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The magic of New York City’s holiday season is alive in classic attractions, from the bustling Columbus Circle Holiday Market to the sweet smell of chestnuts roasting near Times Square and, of course, the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Yet, beyond these Midtown staples are hidden gems in New York City, offering unique holiday experiences that locals love but tourists often overlook. Dive into our top list of lesser-known events, hidden places in New York City, and seasonal delights for a festive adventure without the crowds. Here’s your guide to NYC’s top hidden holiday places.
Seek peace and solitude in the serene settings of The Met Cloisters’ Medieval ‘Christmastide’ Decorations. This extension of the famed Met Museum is located at the northern tip of Manhattan, about a 30-minute subway ride from Times Square on the A express train. Head here for a fascinating immersion in festive medieval culture as the remote galleries are adorned with fresh ivy and holly. Doorways and arches are tastefully styled in the spirit, with wreaths and garlands of citrus, rosemary and cyclamen filling the quiet halls with a calming scent. The month-long celebration includes many family-friendly events, including holiday-themed concerts and tours—a true hidden gem in New York City.
Towering Santas, remarkable reindeer displays, and larger-than-life snowmen; you’ve never seen this many houses decorated with this much pizzazz! One of the country’s most celebrated communities of holiday lights is in Dyker Heights, deep in the heart of Brooklyn. While not exactly a secret, Dyker Heights offers an off-the-beaten-path holiday adventure. The streets can get rather crowded as gawkers flock from far to marvel at the gargantuan displays that are typically on from about 5 PM till 9 PM nightly from after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. If you plan on driving through the area, prepare for bumper-to-bumper traffic. Public transportation from Times Square takes about an hour. Consider a guided walking tour to catch all the highlights.
Bring the whole family for a journey back in time on the storied NYC subway rails. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, you’ll find vintage 1930s train cars operating on select routes. These old-school cars feature restored rattan seats and retro advertisements for rides that will take you back decades. Catch one of the vintage trains departing from Second Avenue on the F line to 47-50th Street/Rockefeller Center, stopping at 59th Street-Columbus Circle and ending at 125th Street in Harlem. You can find the full vintage train schedule on the New York Transit Museum website.
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The best holiday bars in New York City will find you toasting the festive spirit fully immersed in over-the-top decor. Newer to holiday festivities, The Dead Rabbit offers its Jingle Jangle festival as the city’s new go-to spot for Irish Christmas merriment. Thoughtful seasonal cocktails and snacks are elevated by the immersive surroundings, with ceilings covered in twinkling lights and rows of rare spirits dotted with garland. For something more avante-garde, Lillie’s Victorian Establishment has two locations in NYC, and both go full tilt in celebrating the holidays with fanciful displays of life-sized nutcrackers, Christmas trees, and just about every nook covered in tinsel. Snag a reservation for a festive meal and drinks amongst Oscar Wilde’s bauble wonderland, cozy up in the local favorite Bell Book & Candle, or be mesmerized by the kitschy charms of Papillon Bistro. Finally, dine at the popular Gramercy Christmas restaurant, Rolf’s. This eatery serves up traditional German dishes under the expansive Christmas canopy. It’s like being inside a tree peaking out on Christmas morning.
New York’s sweetest competition returns this year at The Museum of the City of New York with The Great Borough Bake-Off. Professional and amateur bakers across the city are challenged to make NYC-inspired gingerbread designs that are a feast for the eyes. The result is a marvelous display of artistry and creativity highlighting the best of New York City’s five boroughs. The meticulously crafted gingerbread creations are open to the public from Nov. 8 through Jan. 12.
Seek out the original source of A Christmas Carol at The Morgan Library & Museum. The Morgan hosts an annual celebration of Charles Dickens’s timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. The museum’s festivities center around the original manuscript, dating back to 1843. The goatskin leather-bound treasure was acquired by Pierpont Morgan, a financier, collector, and founder of The Morgan Library. The Morgan advances the Christmas Carol manuscript one page per season, offering visitors an ever-shifting window into the original source text. The Library and Museum offer events, talk-backs and a Dickens-themed tour that bring the story of redemption to life.
New York’s lively Seaport District, located near the southern tip of Manhattan, transforms into a winter wonderland for the holidays. The district’s cobblestone streets offer a majestic setting for thousands of twinkling lights, a pop-up holiday market, a towering Christmas tree, and an oversized Hanukkah menorah. Santa himself is also scheduled to make appearances throughout the month. Head across the street for rooftop skating at Pier 17 and fun seasonal eats at Mister Dips. You’ll find it less crowded than Midtown but just as festive.
These hidden holiday gems, from historic museums to hidden bars in New York City, showcase the city’s charm beyond the usual stops, making your NYC holiday adventure both magical and memorable.
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