2017: A New York City Christmas

I can’t believe Christmas is in TWO DAYS. The time has been flying by since Thanksgiving! I’ve been dying to see NYC at Christmastime and finally convinced Paul to join me for the festive trip (it’s been years in the making). We booked ourselves a room right outside of Times Square and drove down from Boston which took us about 4 hours total. Honestly, 4 hours didn’t seem all that bad after driving down to Washington, D.C. a few summers back. We only stopped once along the way to grab drinks and snacks and surprisingly hit very little traffic until we got to our parking garage (a big of a nightmare).

After checking into the hotel our first steps were towards Radio City Music Hall. Walking around felt so good after sitting in the car for hours on end. We took the necessary holiday photos in front of the giant ornaments across from Radio City Music Hall and ended up playing photographer for other families around as well (’tis the season!). I would have loved to see the Rockettes live from New York, but I’ll have to wait until we go another year because we only hit up NYC for 1 day!

Walking made us hungry so we grabbed lunch before heading back to the shops on 5th Avenue and Times Square. Our early arrival even left room for a quick nap which was much needed. It was exciting to finally see all of the buzz around the shops and do a little browsing for our own gifts. Unfortunately, the stores are so crowded this time of year that you can barely walk through the aisles or look at much. I can’t imagine purchasing anything from there without waiting forever! It was all about the experience for us and we definitely pictured ELF being filmed in the area (because how can you not?).

I always love running through Times Square and seeing how the lights, visuals, etc. change each and every time we’re there. This was my fourth trip into the Big Apple and it still stops me in my tracks when I first get there. The city is unreal! You could walk around for hours on end and I don’t think the stores close on you. It’s true, the city never sleeps.

We went to The Gem Saloon at 375 3rd Ave for dinner and drinks with some friends in the area which we first explored on Yelp. We loved the environment in this location. It was very rustic with a wood interior and just the right lighting. For drinks, I highly recommend checking this place out. I would have loved to try the food as well but we were still stuffed from lunch.

Of course, we went to the Park Plaza after dinner to see what all the cocktail bar buzz was about and to pose in front of their lovely tree. I’m obsessed with this dress I found on Poshmark (so cute) and these heels, the Citrine Pump, from JustFab which you can still get! They’re the perfect height with a thick heel that makes them easy to walk around in. Plus, I love the gold because it’s not too yellow and has just the right about of shimmer to make them classy.

On our last day in NYC, before going home, we snapped pictures at the Lotte New York Palace which had a gorgeous tree in their courtyard. I wore this coat the whole time we were outside and it kept me super warm. I picked it up last year at Nordstrom for $80. It’s a Larry Levine winter coat with fur trim in Olive Green. I couldn’t find another for the longest time, but Nordstrom has the black version on their site right now ON SALE for 40% of the regular price ($89.90)! Find it HERE so you’ll stay warm all winter long.

I’d love to hear about your favorite New York moments and places to see. It’s always interesting to hear about the unique locations others have made a priority in the city. There is so much to see that you definitely need more than 1 day. For anyone with a weekend, Times Square/Manhattan is the best for exploring a more targeted area in that time frame.

Follow me on Like To Know It or shop my looks from the trip in the widget below: