When I think about the holidays a few things come to mind. Family time, comfort food, honoring traditions and of course spending time in the greatest city in the world. NYC! This season I had the pleasure to partner with Hiltons of NYC and Macy’s to bring you my top 10 things to do in NYC for the winter and holidays. I mean you want to talk about a holiday season to remember? Wait till you see all the things my family and I did in NYC over the past month!

#1 SPEND THE NIGHT AT CONRAD NEW YORK DOWNTOWN

 

 

With living only about 45 minutes outside the city it’s very rare for us to stay over in the city of lights, but with so much to see and do in NYC for the winter and holidays we thought it would be fun to take our time and spend the night.

Conrad New York Downtown is a luxury hotel located in Lower Manhattan. The hotel has super luxury styling and huge suites for NYC standards!

With a king size bed on one end of the suite and a living area with a pull out couch for Summer we all had plenty of room. I’ve stayed in city hotels before. You are usually stepping on each other. Not the case here.

And the views. Oh-me-gee! I’ve never stayed in a city room with a view like the one we had. Overlooking the water and with the city lit up at night it was a view to remember!

Also the service. Unbelievable! Every single person we encountered was so friendly and accommodating. For more views of the exterior of Conrad New York Downtown see this post.

#2 EAT AT ATRIO Wine Bar and Restaurant

 

 

Located inside Conrad Downtown we enjoyed one of the best meals we have ever had. AND I’m not just saying that. ATRIO Wine Bar and Restaurant has a Thanksgiving and Christmas menu which is a 3 course meal of pure culinary delight!

Definitely highly recommended to eat here especially if you are staying in NYC for the winter and holidays.

#3 SHOPPING AT MACY’S ON 34TH STREET

I mean no one and I mean no one does Christmas like Macy’s flagship store on 34th street! We spent hours in the store looking at the gorgeous decorations, learning about the history of the store and of course we did some shopping.

 

 

We met with a personal stylist who helped us choose outfits for another NYC winter and holiday outing later in the month. Even if you aren’t shopping, Macy’s during the holidays is an absolute must see.

#4 WINTER VILLAGE AT BRYANT PARK

 

 

Bryant Park has always been one of my favorite parks in NYC. It’s large yet quaint and so family friendly.

 

 

During the holidays the entire park is transformed into Winter Village. Tons of little glass houses hold local vendors selling beautifully crafted gifts, delicious food and drink options and the entire setup looks like something out of a movie!

 

 

You can also go ice skating or opt for lunch at Bryant Park Grill. We ate lunch there in the greenhouse that overlooked Winter Village which was beautiful and the perfect spot to warm up before our next stop!

#5 HAVE HOT CHOCOLATE OR COFFEE AT THE NYC PUBLIC LIBRARY

 

 

After all that strolling through Winter Village you can just turn the corner and visit The NYC Public Library. Naturally I am drawn to this spot for the massive lion statues outside. You know blog mascot and all. I just love this spot for people watching while sitting on the big steps and enjoying a toasty beverage.

#6 STROLL THROUGH TIMES SQUARE

 

 

A classic one here. You absolutely have to stroll through Times Square. A very slow stroll as it’s PACKED! But really. You have to just walk through to see all the spectacular buildings and billboards!

#7 GO TO THE MACY’S THANKSGIVING KICK-OFF EVENT AT NEW YORK HILTON MIDTOWN

 

 

While I think attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade would be an AMAZING experience it’s tough for us because we host Thanksgiving at our home. If this is the case for you then attend the kick-off event at the New York Hilton Midtown.

 

 

We LOVED this event! Geared towards kids and families this complimentary event is open to the public. Kids can decorate cookies, have photos taken and have a meet and greet with Mrs. Claus.

 

 

The New York Hilton Midtown is the official hotel for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade so the hotel was decked out and we even saw carolers! The event takes place 2 days before Thanksgiving so it was hopping with travelers coming in to see the parade!

#8 ATTEND TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS PERFORMED BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AT THE HULU THEATER

 

 

It’s always so fun to see a show if you are in NYC for the winter and holidays. The Hulu Theater is conveniently located at MSG making it an easy show to get to.

 

 

We loved the music and performance! Such a fun, modern take on this Christmas classic!

#9 VISIT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL

 

 

If you are in NYC for the winter and holidays then a visit to Radio City Music Hall is an absolute must. We actually booked a private tour of one of the most important historical landmarks in NYC. Let me tell you — WE LOVED the tour! Our tour guide brought us all through the theater, seeing rooms that the Rockefellers lived in, learning about the long history of the theater and so much more.

The theater during the holidays is absolutely beautiful! This was one of our favorite highlights during our time in NYC!

#10 WALK AROUND ROCKEFELLER CENTER

 

 

This one never gets old! While we visited before the tree was lit we still enjoyed watching the ice skaters and seeing the store window displays.

 

 

TIP: Go before Thanksgiving and the crowds are much less but you still get that true holiday feeling! We even got a beautiful, uncrowded view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral!

 

 

We loved spending time in NYC for the winter and holidays. Every NYC outing we did this season was so special. Some were simple and cost close to nothing. Sometimes simple is best. It’s about the company we are with and the memories created together. This was a holiday season we will continue to reflect back on for years. So grateful for the memories and opportunities to enjoy each and every one of them. For more of the Top 10 NYC Winter and Holiday Events click here!

** Thank you to Hiltons of NYC and Macy’s for sponsoring this post. As always, all statements and opinions are my own.