Ah, the holidays in New York City.
While this season is the most chaotic and touristy of them all, it is also undoubtedly the most magical time of the year. The city is glistening from head to toe, and New Yorkers are cheerful and on their best behaviors. There are many famous holiday traditions that this city holds dearly. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, chances are you’ll want to partake in them all because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a classic New York City Christmas? Honestly, even the Grinch would agree. In honor of the most wonderful time of the year, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to visit and traditional holiday activities to try this month.
- Walk through Madison Square Park’s Gingerbread Boulevard, a free event featuring life-size gingerbread houses.
- Stand under the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and be amazed.
- Pick up a delicious cup of hot chocolate at Bryant Park’s Winter Village
- Eat, drink, and be merry at NYC’s most festive bar, Rolf’s Bar & Restaurant. Known for t’s elaborate holiday decorations, this German establishment spends more than $60K on their holiday display every year.
- Visit the Jingle Holiday Pop Up Shop in Chelsea Market
- Pick up a box of sweet and savory munchies from Milk and Cookies Bakery in Greenwich Village, or head up town to Serendipity for its famous frozen hot chocolate
- Ice skate at Wollman Rink in Central Park
- See the world famous Christmas window displays at some of the top department stores like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Lord & Taylor.