Christmas in New York City is just as magical as you would imagine! There’s something special about being bundled up with a warm scarf, cozy coat, and a warm drink in hand while the city glistens from the glow of Christmas lights and decorated Christmas trees. New York City during the holidays is the most exciting time to visit the Big Apple. It’s the very reason individuals from all over the world flock to NYC during the holidays, there’s nothing like experiencing it firsthand.

12 ABSOLUTE MUSTS IN NYC DURING THE HOLIDAYS

DINE IN THE MOST OVER-THE-TOP HOLIDAY RESTAURANT

Rolf’s is a staple place to visit while in New York City for the holidays. To say they go hard would be an understatement… It seriously looks like Christmas threw up inside the restaurant in the very best way possible! The workmanship is all hand-done and takes approximately three months of labor! There are over 200,000 lights strung throughout the entire restaurant and many of the ornaments are vintage antiques. Because Rolf’s is so famous now from word of mouth and social media, it’s kind of a taste to get in but never fear.. I’ve got some tips for you!

Tips & Tricks For Visiting Rolf’s

Don’t even bother calling after Octoberish because they won’t answer. Reservations are completely booked for December. My friend called like 50 times and no answer. Yeah… she was dedicated!
However, you can line up early at 11:00-11:15am and wait until they open at 12:00pm. We were the first ones in line waiting when we arrived at 11:00am which was promising and we visited in early December. Also, this was on a weekday making it ultimately less busy compared to a weekend. What you’re waiting in line for is a standing room only bar but you can put your name on a list for a table, which you should do immediately when you walk in! We were the first ones in line and were able to order a drink, then our names were called so we took them to the table with us.
Something else to consider is that for tables each person had to order a minimum of an entree which were $30 at least + our cocktails were $20+ making the overall meal fairly expensive but again, you’re more-so there for the experience. Oh and you also have a time limit for your table of 90 minutes.

What’s the Food Like?

Rolf’s is a German Restaurant, as it says clearly in the name, which means they serve authentic German cuisine. Each entree is at least $30 which I felt was a little pricy for what we were given but I do understand many people come for the overall vibe so might as well up-charge right? Haha! Hope you can hear my sarcasm in my writing. The entire feel of sitting at the table felt transactional because of the time limit (90 minutes), everything needing to be ordered at the same time, and just the overall feel. We did like having a table to have some space to chill instead of near the crowded bar but will I do it again? No. Would I go to the bar for drinks again? Absolutely!

Regarding food, we ordered the Baked Tilapia with Sherry Sauce served with Mashed Potatoes ($36.95) and the Smoked Bratwurst (Smoked Pork Sausage), Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes ($30.95). I’ve had a decent amount of German food and feel like I can give a fairly decent opinion on it so when I say this was average… it was average. The potatoes tasted kind of watery, the meat and fish were good but nothing special, and the sauerkraut was decent. When it comes to drinks, we ordered the Cranapple Smash which is: Tru Lemon Vodka, Cranberry and Apple Juice and the Golden Vanilla Cream which is: Merry's White Chocolate Cream with a Splash of Goldschlager. I believe each drink was around $20 but they were at least good drinks! I think if you’re going to visit, get drinks and hang by the bar then bounce because again, the decorations are incredible!

SEE THE ROCKEFELLER CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the largest Christmas trees in NYC, placed annually in Rockefeller Center Plaza. In New York, the Tree Lighting Ceremony right after Thanksgiving is the official start of the Holiday season and one of the best things to do in New York during Christmas. You can even go ice skating at the rink right in front of the tree if you’re feeling adventurous!⛸️ I also heard there were cute little cabins near the rink you can rent per hour to enjoy food and cocoa in that seems like a vibe. I’ll definitely be checking that out next time with visit during the holiday season.

WALK ON THE EDGE OF THE NYC SKYLINE

The Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere located at 30 Hudson Yards, with a one-of-a-kind design. It’s suspended in mid-air, giving you the feeling of floating in the sky with 360-degree views you can’t get anywhere else. Look 100 stories down from the thrilling glass floor, lean out over the city on angled glass walls, and even sip champagne in the sky!🥂 This is a BIG tourist destination because of its iconic views so be prepared to be surrounded by a ton of people who may or may not run into you, shove you aside, etc. — just being fully transparent here. We did go at sunset which is a very popular time but I’ve heard it’s pretty crowded regardless. Despite it being crowded, we really did enjoy the views and stared at the city for a while just taking it all in. We also loved that it was decorated for the holidays on the inside with Christmas trees and other holiday decor.

CHECK OUT THE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS AT HUDSON YARDS

Hudson Yards is New York’s home to more than 100 diverse shops and culinary experiences, offices for industry leaders, significant public art and dynamic cultural institutions including The Shed, modern residences, 14 acres of public plazas, gardens and groves, and the world’s first Equinox Hotel. This place is a must-visit no matter when you visit NYC but during the holidays, Hudson Yards lights up the entire place with beautiful installations and lights on quite literally everything. This is also the place you’ll head to before exploring The Edge.

VIEW THIS GIANT WORK OF ART

Once you’ve walked on The Edge and explored the shops at Hudson Yards, you absolutely need to check out The Vessel. The extraordinary centerpiece of Hudson Yards is its spiral staircase, a soaring new landmark. This interactive artwork was imagined by Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio as a focal point where people can enjoy new perspectives of the city and one another from different heights, angles, and vantage points. Comprised of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs -- almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings -- the vertical climb offers remarkable views of the city, the river, and beyond. The Vessel is made extraordinary by the people who visit, and by experiencing it with others. The lights on The Vessel and the surrounding trees bring out the holiday spirit — especially with a hot cocoa in hand!

GRAB A HOT COCOA AT BRYANT PARK WINTER VILLAGE

Starting in October, it’s once again time for the best winter markets in New York City to open their doors. The Winter Village in Bryant Park is not only the largest Christmas market in the city but also by far the nicest on account of its adjacent ice rink and places to shop and eat. This along with its amazing location among all the skyscrapers makes for an amazing holiday experience. Be sure to get a hot chocolate to keep your hands warm while you stroll through the shops and food vendors.

WATCH THE SAKS 5TH AVE LIGHT SHOW

Throughout the year, the big department stores prepare for the upcoming Holiday season in New York BIG TIME. It’s recommended to walk from Central Park on Fifth Avenue towards Herald Square to get you in the holiday mood.🎄 The most beautiful Holiday Windows in New York are at Saks Fifth Avenue which also has a special show! It’s great to watch after looking at the Rockefeller Center tree because you can just turn around!

SEE NEVER-BEFORE VIEWS OF THE SKYLINE AT THE SUMMIT

The SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is located directly at Grand Central Station and gives you a sensational view of Central Park, Midtown, and the East River. This incredible experience walks visitors to various rooms to hone in on the senses as well as take in breathtaking views of New York City. It’s highly recommended to book tickets online in advance because this amazing experience attracts a lot of people but it’s well worth it! Grab your camera and get ready to create some STUNNING content! Tickets start at $39 and are absolutely worth it! Stop by the cafe for some cocoa & and a cute little cookie too. The Summit is located at 📍45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 & the entrance located on the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal.

ENJOY A BEAUTIFUL AND DELICIOUS DINNER AT EMPIRE STEAKHOUSE

Empire Steak House in the Kimberly Hotel holds the essence of the 1920s opera house it once was and will transport you back to the era of nostalgic New York City. You’re definitely going to want to pull out that phone for some Insta stories, especially during the holiday season when everything is decorated. Completely reconstructed, with an ornate winding staircase, cathedral dome ceiling, and the charm and elegance of olden times, Empire has reclaimed a historic Manhattan destination sure to thrill all those who experience its richness. This is the perfect place for a date night or dinner with the entire family because the hosts, staff, and managers treat you like family from the moment you walk in. We enjoyed a couple of appetizers, their family-style steak, and sides (the creamed spinach and mashed potatoes were heavenly), then finished with a delicious cheesecake. Overall, it was expensive but well worth it! I’ll absolutely be back.

SPEND AN EVENING IN A PRIVATE CABIN ON A NYC ROOFTOP

Booking a cabin at The Rooftop at Pier 17 was one of my favorite things to do on my trip to NYC trip during the holiday season. We enjoyed dinner and drinks with the girls and got to see incredible views of lower Manhattan! Each cabin is comfy as well as being heated because it’s COLD in NYC during December which I very much enjoyed. You can book your private cabin online for dinner (up to 10 people per cabin) and the rates vary for time and date. Closer to Christmas the more expensive it’ll be. The ticket includes general admission to Winter Wonderland, hot chocolate, Santa hats, 3 shared plates, 2 desserts, & table side s’mores to share!

SEE A SHOW ON BROADWAY

Seeing a Broadway show in NYC is already a bucket list moment but seeing a show during the holidays just feels even fancier. We saw Phantom of the Opera at Majestic Theater and I 100% sobbed because it was absolutely incredible. I will say… the cup of wine was like $25 but it was worth it for the cup and overall experience. I highly recommend booking tickets for shows in advance because a lot of them fill up with it being a bucket list item for most visitors in New York City.

It was a dream of mine to experience NYC during the holidays. I mean… I’ve watched a lot of holiday movies that are set in New York during the holidays and it looks absolutely magical. Well, the movies don’t like because it actually is. If you get the opportunity to go during December — DO IT!

XOXO

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