The Luxurious Journey

Is it cliche to write about Christmas in New York? There’s a reason why it’s the setting for so many holiday movies. Maybe it is cliche, but one of our favorite holiday traditions is spending a weekend in New York in December. For better or for worse, that usually falls on the second weekend in December, which also happens to be Santacon weekend. If you haven’t experienced Santacon, it is almost indescribable. The streets of New York, the subways, the bars, are full of young Santas and scantily clad elves. Not the easiest to explain when you have young ones…

But I digress… while the “charms” of Santacon can’t be underestimated, there is something about the holidays in New York that makes it a must for our family every year. Here are some of our favorite things to do in New York during the holidays.  

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

Another cliche? YES! But so much fun. We’ve gone too many times to remember, but the show really earns its name and is truly spectacular. Every year, they change it up just a bit, so it always feels fresh. The story is a little old-fashioned, but the Rockettes are so talented and the scenery is so stunning, it’s really a great show for the entire family.

The first time we saw it, we went to an early matinee and had lunch at the now closed but forever famous Ruby Foos. Imagine our surprise when Santa from the show walked in and sat down and had lunch at the bar. Only in New York!

Ice Skating

Just up the block from Radio City is my family’s favorite skating rink, The Rink at Rockefeller Center. There is nothing quite as iconically NYC as skating with the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree as your backdrop. Tickets are a must and can and should be reserved well in advance.

If you can’t get a reservation there, another great option is The Rink at Bryant Park. You should probably reserve your tickets for skating here as well! Be sure to visit the holiday shops at Bryant Park Winter Village too. While not as large as the Union Square Holiday Market (see below), the Winter Village offers not only the skating rink and shops, but a cozy Lodge where you can eat and drink while enjoying the festivities.

Hot chocolate

Nothing says winter and the holidays like strolling in the cold, while sipping a steaming cup of hot chocolate. While you will find many options  in NYC, my top two favorites are downtown. Max Brenner, just south of Union Square, is a chocolate lover’s dream- you can even watch chocolate being made on the main floor of this New York favorite. I alway choose the salted caramel; my daughter’s favorite is the Oreo.

For the most gorgeous cup of hot chocolate, look no further than Dominique Ansel Bakery in Soho. More well known for its world famous cronut, which is delicious beyond words, their hot chocolate is a work of art, topped with a marshmallow flower that blooms before your eyes.

Union Square Holiday Market

Speaking of hot chocolate, one of our favorite cups can be found in the middle of the Union Square Holiday Market. Our first stop when we visit the market is the No Chewing Allowed stall. It’s the richest hot chocolate I have ever had, made with a piece of their luscious chocolate truffle at the bottom of the cup.

The Union Square Holiday Market is a winter wonderland filled with local vendors. It’s the perfect spot to grab unique items you won’t find at the big box stores. From flavored salts, handmade delectables, hand-knit hats and gloves to gorgeous pieces of art and jewelry, you will find something for everyone on your holiday gift list.

Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden

If your little ones (or you!) have a thing for train sets, the journey to the New York Botanical Garden is well worth the trip. About 30 minutes on Metro North from Grand Central, The Holiday Train Show at the NYBG is a train lover’s dream. But more than that, if you love New York, you will love seeing it’s extraordinary landmarks showcased in this unique way.

Window Shopping

The window displays along 5th Avenue during the holidays are nothing short of magnificent. It is like walking through an outdoor art gallery. The themes often change annually and are, in and of themselves, a sight to behold. Saks 5th Avenue is usually the most extravagant and interactive and people crowd across the street just to watch it. I’m always partial to the subtle elegance of the Cartier store’s display, which is usually a simple red bow running along their storefront.

Cocktails

After all the family fun, there’s nothing like resting your weary feat and enjoying a festive cocktail. Though not holiday related, our favorite spot in New York in December is the King Cole Bar at the Saint Regis Hotel. For us, it is quintessential New York and we make a point of going every holiday season. It’s cozy and sophisticated and somehow the bartender always remembers us. Or maybe he’s just really good at pretending. Either way, it’s one of our favorite holiday traditions.

For a distinctly more holiday themed experience, make a reservation at Rolf’s near Gramercy Park. There is no subtlety here at this German Manhattan classic. This is as all in as you can get for a holiday eatery.

If you are planning to travel to Manhattan this coming December and plan to stay in a hotel, the best advice I can give you is to go the weekend before Christmas. Hotel prices are almost half the price compared to the weekend prior. Of course, you would miss Santacon, so the choice is yours! Happy Holidays!