Delightfully touristy things to do in NYC during the holiday season! Where to walk, where to eat&drink, and things to do.
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Sections
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TO WALK BY
TO EAT & DRINK
TO DO
TO WALK BY
My favorite tree in NYC! If you watched Gossip Girl, this spot should look familiar!
Lotte New York Palace
Definitely visit this iconic building, even if you don't have tickets to see the Rockettes.
Radio City Music Hall
You can find these directly across the street from Radio City. Definitely a hidden gem that photograph so well!
Giant Red Ornaments (Christmas)
Definitely a must visit - so many delicious and festive stands in this holiday market! Don't miss the hot chocolate! You can also ice skate here!
Holiday Market at Bryant Park
The years that they put the giant bow are my favorite! But the decor never disappoints! Add this to your walking tour…
Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion
Holiday lights show at Saks Fifth is a must see! This year will be a bit more toned down, but I still recommend walking by.
Saks Fifth Avenue
If you're lucky, your train will run through here! Either way, it's worth a quick stop if you're nearby (which you probably will be if you're doing this list!)
Grand Central Terminal
Definitely one of the most festive hotel lobbies in NYC! Stop by here and grab a photo on the staircase inside!
The Peninsula New York
I actually love going to check out the tree and see all of the new holiday displays in stores in the plaza, like Anthropologie and Kate Spade!
Rockefeller Center
TO EAT & DRINK
100% the most over the top Christmas restaurant you'll find! If you don't have a reservation – Arrive an hour before open and ask the host for a table when you first walk in.
Rolf's
Another NYC spot that goes all out on Christmas decor! Grab a drink here!
Lillie's Victorian Establishment
Private spot to drink & warm up overlooking the ice skating rink! Worth it if you can get a res!
Holiday Chalets - Rockefeller Center
OTT festive. Grab a drink here!
Papillon Bistro & Bar
Make a reservation for this festive NYC restaurant!
Oscar Wilde
Cute holiday pop up bar in the East Village!
Miracle on Ninth St
Festive Christmas bar in NYC!
Pete's Tavern
TO DO
See the Rockettes at Radio City!
Radio City Rockettes
Ice skating here is way less crowded than Rockefeller Center, and a little bit more lowkey!
Bryant Park - Ice Skating, Holiday Shops, The Lodge, and much more
The plaza is iconic for a reason. Get a reservation for tea or just walk through the lobby for those classic Christmas vibes!
The Plaza
If you have a car, you must visit Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn for the most over the top lights you'll ever see!
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights - Brooklyn
For me, this is iconic NYC Christmas! The buildings at the Bronx Zoo are beautiful and the lights walk is fun. Dress WARM!
Holiday Lights - Bronx Zoo
This market is great because odds are, you'll probably take the train to Union Square anyway!
