Stop #1 The Plaza Hotel: Not only is this the most iconic hotel in New York City, it also the setting of my all-time fav Christmas movie, Eloise At Christmastime! While chances are good that the lobby will not be open to the public during the holidays, you can still explore the shops and food located on the lower level! Grab lunch at The Todd English Food Hall, where I recommend ordering the Lobster Roll from Luke’s! There are multiple places to get a yummy dessert, too including fresh doughnuts at The Doughnuttery & other cookie, cupcake & coffee stations! The décor at the plaza is elegant and festive, making it a prime spot for holiday photo op’s as well!
Stop #2 Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular: If you’re planning your trip ahead of time, I recommend getting tickets to see the Christmas Spectacular Show starring The Rockettes! While tickets can be rather pricey, if you appreciate the art of The Rockettes & the incredibly talented orchestra, it is totally worth the cost of admission! The opening of the show is 3D, and Santa Claus will be your narrator throughout the production! Aside from the The Rockettes, Radio City also offers tours (tickets are separate and do not need to be purchased as far in advance) which will take you through the decades of icons that have performed at Radio City! The tour also features a behind the scenes look and the making of the productions, costumes & so much history! The architecture of the building is amazing… the chandelier in the lobby is to die for!
Stop #3 Rockefeller Plaza: I know you’re going shopping on your trip, so let me fill you in on the stores not to be missed at Rockefeller Plaza! Tiffanys, Kate Spade, Sugarfina, The Lego Store… & just alongside the plaza you’ll find Loft, Anthropologie, Saks Fifth Avenue and so much more! I HIGHLY recommend this Kate Spade location, the décor is to die for, the store is huge & it has the most adorable sitting area and restrooms! (SO important when walking around NYC, am I right?!) You can also go inside plaza to find Starbucks & a sitting area where you can watch the ice skaters and view the gigantic Christmas tree!
Stop #4 Rockefeller Center: Obviously you have to see THE Christmas tree! Towering over the plaza of shops, the Christmas tree is the most gorgeous photo op! Surrounding it you will find huge lit statues of angels, & countless smaller trees with loads of lights & elegant coordinating ornaments! It truly is the most beautiful sight in the evening! Below the tree you can ice skate or dine indoors overlooking the rink!
Stop #5 Saks Fifth Avenue: Other than being a top stop for shopping, Saks Fifth Avenue is also a sight to see when the sun goes down! With a light display scaling the entire side of the building, the store lights up the very end of Rockefeller Plaza! Every 10 minutes or so, the light display begins and changes colors to the tune of holiday music & the ever popular “There’s No Business Like Show Business”, making it a must-see! The décor inside & outside of Saks is absolutely gorg!
Make sure you let me know what YOUR fav sights are in the Big Apple! Have the BEST time on your trip to New York City!
XO Kara
