First Things First
If you already live in NYC or any of the immediate surrounding areas (e.g., Long Island), then you have a leg up over those who come in from out of town. You already know your way around. The challenge will be finding those spots and/or events that will give the vibe you want – the Christmas spirit, fun and adventure, a romantic getaway, or the “less traveled, less crowded” spots for some “get to know you” intimacy.
If you are coming in from out of town, and your date will be an extended one – an entire day and evening, then get a hotel room. You will want to get back to your hotel to change and freshen up. And who knows how you will end your night – that could be the highlight of the entire date.
The Two Biggest Attractions
Now let’s suppose you know the city well. And you know when and where the greatest congestion will happen (is there any time that there won’t be congestion?). You also know that probably the two most famous and visited sites will be Rockefeller Center with its tree and ice-skating rink and Radio City Music Hall with the famous Rockettes and the traditional Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. Shows start at 10 in the morning, so start your date early and make an entire day and night of it.
It will be tough to get close to the tree, but even from afar, it’s still quite a sight.
Beyond these two iconic features for the Holidays, what you plan for that first date really depends on where your date’s interests lie and what you may have in mind for later.
So, let’s stroll through some of the other attractions that could be good options.
Fifth Avenue Stores
If you go to a Radio City Music Hall performance, you’ll exit on 6th Ave. Take a stroll across the street where there are huge ornament displays and take a few pictures.
Then head on over to Fifth Avenue for store window displays like you’ve never seen before. For example, Saks Fifth Avenue has a light show every 10 minutes which is something to see for sure. There’s a different theme every year.
Also on Fifth Avenue is St Patrick’s Cathedral, if you are into architecture. It is the largest Catholic church in the U.S., and it, too, is fully decorated for the season.
Central Park and Plaza Hotel
At the end of your walk down Fifth Ave., you are facing Central Park. Here you can take a Christmas carriage ride through the park – it’s all lit up for Christmas.
Walk into the lobby of the Plaza Hotel – remember this is the site of many movies, including one of the “Home Alone Two”.
Top of the Rock
Seeing Christmas at ground level is one thing. Going to the top of 30 Rock, the NBC studio, will let you see the entire city from high above. Most say it’s breathtaking.
Revisit Your Childhood
If you want to be kids again just for a little while, there are two spots you won’t want to miss. FAO Schwarz is the most famous toy store in NYC. It is huge. You’ll see the piano from the movie “Big” and an array of toys from the past. The toy soldiers are real, and they are happy to have their picture taken with visitors. Get that picture.
Macy’s Santa Land is another iconic treasure of Christmas in NYC. You have to go to the top floor of Macy’s to be transported by the Santaland Express train into a seasonal world of interactive exhibits and, of course, Santa himself. If this is something you really want to do, you’ll need to plan ahead and buy tickets at Macy’s website. If you don’t, you’ll be waiting for hours. And you didn’t come to New York to stand in line
Both of these are good daytime attractions, so that you can leave more fun and romantic activities for the night.
Want Some Culture?
Take in the New York City Ballet and its performance of “The Nutcracker.” The total cast of dancers, children, stagehands, and musicians is about 315 for this seasonal ballet, and it is spectacular.
Now for the Nightlife
Tour Greenwich Village
Here’s an early evening fun thing to do. Head over to the Village and do a pub crawl. The decorations won’t be so magnificent, but it’s a far more intimate atmosphere. Don’t miss the White Horse Tavern and Joe’s Pub. You can even eat your dinner meal there. Earnest Hemingway and Dylan Thomas frequented these bars, where they usually drank themselves into oblivion, but don’t do that. The night is still young, and you may want to stay a bit sober for what just might be happening later.
An Evening River Cruise
How about a river cruise to see NYC at night while you enjoy drinks? Some offer dinner as well. Do a little research, consider your budget, and choose a cruise that will kick off the romance.
Get Cozy at a Rooftop Bar
Yes, it’s winter, but guess what? These bars are heated throughout the winter. Some of them are transformed into giant igloos where you will stay warm and get all cuddly.
The Night Has Ended – or Has It?
You’re both ready to call it a day or night if you have even done 1/3 of what is on this list. Get back to your hotel, have a nightcap in the bar, and make your way up to your room. Sex may not be on the agenda if you are both exhausted or not ready, but there is always morning delight if the inclination hits.
You Have to Pick and Choose
This is not a complete list at all. There are Christmas markets all over the five Boroughs; there are ice-skating rinks, the Botanical Garden with its train exhibit, vintage subway rides, and the famous Christmas decorations of the Dyker Heights neighborhood, to name just a few.
A first date in New York City will take some discussion and careful advance planning, but if you pull this one off, you may have a start on a great relationship.
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