NYC during the winter is magical. Even though I live here, when the holidays come around the city lights up even more and it’s hard to not get wrapped up in it’s holiday magic. If you’re looking for a place to grab some fab hot chocolate and an Instagram worthy photo this year, here are my top 8 places to go this holiday season in NYC. 

Winter Village at Bryant Park - Bryant Park has always been a great spot in NYC. In the summer theres movies playing on the big screen but in the colder months the park transforms into a winter village. Stocked with vendors, tons of food & drink options, a skating rink and a carousel, the Winter Village at Bryant Park is one of my favorite things to explore.

https://bryantpark.org/amenities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at-bryant-park

Aprés Chalet by Terrazzo - After you’re done at the winter village head across the street to the Park Terrace Hotel and ride upstairs to the aprés chalet. Here grab a faux fur throw, an alpine hot chocolate and head into a reservable igloo. The chalet has great views as well since Terrazo is on the top floor of the hotel.

https://parkterracehotel.com/apres-chalet/

Union Square Holiday Market - Every New Yorker knows if you are in Union Square for the winter that you should be walking through the Union Square Holiday Market. Vendors head here every year to sell everything from stocking stuffers, artisanal items and some of the best foods in NYC. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll after brunch on the weekends.

https://www.urbanspacenyc.com/union-square-holiday-market


Serra Alpine by Birreria at EATALY - If you have ever been to Eataly then you know they do everything big. Upstairs is Birreria, a rooftop restaurant. The decor changes seasonally and this year it is a winter theme serra alpine, with ‘serra’ meaning greenhouse in Italian. This ‘winter greenhouse’ is fabulously gorgeous any time you dine there and fits’ perfectly in the middle of a NYC winter.

https://www.eataly.com/us_en/stores/nyc-flatiron/serra-by-birreria/

Mondrian Alpine Terrace by Club Med - Located on the 15th floor of the Mondrian Park Ave. Hotel is Mondrian Alpine Terrace. Mondrian Terrace has been converted into a fabulous ski lodge for the winter and it’s the perfect place to get the ski chalet vibes without all that snow. There’s both indoor & outdoor seating and some fab food including delton’s winter truffle & prairie breeze grilled cheese with miso bone broth dip and s’mores for two (date night idea!)

https://igchospitality.com/restaurants/mondrianterrace/

PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown - Grab a bottle of champagne and fall into a Midwinter Nights Dream at The Dream Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. With nothing but white flowers and bright lights everywhere, PHD Terrace is a holiday dream all in it self.

https://www.phdterrace.com/

Gaonnuri Korean BBQ - Everyone knows Koreatown is the place to be for everything delicious and fabulous. At Gaonnuri, this Korean BBQ spot sits atop NYC. Enjoy authentic dishes and of course, Korean BBQ floors above the hustle & bustle of holiday shopping season.

https://www.gaonnurinyc.com/

LuminoCity Festival at Randall’s Island Park - As I was riding along the west side highway one evening I saw all these lighted figures on Randall’s Island. After some digging, behold Lumino City Festival, an immersive wonderland of lights. There are 3 sections to discover and tickets will need to be purchased. As you can imagine, it’s best to go here at night one holiday evening.

https://www.luminocityfestival.com/