The Holiday Guide to the Magic of New York City

While I now live in the mountains of North Carolina, I spent almost a decade calling New York my home sweet home. And for me, the Big Apple was also my dream come true. I’d argue it’s always a pretty spectacular place, but there’s something dazzling about the holiday season. Or as Brooklyn native Melissa Rosenfield puts it, N.Y.C. is electric from the first leaves floating to the ground to the first snowfall that layers the city with a crisp white glow. 

Meet the Experts

But what’s even better is the mood of the locals. “New Yorkers show their true colors of kindness and cheer,” Rosenfield says. “I know we get a lot of flak, but New Yorkers are the best people, and something about the weather turning brings that out even more.”

If you’re finally taking the trip to New York for the holiday season, consider your must-experience guide from locals who know best:

Walk through Central Park

If you are lucky enough to visit the city during a snowfall, Rosenfield says to make your way ASAP to the city’s greenest gem, Central Park. “It’s so much fun to see everyone out with their sleds on Pilgrim and Cedar Hill. And lots of cross-country skiers, too,” she raves.

Even if there aren’t any flakes in the forecast during your trip, she recommends grabbing a coffee, tea, or hot chocolate before sunset and wandering through the park: “You’ll see the buildings around the park twinkle above the trees as the sun goes down. It is beautiful.”

See the window displays on Fifth Avenue

Remember: You don’t have to be able to afford to shop on Fifth Avenue to enjoy the experience. During the holiday season, walking down this iconic avenue is something locals brave the crowds to experience. You can start at the corner of Central Park and make your way down to 42nd street, admiring the festive window displays. The must-sees include Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Paul Stuart and Ralph Lauren, according to Andrew Westphal, a New Yorker and a realtor for Corcoran. 

Make sure to make a detour to see the impossibly big Christmas tree on display at Rockefeller Center, too. 

See the best holiday decorations in Dyker Heights

If you can make the trek to deep Brooklyn, then you will be rewarded with some of the best holiday decorations in the city in Dyker Heights, says Abbie Sheridan, a New Yorker since 2005 and the founder of Greenhouse Communications. “This is a fun outdoor adventure for the whole family, especially kids who really enjoy the holiday lights,” she says. “So bring a thermos of hot cocoa and get ready to see and feel holiday magic. It can be crowded, so make sure to get there early and plan to spend plenty of time wandering around and exploring.”

Shop at a seasonal holiday market

For everyone on your list, you can find something local and special at the many seasonal holiday markets. These are located in Union Square, Bryant Park, and Columbus Circle, so find the one closest to your hotel or Airbnb. To make it festive, Rosenfield suggests grabbing hot cocoa or cider — spiked if you’re daring — and wandering around to find lots of great gifts and stocking stuffers for the holidays, decorations and other nicknacks. 

See the shows and listen to the carols

For theater lovers, book your tickets far in advance to see The Christmas Spectacular, featuring The Rockettes, at Radio City Music Hall. While it was originally intended for children, people of all ages will get into the holiday spirit by watching the fun performance. If you can’t grab tickets or it’s out of your price range, Westphal recommends selecting your largest and most prestigious congregation — Trinity, St. John the Divine, St. Patrick’s Cathedral — and find their schedule for one of their carols, or “carols and lessons” programs. “Denominations, or even faith at all, won’t matter, but the music is Christmastime at its best,” he continues. “The Choir at the Church of St. Thomas is world famous, and while it’s in a church, it won’t be the strictest religious ritual, so you can enjoy the music and the spirit of the season without any awkward preaching.”

Grab dinner at cozy bars and restaurants

No trip to the Big Apple is complete without copious amounts of food and alcohol. During the holidays, bars and restaurants go above and beyond with holiday decor, specials and celebrations. Here, all of our experts share their top selects:

Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle: “Go here for a night of music and fancy drinks.” — Rosenfield

The Lobby at the Bowery Hotel: “It’s super cozy, especially when they have the fire going.” — Rosenfield

The Waverly Inn and Tiny’s in Tribeca: “Also have a cozy vibe. I love doing dinner at both of these places and then walking around downtown to see how people have decorated their buildings and homes.” — Rosenfield

Rolf’s: “This place serves up Christmas all year long in an absurdly overdone decorated restaurant. I’ve only been for a cozy cocktail, but walking into this place any time of the year will put you in the holiday spirit. Of course, there is less of a wait in July, but if you just did some holiday shopping and want to feel like St. Nick swallowed you whole inside his stomach, check out this place.” — Sheridan

The King Cole Bar at St. Regis: “This is the perfect example of a New York City staple that, while always a special place, takes on a new light as the hub of one of the nicest hotels in the country (and the self-proclaimed inventor of the Bloody Mary — though they call it the Red Snapper). And, while sitting under the Maxwell Parish mural of the good ole’ King himself, it will be hard to leave such a comfortable yet eventful spot. People-watching at its best.” — Westphal