The Ultimate NYC Holiday Experience Guide

By Ella Neve

A comprehensive collection of “Must-See and Do’s” for your winter NYC bucket list

BARS

Frosty’s Christmas Bar

What: New York’s first three level christmas bar: a restaurant, bar, and speakeasy in one! Not to mention enough singing santas, live nutcrackers, and dancing elves to fulfill all your Christmas dreams in one spot!

Where: Frosty's Christmas Bar, 220 W. 44th st

When: Sunday-Friday 5pm to 3am, Saturday 5am to 3am

Rolf’s bar

What: By far the best decorated christmas bar, a true classic and perfect for dinner and drinks out!

Where: Rolf’s 281 3rd Ave

When: 12-10pm everyday

The Cabin NYC

What: A bar designed like the inside of a homey winter cabin

Where: The Cabin, 205 E 4th St

When: 

Saturday 11AM–2AM

Sunday 11AM–11PM

Monday Closed

Tuesday 4–11PM

Wednesday 4–11PM

Thursday 4–11PM

Friday 4PM–2AM

Lilies Victorian

What: One of new york's most iconic christmas bars to date, festive decor and a menu full of christmas-y drinks

Where: Lilies Victorian, 13 E 17th St

When: 

Saturday 11:30AM–2AM

Sunday 11:30AM–1AM

Monday 4PM–1AM

Tuesday 4PM–1AM

Wednesday 4PM–1AM

Thursday 4PM–2AM

Friday 4PM–2AM

Miracle 9th Street Pop Up

What: A new addition to NYC christmas bars, with a wide selection of christmas cocktails and decor

Where: 649 E 9th St

When: 

Saturday 2PM–1AM

Sunday 2PM–12AM

Monday 4PM–1AM

Tuesday 4PM–1AM

Wednesday 4PM–1AM

Thursday 4PM–1AM

Friday 2PM–1AM

Decor

Saks fifth ave holiday lights show

What: A must see, iconic, light show around the outside of Saks fifth ave. For the first time ever the windows are lighting up along with the lights around the building, featuring a theme of gifts from the past and rocket ships in partnership with the Rocketfund.

Where: 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets

When: Available through January 3rd

Hudson yards

What: Stop by and get all your christmas shopping done at the hudson yards mall, decked out in lights and glowing hot air balloons. 

Where: 20 hudson yards

When: 

Saturday 10AM–8PM

Sunday 11AM–7PM

Monday 10AM–8PM

Tuesday 10AM–8PM

Wednesday 10AM–8PM

Thursday 10AM–8PM

Friday            10AM–8PM

Rockefeller Tree

What: New York’s most iconic tree, featured in every New York Christmas movie and should be at the top of your bucket list for the season. This year they are offering small cabins for reservation right next to the tree so you can enjoy hot cocoa with the view!

Where: 45 Rockefeller Plaza

When: everyday!

Macys herald square window displays

What: The perfect activity, day or night, to catch holiday decor in the macy's windows on any given winter day!

Where: 151 W 34th St

When: all day!

Dyker heights tour

What: For your own little taste of suburbia visit Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights for the best decorated and lit houses

Where: 1072 80th St 1st. Floor, Brooklyn

When: Every night!

Lightscape at brooklyn botanic garden

What: an Illuminated trail leading to an outdoor array of light fixtures, hot cocoa, and holiday treats!

Where: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn

When: Through January 8th, 2023

Shopping

Bryant Park Winter Village

What: Tour stores with christmas decor and a wide selection of foods, after you can head to the ice skating rink!

Where: 42nd Street and, 6th Ave

When: 

Saturday 10AM–8PM

Sunday 10AM–8PM

Monday 11AM–8PM

Tuesday 11AM–8PM

Wednesday 11AM–8PM

Thursday 11AM–8PM

Friday 11AM–8PM

Union Holiday Market

What: Locally owned businesses get a chance to showcase their best works from ornaments, to mugs, to candles, while local restaurants serve fan favorites!

Where: Union Square

When: 

Saturday 10AM–8PM

Sunday 11AM–7PM

Monday 11AM–8PM

Tuesday 11AM–8PM

Wednesday 11AM–8PM

Thursday 11AM–8PM

Friday 11AM–8PM

Columbus circle holiday market

What: A holiday market to meet all your shopping needs featuring an elegant selection of jewelry, home goods, art, and your favorite winter treats

Where: Columbus Cir & Central Park S

When: November 29 – December 24, 2022

11am - 8pm M-Saturday

11am - 7pm Sunday

Activities

Artechouse holiday experience

What: Artechouse’s first “Spectacular Factory” where a gift factory comes alive in an immersive journey!

Where: 439 W 15th St

When: November 18, 2022 – January 8, 2023 

Watermark winter wonderland pier 15

What: Reservable, heat controlled, glass houses on the pier, for the perfect winter dining experience!

Where: 78 South St Pier 15

When: 

Saturday 12PM–12AM

Sunday 12–11PM

Monday 4–11PM

Tuesday 4–11PM

Wednesday 4–11PM

Thursday 4PM–12AM

Friday 2PM–12AM

Museum of the City of New York’s exhibit Gingerbread NYC

What: A christmas themed light festival where you can immerse yourself in different christmas worlds, eat, explore, and watch live performances

Where: 41 Seaver Way,Queens

When: Select Dates Nov 18, 2022 - Jan 8, 2023, open 4 - 10pm all event days

Menorah Lightings

Grand army plaza menorah lighting

What: Watch one of the worlds biggest menorahs be lit for every night of hanukkah at various locations throughout New York

Where: Grand Army Plazas in Midtown, Manhattan and Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

When: December 18-26, at 5:30pm (8pm on Sat)

Kwanzaa

Annual Kwanzaa celebration at Apollo Theater

What: A 17 year tradition at the Apollo theater celebrating Kwanzaa with dance, music, and spoken word

Where: 253 W 125th St, New York

When: December 30 at 7:30PM

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