Ways to Change up Your NYC Holiday Traditions

Nostalgia and tradition; two feelings many of us think of around the holidays. Living in one of the most vibrant cities in the world can give us more options to explore when it comes to spicing up our holiday traditions. While it can’t replace the comfort of the old, it’s the unique offering of experiences that makes the holidays in New York City so special. If you’re feeling the holiday blues this year, here are some ways to change up your NYC holiday traditions.

Where to Enjoy Alternative Holiday Celebrations

1. Macy’s Santaland – Macy’s Santaland has been brightening the holiday season since 1980. This season Macy’s will be offering fun and safe ways for families to celebrate the season. You may not be able to go inside the store for the traditional experience, but you can book a virtual visit with Santa, or enjoy the Macy’s Santaland Window Display with your family.

2. Glitterbox Disco – Get into the holiday spirit with some festive disco music. Head over to Glitterbox in Brooklyn where you can enjoy a night of 70s, 80s and 90s party anthems while still keeping it fun and festive.

3. Bryant Park Winter Village – Visit the Bryant Park Winter Village and explore the artisan market stalls and hidden gems of the park. Enjoy exploring the village filled with craft vendors, pop-up shops and a seasonal ice rink.

4. New York Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show – Explore a holiday wonderland at the New York Botanical Gardens. Experience the classic traditions of the beloved Holiday Train Show filled miniature replicas of the city’s most iconic buildings and landmarks.

Unique Ways to Celebrate the Holidays

1. Ice skating – NYC is full of iconic landmarks, so why not take a spin around them? Ice skate around Manhattan and enjoy festive ice rinks at Bryant Park, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, just to name a few.

2. Window Shopping – Take in the holiday cheer with a relaxed stroll around the city’s storefront windows. You and your family can go on a scavenger hunt for the most creative displays, complete with maps and hot chocolate for sustenance.

3. Holiday Performance – Enjoy a unique holiday performance your family won’t soon forget. Catch a Holiday Nutcracker performance at Lincoln Center or indulge in The Lower East Side’s unique theater experience and treat the family to a production of Hanukkah James and the Giant Dreidel.

4. Holiday Hotel Staycation – Treat yourself and your family to a winter wonderland, no plane ticket required! Check into one of NYC’s festive hotels like The Standard Hotel or the Wythe Hotel, and be transported to a wintery wonderland of hot cocoa, holiday treats and a view of Manhattan’s rosy skyline.

5. Holiday Movie Marathon – Have a movie marathon on a cold winter night with your favorite holiday films. Get into the season’s spirit with classic holiday films the whole family loves such as Elf, Home Alone, and Miracle on 34th Street.

Festive Holiday Eats

1. Chestnut Cart – One of the most beloved holiday treats is the delicious roasted chestnuts. Be sure to catch the iconic NYC chestnut cart offering everyone’s favorite warm winter treat.

2. Eggnog Latte – It’s not a holiday season without eggnog! You can find eggnog latte’s at your favorite coffee shops throughout the holiday season. If you’re feeling adventurous you can even make your favorite holiday brews at home.

3. Hot Chocolate Bar – Sip on traditional winter drinks with a twist! Check out different hot chocolate bars throughout the city to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can even take what you’ve learned and make your own hot chocolate bar at home.

4. Sweets – Find wintery treats you won’t find anywhere else. Stroll the streets of NYC with a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy gourmet cupcakes, donuts and fudge found in specialty stores and bakeries throughout the city.

5. Eat the Window – Grab your meals to-go in some of NYC’s festive containers with Eat the Window. Enjoy delectable holiday dishes such as Turkey Pot Pies, Cinnamon Buns and more.

Creative Ways to Give Back

1. Animal Care & Adoption – Get into the spirit of giving this holiday season with the Animal Care & Adoption Centers. Spread some holiday cheer and donate food, toys, or blankets for the animals, or if you’re feeling a bit more serious, adopt a special pet for a lucky family.

2. Toys for Tots – What better way to give back then to give a gift of joy? One of the oldest and best known holiday charities, Toys for Tots collects new and unwrapped toys for distribution to children in need.

3. Volunteer – New York City has plenty of volunteer opportunities available around the holiday season. You can help with late-night delivery of meals to the homelss through Citymeals-on-Wheels, provide toys to kids in need with Dreams of a Freeze Toy Drive, or join the Salvation Army holiday fundraiser that helps provide clothing, food, and presents to families in need.

4. Make a Donation – While money won’t solve all the problems in the world, it can certainly help spread the holiday cheer. There are plenty of charities in NYC that need our help this season. Consider making a donation to Church Street School and working toward helping NYC youth have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

5. Send Out Holiday Cards – Spread some holiday cheer to those you care about by sending out some heartfelt cards. Why not even create your own and enjoy crafting your own unique cards with family and friends.

Spreading the Holiday Cheer

1. Decorating – Get everyone in the spirit of the holidays with a little decorating. Start early, use your imagination and don’t forget to include your family. A fun decorating night can give you plenty to talk about!

2. Team Up for a Holiday Project – Get into the holiday spirit by getting creative. Painting, crafting and baking are all great ways to keep little hands busy during the holiday season. You can even think of a fun holiday project and have your family join in on the fun.

3. Holiday Charades – Get some laughs and smiles out of your family with a little holiday charades. Fair warning, this game can get a little competitive between certain family members!

4. Holiday Photo Booth – Get silly, smile and snap a few pictures. Create your own holiday photo booth with fun props and a little holiday backdrop. Enjoy sharing these for years to come!

5. Have a Holiday Bake-Off – Baking is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Have a nearby family member join in the fun and competitions with holiday-themed treats. This can be done virtually if you prefer to stay home.

6. Indoor Camping – Set up a complete indoor camp-out with all the traditional elements you can think of, complete with s’mores. Set up a simple tent, roast marshmallows, and have a game night.

7. Storytelling – Spend a cozy night in with your family and have a good old-fashioned story telling night. Ask each person in the group to share an old holiday tale about the joys, or perils, of the season.

Planning a Holiday Vacation

1. Plan Ahead – Getting a head start on booking a holiday vacation is essential. Book your flights and hotel ahead of time, as prices tend to get higher as the holidays get closer.

2. Stay Nearby – You don’t need to travel too far to find a unique holiday staycation. This year, why not take a drive and explore what the neighboring states have to offer. You could take a drive up to Vermont and enjoy snowy hikes, explore the scenic beauty of Connecticut and relax in Rhode Island.

3. One-of-a-Kind Hotels – Find accommodations that are out of the ordinary. Consider staying in a log cabin, tree house, or even a castle.

4. Vrbo or Airbnb – With the help of Vrbo or Airbnb, you can create a wonderful holiday home away from home without sacrificing comfort—or breaking the bank.

5. Book Experiences In Advance – Experience why NYC is truly one of the most magical places during the holidays. For a unique holiday experience, book the unique offerings within the city in advance. Spend an evening with The Phantom of the Opera, kick back and watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, or boogie with the Rockettes.

Changing up your NYC holiday traditions is a great way to bring a sense of adventure this holiday season. From the tried and true to the unique and experimental, there are plenty of ways to keep the holiday spirit alive. Whether you’re looking for a unique holiday experience or a meaningful way to give back, head to NYC – the city of endless possibilities.