The Most Festive Hotels for Christmas in New York

As seen in the background of holiday movies every year, few cities do December quite like the Big Apple. Fairy lights twinkle at every corner, storefront window displays cause even the most hurried New Yorkers to stop and stare, and Christmas decor complements towering brownstones. But while the ever-impressive Rockefeller tree and glitzy shops of Fifth Avenue draw the crowds, it’s the hotels that give the city its real festive magic. 

The best Christmas hotels in New York

Suites transformed into winter wonderlands, private penthouses decked with skating rinks; New York’s top luxury hotels know how to make Christmastime one to remember. Whether you want to hide away in cozily decorated rooms, log fire-burning and in pajamas, or ring in Christmas in style with champagne and caviar, the city has something for all tastes.

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  The Mark

  You can always rely on The Mark to go all out for Christmas, and nowhere does it better than its top accommodation, The Mark Penthouse. This year, the 10,000-sq-ft suite is bringing back its private skating rink, offering an entirely secluded space to whizz around the ice, with impressive views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. On Christmas Eve, guests of the suite can expect personalized stockings by the fire, a Bergdorf Goodman–adorned tree, and a private Nutcracker performance.

  If you’re not checking in, but still want a taste of the festive cheer, swing by The Mark’s Hot Dog Cart for its Grand Cru hot chocolate – a delicate blend of eight cocoas topped with a Guanaja marshmallow float.

  book here

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  The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

  The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad is a short walk from Madison Square Park, home to New York’s first holiday tree lighting. The hotel taps into the neighbourhood’s long-running traditions, and this year’s switch-on will take place on December 9.

  The Grand Holiday package pairs a stay in The Ritz-Carlton Suite, adorned with festive decorations courtesy of Flowerbx, with tickets and behind-the-scenes access to George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Guests will also receive bespoke evening looks by Jennifer Behr and Patricia Voto of One/Of.

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  Waldorf Astoria New York

  Fresh from its recent reopening, the Waldorf Astoria is already embracing the city’s most exciting season. Taking a unique approach to festive decor, the property has collaborated with artist Linda Mihara, unveiling a striking origami installation that is centered around a Christmas tree crafted from the same technique.

  Guests can join in on the celebrations by booking the Deck the Halls suite experience, where they’ll be greeted with a holiday tree in their suite, decorated, of course, with ornaments and sparkling lights.

  See more: The Most Festive Hotels to Visit in London

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  Fouquet’s New York

  If you want the best festive memento in all of New York City, head over to Fouquet’s. The glamorous hotel is celebrating the holidays with an editorial-style version of the classic Santa photoshoot, captured by fashion photographer Michael Avedon, who is famed for his striking black and white portraits. The photoshoot will take place on Saturday, December 14, but high demand is expected, so it’s advised to book in advance.

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  The Dominick Hotel

  The Dominick’s Sky-High Holiday package is designed for anyone who wants to complete the full Christmas-in-NYC checklist - without any planning. Guests staying in the Duplex Penthouse are welcomed with champagne and caviar before heading to ice skate at Rockefeller Center and catch the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The hotel’s Bentley chauffeur service will be on hand to handle the journeys in between.

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  Baccarat Hotel New York

  With its signature crystals and deep-red palette, the Baccarat Hotel feels made for a romantic December in New York City, and if you’re looking for a particularly festive stay, the hotel’s Festive Elegance package has been curated especially for the holidays. 

  Presented by Printemps, the stay includes a private after-hours shopping moment at the department store. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s festive Tinsel afternoon tea, paired with a jewelry shopping appointment with Verstolo in the Petit Salon.

  If your Christmas gifts aren’t yet in order, the hotel’s boutique will be stocked with Baccarat glassware and homeware pieces, and on December 13, Upper East Side Vintage will host a pop-up in the hotel store, offering designer bags, jewelry, and apparel.

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• 

  The Lowell

  Tucked away on East 63rd Street, The Lowell is ideal for a quieter, more intimate Christmas stay in New York City, where you’re just steps from Central Park and the boutiques of Madison and Fifth Avenue. 

  For that wintertime, cozy feel, The Lowell boasts guestrooms and suites with real wood-burning fires, a rarity in the city, that set the ambiance for evenings spent with Christmas movies indoors. A curated menu of aromatic logs, designed to layer fragrance and atmosphere, is just one of the personalization options available, suites being styled with Christmas trees and monogrammed stockings.

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  Four Seasons Hotel New York

  Swap the pressure of hosting with a polished dining experience at the Four Seasons Hotel New York. The hotel is trading in tradition for a unique dining experience with a Christmas Day three-course lunch served at The Garden, featuring seasonal dishes such as USDA prime beef Wellington and seafood bouillabaisse. 

  Catering to families with a dedicated children’s menu, younger guests will also be given a traditional stollen bread treat. If Christmas Day is more of a grown-up affair, the hotel’s TY Bar will be mixing festive cocktails. Ring in the holidays with a Sleigh Bell Sour or a Frosted Fig Fizz.

  See more: The Most Interesting Books to Gift This Holiday Season

  Book here