A New Yorker's NYC Holiday Guide

Advisor - Krystle Perales
Curated By

Krystle Perales

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  • Domestic Travel

  • USA

  • New York

  • New York City

  • City Travel

  • Holidays

  • Winter

  • Local's Guide

tall tree in lights at nighttime
Curator’s statement

What kind of New Yorker would I be if I didn't provide a New York guide? Being a native of this city, I (like I'm sure many others) feel like there's a kind of magic that overtakes New York during the holiday season! It's probably my favorite time of year in NY. If you happen to be lucky enough to find yourself in NYC during this magical time, I put together a few places to check out!

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Where to stay in New York City

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Park Hyatt New York

A superlative stay in the heart of Midtown, with luxe interiors, floor-to-ceiling city views, A-game service and a high-floor indoor pool.

Fora Perks
  • $100 resort / hotel credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

Four Seasons polish and a cool downtown address is a winning combo at this staycation favorite with a Wolfgang Puck restaurant.

Fora Perks
  • When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.

InterContinental New York Times Square, an IHG Hotel

Upscale hotel set in Times Square with luxurious rooms boasting floor-to-ceiling windows.

Fora Perks
  • $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

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Advisor - Krystle Perales

Unlock perks by contacting Krystle to book your trip.

Things to do in New York City

people on ice skating rink surrounded by buildings

Visit Hudson Yards - Hudson Yards is still fairly new, but there are a bunch of things to do there. You can go to the Sky Deck, take pictures on the Vessel, do some shopping, and explore the mall or have a bite to eat at one of their restaurants.

Visit the Observation Deck at the Empire State Building - If you don't mind a line, why not explore the observation deck of this famous landmark? Enjoy their holiday window displays while you wait!

Miracle NYC - An interactive Winter Wonderland featuring all of your favorite holiday characters. You can even bake cookies with Mrs. Clause!

Take in the Holiday Window Displays Around the City - One of the free things you can do in the City is admiring the holiday window displays. Macy's, Bloomingdale and Saks Fifth Avenue have some of the most famous and beautifully elaborate displays.

Catch the Radio City Rockettes - Enjoy the legendary Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall and mark this off your bucket list!

The Tree at Rockefeller Center - Though you may not make it for the tree lighting ceremony, the tree at Rockefeller Center is the largest in the City and it really sparkles!

Ice Skating at Wollman Rink - If you want to go ice skating because you just got from seeing the Rockefeller Christmas tree and you saw people skating by the tree, now you want to skate by the tree too, don't go there. As appealing as it is, I'm sure it is ridiculously priced. Instead, head a few blocks east to Wollman Rink in Central Park. Reasonably priced, and so much fun!

Walk the Museum Mile - The Museum Mile is a stretch of museums along 5th Avenue from 82nd street to 104th street (El Barrio). Visit the Guggenheim, the MET (one of my favorites), and the Museum of the City of New York among others. Side Note: As someone born and raised in Spanish Harlem, I suggest a visit to El Museo Del Barrio, which closes out the Museum Mile. If you want to learn the history and culture of Spanish Harlem, that museum is as good a place to start as any!

Light Show at the Bronx Zoo - Every year, the Bronx Zoo lights up for the holidays. You won't want to miss this!

Train and Light Show at the Botanical Garden - Experience New York's largest outdoor light show at NYBG GLOW!

A note from Krystle

Pro Tip: If it snows while you are in New York, you MUST go to Central Park and play in the snow!

Places to eat & drink in New York City

slice of pepperoni pizza on white plate

Max Brenner - If you love chocolate, you will absolutely adore Max Brenner. It's almost like stepping into Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory!

Serendipity 3 - Have some frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity.

Holiday Markets - Hit the markets around the city, have some yummy snacks holiday treats and maybe do a little shopping. Well-known markets are located in Union Square, Bryant Park and Columbus Circle.

Famiglia Pizzeria - Because you can't come to New York and NOT have a slice of pizza! My favorite is Famiglia's on 96th and Madison! I usually get a Sicilian but all of their slices are solid - AND they have famous people on the wall so you know it's good!

Need to Know

For more travel tips, check out my guide to Jamaica: Laid-Back Vacation in Jamaica.

Advisor - Krystle Perales

Travel Advisor

Krystle Perales

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