Stefano Giovannini for N.Y.Post
There’s something extra special about New York City during the holidays.
The Big Apple sparkles with magic this time of year, but no one wants to have the spell broken and turn into a Scrooge because they’re jaded by the same annual holiday haunts being lit up.
Plus, the crowds are likely to get even more packed this year as the team at Events.com revealed they’ve tracked “a clear and continued shift” away from giving toys and tech.
“Consumers are electing to gift experiences over material items, realizing that gifts can be fleeting, where memories last a lifetime,” Mitch Thrower, CEO, chairman and co-founder of Events.com, told The Post.
“NYC offers a pure atmosphere that turns ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences,” the born and bred New Yorker proclaimed.
That’s why The Post compiled a list of some of the newest hidden gems revelers should check out as they explore the Big (Frozen) Apple!
Explore these winter wonderlands
The iconic Citi Field will be transformed into a dazzling wonderland of lights and magic through Jan. 19, 2025, for the Tianyu Lights Festival. This year, experience Koda’s Adventure, where guests join a 7-year-old adventurer on a thrilling journey through the Amazon rainforest brought to life with stunning light sculptures and interactive displays.
This holiday season, HERO’s 13,000-square-foot multi-sensory exhibition beneath Rockefeller Center presents Winter Wonder: The Northern Lights Express at Rockefeller Center. Until Dec 31, guests can enter the nostalgic Gilded Age train station room to board the express. The holiday train will guide guests to explore the Northern Lights through all 11 immersive rooms, including the Ice Caves, The Wishing Woods and a life-sized gingerbread house where you can make holiday ornaments.
Coney Island is filled with festive fun once again with the second annual Frost Fest at Luna Park through Jan 1. This year, don’t miss the thrilling new Candy Cane Chute slide, plus cozy “Campfire Treats” and warm drinks from “Coney’s Cocoa Corner.” With free admission and rides starting at just $4, it’s the perfect frugal yet fun — and festive — experience.
Old Saint Nick has come down to the Seaport District. Santa’s Winter Wonderland is back at the Watermark taking over Pier 15 through Dec. 3,1 offering a festive waterfront experience with Christmas trees, games and more holiday fun for all ages. Explore candy-cane hallways, Mrs. Claus’ Candy Bar and Santa’s Game Room, plus enjoy heated glass houses with stunning views of the Brooklyn skyline. With spiked hot chocolate, toasted s’mores and Santa available daily, you better hope you made his nice list.
If you want a classic Christmas movie moment but don’t want to fight the crowds at the more popular ice skating spots, make your way to Dumbo’s Roebling Rink. Located at Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, guests can tie up their laces and take an icy twirl with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge until Feb. 2.
Tianyu Lights Festival: 41 Seaver Way, Flushing, tianyuculture.com
WINTER WONDER: The Northern Lights Express: 15 West 49th St., Midtown, hero-nyc.com
Frost Fest at Luna Park: 1000 Surf Ave., Brooklyn, lunaparknyc.com
Santa’s Winter Wonderland: 78 South St., Pier 15, South Street Seaport, santaswinterwonderlandnyc.com
Roebling Rink: Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, Dumbo, roeblingrink.com
Eat, drink and fill up on festive fun
Step into the cozy Whiskey Wonderland at Great Jones Distillery before Jan. 11 to see how the historic distillery has been transformed into a seasonal spirited speakeasy. Enjoy holiday-inspired drinks made with locally sourced ingredients, including the signature Great Jones Straight Bourbon, as well as tasty bites.
Honoring the Hispanic celebrations that take place on Christmas Eve, Noche Buena Christmas Bar in Long Island City is the first fully Latin-themed Christmas bar in the big city. The ticketed fusion pop-up will be serving up coquito, Spanish carols and more through Dec 31.
Take a note — good for you if you can make it a whistle tone — from the Queen of Christmas herself and celebrate at the Mariah Carey Black Irish Holiday Bar Pop-Up at the Virgin Hotel. The festive experience will allow guests to step into a themed music video and order from a menu of cocktails featuring the diva’s very own Irish cream liqueur Black Irish. It’s open through Dec. 29.
Deli After Dark Pop-Up: 332 Lafayette St., Noho, resy.com
Great Jones Distillery Holiday Bar: 686 Broadway, Noho, greatjonesdistillingco.com
Noche Buena Christmas Bar: 45-06 Pearson St., Long Island City, universe.com
Mariah Carey Black Irish Holiday Bar Pop-Up: 1227 Broadway, Herald Square, bucketlisters.com
Shop and upack these cheery activities
Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square — already an iconic Christmas location — is adding even more holiday cheer this year with its first-ever Macy’s Holiday Square. Partnering with Urbanspace, the popular shopping attraction has transformed into an immersive market featuring a variety of vendors on the mezzanine until Jan. 3.
Step outside the store to wander around the first Herald Holiday Market, stretching across two city blocks in the heart of NYC, also until Jan. 3. Discover handcrafted gifts, artisanal products and tasty treats in this must-see winter destination.
Skip the stress and shop ’til you drop with Blacklane’s Holiday Chauffeur package, available until Jan. 2. Get five hours of luxury service around the Big Apple to enjoy a personalized trip to top shopping destinations and festive spots, all while avoiding the crowds and stress. Relax and let your driver handle the logistics so you can focus on crossing off those items on your loved ones’ wish lists.
Macy’s Holiday Square by Urbanspace: 151 W. 34th St., Herald Square, Mezzanine Level
Urbanspace Herald Holiday Market: 151 W. 34th St., Herald Square, Outdoor Plaza, urbanspacemarkets.com
Blacklane’s Holiday Chauffeur Package: Personalized pickup, blacklane.com