We’ve created an itinerary for an elevated holiday season long-weekend to the world’s most magical holiday city — New York City! This stay will give you all the winter holiday feels. It’s quintessential New York, some of the best, with just the right amount of touristy kitsch thrown in for good measure.
Thursday
4 PM: It’s time to check in. We’re staying at 11 Howard. The hotel’s guiding principle is conscious hospitality, something we can really get behind. The team approaches each aspect of the hotel — design, location, amenities — with “awareness, purpose, and thoughtful consideration.” When you book directly with 11 Howard, they donate a portion of the money to charity. Partnerships include FEED Project, Groundswell, and Toni Garrn Foundation & Supermodel Flea Market.
It’s the attention to detail that makes this hotel really stand out to us. The low lighting throughout the hotel lobby and hallways offer a very New York-romantic feel, while the Danish minimalism creates an inviting, clean look. Most rooms have 11-foot ceilings, with large windows making it feel open, with views of classic Soho architecture of the surrounding buildings. The minibar features products from Conscious Commerce and Thrive Market. The Grown Alchemist bath amenities are also a nice touch. The hotel is home to HigherDOSE, an infrared spa that will leave you feeling euphoric while promoting healthy sleep, skin, muscle tension and help burn calories.
8 PM: Find your way downstairs from your hotel room for dinner at one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, Le Coucou, created by Chef Daniel Rose. Fun fact: I came across Le Coucou after having dinner at one of Chef Rose’s restaurants in Paris, La Bourse et la Vie, where a bite of steak brought tears to JLP Partner Christine Prydatko’s eyes. Yes, it was that good. Rose’s menu offers classic French cuisine aimed at “bringing great food and conviviality to the table.”
10 PM: After dinner make your way upstairs to the blond, a celebrated cocktail bar that turns into one of the best spots to go for a true New York nightlife experience. With dark woods, low lighting, and gold accents, the blond has that special something. Find a rotating cocktail list that also includes the blond classics like the Cheeky Bastard, the Lawyers, Guns + Money, the Strawberry Blond and more. Bar-bites are crafted by Le Coucou downstairs and will not disappoint. Once 10 PM hits, tables are by reservation with nightly DJs spinning dance-centric genres while the disco-balls are aglow.
Friday
1 PM: Lunch at Sant Ambroeus Soho. It’s a little bit of home away from home. Sit outside for the perfect people watching spot while you enjoy your perfect pasta and perfect cappuccino.
2:30: Shop and stroll around Soho. Sarah Flint is currently hosting a pop-up shop for her line of shoes in Soho at 409 W Broadway. Her shoes are 100 percent certified made in Italy by top artisans and family-owned factories.
Showfields, in Noho, curates a selection of mission-driven and design-oriented goods from around the globe.
What Goes Around Comes Around, whose mission is to “continue to create a sustainable marketplace where the finest collection of pristine pre-owned luxury and vintage pieces can find new homes,” is a great choice for vintage finds.
Stop for holiday chocolate at MarieBelle and, while you’re at it, Ladurée for a macaron.
8 PM: Dinner at Houseman. As a Covid side hustle, Chef Ned Baldwin, who also lives on the North Fork, offered Meal Delivery Kits in Orient. This neighborhood restaurant in Hudson Square serves food that is “pretty but unfussy.” It’s inspired by the word husmanskost, which means “everyday food” in Swedish.
10 PM: What screams holiday party more than Champagne and caviar? Not much. Stop by Air’s Champagne Parlor for a little of both.
Saturday
11 AM: We’re off to Angelina Paris for breakfast. The famous Paris staple has opened just outside Bryant Park. Founded by confectioner Antoine Rumpelmayer in 1903, the beloved institution was frequented by Coco Chanel herself. It’s known for its perfectly rich hot chocolate served with whipped cream. Something this special will make you forget what a calorie even is. For breakfast indulge in hot chocolate, fresh juice, croissant, bread, and eggs.
1 PM: Walk around the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. A leisurely walk through the market is just what you’ll need after your breakfast hot chocolate. The European inspired open-air market features artisans from across the globe.
3 PM: Celebrate Pinkmas at the Museum of Ice Cream. Experience a pink winter wonderland with 13 multi-sensory installations that “bring to life your most delightful dreams.” Pinkmas runs through January 9. It’s worth it, even if the amount of sugar we’ve consuming so far would be too much for even Buddy the Elf. Sugar rush aside, guests are also encouraged to bring a new toy in exchange for a scoop of ice cream, with toys donated to Toys For Tots.
5 PM: You’ve seen the IG posts for years. And now the Christmas decorations are on display all year at Rolf’s in Gramercy. Call to make a reservation.
8 PM: We’re heading uptown to Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem, a New York institution and the birthplace of Bebop, for dinner and live music.
11:30 PM: On our way back downtown we’ll go see the tree. Pro Tip: The best time to visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is late-night. So if you have a wild hair, hop in a taxi to see America’s most famous tree without such a big crowd.
Sunday
10 AM: We’re heading uptown for breakfast at Le Moulin à Café. This Upper East Side Café-Bistro is a hidden gem and a little a slice of heaven.
11:30 AM: Ice Skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park.
1 PM: Warm up with a hot drink at Ralph’s Coffee.
1:30 PM: Continue to stroll Madison Avenue. Enjoy the extravagance of shops like Lanvin, Missoni, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Celine, Bottega Veneta, and more.
2:30 PM: A stop at The Plaza Hotel for a glass of Champagne and those holiday in New York Kevin McCallister vibes. Maybe followed by a photo in front of Cartier wrapped in a bow. It’s. All. Just. So. Pretty.
3:30 PM: Enjoy a late lunch at Serendipity 3, a magical spot with all of the holiday decor that will make you feel like a kid again. Don’t forget to try the world-famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.
5 PM: Get your tickets out for George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” at Lincoln Center. After a year with no prancing sweets and mischievous mice, it’s nice to see the famous ballet’s return.
7:30 PM: After the show, take a walk to see the Saks Fifth Avenue light show, followed by the Bergdorf Goodman Windows.
8:15 PM: Dinner at The Modern, a Michelin-starred contemporary American restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art that features Chef Thomas Allan’s cooking.
10:30 PM: End the night at Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, another New York institution. This legendary neighborhood bar is a special hideaway where artist and author Ludwig Bemelmans’ whimsical illustrations come to life on its walls.
