Ah, New York City! My absolute favourite city in the world, especially at Christmas time! There’s something so magical about the Big Apple when it’s decorated for Christmas, and I couldn’t resist a little Christmas adventure. So, grab a cup of hot chocolate (you’ll want it after this!), and let me take you through my enchanting trip!
A Luxurious Takeoff
My journey began with a flight on British Airways in First Class. Honestly, is there any better way to kick off a holiday? Sipping champagne before the plane even took off, I felt like royalty. Sure, I enjoyed the extra legroom, but let’s be honest; it was the champagne that made the start of this trip feel extra special, and maybe a little tipsy too. Ok, I’ll be honest I was fast asleep after a few hours, and woke up with a hangover before even landing, but I was so happy to be in my favourite city.
Exploring the City: Sunrises and Skylines
Arriving in New York, we quickly settled in and hit the streets to soak up the vibrant atmosphere. One of my favourite moments was watching the sunrise on the Brooklyn Bridge. There’s something utterly breathtaking about the sun casting its golden rays over the skyline; it’s a sight that makes you feel alive. Tip: Early morning walks are a fantastic way to experience the city while it’s still waking up, plus the views are completely undisturbed.
One Vanderbilt Experience: A Sky High Adventure
Next, we made our way to the One Vanderbilt Experience. If you haven’t been here yet, you must add it to your list! The panoramic views of the city from up there are nothing short of jaw-dropping. It’s like being on top of the world, but with the magic of New York spread out below you. Grab your camera, trust me, you’ll want to capture every single moment!
Tantalising Italian Eateries and Bakeries
Wandering around the city gave us a chance to hunt down some delightful food. From mouth-watering pasta to heavenly tiramisu, it was a culinary dream come true. And let’s not forget the bakeries! I stumbled upon a little gem that served the most delicious cannoli. Always make room for dessert, my friends. Which can easily be served at Angelina Bakery, by far my favourite of them all. Cakes, cakes and MORE cakes!
Rooftop Views at 230 Fifth
After indulging our taste buds, we headed to 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. With views of the Empire State Building sparkling beneath twinkling lights, this place is simply stunning. Grab a cocktail (or a hot chocolate for a warming option) and enjoy the breathtaking atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to sit for hours and just take it all in.
A Visit to One World Trade Center
No trip to New York is complete without visiting the One World Trade Center. The memorial left me in awe, and the views from the top? Absolutely incredible! Standing there, looking out over the city, really puts everything into perspective. It’s a touching reminder of the resilience of this amazing place. This truly touches the heart when you realise the incredible losses on this very site, but what a wonderful memorial. You’ll notice a single white rose placed on some of the names of the victims, this is a quiet and deeply touching tradition that honours each person individually with the white rose symbolising remembrance, purity and respect. The roses are placed early in the morning by the staff and truly are a touching visual tribute. No visit here is complete without a wander through the Oculus, a shopping centre designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Its design was inspired by a bird being released from a Childs hands and symbolises peace, rebirth and hope. The Oculus houses Westfield World Trade Centre.
The image above shows the name Alejandro Cordero, a lifelong New Yorker. On 9/11 he was near the top of the North tower where he worked as an accountant for Marsh & McLennan. On this day it would have been his 45th birthday (November 26th 2023). RIP Alejandro. You can read more about Alejandro here and indeed every other soul lost during the events of 09/11.
Christmas Magic Everywhere
As we wandered through the streets, the Christmas lights truly made the city come alive. Each corner showcased stunning displays that took my breath away. Saks Fifth Avenue’s Christmas window displays were beyond festive and oozed holiday cheer. It felt like stepping right into a Christmas movie! When it comes to Christmas, New Yorkers really know how to pull out all the stops, trees covered in lights everywhere! Displays in every window, every entrance and on every building. The city of lights its really saturated even further with Christmas twinkles everywhere this time of year.
The Iconic Rockefeller Tree
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, something I’ve wanted to see since I watched Home Alone 2 as a child! Standing beneath that magnificent tree, with its glittering lights and festive spirit, felt like a dream come true. Albeit very different from the film, as there was a bunch of people getting in my way!
Displays everywhere symbolise Christmas time in New York has begun! This was a small display outside some shops in the middle of the sidewalk! The effort put in is insane and something I can really admire being a lover of everything Christmas.
Central Park: A Winter Wonderland
Naturally, we made our way to Central Park, where the lakes were frozen and perfect for some winter magic. The sight of ice on the lakes had me feeling all kinds of festive! We warmed up with hot chocolate (extra marshmallows obviously!) In Central Park Cafe ( Yes, someone spent a lot of time and put so much imagination in to naming this cafe in Central Park didn’t they) and even did a bit of ice skating. Gliding around while the park was draped in a very thin blanket of white snow was simply enchanting. The feel of central park surrounded by some of the tallest buildings in the world, including my favourite the famous Steinway tower. At over 435 meters tall and with a width at the top of only 17 metres its the thinnest sky scraper in the world. You can see it gracefully towering above me to the left! What’s truly fascinating is the tower was built on top of the preserved 14 floors of steinway hall which starts the towers 50 metre base. The penthouse here was up for sale recently, if you’re interested!
Final Thoughts: A Truly Unique Experience
As our early Christmas adventure came to an end, I found myself reflecting on how special New York really is, especially during this time of year. Whether it’s the stunning skyline, the delicious food, or the sparkling holiday lights, the city holds a kind of magic that’s hard to put into words. So, if you find yourself in New York during the festive season, give yourself the gift of time to wander, explore, and indulge. You won’t regret it! And who knows? You might even discover your own favourite corners of this incredible city. There’s no need to rush around either, wander, explore and find your own quiet corner in the vastness of the big apple.
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