Lee's guide to a fun, rejuvinating, cortisol-friendly winter trip to NYC
revealing all my secret NYC shopping spots, restaurants, and hideaways in the colder months.
NYC is magical any time of year, but in my opinion, it shines hardest during the holiday season. Perhaps you’re coming here for Christmas, Hannukah, New Year’s, or January/February when it costs a little less to walk our streets. Whatever your plans, you will surely find something on this list that tickles your fancy.
Not only is it my home, but it’s home to many of my family members as well. Growing up just outside the city in a nearby suburb, NYC was the major hub that shaped much of my upbringing.
Even so, I still find myself overwhelmed by the crowds and commotion that make NYC so vibrant and exciting—especially during the holiday season, when everyone seems to flock to the same attractions.
A few years ago, when my mother, sister, and I were wedding dress shopping for my sister, we found ourselves uptown and decided to swing by Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree. Innocent enough, right?
We were heading up 6th Avenue when all of a sudden, we became stuck in a large sea of people, all packed together like sardines. Without even trying, we were being pushed around. Everyone was elbowing each other and we all started to panic. I yelled to my mom, “I want to get out!” and she urged me to stay calm and move with the crowd until we got out safely. Afterwards, I was so shaken up that I immediately went back to my sister’s apartment fell right asleep. I was so emotionally overwhelmed.
Regardless, I still love it here, mostly because now I know how to balance out the craziness with calm. This curated list is for people who want to see the sights, taste the culture, but also enjoy a reprieve in many of its special nooks and crannies.
Under each header “Stay, Eat, Do, Shop” below, I organize my recs by neighborhood— and share not just the places, but my specific intel on it as well (what to order, when to arrive, what to do right after). These are all tried and true recommendations, not one thing on this list has not been personally vetted.
I hope you enjoy this wonderful city, it’s yours too if you want it.
XOXO
Stay
Choosing where to stay in New York depends on personal factors like your budget, transportation needs, and the length of your visit. Here are my top recommendations on hotels, neighborhoods, and ways to stay here: