Christmas In New York City
It’s officially my favorite time of the year! As much as I complain about the cold weather and the need to pile on multiple layers to stay warm, I’ve always believed that winter is the most beautiful season – especially in New York City. The background cityscape and building silhouettes provide the perfect backdrop for festive colors, decorations and sparkling lights.
It’s only been one week into December, but so many exciting and festive events have already kicked off! I’m sharing a few of my favorite experiences so far below and can’t wait to keep sharing them with you guys as the countdown to Christmas continues!
1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The iconic Rockefeller Center Plaza is already glistening with the Christmas spirit! This year’s tree, hailing from Alaska, is beautiful in its evergreen nudity. I’m going later this week to see it all lit up and I can’t wait!
Last week I had the incredible opportunity to attend the pre-taping of Andrea Bocelli, The Band Perry and The Band of Merrymakers the day before it aired live on TV.
The concert was incredible, despite the pouring rain and the fact that we were standing on the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink (they put down a white carpet on top of the ice), but it was still freezing! The tree is now beautifully lit and I can’t wait to see it this weekend.
2. Saks Fifth Avenue
It wouldn’t be Christmas in NYC without the glamorously decorated windows at Saks Fifth Avenue, right across the street from Rockefeller Center. The windows are incredible this year, surrounded by evergreens and shimmery white lights, they are centered around the theme of fairytales. I went on a rainy day to see them, and will definitely be going again this weekend to hopefully capture some images that do them more justice. If you’re in the area this holiday season, you should definitely make time to come to this area!
Not only are the windows outside Saks gorgeous, but the decorations inside the store remind you of the true, sparkling beauty of Christmas.
3. Grand Central Station
Even if you’re just passing by, Grand Central Station decorated for the holidays is an iconic NYC sight to see. The station is beautiful on any given day, however the decorations truly make it stand out. Throughout the holiday season it will be hosting a Holiday Market near the 42nd Street & Vanderbilt exit of the station. It’s full of artisanal vendors and adorable stocking stuffers that you didn’t know you needed until you started to peruse.
4. Columbus Circle
The Shops At Columbus Circle could be your one stop place to shop for all of those last minute gifts you haven’t had time to buy yet. It’s decorations are up already, creating a fun aesthetic that gets shoppers in the Christmas spirit. The mall features stores including H&M, J.Crew, Sephora, Bebe and a pop-up Goop MRKT (Gwenyth Paltrow’s high-end lifestyle store based on her lifestyle blog!) She was actually here signing copies of her new book last week.
While you’re at it, get yourself a delicious snack from GROM two blocks away. It is an authentic Italian gelato shop with flavors including Straciatella e Pistachio. Mmmm, it’s never too cold for ice cream.
I’ll keep you updated on the fun holiday spots I have yet to see this season! I definitely want to make it over to the Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink and Celsius, the Bryant Park restaurant! The decor inside the Plaza Hotel is also stunning during the holidays (even the adorable Eloise section downstairs) and, of course, the stores down Fifth, Madison and Park Avenues.
What are your favorite holiday spots to see in NYC??
Stay Classy! xx