Christmas in New York – Manhattan Magic in December

For us, Christmas belongs in New York.

It’s where the season feels the most alive—friendly faces, lights on every block, and stores overflowing with gifts. It’s the city that turns every Christmas dream into something real, and then adds a little extra magic of its own. Even on a 50-degree day with a light drizzle, the holiday spirit always finds its way to us in NYC.

Our first trip after the pandemic took us to New York in December 2021. The world was slowly opening up again, and the terrible virus was finally under control. Well—almost. We packed our bags, took a COVID test that gave us permission to travel, and headed for the country we had missed for 600 days.

And what a welcome we received. The string lights, the music, the decorations, and the smiling faces in the world’s greatest city embraced us. Even during the hectic days leading up to the 25th, people still held doors open and said “Merry Christmas” as if they truly meant it. Our gifts were beautifully wrapped, and every store felt like its own little Christmas world. We strolled along Fifth Avenue, got lost in the magic of the holiday window displays, went ice skating at Rockefeller Center, and stood in awe of the iconic Christmas tree crowned with its Swarovski crystal star. We sang carols with the Salvation Army by their steaming kettle, felt like kids again inside the FAO Schwarz toy store, and watched the winding lines for the Christmas Spectacular.

A few blocks away at Bryant Park, we wandered through the holiday market, bought roasted almonds, and sipped mulled wine. We smiled at the decorated lion statues, Patience and Fortitude, outside the city’s most famous library—known for much more than its impressive book collection and beautiful reading rooms. For me, it will always be tied to Carrie Bradshaw and her heartbreaking wedding that never happened. We grabbed Mexican food at Chipotle right across the street, even though we probably should have eaten at Eataly instead.

We hopped on the subway’s 6 train to the Upper East Side, got off, and had a beer at The Jeffrey. As darkness fell, we took the Roosevelt Island tram, sneaking glances into the apartments we passed and dreaming about living in one of them. From the waterfront, Manhattan’s skyline lit up before us like a Christmas light show. Millions of lights created a holiday feeling we had never experienced before.

We stayed at a simple hotel down on Fulton Street. For breakfast, we had pecan muffins and hot coffee, chatting with people from all over the world and sharing stories about life and New York.

The Stock Exchange was decorated with beautiful wreaths, and everyone lined up to take photos with the Fearless Girl statue. Through the fog, we caught a glimpse of Governors Island, and rain poured down as we stepped ashore. We walked through a soaked market and promised each other we’d come back in the summer.

A small Italian restaurant in Hoboken, New Jersey, served our Christmas dinner. Lobster, pasta, and red wine from the liquor store across the street left us full and happy. The maître d’ had connections in Kungsbacka, Sweden, and talked with us most of the evening. When we tried to return a few years later, the restaurant had been replaced by a shop, and we had to live on memories instead of another meal.

After a week in the world’s most Christmassy city, our hearts were full, and we continued south toward friends and togetherness. New York is a city for every season and every holiday—but it’s at Christmas that I love it most. So put it at the very top of your wish list for next Christmas, and your holiday season will be complete.