‘Tis the season! The air is crisp, snowflakes are beginning to fall, and the cityscape is adorned by shimmering lights. The holiday season is descending upon the bustling streets, and New York City is transforming into a winter wonderland, offering enchanting experiences that ignite joy and festive spirit in visitors and locals alike. And we want you to take it all in! That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide to the holidays in New York City. We’ll walk you through the must-see events happening in New York this December, as well as all the cheerful activations happening right here at The James NoMad that will add a touch of Parisian elegance to your Holiday celebrations.
This winter, we’ll pay tribute to the Beaux-Arts historical façade of The James NoMad through a Parisian-inspired holiday season. As part of its holiday celebrations, the hotel will host an array of unique events that infuse the spirit of Paris into the vibrant fabric of New York City.
Every Friday, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, guests of The James NoMad will be treated to the mesmerizing sounds of French classics and Jazz, courtesy of the talented Myriam Phiro and accompanying guitar. The musical performance in our hotel lobby will transport visitors to the cozy corners of Parisian cafes, restaurants, and speakeasies, echoing the cultural richness of the City of Light right in the heart of Manhattan.
On Wednesday, December 6th, 13th, and 20th, the lobby of The James NoMad will become an art gallery showcasing the exquisite talents of local watercolor artist Caleigh Carlson. Guests are invited to indulge in personalized watercolor sketches from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, immersing themselves in an artistic event reminiscent of Paris’s thriving art scene.
On Sunday, December 3rd, 10th, and 17th, the James NoMad lobby will come alive with floral splendor as The James partners with Stolen Magnolia for a unique flower market event. Delilah Dominguez, known for her appearances on Netflix’s ‘The Big Flower Fight’ and her collaboration with Kate Spade on their Kate Spade House, will curate a picturesque flower market where guests can select and customize their own bouquets, mirroring the charm of Parisian weekend markets.
While The James NoMad sets the stage for an enchanting holiday month, the magic of New York City during this season extends beyond its doors. The following destinations are worth a visit while staying at The James NoMad:
The quintessential New York holiday activity, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree stands tall, decked out in glittering lights, beaming as a brilliant symbol of the holiday season. For over eight decades, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has stood as a holiday beacon.
The tree will be lit daily from 5:00 AM to midnight. On Christmas Day, the tree is lit for 24 hours, and on New Year’s Eve, it’s lit from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. More than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights wrap around its branches, and it’s famously topped with a three-dimensional Swarovski star that weighs 900 pounds and sparkles with more than 3 million crystals. Tourists and New Yorkers alike love this towering tree, so it’s a must-see attraction if you’re around for the festivities.
From Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue to Tiffany & Co. — wrapped in a giant bow and ribbon made out of lights this year — every store’s holiday window display is more beautiful and intricate than the last. Every single one is worth checking out, but Saks always goes the extra mile: They decorate their windows with a new theme every year and deck the brick exterior above the windows with a gorgeous light display. Once the sun sets, the show begins every 10 minutes from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. So, if you’re thinking about how to schedule your day, consider saving 5th Ave for last.
If Bergdorf Goodman’s holiday display offers more window shopping opportunities than anything else, we recommend exploring one of the city’s multiple beloved holiday markets to shop. From locally crafted goods to seasonal art and holiday bites, browsing through all the vendors is the perfect way to make your list and check it twice. The city hosts several holiday markets, such as those in Union Square and Columbus Circle, which typically open from mid-November until December 24th. Brooklyn Borough Hall’s markets extends the season a bit longer, remaining open until December 26th for those eager to soak up more holiday time.
While Bryant Park’s Winter Village is also a Christmas market where you can shop for unique holiday gifts, it’s also so much more than that. The park is also home to a restaurant, a skating rink, and its very own Christmas tree. Indulge in this winter wonderland and embrace the seasonal cheer of the season.
During the holiday season, Central Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the New York Botanical Garden each offer mesmerizing light shows that enchant visitors with their magical displays.
In Central Park, the iconic Wollman Rink transforms into a breathtaking wonderland with the Winter Village’s dazzling lights, creating a romantic atmosphere for ice skating under the twinkling lights.
At the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the annual Lightscape is an illuminated trail of art from local and international artists, featuring the iconic Winter Cathedral and a large Fire Garden — all set to over a million lights, colors, and music. This year, it has been reimagined with a longer trail and new magical experiences.
New York Botanical Garden invites everyone to let it GLOW at its fourth annual illuminated event. This outdoor light celebration in the Bronx will brighten up the grounds with thousands of lights and thematical installations. After dark, you can walk through this 1.5-mile colorful pathway featuring whimsical, picture-perfect installations. During these special evenings, the garden’s iconic sights and buildings including the Haupt Conservatory and Mertz Library Building, become dramatic glittering canvases. While you’re exploring, enjoy drinks and light bites for purchase at one of NYBG’s outdoor bars or the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up.
Join us at The James NoMad this holiday season and lose yourself in the magic of the city. Discover the charm of Parisian-inspired activations, from soulful music to artistic elegance and bespoke floral arrangements.
Make your holiday memories extraordinary with us. Book your stay now and discover a relaxing retreat where art, culture, and the festive mood of the season come together in unparalleled style and comfort. Your perfect holiday getaway awaits at The James NoMad. Reserve your stay today and celebrate the season with us.
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