Living in New York City is definitely a love/hate for me. The pace of life is really, really fast… and you just accept certain horrors (trekking through puddles of slush every winter, living in a shoebox of an apartment, feeling like you’ve finally made it in life because you have a dishwasher). That being said, there are so many things I love. The energy. The people. The culture. The food. The shopping. I could go on. But the best time of year to be a New Yorker (and apparently I am a “real one,” now that I’ve been here ten years!) is the holidays. The city transforms into this magical place… with wonder around every corner.
Today I have teamed up with Dunkin’ Donuts® at Home to share my NYC Holiday Bucket List. All of the very best things to do this time of year. Read along, and let me know what you think (and if you have NYC holiday must-do’s, I’d love to hear ’em in the comments!!!) I’m going to be following this list this year with the goal of doing all of them.
Outfit Details: BB Dakota Faux Fur Coat (Also here + here; I’m wearing a small) // LOFT Cowl Tunic// Rag & Bone Dre Slim Boyfriend Jeans (also here, here, + here if your size is sold out) // Jimmy Choo Laria Pumps (less expensive version) // Chanel Purse // Tory Burch Watch (c/o)
ONE // Spend an afternoon seeing all of the department store windows. They are just so magical! Barney’s, Bendel, Bloomie’s, Bergdorf, + Saks are all pretty close together; and then there’s also Macy’s + Lord & Taylor.
TWO // Go skating at Rockefeller Center and/or Central Park.
THREE // Get stuck in the snow and walk home. No rushing allowed.
FOUR // Have fun holiday cocktails at Rolf’s, the most festive place ever!
FIVE // See the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.
SIX // Have a fun girl’s holiday dinner at the Polo Bar. (It’s not super holiday-ish, but it is warm + cozy and one of my favorite spots in the city.
SEVEN // Take a selfie in front of the Rockefeller Center Tree
EIGHT // Bake cookies for my neighbors. (I did this for Halloween last year and it was a big hit!)
NINE // Volunteer! I finally took an orientation with New York Cares so that I can sign up for weekly + monthly projects. I know that I’m really lucky in life, and it’s important to give back whenever possible.
TEN // Make an apple pie from scratch. Eat it warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
ELEVEN // Support small businesses by shopping the Union Square Holiday Market (there are so many great little shops)!!!
TWELVE // Take the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour. I just heard about this and can’t believe it exists in New York – makes me happy!
THIRTEEN // Go to the ballet! I haven’t seen the Nutcracker in probably ten years, but I’m dying to go!
FOURTEEN // Donate to Toys for Tots… or whatever charity is your preference.
FIFTEEN // Get really dressed up and go to a black tie gala or the opera. There is just something special about putting on a gown, my pearls, and my grandmother’s fur this time of year.
All of that running around requires coffee! If you know me, you know that I have at least two cups a day – it’s one of my greatest pleasures. Dunkin’ Donuts® at Home bakery series (available at the grocery store – find stores here) is so yummy – the Caramel Coffee Cake flavor is my favorite as it could almost pass for dessert – without the extra calories. I love the Blueberry Muffin flavor too which I know sounds weird but I love blueberry coffee… it goes back to when I lived in Boston – the little coffee shop near my office made it and it was so good!!!!
photos of me by Lydia Hudgens.
Created in Partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts.
What’s on your holiday bucket list?
Another must in NYC with kids (your own or nieces/nephews) is to see Santa at Macy’s. He is amazing and will have you wanting to hop in his lap and your list to him too. It’s truly magical!
Thank you so much for the suggestion, Carrie!!! I went and saw him years ago and totally agree! Xo
What a great list!
I love the windows and this year I really want to make it to Rolfs! Dyker heights is also on my list!
Thanks for sharing, Grace!
Love that Dyker is on your list as well – it looks SO fun!!!
Ah, obsessed with this post! Love all of your bucket list ideas. I’m a born and raised New Yorker, and I haven’t done a lot of these things!
Pink Champagne Problems
Thank you so much Dana! Did not realized you were born & raised here!!
Hope you are having a great week. 🙂 xx
Dunkin donuts are so legendary!! Pity that I don’t live in US so can’t overdose on them as I’d like to this holiday season. 😀
Btw, love your coat so much!
https://lartoffashion.com/how-to-style-jeans-giveaway/
Awww yes that is a shame!!! I love their coffee (especially iced!) And re: my coat… thank you!! xx
I’m heading back to NYC for the first time in years the week after Christmas! So excited.
Ahhhh yay! Enjoy!!! xx
What a fun list! That caramel coffee cake coffee looks SO good! ☕️
It’s so yummy!!! Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Jenn! Hope you are having a great week. xoxo
I grew up in NYC (live in CA now!) and we alwayssss went to see the amazing lights in Dyker. You have to check it out – it’s incredible what the residents do to their house. I think it’s pretty funny though that there are live tours now; we all used to just drive over there and wander around the neighborhood on our own. Also, I’d add visiting Serendipity in the city for a frozen hot chocolate!
That makes me even more excited to do it… and YESSS to Serendipity… I can’t believe I left that off! Hope you had a great weekend – thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Loved this NYC holiday list! So many fun things to do.
Carrie
http://www.wearwherewell.com
Aw thanks Carrie! You will have to come back and visit soon! xo
I’ve always wanted to visit New York during Christmas time- it’s just so magical! Might have to book a trip for next year 🙂
xo Devon Seventeen Dresses
Yessss! Plan a trip!! It’s the best time to visit! Xo
Ok, I really need to come to New York at Christmas one of these years so that I can go to The Nutcracker, go skating at the Rockefeller Rink, and all these wonderful traditions. London really knows how to do Christmas, but there’s just something about New York at this time of year that makes everything feel like the set of a really cheesy Rom Com (in the best way).
Have a wonderful pre-Christmas week!
Briony xx
Aw yes you DO and I need to join you!!! There really is nothing better than the holidays in New York. Hope you are having a great pre-Christmas week too, I miss you! xoxo