My husband and I will be spending 5 nights in NYC this December. We will be there the week before Christmas. We have already arranged our accommodations and we will be staying near Madison Square Park in Manhattan. This is going to be our first time visiting NYC. We are looking for any recommendations on restaurants, shows, activities, shopping, etc.

We are also considering bringing our 4lb Yorkshire Terrier with us, but I am don’t know how pet friendly NYC is? We are from Orange County and pets are welcome pretty much everywhere here. Is NYC very accommodating to pets? I am also concerned that the sidewalks would be too busy and she would just get stepped on because she is so tiny. Should we just leave her home with my in-laws?

Thanks!

NY will be packed that week - think the 405 on a Friday afternoon, only people instead of cars . Lots of New Yorkers have dogs, but they live in more residential neighborhoods. I'd leave the dog home.

NY is insane that week and it is beneficial you are staying near Madison Square. The streets at times will be impassable near Rock Center and Times Square. Try to eat near Madison Square or East Village for same reason.

It would not be advisable to bring Toto, not that I have memorized the rules or customs, but I don't think I have seen dogs in the major museums or sights.

For restaurant recommendations, it would be helpful to know your price range, cuisine preferences, looking for high end or neighborhood spot, etc. For instance, coming from Orange County I would guess you wouldn't want Mexican or Vietnamese since you have great options at home.

Chowhound is also a good resource, but you would need to provide the same type of information to get a useful response.

Okay, sounds like we will need to leave our dog home. Got it! Thanks for the feedback sf7307 and IMDonehere.

As for budget/food preferences we are pretty open. We enjoy anything from dive to fine dinning. I think we are just looking for more of a memorable experience. We enjoy all types of food, but we will probably be in the mood for warm, hearty food since we will be freezing our California butts off. Also, Italian and pizza will be a must!

I'm also looking for any special Christmassy tips. Like where are the best decorations to see are? Where the best chirstmas desserts/treats are? Anything like that.

Bring some warm clothes (lots of layers, gloves and boots) and valium (for dealing with the insane crowds).

You MUST go see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Show at Radio City Music Hall. Get tickets now!

I would definitely NOT bring your dog with you. The health department allows only official service animals in stores or restaurants - and your hotel will not want you to leave the dog alone in the room all day. Nor are dogs allowed in museums or other major sights.

Also the city will be mobbed at this time meaning you would have to carry your dog the whole time - allowing it on the ground only in open parks - and then on a leash except in official dog parks.

NYC in winter is really not the place to bring a dog - especially one that probably won;t like being outdoors all the time (nor will you). And while many NYCers do have dogs - they are typicllay in residential areas close to open parks - not midtown or areas with major sights. (Our building happens to be pet friendly - but many - perhaps most residential buildings either don't allow dogs at all or limit them to 15 pounds.)

If you insist on doing this I would first confirm the hotel will allow the dog and then find doggie day care where you can leave your pet while you are touring the city.

Sorry - PLEASE leave you dog home - for her safety and your convenience.

As for specific recos - if you provide info on your interests and for restaurants budgets/types of food people can be much more helpful.

My list of top things for that week would be:

Nutrcracker at Lincoln Center
Top of the Rock
Rock Center, decorations and the tree - plus visit St Pat's across the street
View all of the store windows on 5th Ave - Saks and L&T are especially wonderful (but do expect lines to see them except early am or after they close at night - 10 or 11 pm)
The Met (check the web site to pick out a few departments to visit)
Staten Island ferry - great view of the skyline on the way back and the SoL on the way over

Get tickets for broadway shows in advance. If you want to see a hit get tickets NOW - if you are willing to to go for older or less popular shows check out broadwaybox.com to see which shows may be offering discounts - but also buy them as soon as they are offered to have the best choice of tickets at bargain prices.

I recommend the Bryant Park Christmas market! When I was there a few years ago they had an outdoor bar and comfortable chairs with outdoor heaters. It was fun being all bundled up and enjoying some wine in between shopping at the stalls!

I recommend the Bryant Park Christmas market! When I was there a few years ago they had an outdoor bar and comfortable chairs with outdoor heaters. It was fun being all bundled up and enjoying some wine in between shopping at the stalls!

There is also a Christmas market at Union Square (not far from Madison Square) and an indoor market at Grand Central Terminal.

Agree that all 3 Christmas markets are fun.

Seeing a variety of trees is interesting too:

THE tree at Rock Center
Antique Neapolitan tree and creche at the Met
Origami tree at the Museum Nat'l Histy (another must see for me - we are members and usually go about once a month)

Look at the web site of New York Magazine for a listing of special events by type and dates

Love the indoor market at Grand Central. Can't wait to go back this year!

This may seem odd but here are some of the places where should NOT eat in the area near your hotel. You will be running around and just might sime place randomly.

Rolf's. This German restaurant is known for its Christmas lights but the food tastes like sock puppets

The Coffee Shop on Union Square West.Many years thin gorgeous models worked there and ate and the food was never good. Now the models have left.

For some reason that is not one good restaurant on Park Avenue South between 23 and 14. Maybe it is bad restaurant karma.

Go into Saks briefly too - it's like a fairyland with the first floor inside decorations.

I'm sure you'll go to to Rockefellar Center after dark. Look across 5th Ave to see the animated light display cast on the side of Saks. It's brief but fun.

One of my favorite, most memorable NYC activities is to try out new workout / group fitness options.

If you are a yogini, look into some of the fantastic yoga studios throughout town such as jivamukti, exhale, or others. If you are into barre, check out pure or phyique 57. If you bike, rent bikes in Central park, or at a real LBS & explore the city by bike. (weather permitting). If you run, then make a several mile loop that takes you along the Hudson river early in the morning. If you like to hike, explore Van Cortland Park in the Bronx, or Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

Eataly on Madison Sq Park is good for a lunch or dinner (or 2). It does get crowded so either go early or be prepared to wait a while. I like sitting at one of the bar/counters and getting whatever is a special of the day.

Eleven Madison Park is a terrific restaurant!

I will never forget our dinner at Sea Grill in Rock Center. We had a table overlooking the skating rink. The rink cleared and a couple skated on, he dropped to one knee and proposed.

Be sure to reserve in advance/