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At this point, we've put together so many fantastic holiday plans, we figured it was time to round them all up in one place.
Below, all of the best holiday activities to do with your love this dreamy winter season. To read the full plan, click the headline of each.

Rolf's x New York Comedy Club
281 3rd Avenue, Manhattan
You haven’t done the holidays in New York until you’ve gone to Rolf’s. This place is extra. A German restaurant and bar famous for its over-the-top Christmas decorations six months out of the year, Rolf’s is covered in garland, fake icicles, strung-up lights and ornaments in every size and holiday hue. You may come here just to see the situation, but the food is standard and the beer is great. Only thing is, there will be a wait if you don’t come early and on a random week night.
Greenpoint Holiday Lights x Paulie Gee's
Located on Manhattan Avenue from Driggs to Greenpoint Avenues
Greenpoint Holiday Lights x Paulie Gee's
Bask in the holiday season with a romantic evening stroll through the Greenpoint holiday lights. The story behind this one is special: shop owners of Manhattan Avenue raised funds to decorate from Driggs to Greenpoint Avenue after it had been dark since 2013. This Polish neighborhood will make you feel like you’ve left NYC and taken a trip to a small European town. Start off at Driggs Avenue and finish your walk at local pizzeria, Paulie Gee’s.
Nutcracker Rouge x 983
Théâtre XIV, 383 Troutman Street, Brooklyn
Nutcracker Rouge x 983
Théâtre XIV, 383 Troutman Street, Brooklyn
Not your mother’s nutcracker, this holiday spectacular brings a bit of burlesque to the classic Christmas show. Company XIV has outdone themselves with Nutcracker Rouge, a show that brings circus, dance, and sexuality to a traditionally tame story. You can reserve a couch here and get cozy together with some bubbly as you watch this titillating performance.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights x L&B Spumoni Gardens
The lights run between 11-13th avenues from 83rd- 86th street in Dyker Heights
There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than by wandering through the scene that is the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. These rows of homes and mansions go all out for Christmas with everything from synchronized musical lights to interactive Santa displays. You’ll theorize as to how these people were able to decorate their homes so intensely (many hire a company to do it for them! Talk about commitment). Bundle up for this adventure through mansion-ville, as the walk can be quite frigid.
Tang Pavilion x Radio City Christmas Spectacular
1260 6th Avenue, Manhattan
Tang Pavilion x Radio City Christmas Spectacular
It’s off to Radio City Music Hall to see some Rockettes strut their stuff: Christmas edition. We don’t want to give too much away, but know that there will be the coolest wooden soldier trust fall you’ve ever seen, real falling snow and camels. Tickets start around $50 — grab a pair here.
Now Through January 5th
NYBG Holiday Train Show x Hudson Garden Grill
2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
NYBG Holiday Train Show x Hudson Garden Grill
2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
The New York Botanical Garden’s annual holiday train show is one of the greatest things to do during the holiday season in New York. You’ll be amazed as the train zips through over 150 landmarks you know and love. From the Brooklyn Bridge to the Empire State Building, it’s nearly a half-mile of track!
Consider going to one of a few special bar car nights, with an after-dark viewing of the train show and activities/libations exclusively for adults over 21. Relax around the fire pit with a spiked hot cocoa, sing along to the dueling pianos in the Pine Tree Cafè, or follow the lit-up snow globe dancers as they roam around the garden.
The Nutcracker x Atlantic Grill
David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, Manhattan
Lincoln Center is one of our favorite spots for a date in New York year-round, but come the holiday season, a certain magic takes hold there. When the center fountain is all lit-up at night and you’re strolling across that large open square with everyone else dressed up for the opera, or the ballet — there’s no feeling like it. Couple that with the The Nutcracker, the most famous holiday show of all time, performed by the New York City Ballet — and you’re doing New York right this season. The show begins at 7 p.m.
Now through December 31st
Grand Central Holiday Fair x Madison & Vine
Grand Central Station, 89 E 42nd Street, Manhattan
Grand Central Holiday Fair x Madison & Vine
Why shouldn’t holiday shopping be combined with a fun date night? The Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair is finally here — and we couldn’t be more excited about it. From November 13th—December 24th, you’ll have the opportunity to shop indoors at one of New York’s finest holiday markets. It’s one of the longest-running indoor fairs, as it opened for the first time 24 years ago in 1993. 40 vendors take over half of the historic Vanderbilt Hall to sell artwork, clothing, accessories, home goods and more at every price point.
Holiday Windows Tour by idk tonight
Starts at Macy’s: 151 West 34th Street, Manhattan
Holiday Windows Tour by idk tonight
Starts at Macy’s: 151 West 34th Street, Manhattan
Introducing the ultimate holiday windows tour in New York brought to you by idk tonight! Tonight, check out all of the stunning window displays and come to realize how lucky you are to live here and witness this firsthand with your love. Click here to see the route.
Winter Village in Bryant Park x Aureole
476 5th Avenue, Manhattan
The Winter Village is open in Bryant Park, and that means holiday shopping, free ice skating (not totally free unless you own ice skates) and plenty of food and hot chocolate to keep you going all night. With the giant lit-up Christmas tree glowing and the majestic lions of the New York Public Library sitting watch — it’s hard to remember that this life together in New York is not entirely a fairytale. Open from now until January 5th, you’re going to have to embrace crowds for the most part, but it’s not elbowing-insane like Rockefeller Center.
Winter Wonderland at The Oculus x Takahachi
The Oculus, 33-69 Vesey Street, Manhattan
Winter Wonderland at The Oculus x Takahachi
Make all the shopping you still need to do an actual good time at the Oculus for their holiday extravaganza. With over 20 vendors slinging limited-edition gifts, gourmet treats, and souvenirs—you're bound to find something for everyone on your list. This year they've created plenty of Instagrammable moments—be sure to snap a photo in front of their regal clock tower or chrome snowman. Grab a hot chocolate, explore, and don’t forget to check out the 3-D holiday card stand where you’re sure to find the most unique card for your other half (or their parents). Open until 9 p.m.
Winter ONEderland at One World Trade x Trinity Place
One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton Street, Manhattan
Winter ONEderland at One World Trade x Trinity Place
One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton Street, Manhattan
One World Trade Center is hosting Winter ONEderland this holiday season, where you and your date can experience the frosted wonder of NYC without, you know, being cold. An underground glacier cave ought to set the mood before you travel up to the lookout by way of a Snowy SkyPod (one of the fastest elevators in the world, it travels to floor 102 in 47 seconds) where giant snow globes and magical frosted windows await at the top of One World Trade — aka, the top of New York City.
99 Favor Taste-LES x Cocoa Bar
21 Clinton Street, Manhattan
Head to Cocoa Bar to warm up with some festive cocktails — they're a dessert hangout/cafe by day and a bustling bar by night. Sweet-tooth couples, your world is about to be changed by this cocktail list — they have three drinks that need in “tini” and also incorporate coffee and chocolate. Sold. Plus, their hot chocolate is award-winning, so either make it a Funky Monkey with banana or coconut syrup, or toss some Bailey’s in there. Cheers.
A Chrismtas Carol x Kubeh
The Players Theatre, 115 Macdougal Street, Manhattan
A Chrismtas Carol x Kubeh
Make the most of the holiday season in New York by seeing a performance of Charles Dickens' classic tale, A Christmas Carol. Now in its 11th year at the Players Theatre on MacDougal Street, this beautiful adapation will leave you clutching each other with gratitude. Shows are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m., and Sundays at 11 a.m. (family show), and 2 p.m. through December 30th. Let it be known, however, that there are plenty of versions of A Christmas Carol on stage this season—including a pretty big production on Broadway at the Lyceum Theater, and a candelit reading at the Merchant's House Museum—choose wisely.
Cirque Du Soleil 'Twas The Night Before Christmas x The Pennsy
Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza
Cirque Du Soleil 'Twas The Night Before Christmas x The Pennsy
Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza
The main event this evening is a very special holiday edition (the first of its kind!) of Cirque du Soleil called ‘Twas the Night Before…a jaw-dropping spin on the beloved Christmas classic. The show follows a young girl who questions the hustle and bustle of Christmas, and is whisked away to a magical upside down world where she meets daring, unique characters of all kinds. As always, you're sure to be blown away by the athleticism, spectacle, and wonder of a Cirque production. On stage now through December 29th.
Unsilent Night x Angel's Share
Washington Square Park, Manhattan
Whether you're the kind of couple that goes caroling or you're the couple that decidedly does not, everyone will dig the seasonal tunes at Village tradition, Unsilent Night. Phil Kline’s enthralling and original sound sculpture is comprised of four electronic tracks designed to fill the air with dulcet, delicate tones, creating the perfect mystical winter aura to walk along to. You and yours will gather at the Washington Square Park arch, lift your boomboxes, your phones, or whatever speakers you’ve got, and let the soundtrack play along with thousands of others, then walk the city streets and let the sounds, scene and common sense of wonder lift you and your love up into an aural winter paradise. The public is highly encouraged to bring their own boomboxes or sound blasters, and pre-download the track — do that here.
Holiday Dinner Cruise x Clinton Hall
Washington Square Park, Manhattan
Holiday Dinner Cruise x Clinton Hall
If you can have Christmas in July, there’s no reason you can’t have a yacht party in December, too! Rock this booze cruise in true couples style and wear matching reindeer sweaters to one of Hornblower Cruise's holiday events. From a festive holiday dinner cruise to a classic holiday lights experience, nothing is more romantic than an open bar, buffet, and giant windows overlooking the city you fell in love in. *raises Champagne glass*.
Pergola x Oscar Wilde
45 W 27th Street, Manhattan
Pergola x Oscar Wilde
45 W 27th Street, Manhattan
Make your way over to Oscar Wilde to take advantage of probably the most gorgeously holiday-decorated spot in New York (and that's saying something). Seriously, if you need magical Christmas vibes and magical Christmas cocktails, come here. With Victorian Era inspiration laid on thick (see: decorative molding, massive ceilings that rival the Palace of Versailles, and richly detailed gold accents), this intricately detailed cocktail lounge is in such a class of its own, it deserves its own Instagram filter.
Ho Ho Holiday Lounge x Le Gamin
224 Franklin Street, Brooklyn
Who's ready for a holly jolly Christmas? Or just a seriously festive pop-up, perhaps? The Ho Ho Holiday Lounge is open through January 1st at The Springs in Greenpoint. Serving holiday-themed small dishes and drinks (including Fornino Pizza!), this massive 7500 square foot space is also welcoming Greg's Trees Christmas Market this year. So get ready to immerse yourselves in the backdrop of Christmas lights and a round of cocktails like the Nog-Gonna Make It To Work Tomorrow. With four grand fireplaces, floor to ceiling Christmas trees, and a Candy Cane wall, your Instagram is about to win everything. Check out their calendar here to see all the specific event dates—from wreath-making to naughty burlesque shows.
Nitehawk Holiday Movies x Bia
136 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn
Nitehawk Holiday Movies x Bia
If you haven't hopped on the dine-in movie theater train yet, the holiday season at Nitehawk Cinema is the time to do it. Every year, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, they show a selection of amazing holiday flicks in their series, Holiday Show Spectacular. This year: Black Christmas, Home Alone, Elf, Gremlins, Love Actually—all incredible movies to watch with an adoring crowd. To top things off, Nitehawk’s movie-specific meals are gourmet, ever-changing, and genius. See the menu here.
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