• ABOUT
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Travel
  • Discount Codes
    • The Skincare Store
    • The Hair Store
    • The Fragrance and Body Store
    • The Makeup Store
    • Beauty Tools
    • New at Sephora
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
Menu

Lorna Ryan - A San Francisco Lifestyle Blog sharing top finds

Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
Travel guides, top beauty products & fashion trends from San Francisco

Your Custom Text Here

Lorna Ryan - A San Francisco Lifestyle Blog sharing top finds

  • ABOUT
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Travel
  • Discount Codes
  • Shop
    • The Skincare Store
    • The Hair Store
    • The Fragrance and Body Store
    • The Makeup Store
    • Beauty Tools
    • New at Sephora
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

What to do in New York City during the holidays

December 21, 2018 Lorna Ryan
Lorna Ryan Travel Blogger San Francisco Travel Guide blogger Christmas

I just wrote a blog post HERE on what to do in Galway, Ireland during Christmas and HERE on what to do in San Francisco and I also thought it was definitely time to write a blog post on what to do in New York during the holidays. New York City shines bright at Christmas and once wrapped up, you will have the best time. I really wanted to stop by this year on my way home to Ireland to see family but didn’t. Next year for sure! Here are some of my top things to do in New York City during December during the build up to Christmas/the holidays:

Bryant Park Holiday Market

My favorite holiday market in New York without a doubt. There are all sorts of gift ideas and things to nibble on at the market. Favorite stalls are Melsys Illustrations and a waffle stall (Wafel & Dinges). There is also ice skating here and it is right by Grand Central.

Lorna Ryan Travel Blogger New York Travel Guide
Lorna Ryan Travel Blogger New York Travel Guide
A custom drawing by Melsey Illustrations at Bryant Christmas Market

A custom drawing by Melsey Illustrations at Bryant Christmas Market

Union Square Holiday Market

Another great holiday market filled with great gift ideas and nicks & nacks. Lots of unusual present ideas and treats for yourself. I always find brands that I didn’t know about at these markets.

Grand Central terminal holiday fair

When rushing through Grand Central, don’t forget to stop by the holiday fair. Again, loads of great but different ideas and gifts to the markets noted above.

Ice Skating

Wollman rink in New York City is a picturesque experience to enjoy with friends. The view from the skating rink is so pretty. There are other rinks around the city including at the Bryant Park Holiday market, Rockefeller, Chelsea Piers and Brookfield place.

Rockettes show

The Rockettes show is a spectacular show filled with precision dancing, synchronized leg kicks by fabulous ladies and buckets of festive cheer. The show runs daily in the legendary Radio City Music Hall since 1932. The show is the perfect start to a fun evening out in the city or go to one of the matinee shows as an afternoon treat. Highly recommend as I absolutely loved this show when I went with family.

I was so captivated by the Rockettes that I forgot to get a photo of the dancers

I was so captivated by the Rockettes that I forgot to get a photo of the dancers

Broadway Christmas Musical

There are lots of special Christmas musicals on this time of the year including the Nutcracker, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Magic Flute, Christmas in Hell and many more. I love going to Broadway shows and highly recommend some of these festive shows to get you in the spirit.

Fancy Afternoon tea

As I mentioned in my Galway blogpost, I love afternoon tea, especially for occasions. Christmas is the perfect time to dress up and treat yourself to an afternoon tea with the ladies! Some great places are the The Ritz-Carlton, The Whitby Hotel, Gotham Lounge Russian Tea Rooms and Tea & Symphony. For a slightly hipster afternoon tea, visit the Williamsburg hotel which includes avocado toast. Visit St. Regis to listen to a harpist playing during tea and for a very fancy surrounding.

Rockefeller Center

Although a bustling tourist haven, this is a must to visit. The giant tree stands tall and come November, it is an iconic symbol in NYC that the holidays and festivities have arrived. The ice-skating rink is open at the center throughout December and long into April so plenty of time!

Lorna Ryan Travel Blogger New York Travel Guide

Christmas shopping

It wouldn’t be a holiday visit to NYC without some Christmas shopping. The shops on 5th Avenue are great for shopping as well as the mall at Columbus Circle, West Village, Madison Ave & SoHo.

Macys on 34th

Macys on 34th

5th Avenue Holiday Windows

I love strolling along 5th Ave looking at the creative showcases displayed in each window. Favorites are Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s, Barney’s & Lord & Taylor.

Home Alone in Concert

Home Alone in Concert shows for 2 nights (Dec 20-21) at Lincoln Center. Music is played by New York Philharmonic which is one of the most renowned American orchestras, and one of the oldest musical institutions in the U.S. There are more festive concerts on throughout December. I went to Home Alone in concert in San Francisco and it was one of the most memorable nights. A childhood movie with the most amazing orchestra and choir.

Dyker Heights

Visit Brooklyn to be dazzled by homes with lashings of sparkling fairy lights and life sized santas, reindeers, snowmen and more. An unspoken competition where houses seem to get brighter by the year. Visit 11th to 13th Avenues (also known as Dyker Heights Blvd) from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Visit before 9pm as some of the homes turn of their lights after 9pm. Tours are available but I recommend wandering about yourself.

Enjoy a festive cheery time in NYC. For more top things to do in NYC, visit a recent blog post HERE.

 


Recent blogposts


Featured
Ri na Mara Reviews (10% off Ri na Mara promo code included)
Beauty
Ri na Mara Reviews (10% off Ri na Mara promo code included)
Beauty
Beauty
Kitchen on Fire Review - Virtual and in person East Bay cooking classes (Berkeley and Oakland)
Travel, San Francisco
Kitchen on Fire Review - Virtual and in person East Bay cooking classes (Berkeley and Oakland)
Travel, San Francisco
Travel, San Francisco
Havenly Review 2022 - is Havenly design service worth it?
Home, Lifestyle
Havenly Review 2022 - is Havenly design service worth it?
Home, Lifestyle
Home, Lifestyle
2022 Shelf Decor Items - white, gold and neutrals
Home
2022 Shelf Decor Items - white, gold and neutrals
Home
Home
Cozy Earth Linen Bamboo Sheets Review (40% Cozy Earth Discount Code included)
Home, Lifestyle
Cozy Earth Linen Bamboo Sheets Review (40% Cozy Earth Discount Code included)
Home, Lifestyle
Home, Lifestyle
Honest Necessaire Reviews (and Necessaire Promo Code)
Beauty
Honest Necessaire Reviews (and Necessaire Promo Code)
Beauty
Beauty
Olaplex 3 Review - everything you need to know
Beauty
Olaplex 3 Review - everything you need to know
Beauty
Beauty
Olaplex 3 vs 6 - find out which Olaplex is better for you
Beauty
Olaplex 3 vs 6 - find out which Olaplex is better for you
Beauty
Beauty
Olaplex Reviews - Olaplex No 3 Hair Perfector, Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother, Olaplex No 7 Bonding Oil and Olaplex No 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask (Updated 2022 & including before and Afters)
Beauty
Olaplex Reviews - Olaplex No 3 Hair Perfector, Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother, Olaplex No 7 Bonding Oil and Olaplex No 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask (Updated 2022 & including before and Afters)
Beauty
Beauty
Cozy Earth Men's Pajamas & Men’s Comfy Loungewear (40% off Cozy Earth Discount Code included)
Fashion, Lifestyle
Cozy Earth Men's Pajamas & Men’s Comfy Loungewear (40% off Cozy Earth Discount Code included)
Fashion, Lifestyle
Fashion, Lifestyle
The best travel backpack for women (soft, comfortable and long lasting)
Travel
The best travel backpack for women (soft, comfortable and long lasting)
Travel
Travel
Prose Shampoo Review (and Prose promos to save $)
Beauty
Prose Shampoo Review (and Prose promos to save $)
Beauty
Beauty
Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm Review (and Farmacy Discount Code)
Beauty
Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm Review (and Farmacy Discount Code)
Beauty
Beauty
Olaplex 6 vs 8 - the difference between Olaplex 6 and 8 and how to use Olaplex 6 and 8 together
Beauty
Olaplex 6 vs 8 - the difference between Olaplex 6 and 8 and how to use Olaplex 6 and 8 together
Beauty
Beauty
Cozy Earth Pajamas Review (+ 40% off Cozy Earth Coupon Code!)
Fashion, Lifestyle
Cozy Earth Pajamas Review (+ 40% off Cozy Earth Coupon Code!)
Fashion, Lifestyle
Fashion, Lifestyle
Top products to buy in the 2022 Sephora Spring Savings Event
Beauty
Top products to buy in the 2022 Sephora Spring Savings Event
Beauty
Beauty

 

In Travel Tags NYC guide, New York City, NYC blogger, Things to do in NYC, Holidays in NYC, travel blogger
← Top things to do in San Francisco for the holidaysReflecting on a year of Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blogging →
1SP_8936.jpg

Welcome to my blog – here you will get an insight into my style, travels and beauty finds as I live and work in San Francisco.

Home | About | Subscribe

Website Terms of Use | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

All views and opinions expressed on this website are my own. Although I often receive products to sample from brands and work at Sephora Headquarters, all opinions are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of Sephora or other brands. Throughout my blog, I use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of my links or discount codes, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.