There’s something extra special about New York City during the holidays.
The Big Apple glows with magic this time of year, but no one wants to break the magic and turn into a Scrooge because they’re tired of the same annual holiday ghosts being lit.
Plus, the crowds are likely to get even more packed this year as the team at Events.com revealed that they’ve been following “a clear and ongoing shift” away from giving away toys and technology.
“Consumers are choosing to give experiences over tangibles, realizing that gifts can be fleeting, where memories last a lifetime,” Mitch Thrower, CEO, chairman and co-founder of Events.com, told The Post.
“NYC offers a pure atmosphere that turns ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences,” declared the born-and-bred New Yorker.
That’s why The Post compiled a list of some of the newest hidden gems to check out when exploring the (frozen) Big Apple!
Explore these winter wonders
Iconic Citi Field will be transformed into a dazzling wonderland of lights and magic through January. 19, 2025, for Tianyu Festival of Lights. This year, experience Koda’s Adventure, where guests join a 7-year-old adventurer on an exciting journey through the Amazon rainforest, brought to life with stunning light sculptures and interactive displays.
This holiday season, HERO’s 13,000-square-foot multi-sensory exhibit under Rockefeller Center presents Winter Wonder: The Northern Lights Express at Rockefeller Center. Until December 31, guests can enter the nostalgic Gilded Age train station room to ride the express. The Holiday Train will guide guests to explore the Northern Lights through all 11 immersive rooms, including the Ice Caves, The Wishing Woods and a life-size gingerbread house where you can make holiday decorations.
Coney Island is filled with festive fun once again with the second annual Frost Fest at Luna Park until January 1. This year, don’t miss the exciting new Candy Cane Chute slide, plus cozy Campfire Treats and warm drinks from Coney’s Cocoa Corner. With free admission and rides starting at just $4, it’s the perfect frugal yet fun — and festive — experience.
Old St. Nick has landed in the Seaport District. Santa’s Winter Wonderland is back at Watermark taking over Pier 15 until December. 3.1 offering a festive waterfront experience with Christmas trees, games and more holiday fun for all ages. Explore the reedy corridors, Mrs. Claus’ Candy Bar and Santa’s Playroom, plus enjoy heated glass houses with stunning views of the Brooklyn skyline. With spiked hot chocolate, toasted s’mores and Santa available every day, you better hope you made his cool list.
If you want a classic Christmas movie moment but don’t want to fight the crowds at the most popular ice skating spots, head to Dumbo’s Roebling Rink. Located in Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, guests can lace up and take an icy spin with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge through February. 2.
Tianyu Festival of Lights: 41 Seaver Way, Flushing, tianyuculture.com
WINTER WONDER: Northern Lights Express: 15 West 49th St., Midtown, hero-nyc.com
Frost Fest at Luna Park: 1000 Surf Ave., Brooklyn, lunaparknyc.com
Santa’s Winter Wonderland: 78 South St., Pier 15, South Street Port Seaport, santaswinterwonderlandnyc.com
Roebling Rink: Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, Dumbo, roeblingrink.com
Eat, drink and fill yourself with festive fun
Enter the commode The Whiskey Wonderland at Great Jones Distillery before January. 11 to see how the historic distillery has been transformed into a seasonally inspired pulpit. Enjoy holiday-inspired drinks made with local ingredients, including signature Great Jones Straight Bourbon, as well as delicious bites.
In honor of the Hispanic festivities that take place on Christmas Eve, Noche Buena Christmas Bar in Long Island City is the first fully Latin-themed Christmas bar in the big city. The ticketed fusion pop-up will serve coquito, Spanish songs and more through December 31.
Take a note – good for you if you can make it a whistling tone – from the Queen of Christmas herself and celebrate at Mariah Carey Black Irish Holiday Pop-Up Bar at Virgin Hotell. The festive experience will allow guests to step into a themed music video and order from a cocktail menu featuring the diva’s Irish cream liqueur Black Irish Cream. It is open until December. 29.
After Dark Pop-Up Deli: 332 Lafayette St., Noho, resy.com
Great Jones Distillery Holiday Bar: 686 Broadway, Noho, greatjonesdistillingco.com
Noche Buena Christmas Bar: 45-06 Pearson St., Long Island City, universe.com
Mariah Carey Black Irish Holiday Pop-Up Bar: 1227 Broadway, Herald Square, bucketlisters.com
Shop and pack these fun activities
Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square — already an iconic Christmas location — is adding even more holiday cheer this year with its first ever Macy’s Holiday Square. In partnership with Urbanspace, the popular shopping attraction has been transformed into an immersive market featuring a range of vendors on the mezzanine floor until January. 3.
Step outside the store to wander around first Herald Holiday Marketspanning two city blocks in the heart of NYC, also through January. 3. Discover handmade gifts, artisan products and delicious treats at this must-see winter destination.
Beat the stress and shop till you drop Blacklane Holiday Driver Packageavailable until January. 2. Take five hours of luxury service around the Big Apple to enjoy a personalized journey to top shopping destinations and festive hotspots, all while avoiding the crowds and stress. Relax and let your driver handle the logistics so you can focus on crossing those items off your loved ones’ wish lists.
Macy’s Holiday Square by Urbanspace: 151 W. 34th St., Herald Square, Mezzanine Level
Urbanspace Herald Holiday Market: 151 W. 34th St., Herald Square, Outdoor Plaza, urbanspacemarkets.com
Blacklane Holiday Driver Package: Custom Pickup, blacklane.com
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Image Source : nypost.com