Santa’s Winter Wonderland, located at the Watermark Bar on Pier 15 in New York City, delivers a unique and highly atmospheric holiday destination unlike any other in Manhattan. This seasonal installation leverages its spectacular location to offer a cinematic, luxurious holiday experience for all ages.
The Iconic Waterfront Setting
The Wonderland’s placement directly on the water gives it an immediate and distinct advantage over traditional, inland seasonal attractions. James Belakh, Vice President of Merchants Hospitality, explained the unique appeal: “Santa’s Winter Wonderland benefits tremendously from its home on Pier 15. There’s simply nothing like celebrating the holidays directly on the waterfront with unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. The setting does a lot of the emotional storytelling for us; it’s magical before you even walk in.” He noted that this rare waterfront atmosphere frames every moment against one of the world’s most iconic backdrops, making the entire experience feel “cinematic, luxurious, and unmistakably ‘New York.’ It’s a gift to be able to offer guests a holiday moment they truly can’t get anywhere else.”
Nostalgia and Sophistication
Santa’s Winter Wonderland was strategically designed to cater to both families and adults, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Belakh emphasized this dual focus: “One of our priorities from day one was designing an experience that brings together all age groups without feeling disjointed. The family-forward elements, like meeting Santa seven days a week, the mini-carousel, and whimsical décor, create a sense of wonder that kids absolutely love.” He added that adults were also a priority: “But at the same time, we wanted adults to feel like this is just as much their holiday destination.” This sophisticated balance is achieved through elevated amenities like heated Glasshouses, specialty winter cocktails, and skyline views. Belakh concluded, “It’s a careful balance of nostalgia and sophistication, and that mix is exactly what makes the event so popular. We’ve created a space where families make memories during the day, and adults create their own holiday rituals at night.”
Playful Culinary Creations
The whimsical spirit of the holidays extends directly into the menu, featuring unique, high-quality items like mac ‘n’ cheese cones and smoked s’mores cocktails. Antelmo Ambrosio, Executive Chef at Watermark, revealed that the creative process behind these signature offerings is rooted in nostalgia. “Holiday menus, for me, always start with memories. I love taking the dishes we grew up with and giving them a little bit of magic,” Ambrosio said. The goal is to surprise guests by elevating comfort food: “There’s something really special about watching a bite or a sip pull someone right back to their childhood, maybe it’s a comfort food you can suddenly enjoy in hand, or a fireside treat that comes back to life as a cocktail with a swirl of smoke. I want guests to feel that moment of recognition, that oh wow, I remember this, and then be surprised by the twist that makes it feel brand new again.”
Operational Evolution on the Water
Operating a large, weather-dependent installation on the pier from November through December presents notable logistical challenges. Belakh noted that running the seasonal installation “is always an adventure,” highlighting that “Heating, maintaining guest comfort, and protecting décor on the pier requires constant attention and a very strong operations team.” The event is constantly refined through operational learning. Belakh stated, “Each season, we refine the layout, upgrade structures, rethink guest flow, and enhance the activation areas. We’ve added more weatherproofing, expanded the food and beverage offerings, improved our lighting design, and made the entire space more immersive and photo-worthy.” This commitment to enhancement ensures the experience remains fresh each year: “That constant evolution is what keeps the Wonderland fresh. Every year, we raise the bar so guests feel like they’re stepping into a bigger, brighter, more magical world on the water.”
