Winter in NYC

The turkeys have been devoured and the thanks have been given; Thanksgiving is over again. I think it's a very beautiful concept to take a moment to reflect on what you have and to be grateful for it. The Thanksgiving weekend is accompanied by the shopping frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which can now also be found in the Netherlands. Even I, as a shopping minimalist, get greedy from all those deals and that makes me a bit uncomfortable. But after this mega commercial weekend, something magical happens: the Christmas atmosphere suddenly becomes palpable everywhere in the city. Christmas music echoes through the stores, the lights twinkle along the branches of bare trees, and everyone is just a little bit happier than usual. To fully enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, I have a few fun tips for you.

Drink a Christmas cocktail at Miracle on 9th Street

Do you want to get into the Christmas spirit in one go? Then Miracle on 9th Street is the place for you. This pop-up concept takes over bars with great enthusiasm and transforms them into a Christmas paradise (even on Google Maps, The Cabinet is now called Miracle on 9th Street). Every millimeter is decorated and covered with glitter garlands, Santas (we lost count after 34), and gifts. They play Christmas tunes that you can't get out of your head, and they have a menu with Christmas cocktails like the ‘Bad Santa’. So ho ho ho go go go to this bar!

Observe SantaCon

December 14

The first year I lived here, I didn't know what hit me when I suddenly saw Santas waddling everywhere, really e-ve-rywhere (most had already had quite a few drinks). Last year I was prepared and knew it was because of SantaCon. Officially, it's a kind of parade where everyone dressed as Santa can walk for a good cause; unofficially, it's a reason for people to dress up as Santa and drink a lot. Participating is a bit much for me personally, but it's absolutely fun to see.

Admire a light festival

NYC Winter Lantern Festival: November 20 – January 12

LuminoCity Festival: November 23 – January 5

The dark winter days are never really dark in this light-polluted city. But if you're looking for an extra twinkle and have already seen the Rockefeller Christmas tree, go to one of the light festivals. The NYC Winter Lantern Festival transforms the botanical gardens of Staten Island into a magical garden full of colorful light installations inspired by Chinese lanterns. This festival has been doing very well for a few years now. A new kid on the block is LuminoCity, which has built a true glowing winter wonderland including an ice palace on Randall's Island.

Go to a ballet performance

November 29 – January 5

Or rather: go to THE ballet performance: The Nutcracker. The story is performed every year on pointe by the New York City Ballet at the iconic Lincoln Center and is thus a true tradition here.

Watch the Super Bowl

February 2

I think it's fair to say that this is THE sports event of the year. Just as we Dutch love football, Americans love football. And even if you're not a sports fan, there's plenty to keep you entertained. Big brands all try to make the funniest, most emotional, or most original commercials, and the Halftime Show is always big-greater-greatest (this time Jennifer Lopez and Shakira are performing). An average game can last a few hours, so if you don't feel like watching everything, just pop into a bar to soak up the atmosphere and try some chicken wings.

Drink at a wintery rooftop bar

Rooftop bars only for the summer? Not at all! There are plenty of bars that have found ingenious ways to stay open, like 230 Fifth Rooftop, which transforms into the Igloo Bar during the winter and is filled with transparent igloos. In these little tents, you can enjoy your Boozy Hot Chocolate with a blanket over your legs and a view of the Empire State Building. It's not really chic, so if you're looking for class, you might be better off at Gallow Green in Chelsea. During the cold months, this bar is called The Lodge and, as the name might suggest, is themed like a chalet.

Buy gifts at a Christmas market

In Union Square and Bryant Park, you'll find incredibly chaotic but cozy Christmas markets during the cold months. Buy fun gifts, a warm hot chocolate, or a Christmas cookie here. Also fun: the Bryant Park market has a small ice rink. How fun is it to skate a round between the skyscrapers?

Drink hot chocolate at L.A. Burdick

If you're scoring a Christmas gift (for yourself) in SoHo, bring your sugar levels back up at L.A. Burdick. When you order hot chocolate here, you don't get warmed-up Chocomel (nothing wrong with that), but a cup of warm milk with real chocolate. And that's just delicious.

Written by: Anna van der Heijden