Colder months in New York have us spending more time with cozy activities and looking for culturally fulfilling experiences. Luckily this year brought us some of the most exciting events we have seen in years. From long forgotten carnival history to charitable theme parties, there is fun to be had for those who enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities.
Treat Yourself to Afternoon Tea at New York’s Baccarat Hotel
Many might flock to the Plaza, but for the most idyllic Christmas celebration, those in-the-know choose the Baccarat Hotel. With their custom-designed crystal chandeliers and signature red roses at every turn, the elegant hotel wants you to have a joyous holiday. The decor at the Baccarat is always sleek, but this time of the year they ensure it is even bolder, transforming the hotel into a red-themed winter wonderland. During the holidays you can treat yourself to a three-course feast or try a heart-warming afternoon tea. On Christmas Eve and Day the Grand Salon is hosting a festive feast, featuring a blend of classic and contemporary French American dishes. Staying here means that you are consistently offered access to New York City’s best cultural institutions. Guests are provided with VIP tours of the MoMa Museum or provided with special tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. This season, the hotel is offering guests a limited-time private backstage tour, followed by orchestra seats. The package is offered until January 5, 2025. Whether you are a guests or not, when in New York, you should not miss visiting the glamorous Baccarat Hotel.
Baccarat Hotel, 28 W 53rd St (betw 5th/6th Ave) Midtown
Visit the Whimsical Traveling Exhibition “Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy”
One of the most unique art exhibitions this winter is at The Shed in Hudson Yards. Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy is the world’s first and only art amusement park. Do not miss seeing the historic carnival attractions painted by famous artists, including Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Roy Lichtenstein. The nostalgic exhibition was first born in the 1980s. Its brainchild, artist Andre Heller, launched the exhibit in Germany, but unfortunately the idea behind the traveling exhibition never took off as a result of financial difficulties. The items sat in storage in Vienna, until they eventually ended up in Texas, being bought by CEO Anthony Gonzales and his team. They breathed new life into the idea, and now you can see them in person. Unfortunately due to their high value, the rides are off-limits, but history and aficionados will certainly appreciate this one-of-a-kind exhibit. You can see the forgotten treasures until January 5, 2025.
The Shed, 545 W 30th St (betw 10/11th Ave) Hudson Yards
Escape to Winter Wonderland with The Northern Lights Express and a Sip of Fireside Cocoa
The Rockefeller Center holds many secrets, among them being a 13,000-sq-ft multi sensory exhibition at rink level. This is where an event space, HERO, hosts fun and educational exhibits and curates a magical secret bar for refreshments. The newest installation, “WINTER WONDER: The Northern Lights Express,” takes you on a journey that begins with Gilded Age rail travel and ends with a Gingerbread Workshop. The immersive installation is decked out in nostalgic decor, which includes details like fir trees, ornate sconces, and silver tinsel. Fans of Northern lights will be at home here. You can catch scenic winter vistas, explore an enchanted snow-covered forest where you can write and display winter wishes on a magical tree, and walk through ice caves where arctic animals come to life through mesmerizing digital displays. For even more fun, try the very photogenic Snow Bounce room, where they’ll jump and play in a whimsical winter wonderland below giant candy mushrooms. Afterwards journey to the snowy ball pit.
At some point you will want to make your way to the Hot Cocoa Chalet, where you can warm up in a cozy mountain lodge with seasonal treats, including hot chocolate and festive cocktails, like Milk n’ Cookies (horchata, Cardamaro, cookie), Fireside Cocoa (hot cocoa, sherry, cinnamon, marshmallows), and more. Then emerge in the Gingerbread Workshop, where a life-sized gingerbread house awaits. You are invited to design your own ornaments and take photos in theCandy Dream Photo Studio. The family-friendly exhibition truly has something for everyone. See their weekly events for both kids and adults, including seasonal storytimes, trivia nights, and holiday happy hours. It just doesn’t get better than Christmas at Rockefeller center.
HERO at Rockefeller Center, 610 5th Ave (betw 49/50th St) Rink Level, Midtown
Journey to a Christmas Fantasy With a Pier 17 Holiday Pop-Up
Jingle Jangle at The Dead Rabbit on the Rooftop at Pier 17 offers a whimsical holiday escape, transforming the Seaport’s Pier 17 into a dazzling winter wonderland. Running through early January, the renowned bar creates a festive atmosphere complete with enchanting holiday decor, cozy seating arrangements, and breathtaking views. Guests can warm up with standout drinks like the Naughty List, a decadent hot chocolate crowned with salted caramel cream and optional boozy enhancements, or the Santa’s Helper, a zesty and bittersweet spritz with gin, blood orange, and grapefruit soda. The experience is complemented by cold-weather dishes with an Irish twist, available at grab-and-go stands and The Tavern, ensuring a delightful and cozy holiday outing. The experience includes an Ice Rink, private cottages and over-the-top decor.
The Dead Rabbit Jingle Jangle Pop-Up Pier 17 Rooftop, 89 South Street Southstreet Seaport
Photograph by Patrick Cashin
Take a Nostalgia Holiday Ride With The Transit Museum
Stay clear of the closing doors! Living in New York City means immersing yourself in its history, and the New York Transit Museum is more than happy to help you experience the past. This year the museum continues the annual tradition of Holiday Nostalgia Rides using 930s R1/9 train cars. Operating between 2nd Avenue – Houston Street on the uptown F line and 96th Street – 2nd Avenue on the Q line, you can catch the train every Sunday in December from 10am and 5pm.
Schedule: The F Line Holiday Nostalgia Train departs from the 2nd Avenue at Houston Street in lower Manhattan at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. The Q Line Holiday Nostalgia Train departs from 96th Street at 2nd Avenue in Manhattan at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm. Do not be surprised if you see vintage style clothing collectors, decked out in clothing from the 30s and 40s. Modern for their time, the R1/9s trains reflect the Depression-Era Art Deco aesthetic. They even feature rattan seats, incandescent light bulbs, and period advertisements.
Get In The Spirit of Giving With DIFFA
The holiday season is about giving and this year the DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) is hosting its second annual Après Ski Event. The event raises money, benefiting organizations that support populations impacted by HIV/AIDS, those facing food and housing insecurities, and mental health challenges. DIFFA was founded 36 years ago by a group of passionate designers and is one of the few organizations that grants unrestricted funds, ensuring people in need receive necessities like help with utilities, transportation and hot meals. The event’s 90s Après Ski theme gives guests an excuse to dress in their coziest winter fashions, like ski sweaters, ear muffs and stylish winter boots. Your ticket will grant you entrance to Bryant Park Overlook, where you will enjoy Alpine-inspired cocktails, foods and meeting likeminded people. Join Chair Yiannos Vrousgos & the DIFFA Board and purchase your tickets ($225) starting on December 12th. The event will take place on January 22nd, 2025.
Overlook and Polar Lounge at Bryant Park, 5th Avenue (enter on 40th Street) Midtown
