Christmastime in NYC: A Guide

Our trip to NYC was simply magical! If you are thinking of taking your little one to see Christmastime in New York, this is your sign to do it. Is it stressful? Yes. Is it expensive? Yes. But it's so worth it.

Thanks to the recs of so many - we had the best time! Sharing what we did, plus more recs to consider.

This was kind of a last-minute trip, and only had a weekend to spend there, so keep that in mind. We arrived at LGA (shout out to the new airport - it is SO NICE!) and hired a car service to pick us up. Of course Uber/cab works, but because Andi is still in a car seat and it's a good half hour drive to the city from the airport, I wanted a guaranteed car seat. If you're in that position - I highly recommend it. It was easy and made the trip into the city seamless.

We stayed in Times Square - I know, I know, true New Yorkers know what a mess that is... but, given the activities we had planned and how short our trip was, it made the most sense. Would I stay there again? Absolutely not, it was too much. The Westin was lovely though!

Here's our itinerary! 

-FRIDAY ARRIVAL: Afternoon, car service pick-up, hotel check-in.

-First stop - FAO Schwartz. Prepare yourself - it's a lot. There was a line around the block to get in, but it moved very quickly. We spent about an hour there, picking out toys, making slime and dancing on the jumbo keyboard. 

-After that, the sun was setting so we walked around Rockefeller Center, by the massive tree (not yet lit) and the jumbo Christmas ball ornaments. They are set up around a giant fountain and made the perfect photo op. 

-We were tired and needed a quick bite - found a Bobby Van's nearby and grabbed dinner. I'm sure there were better NYC specific options, but we needed a spot nearby and that served butter noodles. (Parents know).

-Then we walked to the hotel in Times Square, which was all bright and fun for Andi, and back to our room for a Christmas movie.

SATURDAY: 

-We jumped in a cab and went towards the Upper West Side. Andi LOVES pickles (like seriously, her lovie she carries around is named pickles) so we went to Jacob's Pickles for breakfast/brunch. 

-After brunch, we ordered an Uber and went to the Plaza Hotel. Quick tip here - if you are not staying at the Plaza or have reservations for tea or at the restaurant, you will not be able to go inside. If the Plaza (Eloise display, Christmas decor, tea) is on your list, make a reservation in advance. 

-We hopped across the street to Bergdorf's because their Christmas selection is incredible! Take the escalator all the way to the top - it looks like a Christmas explosion - in the best way. So many ornaments and decorations, it's absolutely beautiful. Andi picked out a couple of special ornaments for her tree, and one of the artists who hand-painted the ornaments was there! Don't miss the wall of historic pictures - lots of beautiful pictures of Jackie O shopping at Bergdorf's. 

-We walked around down Madison Avenue and 57th and popped into some stores, the Chanel store is gorgeous with several large Chanel-themed Christmas trees.

-Walk about 10 blocks from there - and you'll see the Lotte Hotel. This might be my favorite tree in the city - it's absolutely beautiful, impeccably decorated, and perfect for family pictures. It's outside, so the lighting is great. There are also seats around it outside in a little courtyard you can sit and enjoy the view! 

-At this point Andi was exhausted - so we took an Uber back to our hotel for a little "quiet time." 

-Chick-fil-A was across the street so we got her some nuggets (she is a picky eater) and we watched some Paw Patrol.

-Then, the big show... time for the Rockettes! If you plan on going to see the Christmas show, book your tickets in advance. It will sell out! Also, get there half an hour early. You'll want some wine and the crowds inside are wild. The show is absolutely spectacular! It could not have been better. 10/10 recommend! 

-The show is about 90 minutes, and we went to the 4pm show so it was dinner time after. Justin found this delicious Mexican restaurant that was SO good. We walked right in. 

-We took a quick detour to see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, but it was not yet lit! Apparently they don't light it until November 29th, we just missed it. 

Back to the hotel after this, which was a haul. Traffic was insane and so were the crowds. At this point, I was not happy to be in Times Square - and neither was Justin. Andi demanded to be carried the whole was so needless to say, we were all exhausted.

SUNDAY - We tried to cram in the things we didn't make it to on Saturday. Bryant Park Winter Village was so adorable! Ice skating, tons of shops, hot chocolate and donuts. The problem is, nothing was open (except ice skating) Sunday morning. We still walked around and saw the beautiful tree, but it was cold and Andi was not having it. 

-We grabbed brunch after at Parker and Quinn nearby - probably my favorite meal the entire trip. It was delicious, cozy and the service was great. 

Then we headed back to the hotel to grab our stuff and head home. 
Funny story - we got all packed up in the car service we ordered, got in the car to head to the airport. We made it about 10 minutes down the road - and Andi said - where is Pickles? I looked at Justin, he didn't have her. I didn't have her. Bless our driver, who had 4 kids and didn't hesitate to turn around and head back to the hotel. Thankfully, Pickles was still in our room.

And that's it! A quick, but successful trip. 

A few things we didn't get to do that I wanted to try - and plan to next time:

-The Color Factory: It's an 'immersive art museum' with a giant ball pit, confetti rooms, and all kinds of visually appealing fun. 

-The Plaza Hotel: As previously mentioned, we couldn't get in. I plan to make a reservation for high tea next time! Especially the Eloise section! 

-Bryant Park Winter Village: We will go later in the day, maybe try ice skating this time!

-Another holiday market - the Columbus Circle Holiday Market

-Rockefeller Center: Make sure you're there when the tree is lit, also the winter village and ice skating around it. 

-Macy's: Book an appointment in advance to have a meet & greet with Santa. Spots open up and they fill up SO FAST.

-American Girl Doll Store: Another place to book an appointment in advance, you can have the full American Girl Doll experience. Everything was booked up, so we didn't go. 

-Serendipity: I really wanted to take Andi to get hot chocolate at Serendipity, but there were no reservations.

-Central Park Zoo: It was too cold, but I've heard it's great! 

-And Central Park - we wanted to walk through it but it was just too windy. Next time! 

-Saks 5th Avenue Light Show - supposed to be amazing! 

-Hudson Yards light show - Shine Bright

-Ellen’s Stardust Diner: We just couldn't squeeze it in - but everyone says it's so fun! 

-A Broadway show - we planned on seeing the Lion King, but Andi was worn out. I think it's perfect for kids though! 

-Christian Dior’s flagship store has a beautiful Christmas light display!

-If you want a great view of the Empire State Building, my friend says this is the best one!