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What's On In New York In December

01.12.17

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

Baita at Eataly

Escape the crowded city streets and head to the 14^th floor of the Fifth Avenue Hotel to experience a taste of hearty Italian cuisine in the Flatiron district of Manhattan. Baita (pronounced bye-tah) has a retractable glass roof, warm, inviting lights, faux-fur throws and pelt-covered chairs to keep you cosy during those cold, winter nights. Featuring traditional boiled polenta served on a wooden board, raclette with cured ham crusted in rosemary and beef shank to share, the food is rustic, sensational fare. It also serves a traditional Italian flaming cocktail called Parampampoli – for those in need of an extra dose of heat this winter. Short on New Year’s plans? Baita will also host a party on the night of the 31^st where the restaurant will transform into an open floor for dancing to ring in 2018 in suitably hip New York fashion.

200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

The Holiday Windows At Bergdorf Goodman

No winter in New York would be complete without stopping by to admire the sheer spectacle that is the holiday windows at Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue. Titled, “To New York With Love”, the windows are an ode to seven iconic New York institutions, including the American Museum Of Natural History and the New York Philharmonic. The former’s display features dinosaur skeletons encrusted in 1.5 million Swarovski crystals while a slew of neon instruments showcases the musicality of the Philharmonic.

754 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Bryant Park Winter Village

Bringing the festive spirit to Midtown, Bryant Park’s Winter Village means business. With a free ice-skating rink – yes, free – covering 17,000 sq ft and 178 stalls serving up some delicious food and drink as well as some festive gifts to help tick off your shopping list, this is an essential December must-visit. We recommend visiting the No Chewing Allowed vendor to taste the best truffles you’ll find this side in the city.

476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

If you’re after a truly extravagant Christmas celebration, Radio City’s annual show is the perfect choice for all the family. Timeless stories such as the Nativity (featuring live animals on stage) and the Nutcracker come alive through dazzling musical numbers, dancers, glittering costume and, of course, the unforgettable Rockettes. The production is so show-stopping and energetic that even the most hardened bah humbug would struggle to not be swept away. Not one to be missed.

1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020

The Lodge At Gallow Green

A newly opened winter hideaway on the roof of Sleep No More’s McKittrick Hotel, The Lodge brings a cosy alpine retreat to the heart of Chelsea. Snow-dusted, real pine trees greet you at the entrance before you step inside to a rustic ski cabin-inspired interior littered with plaid cushions, furs, fires and bunk beds – yes, you read that last one right. Guaranteed to become the city’s most Instagrammed rooftop in December, you won’t find a better spot for seasonal cocktails and small bites. We recommend the Smoking Bishop hot-spiced cocktail, concocted of ruby port, red wine, Amaro CioCiaro, honey liqueur, ginger and allspice, and if you’re feeling peckish, the incredibly moreish tarte flambée pizza, made with bacon, onion, nutmeg and Gruyère cheese.

542 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001

Rockefeller Center Plaza

A time-honoured tradition dating back as far as 1931 and a worldwide symbol that the holiday season has well and truly begun, the 78-ft Christmas tree (decorated with more than 45,000 lights) at Rockefeller Center Plaza is well worth a visit, especially if you need that all-important festive social-media check-in. There is also the iconic ice-skating rink at Rockefeller to consider and if you fancy a drink afterwards, the Whiskey Blue cocktail lounge at the nearby W Hotel is the perfect way to end the day. Among the dimly lit atmosphere and the snakeskin-leather chairs, sip on their signature New Fashioned cocktail while you relax post skate.

Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10111

Freehold, Brooklyn

For the best mulled cider with whiskey in Brooklyn, Freehold in Williamsburg is the one. A work space during the day – there’s free Wi-Fi – Freehold transforms into a bar come evening time where the space is less for typing and more for dancing. Modelling itself on a hotel lobby, there’s a large lounge space complete with oversized comfortable chairs as well as a concierge desk. Just don’t expect rooms. As it’s an all-day and all-night space, there’s a large menu which covers everything from eggs New Yorker and avocado toast in the morning to a fried chicken sandwich and truffle fries for those late-night, post-club cravings.

45 S 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Breakfast At Tiffany & Co

Holly Golightly fans, rejoice. If you are planning to do some Christmas shopping at Tiffany’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue, you can now have breakfast (or lunch and afternoon tea) in their newly opened Blue Box Café on the fourth floor. An homage to its signature style, the interiors – from the chintz chairs to the plates and pepper shakers – are all coloured in gorgeous Tiffany Blue. The menu is a fancy (obviously) take on all-American classics: smoked salmon and bagel stack, buttermilk waffle, “Fifth Avenue” salad, etc. So whether you’re looking to walk in Audrey Hepburn’s footsteps or you’re in the market for a new brunch spot, Tiffany’s is the place to go. Top tip: book ahead.

727 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022