Christmas Day in New York City
Sep 16th, 2010, 02:51 AM
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Christmas Day in New York City
I'm heading to New York for both Christmas and New Year this year (2010)
I pretty much have New Year sorted (Times Sq) but im struggling to figure out what to do for Christmas Dinner for me and my boyfriend.
I am hoping for a sort of Dinner Dance? or maybe just a really good Dinner with nice music or lovely view, etc...
I know im a bit early in seeing what will be happening but any info on past experiences for recommendations (and places where to avoid!) would be much appreciated... also tips on how to do the whole Times Square New Years Eve would be great too!
Thanks!!
Coogsie
I pretty much have New Year sorted (Times Sq) but im struggling to figure out what to do for Christmas Dinner for me and my boyfriend.
I am hoping for a sort of Dinner Dance? or maybe just a really good Dinner with nice music or lovely view, etc...
I know im a bit early in seeing what will be happening but any info on past experiences for recommendations (and places where to avoid!) would be much appreciated... also tips on how to do the whole Times Square New Years Eve would be great too!
Thanks!!
Coogsie
Sep 16th, 2010, 05:11 AM
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Christmas Day is one of the few days in NYC when a lot of the city shuts down. Maybe someone else can help with a dinner/dance as I do not know of any or many that exist any more.
One great NY Christmas tradition is NY Jews go to Chinese restaurants on Christmas as Elena Kagan famously noted during her Senate hearing. That is usually after a movie.
One great NY Christmas tradition is NY Jews go to Chinese restaurants on Christmas as Elena Kagan famously noted during her Senate hearing. That is usually after a movie.
Sep 16th, 2010, 06:02 AM
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Imo, you haven't gotten NYE "sorted" if you plan on spending it in Times Square unless you've read this VERY carefully. http://timessquarealliance.org/nye/nye_faq.html
The way to do it if you must is to book one of the chain restaurants like TGI Fridays or the Olive Garden for their NYE party. Both have views of the ball and while we don't normally recommend those places, for a TS experience, they work. The only other option is to book a nice dinner nearish the craziness and hope to see something from a distance. What doesn't get publicized much is there are fierworks in Central Park at midnight along with a run. A lot of people just have a nice meal and head to the park for the fireworks.
There are very very few places that have dancing with dinner in NYC at any time of year because it requires a special license to have dancing. Actually, a few places do offer dancing for NYE, but not likely for Xmas. Swing 46 is one of the few places that does decent food and dancing but I don't know that they stay open for Xmas but might be a fun option for NYE. http://www.swing46.com/index2.htm
There are quite a few places with nice views of one sort or another that do Xmas. Rock Center Cafe and the Sea Grill both overlook the ice rink in Rockefeller Center and are popular. The first will be loaded with kids. The Sea Grill less so. Bryant Park Grill is another option. Rivercafe.com has some of the most beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline and they do stay open for Xmas. I think you have to PHONE for reservations. Here's a list of places with views. There may be some newer ones not included.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g6...ith.Views.html
The way to do it if you must is to book one of the chain restaurants like TGI Fridays or the Olive Garden for their NYE party. Both have views of the ball and while we don't normally recommend those places, for a TS experience, they work. The only other option is to book a nice dinner nearish the craziness and hope to see something from a distance. What doesn't get publicized much is there are fierworks in Central Park at midnight along with a run. A lot of people just have a nice meal and head to the park for the fireworks.
There are very very few places that have dancing with dinner in NYC at any time of year because it requires a special license to have dancing. Actually, a few places do offer dancing for NYE, but not likely for Xmas. Swing 46 is one of the few places that does decent food and dancing but I don't know that they stay open for Xmas but might be a fun option for NYE. http://www.swing46.com/index2.htm
There are quite a few places with nice views of one sort or another that do Xmas. Rock Center Cafe and the Sea Grill both overlook the ice rink in Rockefeller Center and are popular. The first will be loaded with kids. The Sea Grill less so. Bryant Park Grill is another option. Rivercafe.com has some of the most beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline and they do stay open for Xmas. I think you have to PHONE for reservations. Here's a list of places with views. There may be some newer ones not included.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g6...ith.Views.html
Sep 16th, 2010, 06:41 AM
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thanks Aduchamp... and Mclaurie
I had a good read of the times square events the other day on that site, but many thanks! I'm from scotland (home of Hogmanay) and have spent many a crazy NYE celebration in Edinburgh/Glasgow/Aberdeen, etc... but i may consider nearer the time the NYE party option!
never knew about the Central Park fireworks, that might be a great option if we need to bail on Times Sq! thanks!
Looks like River Cafe may be the way to go for christmas, as i've seen this pop up on alot of internet searches...
Many thanks for your help, much appreciated!
I had a good read of the times square events the other day on that site, but many thanks! I'm from scotland (home of Hogmanay) and have spent many a crazy NYE celebration in Edinburgh/Glasgow/Aberdeen, etc... but i may consider nearer the time the NYE party option!
never knew about the Central Park fireworks, that might be a great option if we need to bail on Times Sq! thanks!
Looks like River Cafe may be the way to go for christmas, as i've seen this pop up on alot of internet searches...
Many thanks for your help, much appreciated!
Sep 16th, 2010, 07:35 AM
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It will not be as crazy as Hogmanay in Edinburgh, but it is likely to be as cold! It will be crowded, but there will be no mass strip-the-willow. Police are a bit less tolerant of public alcohol than at home. Hope you have a braw, bricht nicht.
River Cafe would be good for Christmas dinner, and you may find that hotels have good offerings but you are likely to have to book soon.
River Cafe would be good for Christmas dinner, and you may find that hotels have good offerings but you are likely to have to book soon.
Sep 16th, 2010, 10:28 AM
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There is next to no dinner/dancing in NYC due to cabaret laws.
Except for a very few places only clubs have dancing - late at night - and you usualy don;t want any food - if they serve it.
Don't know if RiverCafe is open for Xmas - if it is it's a great choice. Check out menupages.com for actual menus and prices - it's reasonably upscale.
As for New Year's EVe - I really don;t think Times Square is for the sane - esp if the weather is bad. And the cops tend to be very strict about the no drinking law. You couldn;t pay me to stand there for 8 hours in the cold - but try it if you want.
Except for a very few places only clubs have dancing - late at night - and you usualy don;t want any food - if they serve it.
Don't know if RiverCafe is open for Xmas - if it is it's a great choice. Check out menupages.com for actual menus and prices - it's reasonably upscale.
As for New Year's EVe - I really don;t think Times Square is for the sane - esp if the weather is bad. And the cops tend to be very strict about the no drinking law. You couldn;t pay me to stand there for 8 hours in the cold - but try it if you want.
Sep 16th, 2010, 10:36 AM
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Besides Chinese, there is Indian, Jewish Delis, the Turkish Kitchen, Ethiopian, Korean (those that are not Christian) Thai.
Here us a list of places that were open Christmas 2009 including a list of better restaurants.
http://www.newyorkology.com/archives...on_christm.php
Here us a list of places that were open Christmas 2009 including a list of better restaurants.
http://www.newyorkology.com/archives...on_christm.php
Sep 16th, 2010, 02:19 PM
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As for what to do - if the weather is bad - head for the movies - there won;t be any long lines.
If the weather is good - walk Fifth Ave and look at the store windows - go ice skating at Rock Center, Bryant Park or Central Park - or just explore the city. One of the few times you won;t be fighting mobs.
If the weather is good - walk Fifth Ave and look at the store windows - go ice skating at Rock Center, Bryant Park or Central Park - or just explore the city. One of the few times you won;t be fighting mobs.
