Travel Diary: December in NYC

December in NYC

Travel Diary: December in NYC

There’s no place like New York City, especially around the holidays. My boyfriend and I went for my Birthday (December 23rd), and Christmas Eve. There was so much to do and see, so we choose the top holiday spots, along with my some of my favorites.

December 22, 2016 – Park Central Hotel

december in nyc

We stayed at the Park Central Hotel in a premier room located in Midtown. It was convenient because it was three blocks from Central Park, about a half mile from Times Square, and located right between the upper east side and the upper west side.

Times Square

december in nyc

I’ve been to Times Square many times before, but I always make a point of stopping here when ever I’m in NYC. It’s filled with shops (Levis, souvenir stores, H&M, Sephora, L’Occitane, Fossil, Sunglass Hut, Quiksilver, M.A.C., and many more). Restaurant Row with over 30 restaurants (Orso, The Lambs Club, Shake Shack). It’s jam-packed with over 30 Broadway and comedy theaters, with shows such as Chicago, A Bronx Tale, Jersey Boys, and Cats.

December 23, 2016 – Central Park

December in NYC
December in NYC
December in NYC

What I Wore: Sweatshirt- Wildfox, $108. Faux Fur Coat- Nasty Gal, $128, on sale for $89.60. Handbag- Sam Edelman Marais Leather Colette Satchel, $298, which is sold out. You can find it on used sites. Here is a similar one. Boots- Charles by Charles David, $91.99.

Central Park has so many things to do and see. The Central Park Zoo, waterfalls, beautiful statues, Belvedere Castle, gardens, ponds, an ice skating rink, restaurants and concession stands, and the carousel. Not to mention the view of the upper west side and upper east side doesn’t disappoint. Check the calendar of events to see what is happening when you’re there or book a tour to make sure you don’t miss anything.

The Plaza Hotel

December in NYC

The Plaza is one of my favorite hotels. Stop by The Palm Court for afternoon tea, and don’t forget to visit the shops downstairs, especially the Eloise one.

Bloomingdales

December in NYC

Dylan’s Candy Bar

December in NYC
December in NYC

Dylan’s Candy Bar has the biggest selection of candy in the world. With three floors they carry hard to find candy, their own collection and everything in between. Check out their broad selection of gift boxes, cookies, movie themed candy (Mean Girls, Wonder Women), chocolate fudge, stationary, apparel, cosmetics, candy that will bring back memories of your childhood and the list goes on. Upstairs they have a café that’s perfect for lunch or dinner with floor to ceiling windows for a view of the city.

Serendipity 3

December in NYC
December in NYC
December in NYC
December in NYC

Serendipity 3 is famous for their frozen hot chocolate as well as their Golden Opulence Sundae. It’s been a favorite among celebrities such as; Andy Warhol, Jackie O., Britney Spears, Oprah, and others. It was featured in the movie Serendipity, One Fine Day, and in the book series Gossip Girl. They have a broad dessert menu, but also have a great selection of comfort food such as; nachos, wings, meatloaf, hamburgers, pastas and sandwiches. For my birthday, my boyfriend and I split the Forbidden Broadway Sunday. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Radio City Music Hall

december in nyc

Rockefeller Christmas Tree

December in NYC

Every year the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree is broadcasted on live TV. I loved seeing the tree in person. Take a trip to the top of the rock and go up 70 stories to see beautiful views of New York City. Rockefeller Center is filled with stores (Free People, Godiva, Papyrus), and restaurants (Del Frisco’s, Jamba Juice, La Maison du Chocolat, Magnolia Bakery, Rainbow Room, and more).

St. Patrick’s Cathedral 

december in nyc

Saks Fifth Avenue

December in NYC

Across the street from Rockefeller Center is Saks Fifth Avenue. The have a spectacular light show called Land of 1000 Lights which is set to music. It takes place nightly every 10 minutes, from 4:35pm-11:35pm, and goes until January 10th. It’s absolutely breathtaking and a must see.

December 24th, 2016 – Shopping on Fifth Avenue

December in NYC
December in NYC
December in NYC

Henri Bendel

December in NYC
December in NYC
December in NYC

What I Wore: Jacket- Gypsy Warrior (no longer available). Boots- Ash Italia trash boots, $400, Jeans Pistola LA, $88 dollars, on sale for $53.

Henri Bendel is my favorite store in New York. Every time I go to the city I make point of shopping here. They’re known for their line of jewelry, handbags, candles, pet accessories, and home decor. I couldn’t walk away empty handed.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Beauty & Essex

December in NYC
December in NYC
December in NYC

My family and I had Christmas Eve dinner at Beauty & Essex. My sister made the reservations and at first I thought we were walking into a pawn shop. I was surprised when the hostess opened the door which lead into an upscale restaurant. My favorite dish was the grilled cheese, smoked bacon and tomato soup dumplings.

Xx.Kristie

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