Christmas in NYC

There is something truly special about New York City this time of year. Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, you can’t help but get caught up in the sentiment of merriment that seems to just flow through the city.

I am very vocal about my love/hate relationship with the city, but once the holidays roll around, that all changes. It’s my absolute favorite time of year and something worth experiencing at least once in ones life. Here are a few of my favorite things to do during the holidays in NYC.

BRYANT PARK HOLIDAY MARKET AND WINTER VILLAGE

The city is filled with holiday markets from Union Square to Columbus Circle, but my absolute favorite market is in Bryant Park. The Bryant Park Holiday Market encompasses everything that is good about the holidays and winter in to 9.6 acres. From the tree (the best one in NYC, in my opinion), the skating rink, the shopping and the food, it is the most atmospheric, delicious and festive of all of the holiday markets. And thanks to Max Brenner, it is also home to one of the most decadent hot chocolates in the city. You’re welcome.

HOLIDAY WINDOWS ALONG FIFTH AVENUE

The windows along Fifth Avenue are a must when it comes to holiday festivities in the city. Going to see the windows has become a personal tradition of mine for a few years now, one worth braving the crowds for. Starting uptown near Central Park/ The Plaza Hotel, I like to wind my way down Fifth before ending up at the grand finale, Saks Fifth Avenue. However, If I had to pick one and only one place to go for windows it would be Tiffany & Co. These windows are amazing and given that it is Tiffany, they dazzle and sparkle at every angle. Not much leaves me speechless, but the windows at Tiffany are an exception.

MACY’S

I truly think that Macy’s wins the competition for the most festive of all of the store windows in the city. It’s always fun to see how they top the windows of the year before and how much more innovative and interactive they become. Inside the store is just as spectacular as the store transforms and sparkles quite literally at every turn. From the store windows to the store decor, it’s always so fun to see how people, young and old, react to the decorations. It may sound cheesy, but it really is magical.

DOMINIQUE ANSEL BAKERY

While Dominique Ansel Bakery may be best known for the Cronut, the bakery makes so much more than the pastry that put it on the map. (Literally, they have locations all over the world now!) DAB is a bakery that I recommend to anyone looking for a delicious and creative dessert. Every year, Dominique Ansel introduces the holiday menu with pastries that include classic holiday flavors with a creative twist. From the gingerbread pinecones to the chestnut bûche de noëls, Dominique Ansel creates the perfect desserts to enjoy the holidays with.

 

There is SO much more to NYC during the holidays to see and do…this is just a brief overview. Next year I think I will film my holiday city walk for an even more detailed (and visual) look at my favorite time of year at home.

 

Want more NYC? Be sure to check out my NYC Travel Guide!