A holiday weekend in New York City is an immersive, high-energy experience defined by the dense concentration of seasonal spectacles. From the intricately decorated hotels and dazzling light displays to the holiday pop-up bars, ice skating, and tree lightings, there isn’t a single dull moment to be had on a holiday weekend in the Big Apple.
Seasonal Dining and Pop-Up Bars
The city’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene fully embraces the holiday spirit with unique, themed experiences.
Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar is a highly immersive, over-the-top Christmas pop-up that transforms the space within the Untitled Hotel in New York City into a dazzling, festive oasis, which the “Queen of Christmas” personally curates. Returning and expanding nationally this season, the experience is a glamorous celebration of her holiday legacy, featuring wall-to-wall sparkling décor, themed photo opportunities like Santa’s Sleigh and album backdrop recreations, and exclusive cocktails made with her Black Irish cream liqueur. The experience is designed as a joyful, fun, and highly photogenic tribute, complete with a “Letters to Mariah” station and non-stop plays of her classic holiday hits.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland transforms the Watermark venue at Pier 15 in the Seaport District into a spectacular waterfront holiday destination. This whimsical experience features extensive illuminated décor, dozens of Christmas trees, and a variety of festive activities suitable for all ages, including photo opportunities with Santa and a carousel ride. Guests can choose general admission for an outdoor experience with hot cocoa, or they may reserve one of the magical, heated glasshouses or chalets for dining and drinks while enjoying panoramic views of the Brooklyn skyline and bridges. The venue often hosts special events, such as weekend brunches with Santa, making it a comprehensive and cheerful New York holiday outing that blends dining with classic seasonal fun.
Omni Hotels & Resorts welcomes the holiday season by transforming its locations, including the New York City property, into festive havens, highlighted by the return of the popular Blitzen’s Bar pop-up. Starting late November, this highly decorated bar offers a fresh, innovative menu of cocktails and non-alcoholic options curated by globally recognized mixologist Julie Reiner, featuring playful drinks like the ornament-served The Blitzen and the elegant Espress-Ho Ho Martini. The New York location shares in this sophisticated celebration, inviting guests to enjoy creative mixology and a festive atmosphere, while Omni’s larger commitment to the holidays includes over-the-top-decorated rooms and bespoke Signature Experiences across its portfolio.
Activities: Tree Lightings and Ice Skating
No holiday weekend is complete without experiencing the iconic light displays and winter sports that define New York City in December.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
New York City truly earns its title as the epicenter of winter festivities through its abundance of annual tree lighting ceremonies, transforming the city’s most famous landmarks into dazzling spectacles throughout December. While the legendary Rockefeller Center tree lighting on December 3 commands the most attention, the holiday cheer extends across the boroughs. The Financial District kicks off with the NYSE Tree Lighting (December 4) and the festive Seaport Tree Lighting (December 2). Public parks glow with the Bryant Park Tree Lighting (December 2), the Madison Square Park ceremony (December 9), and the traditional caroling under the Arch at Washington Square Park (December 11). Further enhancing the city’s glamour is the solemn lighting of the trees along Park Avenue (December 7) and the festive display at the Central Park Holiday Lighting (December 4), offering a diverse array of photo opportunities and community celebrations for every traveler.
Ice Skating Rinks
For a quintessential winter experience in New York City, ice skating is a beloved holiday activity, with beautiful rinks set against iconic city backdrops. The most famous rinks create a distinct ambiance for travelers. Wollman Rink in Central Park provides an expansive sheet of ice, surrounded by the park’s picturesque natural beauty and the towering skyline, offering a classic, cinematic experience. Meanwhile, the rink at Rockefeller Center delivers glamour and excitement, positioned directly beneath the famous Christmas tree and the stunning light show, making it a bucket-list destination. Finally, the Bryant Park Winter Village features a popular, free-admission ice rink surrounded by European-style holiday market stalls, allowing visitors to skate and shop in one festive location. Together, these venues ensure there is a perfect icy retreat for every traveler seeking holiday fun.
Luxury Holiday Hotels
For an unforgettable stay, several Manhattan hotels enhance the holiday experience with bespoke seasonal offerings and over-the-top décor.
The Peninsula New York establishes itself as a premier destination for elegant holiday celebrations in Manhattan, blending sophisticated style with warm seasonal hospitality. The luxury hotel, situated on Fifth Avenue, captivates guests with opulent yet tasteful décor, a festive calendar of events, and bespoke services, including the popular New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Afternoon Tea and the whimsical Peninsula Sweet Shoppe. The celebration culminates on the rooftop with the New Year’s Eve Rooftop Party at Pen Top, which offers exclusive dining, entertainment, and panoramic views of the city, completing the hotel’s identity as a cherished New York holiday retreat.
The Plaza Hotel stands as a legendary New York City landmark, offering a truly iconic holiday experience where the grandeur of Fifth Avenue meets the festive calm of Central Park. The historic hotel celebrates the season with elegant flair, featuring a “Suitest Season of All” package that includes in-room holiday trees and elaborate dining options, such as the traditional Holiday Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court. For fans of classic holiday cinema, The Plaza honors its role in the beloved movie Home Alone 2: Lost in New York with a special-themed package, allowing guests to relive the adventure of staying at this magnificent hotel during the holidays, complete with exclusive festive amenities that capture the film’s spirit.
The Lotte New York Palace, located near St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center, transforms its iconic courtyard during the holiday season, hosting one of the city’s most elegant and frequently photographed Christmas trees. While the tree’s height may not rival its Rockefeller counterpart, its intimate setting amidst the historic Villard Mansion and glamorous hotel architecture provides a highly photogenic backdrop that attracts visitors seeking a sophisticated photo opportunity. Guests can enjoy the glittering spectacle in the Courtyard while savoring seasonal treats and decadent hot chocolate from the Winter Bar, cementing the Palace’s status as a quintessential holiday stop in Midtown Manhattan.
