Headed to NYC for the holidays?! Lucky you!! It’s truly one of the most magical places to visit during christmas time! There is SO much to do it can be overwhelming planning out your days in the city, so I wanted to share our itinerary! This was my first trip to NYC during Christmas, and my husbands first time visiting in general so we made sure to do a good mix of holiday spots and “the classics”.
I planned everything traveling North to South so we could get the most out of each day!
THURSDAY– travel + christmas things day
Arrive at Hotel-Paramount Hotel
Head to Bryant Park for the Winter Village
this was one of our favorite spots! The entire park is set up with holiday pop ups, LOTS of yummy treats, and a skating rink (there is a skate rental fee unless you bring your own).
Baked Cheese Haus
United Chocolate Works
Nadas Empanadas
The North Pole (christmas ornaments & gifts)
*the NYC public library is directly next to Bryant Park if you’re interested in stopping*
Head south to Fifth Avenue shops.
stop at Saks Fifth Ave & Cartier for their holiday window displays
Explore…
St.Patrick’s Cathedral
Rockefeller Center (you can see the TODAY Show studio across from 30 Rock- 1230 Sixth Ave)
Rockefeller Tree
Radio City Music Hall
Saks Light Show (starts at 5pm & runs every 5 minutes)
Dinner @ A Pasta Bar
(this one is a little out of the way unless you’re already in the SOHO area, but its worth the stop!!)
FRIDAY
H&H bagels for breakfast (Upper East Side location)
Explore the Upper East Side- walk the East 80s blocks between 5th and Park to see the gorgeous houses!
*walk south along Central Park as you make your way south*
The MET
Coffee stop at Ralph’s Coffee (888 Madison Ave location)
Madison Ave shops
The Plaza Hotel (open to the public before 10am or after 8pm)
Explore nearby window displays (LV, Bergdorfs & Dior are on the same block)
Snack stop at Angelina’s Italian Bakery
Rest at hotel & get ready for broadway!
Dinner @ Toloache
(right next to some of the biggest broadway theaters if you need a spot before your show!)
Drinks @ Bubble & Sip (cute irish bar we stumbled upon on the way to the theater)
Funny Girl
SATURDAY– Chelsea, SOHO, Flatiron
Brunch at Jack’s Wife Freda (Chelsea location)- the fried zuchini chips are to die for!
Walk east to Flatiron District & shopping (Zara, Aritizia, Free People, Lulu)
Head north to Macy’s Harold Square
*there’s a subway stop right next to the Flatiron building if the iconic spot is on your list!*
Explore Harold Square
Macy’s
Empire State Building
Head back down to SOHO to meet up with friends
Explore SOHO
Dominque Ansel’s (milk + cookie shots!)
Greene Street (there’s a lot of cool pop ups & specialty shops in the area so keep your eye out as you walk!)
Explore Chelsea Market
Dinner @ Dei Vini (you have to get the meatballs!!)
Drinks @ The Refinery Rooftop (incredible view of the Empire State & its dressed up for christmas!)
SUNDAY– Downtown, West Village
Explore Downtown landmarks
911 Museum and One World Trade Center
Trinity Church + Cemetery (where Alexander Hamilton is buried)
Statue of Liberty
Wall Street
Head to the West Village- if you want to see the local side of the area, this is a must! A lot of famous films and shows are shot in this neighborhood too!
Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment (64 Perry Street)
Friends Apartment Building (90 Bedford Street)
Bleeker Street (great food and sightseeing)
Lunch @ Daddies Pizza *heads up, its cash only!*
Back to the hotel to pick up luggage & head home!
OTHER RECS + TIPS
We didn’t end up making it to a Christmas themed bar because the prices didn’t seem worth it, especially with the long lines, plus we wanted to sleep more (lol). If you DO want to find a Christmas bar, here are some recommendations:
Rolf’s (most popular & most crowded)
Pete’s Tavern
Oscar Wilde
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Frosty’s (tickets required)
Travel Tips:
- pack lots of layers! Some neighborhoods get more shade than others & it gets CHILLY
- COMFY SHOES!! You will do lotsss of walking in NYC so make sure you have a couple comfy pairs of shoes!
- get good socks! I think I wore out every pair of socks I brought from all the walking…
- bring your best crossbody purse! DO NOT bring a purse that has a big opening or can’t be zipped. Crossbodys are also best so they’re close to you and can’t be grabbed in busy areas.
- DON’T FORGET: hand sanitizer, portable chargers, cash (some spots don’t take CC).