- jandkstrible
Christmas Magic in New York City â¨
The holiday season is a great opportunity to head to the city to see all the magic happening in the heart of New York City! The lights, shops, Christmas markets, eats, and joy will fill you this holiday season!
I started visiting the area each year about ten years ago. I started by taking a 24 hour bus trip with friends each year. Over time, this turned into a weekend long event and now I am to share with my family!
We love visiting NYC during the holiday season. This time frame begins anytime after Thanksgiving until the month of January. You will see the beautfiul tree, visit the Macy's windows, and explore all the holiday spectacular at the markets in the parks or catching a show on Broadway! These trips are great with your spouse, with friends, or with your kids! I usually recommend 3-4 days if you are planning to capture all the holiday fun this area has to offer. Flying from Buffalo, NY is about an hour direct flight into JFK. Upon arrival we take an Uber and always stay in an AirBNB or in New Jersey and take the train in because it is much less expenesive and easier this time of year.
We always take a trip to Dyker Heights. It's a bit of a ride out of the city, but highly recommend this area for seeing the Christmas lights. People go all out to decorate and it is absolutely amazing! You will need about 2-3 hours to get through all the houses. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way too!
Things to Dođ:
Manhattan:
This is the area that we love to spend the most of our time. We spend our day walking close to 20,000 steps if we are moving! While we are visiting the area, you'll find the best holiday markets right here in NYCâfull of both the holiday spirit and the most unique gifts out there. Our favorite thing to do is pop around to the Christmas Markets in the area. Some of our favorites include Bryant Park, Chelsea, Union Square, and Urban Space Circle Market. You can spend time finding one of a kind gifts, grab a great bite to eat, ice skate, and enjoy some of your favorite holiday beverages. Plan to spend the entire day checkign out all of the markets.
Some of our favorite ventures during the holiday season are to make a stop in Time Square to see all the excitement and street performers. From here make a stop on 5th avenue to see the red ornaments, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Rockefeller Christmas Tree! Upon completion, we stop in Central Park and make a visit to FAO Schwartz and Macy's to check the holiday display windows and decorations. The intricacy, lights, and vibe are truly magical! Plan to spend an entire day seeing this prime locations during the holiday season. If you feel really brave, pay $50 to dress up as Santa and fill the streets with hundreds of other Santas during SantaCon.
After an evening of site seeing or shopping, I highly recommend catching a show on Broadway! The Rockette's and Radio City truly bring the spirit. You can purchase tickets HERE. We usually purchase ticket's last minute based on our schedule and how exhausted we may be.
Brooklyn:
You can continue your holiday adventures into Brooklyn down by the Wharf. A must do is heading to Dumbo to check out the outdoor market and heading indoors to catch a bite at the Timeout Kitchen. You will find several hubs inside with food from all over the world. You can then walk the halls to see more vendors for your holiday needs.
Be sure to capture photos along Pebble Beach for the skyline of NYC and the Brooklyn bridge. The view is breathtaking! If the weather is nice, take a stroll along the coast to see all that the area has to offer.
Places to Eat đ˝:
One of my favorite parts of the city are all the amazing places to eat! You can get every ethnicity of food and still not have enough.
Manhattan:
Favorite bagel breakfast pace is Best Bagel & Coffee. They are open until 4pm everytime. Bagels and spreads are fresh and tasty!
If you are looking for a Christmas vibe place to catch a drink, be sure to check out Frosty's . This is a pop up bar overseeing Time Square. They have sensational seasonal socktails, Wonderfully interactive Holiday Photo Experiences, Lights & Music and the party always goes late! Enjoy a Holiday experience that will knock your Christmas stockings off!
Favorite Italian is Paesano's in Littly Italy! Make reservations and be sure to come with an empty belly because you are going to induldge in some of the best homemade Italian in the city! Side of meatballs and their pasta dish are mouth watering. Some of the best cannoli's I've had! Grab one to go!
Brooklyn:
We love waking up early and heading to Tom's Diner in Brooklyn. This place is a diamond in the rough but the pancakes are incredible. It's small but tasty and only takes cash!
Our favorite taco joint is Ho'Brah! The authneticity and vibe are so cool. The place is small so plan to wait, but be sure to catch a margarita while you're waiting! You won't want to miss it! This will be a place you add to to your top list of Mexican! đŽ
For dinner we love to Medittereanean at Al Badawi. Be sure to make a reservation! The cultural and dining experience are a must. The food is amazing!
For some good food and a fun vibe with shuffleboard, we always shuffle off to The Commissioner after a long day of shopping!
Upon heading back home we make a stop at Delarocco's Pizza in downtown Brooklyn. Pizza is fresh and the salads and charcuterie are a vibe. If you're a Tom Brady fan, this is his favorite stop when he is in the city! đ
Highly recommend a sweet treat at Carlos Bakery! The line is long, but the desserts are to die for!
Overall, NYC is a great place for couples, girls trip, or with the kids! There is so much to see and do, you will always want to come back to see and do more!
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Love, Kristine
