5 NYC Holiday Destinations to Get You in the Spirit

The famed cultural institution on New York’s Upper East Side is home to a traditional Christmas tree display every year. The 20-foot blue spruce, adorned with 19 cherubs, 59 angels, and an additional 71 figures evoking 18th-century Naples, is housed in the Medieval Sculpture Hall alongside a Neapolitan Nativity of the same era. Further adding to the timeless elegance of the experience is the grand Spanish choir screen that frames the tree, also from the 18th century cathedral of Valladolid. It’s the perfect mixture of holiday and history.

1000 Fifth Ave.

New York , New York , 10028

United States

(212) 535-7710

http://www.metmuseum.org/

Duck out of the cold and into the tropical warmth of the New York Botanical Gardens. For the holiday season, the botanical garden is showcasing its annual train show. The train show reimagines a New York City that is enwreathed in green, each miniature landmark is made from all natural materials by artisans. The recreations of iconic New York monuments such as the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge are striking in their precision as little trains zip along the tracks. Since it is in the Bronx, we recommend bringing a picnic or purchasing lunch from the cafe, and spending a few hours exploring the diverse flora before heading back to the city.

2900 Southern Blvd.

The Bronx, New York, 10458

(718) 817-8700

http://www.nybg.org/

There’s nothing quite like strolling past the shops in Little Italy. Located North of Chinatown and East of Canal Street, this Italian neighborhood is well known for its restaurants and its souvenir shopping. This time of year it’s’ the perfect place to pick up a snow globe of NYC or… a holiday ornament. Check out the Year Round Christmas Store’s selection of ornaments that run the gamut from kitsch to sweet and include angels, elves, Christmas trees and more. A short walk away is the ever-beautiful St. Patrick’s cathedral that also merits at least a passing glance.

Christmas and City
142 Mulberry St.
New York, NY 10013
https://christmasandcity.com

St. Patrick’s Cathedral
5th Avenue between 50th/51st Streets
New York, NY 10022
(212) 753-2261
https://saintpatrickscathedral.org/history-heritage

The small jewel of a park near the New York Library sets up an ice skating rink every winter. Surrounded by the winter village, a small pop-up of various holiday themed shops and foods, the ice rink feels like an urban winter wonderland. The rink is free if you own skates and rates range from $21-36 for skate rentals. Reservations are necessary and can be made here.

Bryant Park

Between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues

New York, NY 10018

(212) 768-4242

https://bryantpark.org/

If you’re lucky enough to spend Christmas in New York, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a calm descend upon the usual bustle of the city. This is the ideal time to take a leisurely neighborhood walk and enjoy some of the city’s best residential architecture. We recommend the West Village neighborhood with its more than 200 buildings that date prior to the 20th century. Stunning brownstones line the smaller streets and the oldest building in the neighborhood is a single family home from 1822.

Try walking Grove Street, home to rows of quaint townhouses and a picturesque hidden enclave. Between 10 and 12 Grove Street is a little cobblestone path that leads to a row of quintessential New England red brick townhouses. White shutters frame the windows that look out onto a small courtyard, all set back from Grover Street. It’s a picture perfect spot!

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.