The Ultimate Couples Guide To The Holiday Season in NYC

This phenomenal performance space transforms itself into a fantastic holiday scene for a series of original performances that flip the season inside out and squeeze all the glamor and fun out of it. Dancing presents, Xxxmas trees, Sexy Santas, Gayngels and Jesus’s Birthday party are just a few of the night’s entertainment features and executed by amazingly talented aerial, circus, dance and theatrics professionals. Taste and indulge the adult side of the holidays and immerse in this dazzling show together. Dates, showtimes, and tickets here.

Open since 1864, this old-time pub has served drinks to Civil War soldiers, so they really know what they’re doing and they happen to deck out for the holidays. Not only is it rumored that they’ve got the best eggnog in town, but a full cold weather cocktail menu, complete with pumpkin spice martinis and bourbon maple apple cider, graces their premises. These flavors combinations are only available this time of year, so you might as well go for the good stuff.

Whether you’re scrounging for gifts together or for each other, or just hoping to get some good eats and treats while wandering around, NYC’s got plenty of holiday markets all over the city to meet your festive needs. Most boast a huge array of unique and eclectic products by artisans both local and international, as well as delicious food and sweets galore by local vendors. You can join the frenzy at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, or try out one of the other multiple markets like the Grand Central Holiday Fair, the Union Square Holiday Market, Columbus Circle Holiday Market, the Winter Market at Industry City and FAD Market.

This year, it’s little Lower Manhattan up for display at the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show, and it’s admittedly cute and pretty enough to get you to reconsider your perspective on NYC trains. See Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty and more of all your beloved Manhattan sights recreated in intensely accurate and ornate detail, while tiny locomotives chug through the views. If the choo-choo trains alone don’t cut it for you, try an after-dark adults-only experience at Bar Car Nights, where you and your person can get some seasonal spirits, snuggle around some fire pits, watch live ice-sculpting and of course, catch those captivating trains. Tickets here and here—they’re known to sell out, so jump on it.

Combine all the classic New York sights into one evening of guided gazing and wonder with the New York Christmas and Holiday Lights Tour. Even seasoned New Yorkers can appreciate this chilly, picturesque stroll across town for scenes like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (in case you missed the ceremony), St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the shops and lights on Fifth Ave, and much more. Bundle up with your love and make all the hallmark holiday pitstops you take for granted. Reserve here.

Not only entirely enchanting, but astounding in size and complexity, the homemade gingerbread houses at Gingerbread Lane hold the world record for largest gingerbread village and are the perfect edible creation turned art to fuel the holiday spirit in you both. Brick walls made of gum, candy cane staircases and jellybean rooftops are just a few of the jolly quirks that make up the architecture of this delicious structure. After a scenic stroll through the village, you might just feel inspired enough to sign each other up for an afternoon of seasonal creativity at one of their gingerbread house workshops. This is the kind of lighthearted couples bonding it’s good to indulge in.