, this trendy little brunch spot has been quite the hit lately, and is next on my list!
    • Westville – with healthy brunch/lunch options, as well as the traditional favorites, you’ll love the tasty plates at Westville. I have an extreme weakness for the sweet potato fries. There are several throughout the city, so check em’ out.
    • Cafés

    • Joe Coffee – this is my new favorite coffee spot! I usually order a sugar free, vanilla coffee, and it’s my weekend treat. Their lattés are divine as well.
    • Breads Bakery – the smell of this bakery alone, will draw you in. It’s basically heaven. The baked breads, pastries, and croissants are yummy and we stop here for special treats.
    • Bouchon Bakery – Located at the shops at Columbus Circle, this simple, little, french inspired lunch spot, serves up soups, sandwiches and delectable little pastries. I’ll occasionally swing by for coffee while in Columbus Circle, on the weekends.
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    • Treat House – While this isn’t a coffee stop, it sure is a one stop shop for treats! Rice crispy treats, that is! This spot has mini, specialized rice crispy treats that will make you drool. With a million different flavors, you’ll find it tough to choose. My favorite is the chocolate pretzel, and the chocolate peanut butter cup. These make great hostess gifts as well.

    Dinner Spots

  • La Sirena – this is an Italian hotspot located in the Maritime Hotel. It has been awarded a Michilin Star, and is spearheaded by legendary chefs, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich. The restaurant has a sophisticated vibe, a stellar tapas bar, and has become one of our favorites in the city for a night on the town.
  • L’Artusi – This elegant, italian restaurant in the West Village is divine. The food and wine are delish. The atmosphere is cozy, yet romantic. It’s also got a great space for entertaining small parties, upstairs in their private wine room.
  • Beauty and Essex – just say girls’ night out! Although I don’t frequent the Lower East Side, this restaurant is fancy, trendy, and you’ll love the sharable plates. Added bonus, they hand out champers in the ladies’ room. Hello bubbles! Count me in.
  • Tao Downtown – this restaurant turns into a nightclub and it can get crazy. While I’m not into that scene, I do love the asian fusion cuisine! The food is oh-so-flavorful and never disappoints. It’s got a fun bar as well, if you make it there before the chaos. My favorite dish is the sea bass appetizer.
  • Catch – another asian fusion restaurant, and one we’ve frequented for several years. I love the sushi here, along with the scene. My favorite dishes are the MRC Roll, Crispy Spicy Shrimp, and the Parmasean Truffle Fries. They don’t disappoint.
  • Fiorello’s – my favorite spot, with a view of Lincoln Center. We hit up this italian gem every other week, sit at the bar and order antipasto from our favorite server, Cleber. He’ll be sure to talk to you into the best dishes, along with a glass of Limoncello before you leave.
  • AG Kitchen – Margaritas, guac, fish tacos, and hollywood fries, oh my! You guys, this is NOT healthy for the bod, but um, it’s healthy for my soul. Salads are also an option, but that can be a snooze. I really do love the food here.
  • Lure Fish Bar – this swanky, seafood spot is a great place for fresh sushi located in the heart of Soho.
  • The NoMad – located in The NoMad Hotel, and lead by Chef Daniel Humm, this fancy find, has delectable dishes you won’t want to miss. They are known for their whole roasted chicken for two, with foie gras, black truffle & brioche, as well as their milk and honey dessert. We’ve dined here to celebrate our anniversary, and my favorite season to visit is fall. The vibe is cozy, and romantic.

Cocktails & Scenic City Views

  • Baccarat Hotel & Residences – if you love crystal as much as I do, you’ll drool over this place. It’s complete with crystal chandeliers, and the decor will make you swoon. The champagne is served in fancy crystal glasses, but the drinks will definitely cost you a pretty penny, so bring your piggy bank!
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  • The Ballroom at the Jane Hotel – the decor of the hotel itself is stunning. The Jane Hotel Ballroom is a fun, sceney spot for cocktails, so check out this gem.
  • Flatiron Room – whiskey lounge with live music, located in the Flatiron District

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1 Comment

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