Where to Find Holiday Joy in New York City
Discover why the Big Apple is one of the most magical places to be during the most wonderful time of the year.
By Patricia Harrison
New York City’s iconic skyline sparkles year-round, but the metropolis is particularly dazzling during the holiday season. From late November through early January, some of the Big Apple’s most well-known attractions are dressed in glittering lights and festive décor, and seasonal happenings across town invite visitors and locals alike to partake in joy-sparking activities. To bring yuletide pizazz to your getaway, add one (or more) of these items to your must-do list.
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Ice Skate at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center has been a quintessential holiday attraction since the 1930s, when a decorated Christmas tree began gracing the complex annually and the sprawling skating rink was built. Today, ice skating in the center below the tree—which was illuminated on November 30, signaling the beginning of the holiday season in New York City—amid the towering buildings of Manhattan’s Midtown neighborhood is a must-have experience for all ages. Wollman Rink, a spot in Central Park that’s starred in iconic movies such as “Serendipity” and “Love Story,” is another favorite spot to glide.
Embark on a Themed Excursion
Climb aboard a yacht dressed in its holiday best to admire the New York City skyline, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the waters of the Hudson River, courtesy of Classic Harbor Line. The 90-minute Cocoa and Carols Holiday cruise departs from Chelsea Pier and features live jazz, caroling, and one complimentary beverage per person (others are available for purchase). Or embark on a guided tour of Dyker Heights, the Brooklyn neighborhood lined with homes known for their lavish lighting displays, from Nativity scenes to life-size cartoon characters.
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Enjoy a Show
Whether you’re in the mood for a singing-and-dancing spectacular or a classic yuletide tale, there’s a ticket in town with your name on it. Score seats at the “Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular,” where the world-renowned 36-person dance ensemble captivates audiences with a Nativity scene with live animals, a light show featuring 100 drones, and other impressive scenes. Or take in the New York City Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” at David H. Koch Theater or Charles Dickens’ beloved “A Christmas Carol” at the Neverlander Theatre.
Stroll a Bazaar
You don’t have to catch a flight to the United Kingdom, Germany or Austria to explore a European-style open-air holiday market. At several sites across Manhattan and Brooklyn, vendors set up mazes of stalls stocked with everything from sweet treats and soul-warming drinks to gifts and housewares. At Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, patrons can peruse dozens of stalls stocked with goods imported from across the world and nibble on bites such as crepes and dumplings at an outdoor food hall. Meanwhile, more than a dozen vendors set up shop at Union Square Holiday Market, including locally owned businesses and big-name brands.
Where to Stay
Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel
Situated a short walk away from Wall Street, One World Trade Center and the Seaport, this property in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District is a stylish homebase for your big-city adventures. Rooms are adorned with mid-century modern accents (think: tufted leather headboards, dark woods, and marble-floored bathrooms) and the two on-site culinary establishments cater to Italian cuisine lovers and wine aficionados.
Omni Berkshire Place
Visitors who lay their heads at the centrally located Midtown retreat from Omni Hotel and Resorts are less than a mile from Central Park, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center. Enjoy panoramas of St. Patrick’s Cathedral from the 17th-floor terrace, linger over a classic cocktail in the intimate, 23-seat Berk’s Bar and reside in simple, yet elegant rooms with city views, plush bedding and roomy workspaces.
Loews Regency New York
Ideal for those seeking a luxe Art Deco–influenced hideaway, the Loews Regency New York is located on Park Avenue in the Upper East Side. Book one of the spacious 379 guestrooms—or splurge on a suite (six of the 58 were curated by lauded designers such as Meyer Davis Studio Inc.). Other perks include a “power breakfast” at The Regency Bar & Grill, a popular early day hangout among the city’s Wall Street, entertainment and media crowd.
Make sure to book the hotels above using the TSA rate code in the GDS or the TRAVELSAVERS rates in tripXpress.
