Romantic, Socially Distanced Spots For The Holidays In NYC
Christmas in New York is the best. That’s just a fact. I mean, the lights? The music? The Rockefeller Christmas tree?! There’s no point in arguing about it.
“But Taylor,” you say. “What about Covid? How can an NYC Christmas be fun when there’s a pandemic going on?”
Yes, the holidays this year will be… different. But different doesn’t necessarily mean bad. It just means getting creative and being a little flexible on the traditions. Like these super romantic, ultra-festive, and totally safe socially distanced holiday activities.
New York Botanical Garden’s GLOW and Holiday Train Show
The New York Botanical Garden is just a hop, skip, and a few subway transfers away, and it's FULL of holiday cheer. Like the NYBG GLOW event that turns the entire garden into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, live ice sculpting, music, and pop-up performances. There’s plenty of space to spread out since the event is mostly outdoors, and they sell timed tickets to ensure social distancing.
The NYBG is also holding its annual Holiday Train Show, with adorable model trains whizzing through displays of iconic NYC landmarks made entirely out of natural materials. Get your tickets ASAP!
All the Christmas Trees
It’s just not Christmas without the Rockefeller Tree. The 2020 tree is definitely still lighting up Rockefeller Plaza this year—just be sure to wear your mask when you head over for a visit. If you want to check out some other festive trees, pop on over to the American Museum of Natural History to see their Origami Tree. You have until January 10, 2021 to experience a 13-foot Christmas tree made entirely out of origami paper cranes.
Stay Warm Outside with Booze
Indoor dining is iffy right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a romantic outdoor experience with festive cocktails! Visit the city’s Open Streets website to find locations where restaurants have taken over streets for safe outdoor dining and drinking.
Cozy Up in a Cabin at The Greens at Pier 17
Pier 17’s The Greens has transformed into a cozy, romantic upstate-like retreat complete with individual cabins, virtual fireplaces, and (of course) air purifiers. Reserve a private cabin and enjoy season cocktails from Dante, an award-winning cocktail bar. Here’s a hint: new reservation times are released every Monday morning at 10 am.
The Windows at Macy’s
This year, Macy’s at Herald Square is showcasing a special window display to honor essential workers, healthcare heroes, and all resilient New Yorkers. They have six windows decked out with touching tributes and holiday cheer that make for a perfect afternoon of bundled-up browsing.
Ice Skating
What says Christmas in New York more than ice skating on a rink with skyline views? There are TONS of rinks that are open this year, all across the city. Check out IC Ice Rink Industry City, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, and Vale Rink at The William Vale. Plus, most of these rinks also have spots where you can get warm with an adult beverage in safe, socially distanced igloos and other heated enclosures.