Antonio Melani x Nicola Bathie Dress (sold out, similar top and skirt), Mango Heels
NYC is buzzing with all things festive right now and there truly is no better month to be here than December! After missing most of the Christmas decorations last year, it feels so good to be embracing all things holiday this month! I’ve heard from so many of you that are coming to visit so sharing my updated must to-do’s for festive things this December!
10 FESTIVE THINGS TO DO IN NYC THIS DECEMBER:
1. Take A Christmas Decorations Neighborhood Walk
My absolute holiday must is soaking up all the neighborhood decorations! I shared some favorite streets and areas to check out last year but this year I have loved the houses on the Upper East Side (this one above is on East 64th between Fifth and Madison!) and of course the West Village.
2. Go To The Ballet Or A Broadway Show
One of the best ways to support NYC is through heading to the theater! From classic Christmas shows like The Nutcracker and The Rockettes or to a new Broadway show, it’s the perfect NYC night! Get dressed up, head to the show and then grab a festive drink or dinner after!
3. Grab A Cozy Dinner
Restaurants and bars go all out here during the holidays and I love heading to a cozy spot with my friends in December. I’ve shared some cozy favorites before but would also add Sweetwater, Il Brigante and The Polo Bar to the list too!
4. Visit Midtown For Holiday Decorations
Warning, visiting Midtown during December is a shit show but it is where lots of the classic holiday decorations are! From the Rockefeller Christmas Tree to Saks, some of the best are here! Try to head here during the week at off times so you can avoid the crowds but still soak up all the Christmas magic!
5. Have Drinks At A Christmas Bar
There is so many fun Christmas bars around that city that pop up this time of year! I’ve shared some favorites in the past so check out this NYC Christmas Bars list for all the best spots!
6. Grab Hot Cocoa For A Walk Through Central Park
For a true NYC day, I love grabbing a hot cocoa from Ralph’s Coffee on the Upper East Side (another favorite decorations spot!) and then heading into Central Park for a long walk and soaking up the city!
7. Watch A Christmas Movie At The Theater
If you’re looking to escape the business of the city for a night, head to the movie theater to watch a classic Christmas movie. Many theaters such as Nighthawk are playing old favorites this whole month!
8. Have A Festive Dessert
So many of my favorite bakeries and coffee shops have special desserts during this time of year so make sure to save room for dessert! I have my eye on this Gingerbread Crueller from Daily Provisions and the holiday cookie flavors at Chip City!
9. Go To Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
I went to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden last week with my friend Meghan for their Lightscape trail and it was such a fun and festive activity! We got there right when they opened around 4:30 pm (you need tickets) and would recommend the earlier the better as it gets pretty crowded!
10. Visit The Holiday Markets
While they can be a little busy, visiting one of the holiday markets is a great way to pack in shopping, eating and sightseeing all in one. If you’re downtown, head to the Union Square Holiday Market filled with lots of shopping for ornaments and gifts. If you’re uptown, the Bryant Park Holiday Village has amazing food options (make sure to get the hot apple cider!) and an ice rink too for a fun winter activity.
Location: Upper East Side, New York
Photos: Allie Provost