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In New York City, you can get it all in one place — one minute you can indulge in a $1 slice of pizza on the sidewalk and the next you can be in one of the finest hotels in the country (or even the world). For those looking to get into option two, what better time than the holidays to get a little fancy? We rounded up four ultra-luxury hotels in the city that go all out with holiday decor and experiences that guests and non-guests alike can enjoy.
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In the 1800s, a group of NYC artists and writers created the modern-day Santa Claus

Ever the New Yorker, Santa catches the trolly to Bloomingdales! The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library, NYPL Digital Collections

December 8, 2023

In the 1800s, a group of NYC artists and writers created the modern-day Santa Claus

By Lucie Levine

Saint Nicholas arrived in New York with the Dutch and became the Patron Saint of New York City in the early 19th century, but Santa, as we know him, is a hometown boy. New York’s writers and artists were the first to depict the modern Santa Claus, transforming the figure of Dutch lore into a cheerful holiday hero. The illustrious Claus gained his sleigh in Chelsea and his red suit on Franklin Square. With a little help from the likes of Washington Irving, Clement Clarke Moore, and Thomas Nast, jolly old St. Nick became the merriest man in Manhattan.
More about Santa's New York Roots!

Buy a piece of the NYC subway at the MTA’s memorabilia pop-up shop

Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashinhoto on Flickr

December 7, 2023

Buy a piece of the NYC subway at the MTA’s memorabilia pop-up shop

After two previous years as a holiday shopping success, New York City Transit is once again offering genuine used subway system items for sale at their Memorabilia and Collectibles Pop-Up Shop. You'll find subway signs, grabholds, and more, with no processing fees. Read on to find out how to score an authentic piece of transit history.
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December 6, 2023

15 best ice skating rinks in NYC

When the cool weather of fall fades into the freezing frostiness of winter, it takes a lot of effort to leave our warm, cozy homes. However, one festive activity that gets New Yorkers out of their apartments is ice skating, a New York City tradition since the 1850s. Ahead, find some of the best places in the city to ice skate, from gliding underneath the world's most iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center to attending lessons hosted by Olympic skaters at Manhattan West and Brookfield Place.
Hit the ice

December 5, 2023

15 quintessential NYC gifts for the New Yorker in your life

New Yorkers are full of pride for their city. So when it comes to buying gifts for the special New Yorker in your life, why not lean into that? We’ve rounded up 15 quintessential NYC gifts that either help your loved ones show off that pride, support the city’s institutions, or both! These are also great options for ex-New Yorkers who might be feeling nostalgic for the city around the holidays.
GIFTS THIS WAY

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10 best under-the-radar holiday events in New York City

Photo courtesy of Winter Lantern Festival.

November 30, 2023

10 best under-the-radar holiday events in New York City

Holiday magic permeates New York City each year as locals and tourists alike flock to the Fifth Avenue window displays, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and the many holiday markets. And while tradition is good, it’s also fun to step out of the box and celebrate the holidays with some off-the-beaten-path events (and maybe even start some new traditions). Here are 10 holiday events in NYC that go beyond Manhattan’s classics.
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Events & Things To Do

November 28, 2023

Where to see holiday lights in NYC this year

One of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season in New York City is to bear witness to the extravagant twinkling light installations and displays that illuminate the five boroughs. Ahead, discover the city's most iconic holiday light displays, from more than two million twinkling lights scattered throughout Hudson Yards to festively illuminated trails at the New York Botanical Garden.
DELIGHTFUL DISPLAYS THIS WAY

Events & Things To Do

November 27, 2023

All of New York City’s holiday tree lightings

From the very first public tree lighting ceremony in the country at Madison Square Park to the world's most famous holiday tree at Rockefeller Center, New York City has a strong connection to the sparkling Christmas tradition. Holiday trees can be found across the city, all with their own unique style and festive flair. Ahead, see the spirit of the holidays come to life at tree lighting ceremonies happening at iconic NYC spots, from Bryant Park and Central Park to the New York Stock Exchange and the Bronx's Little Italy.
tree lightings this way

Events & Things To Do

New York City’s best holiday markets of 2023

The Holiday Shops at Bank of America Winter Village 2022, credit Jacob Wiliamson

November 22, 2023

New York City’s best holiday markets of 2023

The holiday season has hit New York City in full force, and despite the convenience of online buying, the city's streets are bustling with shoppers scurrying to find unique gifts and goodies. Popping up to meet the winter frenzy is a triumphant trove of festive markets offering one-of-a-kind creations–and a chance to mingle, jingle, nibble, and nosh. Read on for our picks of the best holiday markets and pop-up shops, from the familiar holiday hubs at Union Square and Bryant Park to an upstate farm and flea affair in Hudson.
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Middle Eastern grocer Sahadi’s opening at Pier 57 food hall in Chelsea

Photo of Sahadi’s on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn via WikiCommons

November 20, 2023

Middle Eastern grocer Sahadi’s opening at Pier 57 food hall in Chelsea

Brooklyn's beloved Middle Eastern grocery store Sahadi's is returning to Manhattan after 75 years. Opening in Chelsea at Pier 57's new food hall next week, the outpost will feature seated dining and bar service. Sahadi's has roots in the borough; its first store opened on Washington Street in 1895 in what was considered to be "Little Syria," before moving to Cobble Hill in 1948. Sahadi's will officially open at Market 57 on Monday, November 27.
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Food & Dining

Fifth Avenue to transform into car-free holiday wonderland

Photo by Josh Wilburne on Unsplash

November 15, 2023

Fifth Avenue to transform into car-free holiday wonderland

Attention revelers: the streets of Midtown will soon be filled with fun, pedestrian-friendly cheer. As part of a special holiday open street, Fifth Avenue will close to cars and transform into a winter wonderland on three Sundays in December. The Fifth Avenue Association on Tuesday revealed the "Gift of Fifth" campaign that will turn the historic corridor from 49th Street to 59th Street into a holiday destination, with jolly decor, festive food and beverages, photo-ops, store giveaways, and more.
DETAILS HERE

Events & Things To Do

First look at Olympia Dumbo amenities, including NYC’s highest private tennis court

All photos courtesy of Pavel Bendov for Olympia DUMBO

November 14, 2023

First look at Olympia Dumbo amenities, including NYC’s highest private tennis court

The impressive amenities at Dumbo's latest luxury tower are now complete and new photos provide a first look at the stunning spaces. Olympia Dumbo, the neighborhood's tallest and most expensive residential building, offers 38,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities spread across three floors, including New York City's highest private outdoor tennis court, indoor and outdoor pools, and a playroom, shipwreck-themed playground, and waterpark for kids.
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See gingerbread recreations of iconic NYC landmarks

The American Museum of Natural History by Loretta Bricchi Lee. All photos by Brad Farwell for MCNY

November 9, 2023

See gingerbread recreations of iconic NYC landmarks

These gingerbread creations take the holiday cookie tradition to the next level. The Museum of the City of New York is hosting its second annual gingerbread competition, Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off, featuring the work of professional and independent bakers tasked with creating festive displays depicting New York City icons in neighborhoods across the five boroughs. The installation will be on view at the museum from November 10 through January 15 and visitors are invited to vote for their favorites.
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Events & Things To Do

A guide to the 2023 New York City Marathon

The 2021 NYC Marathon. Photo by Marc A. Hermann/ MTA on Flickr.

November 3, 2023

A guide to the 2023 New York City Marathon

The largest marathon in the world returns to New York City this Sunday. On November 5, 50,000 runners will participate in the annual TCS New York City Marathon, a race that travels 26.2 miles and runs through every borough, starting on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and ending in Central Park. Ahead, learn everything you need to know about this year's event, from the route and start times to the best viewing spots for spectators and scheduled road closures.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Events & Things To Do

Wegmans officially opens in the East Village

All images courtesy of Wegmans

October 18, 2023

Wegmans officially opens in the East Village

Manhattan's first Wegmans grocery store has finally opened its doors. Located at 770 Broadway in the East Village, the 87,500-square-foot Wegmans Astor Place offers the grocer's signature affordable prices and prepared food options, as well as Next Door, a 94-seat restaurant with a sushi bar and Champagne-oyster bar which is expected to open during the first half of 2024. The grocery store, which replaced a Kmart, is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
See INSIDE

Food & Dining

Behind a historic facade, this $14M Upper West Side mansion is all about the 21st-century amenities

Photo credit: DDreps

October 11, 2023

Behind a historic facade, this $14M Upper West Side mansion is all about the 21st-century amenities

In the heart of the Upper West Side among the coveted neighborhood's historic townhomes and steps from Central Park, this newly-renovated mansion at 137 West 77th Street packs just about every modern perk into four stories (plus a rooftop terrace). Asking $13,995,000, the 7,000-square-foot 1890s home is semi-detached, with three exposures and fronted by a restored facade. Within, every convenience and comfort is present in the context of aesthetic perfection, from the private elevator, sauna, and spa to a full menu of home automation tools.
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Distinctive Homes

17 of NYC’s oldest bars and restaurants you can still dine at today

Photo of Gage & Tollner by Hamish Smyth for Order Design.

October 9, 2023

17 of NYC’s oldest bars and restaurants you can still dine at today

The Statue of Liberty was erected in 1886. The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883. Grand Central Terminal opened to the public in 1913. Fraunces Tavern, a famed Financial District watering hole, has been serving New Yorkers since 1762.
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How NYC public libraries are fighting censorship

Photo of the plaza at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library courtesy of Gregg Richards

October 2, 2023

How NYC public libraries are fighting censorship

Book bans continue to increase nationwide, with public libraries now a major target of challenges. According to the American Library Association (ALA), there were 695 attempts to censor library materials with challenges to 1,915 unique titles during the first eight months of 2023, an increase of 20 percent from the same period last year. Challenges to books in public libraries accounted for 49 percent of all challenges, compared to just 16 percent last year. In response, New York City libraries are launching anti-censorship campaigns directed at young people across the five boroughs and beyond, coinciding with Banned Books Week, which runs from October 1 through October 7.
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Events & Things To Do

Photos by Max Touhey

September 27, 2023

The Refinery at Domino unveils office space and grand glass atrium at historic Williamsburg sugar factory

The Refinery at Domino, a 460,000-square-foot all-electric office building, is now open at the former Domino Sugar Factory plant on the Williamsburg, Brooklyn waterfront. As the latest addition by Domino Park developer Two Trees Management, the new adaptive reuse project saw the conversion of the former 19th-century factory site of what was once the largest sugar producer in the world into a net zero carbon office space. The Refinery is the newest building to open in the 11-acre, mixed-use development north of the Williamsburg Bridge.
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New Developments

Photo credit: OLIN/ Trevor Lee

September 22, 2023

Archtober 2023: 10 best architecture tours to check out

Archtober, the annual festival dedicated to architecture and design in New York City, is just around the corner and it's time to start planning the events, exhibitions, and talks you want to attend. The very popular "Building of the Day" series is back with 31 architect-led behind-the-scenes tours of projects across the city every day in October. Ahead, find 10 public spaces, parks, and museums that made our must-see list for this year, from the eco-friendly pier at Hudson River Park to the newly opened Louis Armstrong Center in Corona, Queens. All of the tours on this list are free or cost $10 to attend and require advanced registration.
our picks here

$2.6M Cobble Hill condo is on three flexible floors of a converted 19th-century church

Photo credit: DDREPs for The Corcoran Group

September 21, 2023

$2.6M Cobble Hill condo is on three flexible floors of a converted 19th-century church

This unique Cobble Hill home will instantly get the attention of history buffs. Built within a converted Romanesque Revival church constructed in the 1880s, this three-bedroom home at The Landmark at 58 Strong Place was designed by top local architecture firm Baxt Ingui Architects. Asking $2,600,000, the 1,855-square-foot triplex takes full advantage of the building's unusual layout, creating loft-like spaces for privacy and ease of living.
interior blessings, this way

Distinctive Homes

Archtober 2023: Your guide to this year’s architecture and design events

Pumpkitecture photo courtesy of Matthew Carasella Photography

September 15, 2023

Archtober 2023: Your guide to this year’s architecture and design events

New York City's annual Archtober festival returns October 1 through October 31 for its 13th year. The monthlong celebration of architecture and design unfolds thanks to the collaboration of over 100 partners and sponsors across the city. This year's festival offers events, exhibitions, talks, and neighborhood tours across the five boroughs to raise awareness of the importance of the city's infinite tableau of architecture and design. The 2023 theme, "Bridging Divides," serves to better organize select programming with shared goals and conceptual connections.
Archtober events, this way

This unique Hudson, NY home has offbeat charm and plenty of potential for $970K

Photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

September 8, 2023

This unique Hudson, NY home has offbeat charm and plenty of potential for $970K

The buttercup-yellow house at 450 Union Street in quaint and fashionable Hudson may look unassuming, but it conceals a wealth of opportunity. Asking $970,000, the 2,376-square-foot, 13-room home is officially a two-family dwelling–and a fully licensed Airbnb. Within find lots of living space and six bedrooms, unified with a colorful and cozy palette of bohemian charm. In addition, a garage at the rear holds a partially-finished loft. However you choose to arrange it, the upstate property is ready to become an investment with space for extended family or a sprawling single-family home base.
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September 1, 2023

16 things to do in NYC this Labor Day Weekend