The Five NYC Holiday Traditions I Eagerly Anticipate Even After Five Years in the City
Plus, my thoughts on getting a real Christmas tree in New York City.
As soon as December hits, my inbox starts filling up with questions about celebrating Christmas in New York City. How could it not? It’s the best time of year to visit New York (fighting words, I know, but I stand by them).
The city is spruced up with extravagant decorations — from the epic window displays at Bergdorf Goodman (covered in Wednesday’s article) to the soaring Christmas trees scattered across town. It’s festive, it’s dazzling, and it’s epitome of holiday spirit. There’s really nothing quite like it.
As such, it’s only fitting that this week’s Friday Favorites covers unique NYC holiday traditions I look forward to as a local. Heck, even after five years of calling the Big Apple home, I still make an effort to experience these traditions with loved ones in tow.
Before we dive in, the most common question I get — bar none — is how to find a proper pair of winter boots for NYC. Traction is key, but they have to be waterproof as well. Having tried several pairs over the years, these get my vote (they’ve made cameos in many photos of late). This is my husband’s pair (I had a hell of a time finding a store that still has them in stock).
Now onto the good stuff, let’s dive in!
#1. Picking out an ornament at Bergdorf Goodman
Is this experience overpriced? Yes! But also deeply sentimental. The luxury department store is decked to the nines during the holidays, pop in for tasteful decor while rubbing elbows with dapper New Yorkers who exude effortless sophistication.
Here’s the ornament we picked out this year, if you’d like to see.
#2. Strolling my favorite holiday market in the city
NYC has a few choice holidays markets, but they’re not all created equal. Far from it. You’ll want to avoid the over-crowded and over-hyped markets because the mind-numbing crowds ruin the experience — save for one market in particular.