There's something special about New York City during the holidays.
The Big Apple lights up with magic this time of year, but no one wants to be disenchanted and turn into Scrooge because they're tired of the holiday ghosts that light up the same way every year.
Additionally, this year's team could see an even more crowded crowd. event.com It said it was tracking “clear and ongoing changes” from its toy and technology offerings.
Mitch Thrower, CEO, Chairman, and Co-Founder of Events.com, said, “Consumers are choosing to gift experiences over material things, and while gifts are fleeting, memories last a lifetime. I'm aware that it's a thing,” he told the Post.
“New York has an atmosphere of purity that transforms ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences,” declared the born and raised New Yorker.
That's why The Post has created a list of the latest hidden gems to check out as you explore the Big (Frozen) Apple.
Explore a winter wonderland
The iconic Citi Field will be transformed into a dazzling wonderland of light and magic until January 19, 2025. Tenyu Light Festival. This year, experience Coda Adventures, where guests join a 7-year-old adventurer on a thrilling journey through the Amazon rainforest brought to life with stunning light sculptures and interactive exhibits.
This holiday season, HERO's 13,000 square foot multi-sensory exhibition will open beneath Rockefeller Center. Winter Wonder: Aurora Express at Rockefeller Center. Until December 31st, guests can step into a nostalgic Gilded Age station room and board an express train. The Holiday Train lets you explore the Northern Lights through all 11 immersive rooms, including an ice cave, Wishing Woods, and a life-sized gingerbread house where you can make holiday ornaments.
Coney Island is once again full of festive fun for its second annual event. Frostfest at Luna Park This year, don't miss the thrilling new candy cane chute slide, plus cozy Campfire Treats and hot drinks at Connie's Cocoa Corner. Admission is free and rides start at just $4, making it the perfect frugal yet fun and festive experience.
Old St. Nick has come to the Seaport District. Santa's Winter Wonderland returns to the Watermark, taking over Pier 15 through Dec. 3, offering a festive waterfront experience with holiday fun for all ages, including Christmas trees and games. Explore the Candy Cane Hallway, Mrs. Claus' Candy Bar, Santa's Game Room, and enjoy the heated glass house with stunning views of the Brooklyn skyline. Spiked hot chocolate, toasted s'mores, and Santa make daily appearances, so you better hope you're on Santa's nice list.
If you want a classic Christmas movie moment but don't want to fight the crowds at a popular ice skating spot, head to Dumbo's. Roebling Link. Through February 2nd, guests at the Emily Warren Roebling Plaza can lace up their shoes and enjoy an ice spin while taking in stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
Tenyu Light Festival:41 Seaver Way, Flushing, Tenyu Culture.com
Winter Wonder: Aurora Express: 15 West 49th St., Midtown; hero new york.com
Frostfest at Luna Park: 1000 Surf Ave., Brooklyn, lunaparknyc.com
Santa's Winter Wonderland: 78 South St., Pier 15, South Street Seaport, santasWinterwonderlandnyc.com
Roebling Link: Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, Dumbo; roeblingrink.com
Eat, drink and enjoy the festival fun
Step into a cozy space Great Jones Distillery's Whiskey Wonderland Until January 11th, take a look at how this historic distillery has been transformed into a lively seasonal speakeasy. Enjoy holiday-inspired drinks and delicious snacks made with locally sourced ingredients, including signature Great Jones Straight Bourbon.
In honor of the Hispanic celebration held on Christmas Eve, Noche Buena Christmas Bar Located in Long Island City, it's the first fully Latin-themed Christmas bar in the big city. The ticketed fusion pop-up will be offering coquitos, Spanish carols and more until Dec. 31.
It would be nice if we could take a note from the Christmas Queen herself and turn it into a whistle. Mariah Carey hosts Black Irish Holiday Bar pop-up at Virgin Hotell.This festive experience allows guests to step into a themed music video and order from a cocktail menu featuring Black Irish, the songstress' own Irish cream liqueur. The event is running until December 29th.
DELI AFTER DARK POP-UP: 332 Lafayette St., Noho; resy.com
Great Jones Distillery Holiday Bar: 686 Broadway, Noho; greatjonesdistillingco.com
Noche Buena Christmas Bar: 45-06 Pearson St., Long Island City, universe.com
MAlia Carey Black Irish Holiday Bar Pop-up: 1227 Broadway, Herald Square; bucketlisters.com
Shop and pack fun activities
Macy's flagship store in Herald Square is already an iconic Christmas destination, but this year it's getting even more festive for the first time. Macy's Holiday Square. In partnership with Urbanspace, this popular shopping attraction has been transformed into an immersive market with a variety of vendors on the mezzanine floor until January 3rd.
Go out of the store and take a walk around the first area. Herald Holiday Marketwhich spans two city blocks in the heart of New York City, also runs through January 3rd. Find handmade gifts, artisan products, and delicious treats at this must-see winter destination.
Avoid stress and shop until you're bored Blacklane Holiday Chauffeur Packageavailable until January 2nd. Enjoy a private trip to popular shopping destinations and festival spots with 5 hours of luxury service around the Big Apple while avoiding the crowds and stress. Relax, let your driver handle the logistics, and focus on crossing items off your loved one's wish list.
Macy's Holiday Square by Urbanspace: 151 W. 34th St., Herald Square, Mezzanine
Urban Space Herald Holiday Market: 151 W. 34th St., Herald Square, Outdoor Plaza, urbanspacemarket.com
Blacklane Holiday Chauffeur Package: Personalized pickup, blacklane.com
