It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The big day is only 25 days away from today! Having grown up in the Tri-state area, I can tell you this: NYC celebrates the holiday season the right way! Winter markets, ice skating rinks, massive Christmas trees, stunning street decorations, group drinking activities (many which involve costumes): the ways to enjoy the holidays here are endless.

Each year, Bryant Park transforms into the Winter Village and that’s where Ben and I spent some time Sunday afternoon. As soon as I stepped foot in the park, I couldn’t help but feel jolly! Not even the Grinch (aka me…) could resist being filled with some holiday spirit! For those who haven’t heard of the Winter Village: it’s essentially a massive market with rows of stands featuring local eats and vendors that surround a massive ice skating rink. It’s all right in the heart of Midtown. I always love checking out the little shops with knickknacks and jewelry, but the “Feast on 40” food selection was the major draw for me this year! My palate and my eyes were set on the Chick’nCone. I love traditional chicken and waffles, so bite sized fried chicken nuggets served in a sweet waffle cone seemed heavenly. I’m so glad I didn’t chicken out, as it was such an awesome, innovative snack. I went for the the kickn’ ranch and it was SO CLUCKIN’ GOOD! The raclette at Baked Cheese Haus a couple of stands down caught Ben’s eye and he got a ham sandwich smothered in gooey, melted raclette cheese. Watching the man behind the counter scrape mounds of cheese from the wheel was absolutely mesmerizing. My mouth waters just thinking about it! Naturally, my sweet tooth got the best of me after, so we split a chimney cake filled with Nutella. We also snagged some chocolate samples from No Chewing Allowed, which was delicious. The chocolate literally melts in your mouth, hence why they don’t want you to chew it! I definitely recommend their chocolate as a stocking stuffer for the chocolate lovers in your life!

Make sure you head over to the Winter Village if you’re in NYC for the holidays! While it can be touristy, I still think it’s a great spot for locals to check out. It’s a nice way to pass some time and get into the holiday spirit. You have until January 2nd to browse the shops and indulge in the food! Happy Holidays! 

Wearing: Zara faux leather jacket, Zara blanket scarf, Zara top and Adidas superstars

Other ways to celebrate the holidays in NYC this season:

Improve your coordination on the ice at NYC’s various rinks (Wollman and Lasker Rinks in Central Park and the Rockefeller Center rink); admire Christmas decorations while nomming on some Schnitzel at Rolf’s; practice your high kick with the Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (not my top pick, but if you’re into it…); stop by the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony (it’s TONIGHT– but, there’s still time to get there early. Be prepared to stand in place for a few hours. If you miss it, you can ogle at the pretty lights at various other tree lighting ceremonies across the city!); browse around at the other holiday markets in Union Square, Grand Central and Columbus Circle (also, make sure you don’t forget Brooklyn Flea holiday edition!); show off your favorite ugly sweater for the annual Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl  (Dec 3); dress like the big man himself and get drunk with thousands of your closest friends at Santacon (Dec 10). Throw back some drinks and dance the night away at Stage 48’s annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party (Dec 16); join some Christmas Caroling enthusiast at Washington Square Park (Dec 24); still hurting over the election results? Say goodbye to 2016 by shredding your worst memories of this year at Good Riddance Day (Dec 28); down some brewskies at the Battle of the Belgiums (Dec 3) and be a part of rolled ice cream history at 10 Below’s first ever tasting event (Dec 3). Yes, the last two are completely unrelated to Christmas, but who doesn’t love beer? And who would’t want to try this stuff.