There really is no place quite like New York City during the holiday season. Something about Christmas time is just so magical, and the city really decides to show off in every neighborhood. After my mom and I’s annual holiday in the city weekend, I wanted to update this post (originally from 2019) to reflect any changes post-pandemic and share 2023 recommendations.

There are so many amazing things to do during the holidays and this year is better than ever with with tried-and-true activities returning in addition to newness. I seriously love Christmas season SO MUCH! If you have the chance and the means this season, I suggest supporting small, local businesses and restaurants during the holidays while in the city. Additionally, there are many ways to get involved in the NYC community and give back this holiday season (resources available to get started here), as well.

UPDATED CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK ITINERARY (2023 EDITION): This year was unique from previous years because we had an extra day with my mom arriving on Wednesday. This truly gave us SO much time to do and see everything. The weather wasn’t on our side the whole time with two rainy days, but we made the most of it. Next year I would like more downtime – we were almost TOO booked & busy – but still a great weekend nonetheless.

WEDNESDAY: Dinner at Ambra in West Village followed by ice cream at Van Leeuwen across the street. Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martinis at the Starbucks Reserve in Meatpacking (the bar is on the second floor). If you want to “go out” like my mom and I did (AKA find somewhere open past 11 on a Wednesday), you can do drinks at the Gansevoort Hotel Rooftop followed by sitting at the bar at Entwine.

THURSDAY: Start at Lotte New York Palace hotel to admire the tree and decor (first year it is back up post-covid) to get a photo at the tree. Shopping at The Shops at Columbus Circle (stores like H&M, Stuart Weitzman, MAC, J. Crew, Jo Malone, & more), and appetizers at the Porterhouse Grill for amazing views of Central Park + Columbus Circle.
Lillie’s Victorian for afternoon tea – one of the most decked out restaurants in the city – they only serve tea/tea-related pastries/sandiwches and cocktails from 2-4pm. Stroll through the Union Square Market or stop in shops near Flatiron like H&M, Zara, Abercrombie, Sephora, & more.
Dinner at Tavern on the Green to admire the tree in the “backyard” of the restaurant, right in Central Park. If ambitious, drinks at Ophelia near Grand Central.

FRIDAY: Walk in at Bubby’s in Tribeca for breakfast around 10/10:30am. You’ll have to wait in line but if you opt for bar or outdoor seating you’ll get seated faster. Shop through SoHo before making your way to Union Square.
Pete’s Tavern to admire the red Christmas lights, you can get appetizers as a walk in to sit in the dining area – it’s not as decorated as the front, but still cute. Alternatively, you can try Rolf’s right when it opens at noon for drinks, but if you’re coming post-Thanksgiving just know that it will be hard to get in.
Dinner at Boucherie – any of the locations will be festive and solid food. I can’t get over the giant Christmas tree they have at all locations. Head uptown for the Radio City Rockette’s Christmas Spectacular. We do this every other year and it’s just so cute.
After, stop by the Rockefeller Center tree (if it’s late enough it won’t be crowded), catch the Saks Light Show + window displays. Walk down 5th Avenue and see the decor for all of the storefronts and if Bergdorfs is open, go to the seventh floor for their holiday decor – mainly the iconic ornaments.

SATURDAY: Walk the High Line for brunch at Zou Zou’s in Hudson Yards. The decor isn’t festive but the food is great and there is an ice rink right outside, across from Hudson Yards. Head to Hudson Yards to check out the lights and decor and do some shopping (stores like Lululemon, H&M, Zara, Alo, Madewell). Drinks at Queensyard – very festive but if you just sit at the tables near the bar note that the service is not great.
We were EXHAUSTED and just did dinner at Shake Shack lol. They have a chocolate peppermint shake for the holidays!

SUNDAY: Brunch at Via Carota (sign up on resy notify for notifications on reservations or try walking in when they open and sit at the bar). Walk around West Village and see the festive stoops and outdoor decor.

From Previous Years: Sharing a list of things my mom and I recently did at the beginning of December 2021 since so many people asked!
Friday: Apps + drinks at The Standard Grill, dinner at Rosemary’s, Radio City Rockette’s Christmas Spectacular, Rockefeller Tree, Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel for drinks + late night.
Saturday: Brunch at Barbuto (SO SO SOOO good), Hudson Yards Lights + shopping (Zara, H&M, Sephora), Electric Lemon for sunset cocktails, Pete’s Tavern for dinner to see the holiday decor.
Sunday: Brunch at Lavaux Wine Bar with fondue, Bryant Park Winter Village for fried pickles + drinks at The Lodge Bar, Dinner at Lure Fish Bar, Holiday Cookies from Chip City + walk through West Village.

Where to find the Christmas trees:
We all know and love those Christmas tree shots that everyone gets. What people may not know is how difficult it can be to get the shot! Get there early early (like 7AM) if you want next to no one in the background.

Rockefeller Christmas Tree: The iconic New York Christmas tree in the middle of Rockefeller Center. It’s truly bigger than life itself and a MUST see. Pro tip: You’ll actually want to be further away for the best shot.

Lotte New York Palace: A blogger Christmas staple, the tree in the courtyard is an iconic scene. Little do people realize, the entire lobby/inside is so thematic that you can take so many pictures there in just an hour! They also let you change in the bathroom since it’s so chilly.

Washington Square Park: A tree underneath the arch in the NYU park, this is another site that’s always buzzing. A great change of scenery.

Hotels along 5th Avenue: Pop in, warm up, and enjoy the lobby decor and Christmas trees all around.

Bryant Park: The classic winter village is home to a few trees, one of which being right outside of the bar.

Gramercy Park: While you may not be able to access it, the luxury park is home to a very large tree at the center.

Madison Square Park: Located on the north end is this giant beauty (and usually a little winter village).

South Street Seaport: Home to a tree along the many different restaurants and bars along the Seaport area. I’m sure Pier 17 will have some sort of display as well.

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights:

How to get there: Take the N/R line to Bay Ridge Parkway and you’re right there. It’s also a 30 minute taxi/uber ride so it’s not too hard to get to. Pro tip: bring spiked hot chocolate or wine in a water bottle while you walk around.

Tips: You can do a full blown tour (see here) that drives you through all of the spots on a bus/in the heat. Wear comfy shoes if you’re just going with some friends! You’ll have to wait a bit to get the right photo, but it’s definitely worth it. Make sure your phone is charged or bring a portable charger!

Winter Village in Bryant Park:
A classic, New York spot with everything in one. Shop the little shops, skate at the ice rink, check out the bar at the lodge OR try one of the many food stops. This is great to go to after work or on a week night. They also have mulled wine and Bud Light so there’s something for everyone.

Places to eat/drink:

Serra by La Birreria: The seasonal rooftop in Eataly that’s always so Instagrammable. Sometimes the food can be subpar, so I recommend going for an afternoon cocktail or apps.

Rolf’s: The Christmas Mecca in Kips Bay, this German restaurant/bar has been around for ages. The food is pricey so I recommend going for happy hour or right when it opens. I crave their Christmas Martini year round.

Paddy Maguires: Right by Rolf’s and a knock off version, this bar is packed with Christmas decor and gives Rolf’s a run for its money (at half the price).

Rosemary’s + Roey’s: Owned by the same company – these quaint West Village spots feel like a ski lodge in the winter. Go for wine and pizza/pasta with some friends during a chilly day.

The Standard Grill: Has a super cute outdoor area with tons of Christmas trees, indoor decor and mulled wine + espresso martinis.

Mari Vanna: The most random Russian tea room I stumbled upon a few years ago with my parents. They have so many infused vodkas and have vodka flights!

Serendipity 3: Newly revamped post-covid, Serednipity is a solid staple and one of my favorite stops to begin with. I always get the frozen hot chocolate but the food is great too!

Lauvaux Wine Bar: Equipped with a little ski gondola that’s perfect for the season and a photo while you’re at it!

Refinery Rooftop: An indoor rooftop with a super cozy indoor lodge feel. Great views of Empire State as well!

Oscar Wilde: A gem of a place I walk past everyday that is decked out for the holidays always, it even has a giant moving bear on top of the door! Sister restaurant Lillie’s Victorian also has the same vibes.

Papillon Bistro & Bar: Two stories decked out with decor & lights. Dine or just get drinks here.

Electric Lemon: Not seasonal decor wise, but the perfect escape after shopping at Hudson Yards or seeing the lights near the Vessel. My mom and I stayed for sunset and got amazing views (and amazing espresso martinis).

Igloos @ 230 Fifth: Don’t get me wrong, I try to avoid this place but something about the igloos on a rooftop with a great view of Empire State is so quintessential NYC Christmas! Pricier but the view is worth it and they give you blankets.

Winter Garden @ The Standard East Village: More teepee style igloos, again such a cute spot to grab mulled wine.

Snowday in Brooklyn: The cutest spot in Williamsburg with a ski lodge pop up for the season including festive drinks!

The Junction: A super festive, low key spot that is a must see for the season.

Miracle on 8th + 9th Street (The Cabinet & Mace Bar): A festive (pricier) spot for drinks with all things holiday season including Santa mugs!

Winter Wonderland at Watermark Bar: such a fun time to get an igloo, some fondue and enjoy all of the lights on the water!

Sippin Santa at Boilermaker: A very fun thematic (tropical) Christmas oasis!

The Garret Feliz Cocteleria Pop Up: Always beyond equipped for the season, they have opened a festive affair for the winter time.

City Winery Winter Igloos: Locations on the West Side Highway and Rockefeller Center to snag an igloo and some seasonal treats.

Rooftop Cabins at The Greens @ Pier 17: A great way to stay warm, see the Brooklyn bridge and enjoy company!

Igloos at Mr. Purple: A fun night spot that would be great to grab an igloo with a group of friends or colleagues.

Lillie’s Victorian Union Square: Owned by the same group as Oscar Wilde, the decor is spot on with a very solid menu.

Pete’s Tavern: In Gramercy is the cutest little bar with so many lights! We went for dinner so that we could sit down in the back and got in faster.

Ophelia: For drinks or light fare – truly a gorgeous setting.

Jingle Jangle at Dead Rabbit: Another bar that decks out for the holidays and has festive drinks.

L’Avenue at Saks: For the best view of the Rockefeller Tree without the madness.

Boucherie: Any location will be festive and french food is perfect for a cold day.

Santacon:
Something I feel like everyone needs to do once, this day in New York is when everyone dresses as Santa and goes on one giant bar crawl. My friends and I (used to) start in Murray Hill and rarely make it past East Village. It’s just a fun way to spend a Saturday with friends, but definitely come prepared and ready to party. As you get older people start doing house parties instead of bar crawling, but be prepared for traffic to be a MESS. Also note, some bars have restrictions against letting in anyone participating in Santacon.

Bars to go to during Santacon (some have covers day of):
-Penny Farthing
-Gem Saloon
-Blue Haven
-Brother Jimmy’s
-310 Bowery

More things to see + do:
While there are so many options I do each year, there’s so much else you have to do/see! Whether you’re coming for a long weekend or the full week, you can map out the spots you want to hit to maximize your time.

Holiday Cruises around Manhattan: Whether you’re looking for cocoa and carols aboard a retro style boat, or a quick sail around the Hudson – there are so many options to see the sites and stay warm.

Visit Tiffany & Co. Holiday Pop Up in West Village: Right across from new spot Nat’s on Bank, Tiffany’s is hosting a festive pop up this holiday season that is reminiscent of a holiday jewel box.

See the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular: It’s officially back and better than ever! Buy tickets now and really experience the holidays.

Light Display at Hudson Yards: Experience some major holiday lights at the newer establishment. They deck out the mall and the outdoor area with so many pretty lights and displays.

Pinkmas at The Museum of Ice Cream: The perfect thing to do to stay warm while getting some Instagram photos as well.

Window Displays at Bergdorf Goodman, SAKs, & Macy’s: The visual merchandisers work so hard on these months out, and it really shows. You have to check it out once you’re around Rockefeller or shopping on 5th.

Central Park Ice Rink: Another great spot to hit the ice, they have a smaller scale winter village area surrounding the rink.

SAKs Light Show: They have this running on a timer and you’ll definitely want to catch it. The lights out front play a quick show every 10 minutes.

The Plaza Hotel: The inside is absolutely gorgeous and they do their due diligence to make up for the outside being unavailable. You can also stop by the food court area downstairs for some snacks.

Stroll down 5th Avenue/Herald Square: Take a look at the different lights they bring out, specifically the infamous Cartier store that looks like a present.

Check out the decorations in West Village: Always one of the cutest spots during the fall/winter, just strolling down during the day makes me so happy! You can find a hole in the wall to pop in for a drink or quick bite, too.

Bronx Zoo Lights: Something I haven’t done but we hope to do this year, they decorate the zoo with Christmas lights!

Luminocity Festival: Again, I think this one is new. It’s basically a giant light festival on Randall’s Island and looks so unique.

What to wear/pack:
The one thing you have to keep in mind about the city (especially during the winter months) is that the buildings make it even colder and the wind chill is brutal. It may not snow in December, but you definitely need to bundle up! Covering your ears/hands is a must, and I typically forego the cute winter look for comfortable and warm. Linking some winter wear that would work below!

Jackets:

Portable Phone Chargers:

Cold Weather Accessories: