If Paris has Valentine’s Day and Sydney claims New Year’s Eve, then Christmas is undoubtedly New York’s time to shine – and we mean quite literally. Few cities do December quite like the Big Apple, where every street corner twinkles with fairy lights and window displays could rival even the most flamboyant Broadway productions. But while Rockefeller’s tree and Fifth Avenue’s sparkle draw the crowds, it’s the best luxury hotels in New York that truly steal the show at Christmas time.
From lobbies transformed into winter wonderlands to rooftop igloos perfect for sipping spiked cocoa, New York’s most festive hotels know how to deck the halls. Whether you’re the type to spend the season in matching family pajamas or see Christmas as the perfect excuse for champagne and sequins, these properties take the holiday spirit to dazzling new heights. Grab your Santa hat – it’s time to unwrap the city’s most spectacular stays.
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The Plaza
Now we couldn’t begin a list of festive hotels in New York without the iconic Plaza Hotel. Known for its starring role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, this legendary hotel invites guests to embrace the grandeur of the season, just as the McCallisters did in the heart of the city. Whether you’re recreating Kevin’s classic limo tour through Central Park or simply soaking in the glamour of its lavish holiday offerings, The Plaza sets the stage for anyone to get lost in New York’s Christmas magic.
Begin with the hotel’s famed Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court, where the hardest decision of the day will be choosing from the delicate selection of teas, festive bites and seasonal pastries. If you’re in the mood for something even more exclusive, The Plaza offers the chance to retreat back to your luxurious suite, with a range of private dining options available throughout the holiday.
The Plaza’s dining offerings extend to Christmas Day with a special Champagne Bar menu and an evening prix fixe at The Palm Court, perfect for those seeking a refined yet festive atmosphere. And for families looking to make memories, the hotel’s welcoming ambiance ensures every guest leaves with a heart full of holiday cheer – and perhaps a photo op or two, just like Kevin’s adventures in the Plaza’s grand lobby.
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The Peninsula
If you’re seeking a holiday experience that feels like it was plucked from a winter fairytale, look no further than The Peninsula New York. With its stunning Fifth Avenue location, the hotel transforms into a wonderland of festive luxury, complete with one-of-a-kind experiences. This year, the West Terrace has been reimagined into a breathtaking Winter Wonderland, where guests can reserve their very own private igloo and evening of Champagne toasts and cozy conversation, heated and surrounded by twinkling city lights.
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For families, the Nights Before Christmas package is a must. From candy cane scavenger hunts to gingerbread decorating kits, it’s designed to sprinkle extra holiday magic on every stay. Meanwhile, the Peninsula Sweet Shoppe, featuring Sugarfina treats and surprise visits from the beloved Pen Bear, is sure to delight children of all ages.
On Christmas Day, indulge in an extravagant buffet at Clement, before paying a visit to the big man himself, Santa, and stopping by to listen to the sweet sounds of Victorian carolers, who take over the hotel’s lobby daily.
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Lotte New York Palace
Located just two blocks from Radio Music City Hall, the legendary Lotte New York Palace is the perfect place to stay if you’re planning on attending the annual Christmas Spectacular show starring the world-renowned precision dance troupe, the Radio City Rockettes. A fantastic base for immersing yourself in the city’s holiday cheer, the ultra-luxe hotel is also just a stone’s throw from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and the glittering festive displays at the city’s famed department stores.
Visit The Courtyard where you can savor signature hot cocoa in front of the glistening Christmas tree or step inside and check out the hotel’s gingerbread mansion, an intricate tribute to the iconic Villard Mansion. The hotel also offers Palace Holiday Suites, where you can return from fun-filled Christmas days to your very own sparkling Christmas tree, Balsam Hill ornaments and homemade holiday cookies.
From the start of December, little ones are able to post their letters to Santa at the Santa Mailbox in the hotel’s grand marble lobby. In a thoughtful touch, letters are collected each afternoon by the ‘Palace Elves’ and sent to the North Pole, before personalized responses from Santa Claus are delivered to guests’ rooms. On Sundays throughout December, guests can join Santa Claus himself in the Grand Lobby, where they can share their holiday wishes, snap a treasured photo and create special holiday memories.
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The Langham, New York
If you’re spending Christmas in New York, your itinerary is likely packed with festive staples – skating at Central Park, catching the Rockettes, or snagging tickets to the latest Broadway smash. But if holiday shopping tops your list, The Langham, New York is your perfect home base. Situated on prime Fifth Avenue real estate between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building, this 60-story hotel is a gateway to the city’s seasonal magic – and its legendary retail therapy.
And if you’re looking to bring a touch of holiday magic to your stay, consider booking The Langham, New York’s “Miracle On 5th Avenue” package. Beyond enjoying The Langham, New York’s winter wonderland of decore, complete with life-size nutcrackers and even a reindeer on the hotel’s roof, guests staying before January 5, 2025, will also enjoy a personalized holiday welcome amenity, daily breakfast Private Kitchen, and $150 in hotel credit – all the more reasons why you can treat your loved ones (or yourself) to something extra special.
The St. Regis New York
For those who prefer to dress up and dazzle, the St. Regis New York’s Christmas experience is as opulent and grand as the city itself. Steeped in over a century of history, this Midtown gem sets the stage for a festive season filled with glamour and luxury.
Start your day with the hotel’s Holiday Afternoon Tea in La Maisonette, where delicate teas from Palais des Thés are paired with seasonal pastries and Champagne, setting the tone for an afternoon of refinement. For the little ones, the Gingerbread House Workshop offers a fun and creative way to celebrate the season, complete with hot cocoa and treats, while each guest leaves with a commemorative apron and chef’s hat.
On Christmas Day, La Maisonette hosts an exquisite brunch, where you can savor seasonal favorites and decadent desserts, all paired with signature holiday cocktails, including their famous Red Snapper Bloody Mary.
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Mandarin Oriental
Situated on the 35th – 54th floors of the Deutsche Bank Center, with breathtaking views of the skyline and Hudson River, the Mandarin Oriental deserves a mention for its location alone. This holiday season, Mandarin Oriental, New York has unveiled a magical celebration in collaboration with French luxury shoemaker Christian Louboutin, transforming the hotel’s ground and sky lobbies into a dazzling winter wonderland.
Throughout the season, the hotel comes alive with holiday traditions. Enjoy the sound of Christmas with carollers spreading festive cheer every Friday, while families can book Brunch with Santa on select Saturdays. The MO Lounge will also be offering a holiday afternoon tea throughout the season, as well as special Christmas menus from December 21-25, including a four-course tasting menu with wine pairings and a Christmas Day brunch buffet complete with carving stations.
For that extra festive touch, the Season’s Sparkle Package includes a holiday afternoon tea, a personalized shopping experience at Nordstrom NYC Flagship and in-room seasonal treats. If you’re looking for home comforts, the Home for the Holidays Package helps families create unforgettable Christmas memories from their home-away-from-home, with a fully decorated Christmas tree and gingerbread house-making activities.
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The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, offers a front-row seat to one of the city’s most magical holiday attractions: Central Park itself. Stay here, and you’re just steps away from being first in line at the iconic Wollman Rink or setting off on an enchanting carriage ride through the park’s snow-dusted paths.
Returning back inside, the Ritz-Carlton leans into the spirit of creating a true home away from home – albeit a very glamorous one. Guests can opt for an in-room Christmas tree, beautifully decorated to set the holiday mood. The finishing touch? A special FAO Schwarz ornament, the perfect way to carry a piece of your festive stay into the new year – and the next, and the next.
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The Mark
If you’re looking to make your holiday season extra memorable consider booking The Mark Christmas Spectacular Package: A Fantasy Come to Life. Available from December 1 to January 6, this $250,000 packages includes a three-night stay in the hotel’s sprawling penthouse, with space for up to ten guests.
One of the package’s most unique features is a private-access private skating rink located on the penthouse terrace, offering breathtaking views over a chilly Central Park and the twinkling Manhattan skyline. For those looking to stay active, the package includes skating lessons as well as daily personal training sessions with the hotel’s expert trainer, both conducted from the privacy of the suite.
For a taste of New York’s rich culture, guests will enjoy an after-hours tour of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, guided by an expert. And for last-minute holiday shopping, take advantage of exclusive access to luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman, followed by tickets to the festive Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, a quintessential Manhattan holiday activity.
When it’s time to dine, indulge in two exclusive culinary experiences. Enjoy a four-course feast prepared by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, served in The Penthouse’s elegant dining room. For an added touch of extravagance for those who make caviar a holiday tradition, the package also includes a ten-person dinner at Caviar Kaspia.
And while the holidays are meant to be fun and festive, they can also be a stressful time for some, so to ensure guests feel relaxed and refreshed, the package includes an in-suite couples massage, as well as a luxurious trip to the Frederic Fekkai Salon for two glamorous blowouts.
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