H and I just got back from a Christmasy trip in the city! It was fun to see all the sights, lights, and festive decorations. I am highlighting everything we did and saw below; it was a fabulous time.
Stay
We stayed at Motto, a newer Hilton hotel in Chelsea, and loved it. The rooms are smaller but utilize the space extremely well – there are cut-outs under the bed for suitcase storage as well as plenty of hanging knobs. Everything was sleek and modern with soft lighting. They also had a holiday pop-up going on outside the hotel, and the trees made things feel extra festive. Plus, the views are truly unbeatable. We were on the 25th floor.
Dine
H found all of these restaurants for us – the goal was to find some of the most Christmasy places to eat in the city. He more than succeeded! Note: we ate at the hotel’s restaurant when we arrived without planning on it and were so pleasantly surprised. Also, be sure to make reservations for all of these (except the hotel) weeks in advance.
- Bar Cicchetti at Motto – delicious, exceeded expectations
- The Smith – loud, small tables, but fun with good food and service
- The Russian Tea Room – quiet and relaxing
- SERRA by Birreria – so dreamy, worth going for the atmosphere
- Tavern on the Green – in Central Park, beautiful holiday decorations, our favorite
- Lillie’s Victorian Establishment – overload of Christmas decor, charming
See
There are tons of people in New York at Christmastime, so keep that in mind. Earlier in the morning is best to avoid the crowds but isn’t always possible when trying to see a lot in a day. I’d start at the Rockefeller tree, as it consistently had the heaviest foot traffic during our stay. I have been to NYC after Christmas when the tree was still up, and it was not nearly as packed, so that’s also something to consider.
- Ice skating in Central Park – long lines to actually skate, but fun to stop by and watch
- The Plaza and Pulizter Fountain – always fun to see The Plaza, and the decorations just outside
- Rockefeller Center – a must-see
- Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show – a brief light show every 10 minutes from 5-11 p.m. each night
- Giant Toys along Fifth Avenue – walk down the street to view giant light-up toys
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral – beautiful inside and out
- Sidewalk Christmas Trees – loved seeing trees and wreaths for sale right on the sidewalks
- Washington Square Park Christmas Tree
Do
- Bryant Park Holiday Market – a European-style open-air market with lots of little shops and eats, a Christmas tree, an ice-skating rink, and even igloos to rent
- See It’s a Wonderful Life at IFC Center – independent movie theater in Greenwich Village, not crowded, easy and fun experience
- See The Radio City Rockettes – just so fun and an excellent show; be sure to arrive early to get concessions/use the restroom/find your seats, as it will be crowded
Have you been to New York in December? Please share your favorite places in the comments!
P.S. 5 Quick Tips for a Weekend in NYC, A 48-Hour Girls Weekend in NYC, and A Week in Winter Wonderland: Jackson Hole, WY.
