As snowfall blankets the city and a cheerful spirit rings through the streets, New York City becomes a winter wonderland in the holiday season. Department store windows transform into dazzling displays, and even the buzzing energy of busy sidewalks takes on a joyful edge. The holidays in New York are unlike anywhere else. Below, you will find the perfect way to spend a day in NYC.
10:00am – Train to Grand Central
Board a mid-morning Metro-North train for a scenic route to New York City along the Hudson River.It is about a 55-minute ride with ticket prices ranging from $9-14. Heading into Grand Central, holiday wreaths adorn the walls and ceilings, bustling with tourists and locals alike. For a quick grab-and-go breakfast in the terminal, Zaros offers reliable coffee and pastries. With more time to have a sit down meal, Grand Brasserie is a great option. Just steps away from Grand Brasserie is a small holiday market with goods like glass art and woolen winter gear.
11:30am – Take the 6 train downtown to Bleecker Street for holiday shopping
Sitting inconspicuously in an old scrap metal store is the Il Buco Vita (51 Bond Street) holiday pop-up, an unassuming place to shop for all things hand-made. Il Buco Vita is a curated collection of European homewares, originally founded by the owners of the Il Buco restaurants. Inside, you’ll find a plethora of clay pieces, ranging from Hanukkah menorahs to entire pieces of furniture, all on the pricier side. Just down the street is a more budget friendly option for holiday market shopping: the pop-up collective NYC market with activities like ornament decorating and candle making, as well as local small retail stalls.
12:15pm – Grab a nosh at Russ and Daughters deli
Dishing out latkes, bagels, nova lox, gefilte fish, herring and more since 1914, Russ and Daughters is a New York icon. What began as a brick and mortar store run by a Polish-Jewish immigrant is now a sprawling landmark in NYC’s food scene. Securing a spot here is not easy – especially on weekends when they don’t take reservations. So, if you find yourself with time to spare while waiting for a table, consider it a gift: explore the Lower East Side and everything it has to offer (see NYC Hacks below).
1:30pm – Take the B, D, F or M train back uptown
The Rockefeller Center tree and rink, Bryant Park winter market and Saks Fifth Avenue window displays are iconic New York holiday treats, all within walking distance of each other. At Bryant Park, browse the holiday kiosks for handmade gifts and explore the wide variety of food options (see Biting into Bryant Park for more). Finish off the day with a stroll around Saks Fifth Avenue to view the dazzling window displays.
