London + New York City for the Holidays
NYC and London for the holidays
I have been lucky enough to live in both NYC and London, and they are still my favorite places for the holidays.
London
I loved my time living in London while I was working with the Four Seasons UK Collection, but even before that I would often venture over as a first stop during Thanksgiving week, to take in the early decor and visit friends. Christmas goes hard in the UK, and London is an excellent place to feel special this time of year. There is so much to see and do, things to eat, experiences to be had, so pop in “The Holiday” to get in the mood, and here is just a short round up of classic Christmas activities in the city.
Shopping, Window Displays & Lights on Oxford to Regent Street, Piccadilly, Burlington Arcade, Bond Street, Carnaby Street (yes, they will be crowded
Visit Markets too, from the local Borough Market (food), at Greenwich Market, Kingston's Christmas market, in Leicester Square, Winter Market at Southbank Centre, OR make a Christmas market day trip at the Canterbury, Winchester or Birmingham markets.
Walk, shop and enjoy fake snow at Covent Garden Christmas markets
Buy some goodies at Fortnum & Mason on on Piccadilly
Make a stop at the Liberty London Christmas Shop on the top floor
Ice skating at Somerset House, Hampton Court Palace, Queen's House
Visiting the towering tree in Trafalgar Square
Book an extra fancy Afternoon Tea, with Champagne obviously
Grab a fancy stiff drink at a fancy hotel bar like at The Savoy and its American Bar
Get cozy at a pub with mulled wine
Obviously visit any one of London’s incredible museums
Book a concert at Royal Albert Hall or Theatre on the West End, or see a classic play at Shakespeare's Globe
Be mesmerized at Christmas at Kew at the Royal Botanical Gardens
Wander around Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Roam Hampstead Heath and visit Kenwood House, the stately home is hidden in the parkland
Explore Windsor Castle: Marvel at the magnificent Christmas decorations as the famous castle is given a festive makeover fit for royalty
Attend a church service at venues across London: Go to an advent, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service at the likes of Westminster Abbey, iconic St Paul's Cathedral and Southwark Cathedral.
Christmas time in London
New York City
I spent many years living in my beloved New York City, and I still return every Fall and for the holidays if I can manage both. New Yorkers are so social this time of year, and there are events for everyone to enjoy, as you walk around the grand city. So rewatch “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” and let’s get into it:
Shopping, Window Displays & Lights on Fifth Avenue - these are the biggest scale ones, including the oldest department stores.
Christmas Markets in Bryant Park or Union Square
Ice Skate at 30 Rock with the big tree, or in Central Park
Catch the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City, The Nutcracker by New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Opera, a sports game (basketball, hockey, football, etc), any Broadway show, and of course, museums
Grab fancy cocktails at any number of places, but also at fun spaces like the massively decorated Rolf’s
Book fancy dinners nearly anywhere, but for festive season, check out Tavern on the Green
Find GingerBread Lane - the world's largest gingerbread village - at Chelsea Market
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights display in Brooklyn
Attend a church service at St. Patrick’s on Fifth or St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights