No place gets into the Christmas spirit quite like New York City. With twinkling fairy lights placed on apartments and offices alike, wreaths hanging from doors and the unique and elaborate decorations spanning Fifth Avenue, the Christmas experience in New York is truly unforgettable. Lucky for MHS students, the city is a quick train ride away! With the “Center of the Universe” just beneath our fingertips, it is a must-visit during Christmas time. Here is a full-day itinerary for any MHS students who wish to explore the magical experiences this city has to offer during the holidays.
Holiday Markets (10:30am-1:00pm): Immerse yourself in the city’s festive vibes at the Union Square Holiday Market; a European-style outdoor experience. With over 185 vendors selling an endless variety of seasonal goods, this is the perfect place to find gifts for loved ones, or to treat yourself with something special! If you find yourself getting too chilly outside, the warm fairy lights from the city’s FAD Market will surely lure you in. With pop-ups in three different Brooklyn venues during December, this fashion, art, and design market aims to connect the public with the work of talented artists and designers.
Lunch at Molly’s Shebeen (1:30pm-2:30pm): After a morning of exploring and perusing booths for gifts, you will probably be in need of a hearty lunch. Just a 15-minute walk from Union Square, Molly’s Shebeen is a cozy Irish Pub. Its welcoming environment, with warm lights and a wood-burning fireplace, paired with authentic Irish cuisine makes this restaurant a must-go.
Bryant Park Winter Village (3:00pm-4:00pm): Craving a creamy hot chocolate or sweet treat after lunch? Stop by Bryant Park’s Winter Village, said to be one of the best locations in New York during the Holidays. Less than a 10-minute walk from Grand Central, it’s filled with over one hundred different pop-ups, selling everything from food to candles to cozy clothing. You may find yourself drinking a cup of comforting hot chocolate from the viral “No Chewing Allowed” shop or having churros from Frida Churros for dessert. The Village also has numerous different pop-up boutiques, with stores ranging from candle and tea shops, to eccentric sweater and glove shops.
Once finished walking through the village’s stores, you can enjoy skating around Bryant Park’s 17,000 square foot rink, situated in the middle of the park. Laura Cordova, (‘26) Juliana Goode (‘26) and Samantha Papas (‘26) recently went to the village, describing it as a “perfect christmassy vibe with diverse but still united excitement from the skating, shopping, food, and holiday spirit.” These three also had some delicious food recommendations, including the nutella donuts, pickle stand, and the chocolate covered strawberries served in cups. However, if you were looking for a more savory option, Julia Glick (‘26) said her favorite food pop-up was the Cheese Wheel Pasta, which would be perfect to warm you up from a cold day of exploring.
Rockefeller Center (4:30pm-5:30pm): After some delightful eats, you may want to take a pit-stop to admire the quintessential 75-foot tall Christmas Tree in the center of the renowned Rockefeller Plaza. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is perfect for taking pictures with family and friends to look back on when you’re missing the holidays.
Christmas Lights (6:00 pm-7:30pm): Home to over 6,000 animals and over 650 species, The Bronx Zoo has been a beloved attraction for over a century. During the Holidays, it displays spectacular holiday lights throughout the whole park. This family-friendly nighttime extravaganza includes hundreds of animal-shaped lanterns and collaborative experiences, in the hopes of bringing people together during the holidays, as well as raising awareness towards animal conservation efforts.
Radio City Rockettes (8:00pm-9:30pm): You might be tired after a long day of exploring the city, but you can’t miss the famous Rockettes show that takes place annually during the holidays. This synchronized precision dance includes singing, special effects, and elaborate costumes. Their routines include tap and jazz, as well as other more complex dance styles. The “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” performance comprises military-style marching paired with synchronized, mechanical movements, creating the appearance of a line of wooden soldiers. “The Living Nativity” routine includes live animals, dancers, and Biblical figures to emulate the birth of Jesus. This holiday spectacle will surely be an unforgettable experience for you and your friends!
