Engagement Ideas-NYC @ Christmas

The Rainbow Grille at The Rainbow Room at the top of Rockefeller Center.

Or Top of the Rock (outdoor) at the top of Rockefeller Center.

The problem with the Empire State Building is that there are literally always wall to wall people up there. No privacy.

http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/

Don't skip the intro!

Why not in front of the tree at Rockefeller Center or on a romantic carriage ride around Central Park?

GoTravel, liked both of those ideas.
Tcapp, thought of that but the idea of sitting in a carriage in 25 degrees put me off...am I wrong?

Would appreciate any more ideas!!

Thanks guys/gals

There must be more ideas out there!!! Anyone?????

Hello! I was actually engaged on a carriage ride two Christmases ago, so I'm a bit biased But I thought it was very romantic, despite several factors (waiting in line for a while, a really slow horse, ugly carriage!). It's nice because while you're outside, you are allowed a bit of intimacy and privacy in your carriage.

The carriages provide a heavy blanket for you, so you can snuggle up. It's truly beautiful to see Central Park covered in snow, and you go by the Wollman Skating Rink, which is nice. In fact, this is where my husband popped the question- and it happened that "All I Want For Christmas Is You" was playing at the rink!

If she has no idea what is coming and you are planning on giving her a ring, why not stroll past the pretty windows at Tiffany's and ooh and aah at the sparkly baubles then drop to your knee and present her with one of her own?

Skating at Rockefeller Center in front of the big tree would also be incredibly romantic and memorable.

I have to say the carriage idea appealed to me from the start. As I said previously the weather was putting me off (coming from Bermuda that cold is going to hurt) BUT Tarheels, you have painted an amazing picture so now it's definitely an option again!!!
kireland, thanks for taking the time but she is "kind of" expecting it and under no cirucmstances am I to pick out the ring!!!

The only thing I would say about the carriage ride is this - I've been on one before and while the idea is romantic I was a bit put off by the conditions (or what I perceived to be the conditions) the horses are subject to, which killed the romance a little. You know your girlfriend so you will know if this type of thing would occur to her/bother her or not. If you do go on a carriage ride though I wouldn't worry about the temperature, just bundle up and they will provide you with blankets to cuddle under. I think you could also take a flask of something warming like schnapps or scotch (which might also provide some liquid courage if your nerves act up)!

Thanks kireland. Appreciate your views.

As an Irishman, I will most defintely be bringing some form of liquid "nourishment" should I go for the carriage ride!!

I got engaged last December in NYC - not Xmas but definitely Xmas time. I thought about many of the tried and true types of suggestions here, and even discussed it with the concierge at my hotel. I'm not really into too much formal planning for these kinds of things, and I ended up springing it on her in our hotel room before we went out for a very nice planned dinner. Then I broke out an old bottle of wine I'd been saving and had the roses I'd already bought sent up. It was a wonderful private moment and I wouldn't have changed a thing, however...

I wish I'd brought the ring with me earlier that evening when we were walking around town. There are so many fun NYC Xmas type things going on that I might have sprung it on her somewhere along the way - namely the park by the Public Library (spacing on the name) with the Xmas village and a quieter space park with their own pretty tree.

Good luck!

jp36, that sounds like a wonderful proposal as well! New York can be so magical and romantic at Christmastime- but it can also be clogged with people every where you turn. I too "kind of" expected the proposal, and for half a second I thought he was going to pop the question at Rockefeller Center. While this would have been nice because of the tree and decorations, I much preferred the carriage because of the privacy it afforded us.

This completely depends on your girlfriend's personality, bermyguy, but for me, getting engaged with hundreds of people watching (and getting in the way) would NOT have been ideal.

I think jp also has a great suggestion, of carrying the ring with you. You can always plan the carriage ride (or whatever) regardless, but if the moment strikes you elsewhere, go for it!

Best of luck to you, and congratulations!

What about a great breakfast with champagne and a proposal, followed by a day of engagement ring shopping in NYC?

Thanks for all the advice...Roll on December...and the next 50 years...oh dear, 50 years...

Only kidding, I'll give it a lash!!!

Definitely a carraige ride! My parents got engaged on a carraige ride and went to Bermuda on their honeymoon!! They are still married(and happy)and I think it is about 48 years!!!! So, good luck. NY is very romantic at Christmas time. I am sure the right moment will pop up. Before they took the carraige ride, they had champagne cocktails at the Tavern on the Green. I don't know if they have those drinks, but they have a beautiful restaurant. Food is mediocre and expensive, but having a drink there may be nice.

Be sure to report back and let us know how it goes!

bermyguy,

I don't jnow how you will be able to propose properly with out a jewelry box to hand over! My thoughts:

a) a really goofy, silly ring (I'm thinking pink and plastic ) that she can wear until she chooses her own.

b) a nice dress ring that she can wear on another finger - not ultra expensive.

c) a nice necklace or set of earrings.

My personal choice would be the goofy ring and I'd take every opportunity to flash it around and say "We just got engaged" - but that's my sense of humour.

Good luck, it sounds at least as though she won't turn you down

Since you are Irish ...what about St. Patrick's Cathedral ?

You'd be warm and there are so many beautiful, intimate alcoves within the Cathedral.

And you'd be close to both Rockefeller Plaza and the tree or the New York Palace Hotel for a wee bit of the bubbly to celebrate.

I admire romantic men !

Marion

I would go for the carrige ride, totally romantic, and private. The tree is ALWAYS so crowded you'd be jostled about. Bryant Park by the library (5th Ave and 40th) is nice too. But they are installing a temporary ice rink there as well, so it may be more crowded this year. As a NYC'er for life, I'd like Central Park.

you are so smart to seek all this advice. if she is not thrilled just blame it on us. i do like the fake ring idea. the cold ride does not sound that fabulous to me and i live in maine. my first thought was to propose at tavern on the green. some of the sections are very romantic and they decorate Beautifully for xmas!! see their web site. but i have to say a breakfast proposal would probably fill the surprise part and what newly engaged woman could say no to a trip to the diamond district of nyc. you should get great deals there too.
or just when it feels like "the moment". that place and time will become your special memory.
do you know about the place that serves the $10,000 martini - they put the ring in her glass????

Thanks a mill for all the suggestions. I guess the one that keeps popping up is the Central Park/carriage ride idea. The thing that appeals to me about central park is that it's somewhere we can return to in 5/10/30 years (fingers crossed) and have a bit of a giggle aboout the night I proposed and dropped the funny ring in the horse droppings as my hands were shaking so much from the cold!!!

Anyway, thanks again. Plenty to think about. I'll let ye know how it goes. Of course for those of you from NYC, if you hear a blood curdling scream coming from Central Park around 23rd Dec you'll know things didn't go too well!!!!!

I REALLY like the Tiffany's idea. That is very very appealing to me. Much more so than being behind a horse's rear end, but that is just me. You can always go back and walk by the Tiffanys in years to come...

The St Patirck's idea appeals to me also, being married to a man of Irish descent.

I've been married 19 years this week, and mr. emd proposed immediately at the end of the game in Jan. 1986 when the Patriots beat the Dolphins in the playoffs. It was very memorable. I sometimes wonder if I'd be married to him if they had lost.

My advice is to do something you think she will find memorable. It might be something quirky and not so "perfectly memorable". And yeah, on our wedding night the ball rolled through Bill Buckner's legs. We remember that every year.

Ice skating at Rockefeller Center - pretend that you fell and when she tries to help you up, show her the ring.

bermyguy

You might need to have 2 plans - what is you walk past the carriage rides and she wrinkles her nose and say's "No Way!!!!"

Please let us know Plan A and Plan B, I take it you liked the 'goofy ring' idea?

There are several bars with extraordinary views of the city

http://affinia.com/NYC-Hotel/Beekman-Tower/Photo_Gallery/7-top_of_the_tower.cfm

This is just one (we were up there and it was gorgeous). You might see if you could head over there for a nightcap after a wonderful dinner (I don't know about their restaurant food, so I think the impact is mainly from the view and atmosphere at this particular venue) and pop the question (and present the big honking plastic ring) in a setting like this one.

GoTravel's suggestion of the Rainbow Grille is also wonderful (reserve well ahead and tell them you need a special table with view, etc to make your proposal).

There's something quite amazing with the city sparkling away at you far below (and it will sparkle even if it is rainy or snowy).

Very best would be Rainbow Grill, which I could not more highly recommend. Phone today and request (beg, if you have to) for a window table.

Those carriage rides are a bit (and I'm being kind...) of a rip-off... Tacky, truly, carriages, lack-luster commentary (lately) and 15 minutes for the 30 minute "fee". When I questioned this, the driver pointed to the sign and that it was printed "UP TO (not in caps on the sign) 30 minutes". Well, no tip for him...

Ok. I’m posting because I'm an insomniac but also because I hoped bermyguy would discount the horse/carriage idea.

I have watched television program ‘Animal Precinct’ where on the warmest days in NY the officers have had to tell the drivers that it’s too warm for their horses to be pulling tourists round the park.

Jeez, couldn't they tell? The horses were panting and were so lethargic – it’s about making money.

From a realistic point of view – would I like to be proposed too while looking at a horses butt – Not me! But then I suggested the ‘goofy’ ring idea.

It just sounds so naff and boring! Why don’t you take her on a carriage ride (she’s going to expect you to propose!) and then go to the Rockefeller Centre?

Just remember - you owe us! Please let us know what you decide to do and how it goes

Ok...here's the plan:
Going to go with the carriage idea and the goofy ring, horse butt or no horse butt. Have also booked a limo for 2 hour tour of city finishing at either Rainbow Grill or 21 Club for dinner.

How's that?

My husband and I worked in NYC when he proposed, and he took me to Flute (http://www.flutebar.com/midtown.htm) which has some very intimate little nooks with curtains to give you privacy. That's where he proposed. Then we went to dinner at One if by Land, Two if by Sea, which is a really pricey, hard to get in restaurant. I understand a lot of people get engaged there. They took amazing care of us. It was a great experience.

bermyguy, that sounds like a truly wonderful proposal. Trust me- every time you see a carriage ride in the movies from now on, you two will get sentimental over it. We wish you the best of luck!

What a lovely proposal idea! The carriage ride does give the requisite privacy amidst the Christmas crowds & if the weather cooperates, it could be gorgeous as well, though surely her attention will be focussed on you, right?!

If you need a plan B, ie it is a rainy warmish miserable day & a carriage ride is NOT appealing, remember there's a huge, gorgeous Christmas tree annually INSIDE the Metropolitan Museum in the "medieval" section. Beautiful, atmospheric and hopefully will be there in 50 years!

(Another large outdoor Christmas tree with fewer crowds than Rock Center is located in Lincoln Center plaza.)

Bermyguy,

Go for it!

Now where to buy the ring from????

Just please come back and let us know how it went - After all you'll be back here on Fodors looking for honeymoon recommendations

Pop over to the Caribbean Forum - we're a friendly crowd.

Thanks Alya!!
See thread "Diamonds in NYC"!!!

It is clear from how much time and thought you are putting into getting engaged, that you are going to be a great husband. She's a lucky lady. Your proposal plans are wonderfully romantic. Looking forward to the trip report and the honeymoon plans...

bermyguy

Pleeeease! I don't mean the 'rock', I mean the goofy ring

As you are finding out diamonds are 10 a penny (if only they were that cheap), now a huge, pink plastic ring - that's a different matter

I proposed to my wife at the tree at Rockefeller Center on Christmas Eve 11 years ago. I got down on one knee and just asked her to marry me. At the tree there was either a security guy or someone working there. He knew what I was up too and even asked me if I had a camera so he could take our picture. Very nice. Now, 11 years later when they light the tree I say to my wife, "I hate that *&^! tree!" LOL...Do it early because there is so much to do Christmas time in NYC......GOOD LUCK!

Oh, I'll think of this thread each time I pass by the gum ball machines at the grocery store!

Your girlfriend sounds like a very lucky woman!

Also to do in NYC at Xmastime:

The Metropolitan Museum has their annual tree witht he "Neapolitan Creche": hundreds of angels, shepherds, townspeople, etc, all at aBarbie doll scale - but these were handmade from terra cotta a hundred years ago or more. Tree is about 25 feet tall, in a beautiful Renaissance cloister room, with music playing, etc. Really a beautiful thing.

Store windows on Fith Ave. It's a mob scene - best time to see them is as late as you can go, say 11:00 pm or later.

If you think you'd like to see a Broadway show, try The Light in The Piazza, the most beautiful and romantic musical in 20 years. Takes place in Florence and Rome. Great music, wonderful story - and ends in an atypical wedding. At Lincoln Center.

By the way, it looks like a skating rink is being built in Bryant Park (that's the one behind the library, 40th-42nd Sts, between %th and 6th Aves. ) They are really overusing that beautiful park - but if it's a new rink for the winter, could be another fun stop.

The Rainbow Room would definitely be a great spot for a dinner - or even brunch on Sunday.

We were married in Central Park, and go back to our "spot" on nearly every trip to NY. Certainly every trip that that takes us near the Park. It is really romantic and makes us happy, but in December, you should have an indoor alternative.

satnit, there is indeed an ice skating rink this year in Bryant Park and it is FREE!!

I am sorry to rain on your idea but I think that the carriage is ride is too cliche. I think she will expect the proposal every time you are at one of these cliche places.

My husband proposed to me while we were strolling over a bridge over a river. He waited until we got to the midpoint, dropped to his knee and made a little speech about the bridge symbolizing two lives coming together.

Even though I knew a proposal was immenent, in that setting it was very much a surprise.

In addition, he knew that I wanted to pick out my own ring, so he gave me a "placeholder" ring which was a sweet little gold band until I got the real one. I wear it on a chain around my neck because it is so special.

Maybe a pretty placeholder ring instead of a goofy ring?

....just one gal's opinion.

whatever you do, good luck!

bermyguy I love your desire to make it special and memorable. If the weather doesn't hold for a carriage ride, you can always wait for the dinner at Rainbow or 21 (or, another beautiful location is Cafe des Artistes (look on line, very romantic, beautiful murals, no view, but still romantic). I LOVE the idea of a fun plastic/costume ring - consider presenting it with something along the lines of "I chose this ring FOR NOW, and hoping we will choose the real ring together, as we will be forever" - and KEEP that fun ring ! - add a ribbon to it later and maybe hang it on your Christmas tree together ever year! - and I agree about sometime visiting St. Patricks together - light a candle and say a prayer! - Best of Luck ! Congratulations. Lucky girl, and lucky guy I am thinking.....

how about doing a miracle on 34th street theme?

One thing about St. Patrick's...I would recommend visiting it after you've proposed and bought the ring (if you do end up buying it in NYC). Aside from it being a stunning cathedral, and beautifully decorated at Christmas, the lighting really makes a diamond sparkle Obviously, that's a very minor reason to visit such a beautiful church, but we visited an hour after our engagement, and I will never forget the way my diamond & sapphire ring looked!

Was going to attend the midnight service at St. Patrick's on Christmas Eve but apparently all of the tickets are gone!!!

Go to St Patricks anyway, even if you can't go for the service. Check and see if they have any other services with music/choir - we once attended one in the evening several days prior to Christmas, so you might want to see if they have a schedule of other services on line, but even if not - go anyway whenthey are open and walk around and see it and sit for a moment and soak it all in. It's amazing.

There are some other really great midnight (and otherwise) church experiences for Xmas in NYC. You can even find a mass (and music) in French, Spanish, Italian ...

Thought I'd come back to second the suggestion of "One If By Land" for dinner sometime. Many people think of it as the most romantic restaurant in NYC. It's in the village, has no sign to speak of. Very pretty place and much less hectic than Tavern on the Green, say (which is HUGE) or even the Rainbow Room. And the food has a great rep. Not cheap, but memorable. In fact, One If By Land is probably a popular place for engagments ...

My hubby proposed in a carriage ride in C Park in November 1996 - it was magical. Just as he produced the ring a lovely golden leaf fell right into my hands, must have been a sign - because we got married in the New England fall the next October.

Apparently, like you he'd planned different places and as we are from the UK he wasn't sure where would be right place, as this was our first time to NY. I'm glad he chose this way! I'm sure whatever you choose will be the best way. Good Luck.

If you can't get into St. Patricks for Christmas Eve, come uptown to St. John the Divine. It is larger than St. Patricks and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world as well. The music at St. Johns will be wonderful and the cathedral over the holidays is beautifully magical.

As far as your popping the question, I would not go with a carriage ride, since you will never be able to find that horse and buggy again, I would find a beautiful spot that you can go back to your next trip to the city.

You might think about the River Cafe with the lighting of the city in the background, or again uptown to the Cloisters, and go outside on one of the beautiful balconies overlooking the Hudson River. Or how about the top of the Empire State Building.

Oh and I would suggest proposing early in your vacation, so you have the rest of the time to enjoy the city as an engaged couple, it will put a special "glow" on your entire trip.

Have a great time while you are here.

Also thought I would add, might be fun to pick out your china pattern too, while you are here, always fun to shop and some else special to remember.

For that try Macy's
Bloomies
Tiffany's
Fortunoff's

An early congratulations and have a fun time.

i love all the responses & am so happy to see that romance is still alive & kicking in NYC! i work in Rockefeller Plaza & must take it for granted. the Rainbow Room would be lovely place to propose as well as in front of the tree or skating rink. but filled to the gills with tourists any given time during the holidays. Central Park carriage ride, weather permitting, sounds sweet too. but 2 things before I consider marrying someone; a ring in hand, down on a bended knee !

Bermyguy,

I am planning the same thing and came across this thread while coming up with ideas. So, if you see someone kneeling next to you, wave, as it may be me!

As a helpful tip, you can also just have a drink at One if By Land - a lot easier to slip in for a nice drink to enjoy the setting. Plus, if you call ahead, they're sure to take very good care of you! (In my experience, dinner didn't live up to my expectations).

Or another thought - there are dinner cruises that circle Manhattan. The best part is gliding by the Statue of Liberty, all lit up , and the skyline in front of you...Perhaps someone here can recommend one that would be appropriate (sorry, I've not been on one since my HS prom).

Jim,

Once you're kneeling next to me and not in front of me there won't be any problems!!! lol

Good luck to you.

I go with top of the rock see the following:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/pagesix/20051119/en_pagesix/touristtrapsmackdown

TTT

Bermyguy,
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and don't forget to post an update!

Maybe he will change his mind and propose while they are walking all over the city due to the transit strike....