New York City: Ultimate Christmas Travel Guide
First Things First
Transportation
Airports
JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports
Public Transportation
The subway is often referred to as the train by locals.
Lodging
Luxury:
The Plaza Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, and The St. Regis offer luxurious holiday experiences.
Boutique:
The Refinery Hotel, The Ludlow Hotel, and Arlo NoMad provide unique stays with a festive touch.
Budget:
Pod 51 Hotel, HI NYC Hostel, and Airbnb options can help you save on accommodations.
Activities
Holiday Attractions
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
See the iconic tree and go ice skating at the Rockefeller Rink. Take warm socks if you plan to go on the ice!
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Watch the world-famous Rockettes in a festive holiday show.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Shop at the holiday market and skate at the ice rink. This rink is free!
Central Park
Enjoy a wintery walk, ice skating at Wollman Rink, or a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the park.
Fifth Avenue Window Displays
Walk along Fifth Avenue and see stunning holiday window displays. Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman are a couple well-known stores to participate in decorating for the holiday. Saks Fifth Avenue also has a great lightshow with music after dark.
Holiday Shopping
Luxury Shopping
Browse high-end stores on Fifth Avenue, including Tiffany & Co., Saks, and Louis Vuitton. For indoor options, try Hudson Yards, which is located right next to The Vessel.
Boutiques and Local Finds
Explore SoHo and Greenwich Village for one-of-a-kind boutiques and local shops.
Holiday Markets
Union Square, Columbus Circle, and Bryant Park markets are perfect for finding unique gifts and seasonal goodies.
Dining
Fine Dining
Enjoy a festive meal at The River Café, Gramercy Tavern, or Daniel.
Casual Spots
Warm up with a rooftop ambience at Monarch or VERSA, indulge in pizza at Sottocasa Pizzeria, or enjoy a burger at Shake Shack.
Holiday Sweets
Visit Magnolia Bakery for holiday inspired cupcakes, Levain Bakery for freshly baked cookies, and Serendipity 3 for a frozen hot chocolate.
Entertainment
Broadway Shows
Catch a holiday-themed show or a classic Broadway performance.
The Nutcracker
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center.
Holiday Concerts
Attend a holiday concert at Carnegie Hall or the New York Philharmonic.
Outdoor Fun
Ice Skating
Skate at iconic rinks like Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Central Park’s Wollman Rink.
Sledding
Enjoy sledding in Central Park’s Pilgrim Hill or Riverside Park.
Winter Walks
Bundle up and explore the city’s parks and scenic spots, including the High Line and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Travel Tips
Must-Have Travel Essentials
Planning to travel for the holidays? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Carry-On Travel Essentials for a complete list of what to pack for your upcoming trip. Personally, I always take these items with me anytime I am away from home. You can never be too comfortable when it comes to long distance travels.
Maintain Self-Care While Traveling
Let's be honest, self-care should always be a priority. I think it's pretty common to put our well-being on the back burner, especially during the hustle and bustle of traveling. My guide below on how to embrace self-care while traveling may be just the thing you need to keep a healthy mind and body while on the go.
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