nyc: 7 favorite holiday attractions.

I know, I know…it’s still the beginning of November. BUT I’ve already gotten a handful of emails from readers visiting New York for the holidays looking for the NYC “must-sees” during this most wonderful time of the year.

So here are a few of my favorite holiday attractions in NYC. Some of them are on the more touristy side…some not so much…but all part of what makes New York City the most magical place in the world during the holidays.

1) Union Square Holiday Market.
Each year the USQ Holiday Market seems to get better and better. Union Square is one of my favorite parts of the city, and from November 20 – December 24 it’s full of local artisans with all sorts of clothing, jewelry, home goods, food, etc. A great place to shop for fun and unique Christmas gifts!

2) Holiday Windows on 5th Ave.
From Bergdorf’s to Barneys to Bendel’s - walking up and down 5th Avenue during the holidays is straight out of a movie. The fact that it doesn’t cost a dime is pretty great too.

3) Hot Chocolate/Dessert at Max Brenner.
…because calories don’t count during the holidays, duh. Max Brenner is in Union Square (so you could go before/after visiting the holiday market) and they have amazing food AND dessert. I’m partial to their fondue. And hot chocolate. And ice cream sundaes. It’s all amazing.

(Click here for more local restaurant finds, depending on the neighborhood you might be in!)

4) Rolf’s German Restaurant.
Rolf’s in Gramercy takes Christmas decorating to a whole new level.If you want enough Christmas spirit to last you all year long, this is the place to go.

5) Ice Skating Bryant Park.
There are a handful of places to ice skate during the winter/holidays in NYC, but I’m partial to Bryant Park. It’s one of my favorite parks in the city, right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Midtown. There is a holiday market set up there as well.

6) Hudson Lodge.
Hudson Lodge at the Hudson Hotel has been a go-to spot for my friends and I over the past few years when the weather gets colder. It’s like a ski resort escape in the middle of NYC! It’s a great place to go with a group of friends or co-workers after work to enjoy warm spiked cocktails, comfort food like s’mores, and even fake snow.

7) Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
You didn’t think I could leave out the famous Radio City Rockettes did, you? Self explanatory – you really have to see the Christmas Spectacular at least once in your life.

related posts:
5 nyc holiday date ideas
5 reasons new yorkers love fall
the best and worst things about living in new york

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Have you ever been to NYC during the holidays? Which of these would you want to do/see most?