How to spend a perfect holiday afternoon in Central Park
A snow day in Central Park last year. Photo courtesy of the Central Park Conservancy.
Is there anywhere more magical than Central Park during the holidays? With Christmas and Hanukkah beginning on December 25, take some time and appreciate the peaceful feeling of a day in the park before the rush of parties and gift-giving commences. Read on for our idea of a perfect holiday afternoon in Central Park.
Window shop at Bergdorf’s
Begin your morning with a little window shopping at Bergdorf Goodman. This year’s window display theme is “Toast of the Town,” which was “inspired by the exciting energy and glamour of New York City,” a press release describes. The monochromatic windows feature bright hues and mannequins dripping in glamor.
Pop into The Plaza
A hop, skip, and a jump from Bergdorf Goodman is the famed Plaza Hotel, which decks out in holiday decor every season. The public is invited into the shops, but for a more extended stay, make a reservation at the Palm Court for their special holiday afternoon tea.
Stroll around the Holiday Market at Columbus Circle
Last-minute holiday gift shopping left? New York City’s open-air holiday markets offer unique options for everyone on your list, and Urbanspace’s Columbus Circle market at the entrance of Central Park is one of the best. Shop artisanal goods, homemade jewelry and clothes, homewares, and more; plus, there are plenty of food kiosks if you’ve worked up an appetite. The market is open until December 31.
Ice skate at Wollman Rink
Movies like “Home Alone 2” and “Serendipity” put Wollman Rink on the map as a classic
New York City holiday stop. But the rink has been around since 1950, and long before that, the “skating pond” attracted thousands of skaters. “In the winter of 1858, the Lake was the first landscape in Central Park to open to the public. On that memorable Christmas morning, an estimated 8,000 people flocked to the ice,” according to the city’s Parks Department. The rink is open through March and tickets range from about $10 to $40; kids under age 3 skate for free.
Enjoy brunch at Central Park Boathouse
Take a break from the cold inside the famous Central Park Boathouse overlooking “the lake.” The weekend brunch menu features elevated classics like eggs benedict and quiche, while the weekday menu features crab cakes and salad for light fare and hearty winter meals like braised short rib and duck breast. If you don’t have much of an appetite, pull up a seat at the bar and enjoy the view with a nice glass of wine or champagne. On mild weather days, rent a row boat for $25 an hour.
Take a horse and carriage ride
Okay, it’s touristy, but is there anything more “classic New York” than a horse and carriage ride around Central Park? “See Central Park how it was originally designed to be traveled,” the park, which dates back to the mid-1800s, advertises. Book a private or group tour (with add-ons available like roses and chocolates) or walk up to the carriages lined up around the park.
Listen to live music under the arches at Bethesda Terrace
One of the amazing things about New York City is that there’s live music wherever you turn. There’s no guarantee, but chances are if you head under the stairwell at Bethesda Terrace you’ll find some local music. Because of its acoustics, street performers often bring their classical instruments here to provide a beautiful soundtrack to your afternoon. Although the music is free to enjoy, artists will usually have a collection vessel for tips.
Take in some art
Head to the Arsenal Gallery for the 42nd annual holiday Wreath Interpretations exhibit. “This year we’ve got wreaths made out of alarm clocks, money, faux fireworks, confetti, and more, and they touch on topics like the pharmaceutical industry, Latino heritage, and Parks’ lifeguard recruitment campaign,” a spokesperson for NYC Parks said. The Arsenal Gallery is located at 64th Street and Fifth Avenue in the same building that houses the Department of Parks & Recreation, the Historic House Trust, and the New York Wildlife Conservation Society among others. The gallery is free to enjoy.
Peruse the Central Park Conservancy shop
If you need a break from the biting New York winter wind, pop into the unassuming Central Park Conservancy shop. Here, you’ll find souvenirs and gifts like books, scarves, jewelry, puzzles, pillows, and more. And the best part is that proceeds go to keeping the park beautiful.
End with an afternoon snack at Tavern on Green
Finish your day at the cozy Tavern on the Green. Wood-beamed and decked out in lights and garland, you’ll feel more like you’re on a ski mountain than in the middle of the city. Pull up to the bar or sink into one of the couches along the front room and indulge in a libation (or two) and some hearty pub fare. The bar menu includes items like French onion soup, a burger, a giant soft pretzel, and a crabmeat cocktail. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the restaurant is serving a special four-course meal for $135 per adult. Before heading out, stop into the gift shop for unique trinkets that make great gifts.
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