© Rockefeller Center

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20 December 2018
April 17, 2023

10 x the best tips for the holidays in New York 2018

Being in New York during the holidays is of course bucket list material

Oh New YorkWhat a magical city it remains. With its gigantic skyscrapers, yet also cozy neighborhoods. Of course, Brooklyn is always fun, and the rooftop bars here are almost unparalleled. Well, I haven't been there in a while myself, the last time even being in 2015, and unfortunately, I was there after the holidays, in February. True, it was -19 degrees Celsius (and that's really cold, believe me), but as soon as you see Central Park covered in a layer of snow, you immediately forget the cold. Yes, I might actually prefer this city in winter to summer! My new bucket list item is to spend the holidays in New York. And I've already gathered the best tips for that! Will you be there this holiday season? Lucky you (not jealous at all!), with these 10 Tips for the Holidays in New York, you're guaranteed to make it a success!

holidays in new york dyker heights

Dyker Heights // © Teddy Wolff

10 tips for the holidays in New York

Rockefeller Center: You've probably seen it a few times, in practically every Christmas movie set in New York. I'm talking, of course, about the gigantic Christmas tree in front of Rockefeller Center. Touristy? Certainly, but a visit to New York during the holidays isn't complete without it.

Book tickets

Winter Village in Bryant Park: Everything in New York is bigger and better than in Amsterdam, and this Winter Village proves it once again. You'll find over 170 shops with a Christmas theme, an ice rink where you can skate, and tons of food stalls and activities. And of course, a truly oversized Christmas tree, which is a must. Everything is beautifully lit and has the ultimate winter vibe. It's a fun place to wander around with a hot chocolate.

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: If you're feeling festive at Christmas, you'll absolutely want to visit this place. You'll find them in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Tens of thousands of lights are strung up, Christmas music blares nonstop, and you'll feel like you're in a fairytale movie. And besides, a day trip to Brooklyn is a must during your trip to New York.

holidays in New York

Central Park // © International Traveller

more tips for the holidays in new york

Stroll through Central Park: I mentioned it briefly in the intro, but Central Park is so beautiful during the winter. And around the holidays, everything here is even more beautifully lit. There are also various activities organized in this large park, such as ice sculptures or book recitations. And of course, a round of ice skating on the large rink!

Brookfield Place Winter Garden: Along with Dyker Heights, this might just be the most beautifully lit spot in the entire city. You'll find this Winter Garden in Battery Park, and be sure to bring your camera! More than 650 LED lights hang from the ceiling, creating a truly unique look. There are also many (free) concerts to attend, and you can ice skate out front.

Saks Fifth Avenue: A good excuse to shop is always welcome, right? And this gigantic department store is definitely getting into the Christmas spirit. No fewer than ten floors are fully decorated, and LED shows are projected onto the windows. These shows last about two minutes and repeat every seven to eight minutes.

Catch a Broadway show: I always recommend this in New York, but it's especially special around the holidays. They have many Christmas shows you can attend (even in off-Broadway venues). A Christmas Carol, of course, but also The Nutcracker and, of course, the regular Broadway shows.

holidays in New York

Bryant Park // © Colin Miller

more tips for the holidays in new york

Union Square Holiday Market: This market opens every year on Christmas Eve. For great last-minute gifts, but also fun must-haves for yourself. The market opens at 4 p.m., where all the pop-up stalls sell their last remaining Christmas items. Fun!

Times Square Ball Drop: If you're in New York for New Year's Eve, this is, of course, the most famous event. At exactly midnight, the giant ball drops in the middle of Times Square, ringing in the new year. Planning on being in Times Square? Be aware that you won't be able to get out (even to use the restroom), and people will be waiting from early in the morning. My tip? Find a spot (like a rooftop bar) with a view of Times Square and see it from the inside!

New Year's Eve Grand Army Plaza Fireworks Display: If you'd rather stay in Brooklyn on the 31st, this might be a fun option. Starting at midnight, there's a spectacular fireworks display here, fun for all ages. It's important to arrive early, though, as it's a popular event! The best spots to see it are along West Drive (near Prospect's Park) and between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street.

holidays in New York Rockefeller Center

© Rockefeller Center

extra tip for the holidays in new york

As you can imagine, New York is very busy during the holidays. So, be sure to check which restaurants you'd like to visit beforehand, and it's best to make reservations. Keep in mind that many restaurants will be completely full! You can easily reserve a table via Open tableThis website offers a wide selection of restaurants, and you can easily see where there's still availability (and at what time).

HAVE FUN IN NEW YORK!

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Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢 Straight from the airport to this little spot to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉
Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away. During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies alike, where there is plenty to do. · A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea. · Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round. · Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting. · Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold now, but there is plenty to do. · The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!). Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }
PUUR JONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer. Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese. I spent the entire evening reading and browsing. WHAT A BOOK. What stories. WHAT AN ODE. Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being. Everything is covered, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert. With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚 PUUR JONNIE, Available from April 14 at your local bookstore (and online) 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢 @tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality. It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3. In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds. Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }

PSSSST... YOU CAN FIND MORE (TRAVEL) TIPS IN YOURLBB'S (NEW) BOOKS!

Happy travels!

WITH LOVE,

WIEKE

Photo credits: © Rockefeller Center

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