Day 1:
As a family, we’ve traded traditional gift-giving for travel adventures each Christmas, and this year’s destination was the magical city of New York! The day started with some excitement—the airport was packed with holiday travelers and we made it to the airport with 30 minutes to spare before boarding.
When traveling during the holidays you must pack your patience. Landing at JFK, we were greeted by our private transfer, which whisked us away on a one-hour journey to our hotel. To our delight, the weather wasn’t too cold yet (though we knew that wouldn’t last!). Our hotel, perched on the 21st floor, gave us a stunning view of the city lights—a perfect welcome. For dinner, we strolled to Patsy’s, an Italian gem recommended by a friend, and it exceeded every expectation. From the cozy ambiance to the incredible food, it set the tone for a festive trip.
Day 2:
The day began with a drizzle, but the mild temperatures didn’t dampen our spirits. We made our way to the iconic Empire State Building. While I enjoyed the view from the 80th floor, Kyla and Dom braved the extra steps to the 85th. Though it was cloudy, we still caught glimpses of the sprawling city below.
Our next stop was Rockefeller Center, where we visited the Top of the Rock and were thrilled to spot the Statue of Liberty in the distance! Then it was off to see the famous Macy’s Christmas windows—a dazzling display that truly captured the magic of the holidays.
Lunch was a classic New York slice from Joe’s Pizza, which fueled us for more adventures.
After a much-needed nap, we bundled up for a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. At a freezing 12 degrees, we were chilly but exhilarated. I couldn’t help but marvel aloud, “You guys, we’re riding a carriage in Central Park at Christmas—how lucky are we?”
Dinner at Junior’s Diner warmed us up for tomorrow’s plans: the 9/11 Memorial and my first Broadway show!
Day 3:
Christmas Eve in New York came with a biting cold, but the magic was worth it. We started with a classic New York bagel at Ess-a-Bagel before heading to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. This deeply moving experience left a profound impact on all of us. As someone who remembers the Towers standing, visiting this space felt both heartbreaking and hopeful.
Afterward, we grabbed street cart food for lunch and retreated to our cozy hotel room to warm up before the evening’s highlight: The Lion King on Broadway. Seeing my first Broadway show was unforgettable—everything from the costumes to the music left us in awe.
We wrapped up the day with some light shopping and a delicious dinner at Becco, a spot recommended by a friend. The warm pasta dishes were perfect for a frosty evening.
Day 4:
Christmas Day in New York City started with pure holiday magic: the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. The show was everything we’d hoped for and more, a blend of tradition and dazzling performances.
In a funny twist, we realized we had booked the Statue of Liberty tour for the wrong day. Flexibility is key when traveling, so we hopped on a city tour bus and found ourselves exploring Little Italy, where we enjoyed an incredible Christmas meal. Cheesecake, cannolis, and tiramisu rounded out our festive feast, which we took back to the hotel to savor while soaking in the final views of the city.
Additional Holiday Magic in NYC
If you're planning a holiday trip to New York, there are even more festive activities to add to your list!
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: Bundle up and hop on the ferry to visit this iconic landmark and explore the history of immigration at Ellis Island.
Private "Home Alone 2" Tour: Step into the magic of the movie with a limousine tour featuring filming locations from the film, complete with New York pizza delivered right to your ride.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour: Head to Brooklyn to see the most over-the-top holiday light displays in the city. This neighborhood goes all out with dazzling decorations that will leave you in awe.
The Nutcracker Ballet: Experience the magic of this timeless holiday classic at Lincoln Center, performed by the world-renowned New York City Ballet.
New York City during the holidays is a whirlwind of excitement and tradition, offering endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories. This year’s trip was truly one for the books.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from our family to yours! 🎄✨
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