No city wears its holiday heart on its sleeve quite like New York. The candy and cobwebs from Halloween give way to festive decorations and end-of-year celebrations. Hotels get in the spirit of gift-giving by partnering with local purveyors to deliver specialty experiences, while New York Cruise Lines can craft floating tinsel towns for your holiday soirees.
Here are some enticing preholiday and holiday happenings that your attendees can enjoy in the Big Apple.
Holly Jolly Hotels
Santa has come early to Conrad New York Midtown. In partnership with legendary FAO Schwarz, the hotel is introducing its first-ever Holiday Suite: a wonderland that will (literally) make you feel Christmas has come early. Guests can stay in this beautifully bedecked residence, featuring quality toys, trains and other treats for children and adults—and the suite is entirely shoppable. Additionally, guests in the more than 500 Conrad suites get Rudolph-driven room service with an FAO Schwarz toy menu, including on-demand delivery to their suite or home.
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown brings a new tradition with Martinis and Mistletoe, its staycation holiday package offering one-of-a-kind private experiences (VIP shopping, skating package, romantic dinner for two) with an overnight stay.
Grand Hyatt New York continues its collaboration with Macy’s in offering pop-up holiday shopping from its grand lobby—and guests can extend their stay with a special offer of a third or fourth night free at participating Hyatt hotels.
Baubles and Boats
Bring your party out to harbor in splendor with World Yacht, which can accommodate 15 to 600 guests. Each yacht has an outdoor deck and climate-controlled indoor space, and the in-house event planners can customize seasonal menus, bar packages, decor and entertainment for whatever bash you have in mind.
Alternately, Circle Line Sightseeing offers semiprivate events for 30–70 guests with a range of food and beverage packages. If your attendees have a few days, make sure to check out The New York Pass. It covers entry to more than 100 museums and attractions—including favorites such as the Statue of Liberty and American Museum of Natural History (where you can see the Origami Holiday Tree, with more than 800 hand-folded pieces, from Nov. 25 to Jan. 12).
Iconic Shows
Before or after your extravaganza, Manhattan and its neighbors revel up for the New Year and beyond with performances, light installations and annual iconic traditions. Book private space for up to 30 for a preshow reception before the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes, indulge in a heart-warming classic with group tickets for A Christmas Carol at Lyceum Theatre or be dazzled by George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center Plaza. Check out nycgo.com/holidays to learn about more holiday events.
