There is something truly incomparable about New York City during the festive season. This year, Amy and I decided to swap the British winter for the bright lights of Manhattan. From the luxury of Upper Class flying to the bustling streets of Times Square, here is a look at our unforgettable Christmas trip to New York.
Our journey began at Heathrow Terminal 3. For the first time ever, we treated ourselves to the Upper Class experience. Usually, we are strictly economy travellers, but Christmas calls for a bit of indulgence!
The Virgin Atlantic lounge was the perfect start. We enjoyed complimentary Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and some seriously ‘banging’ food the crispy chicken and sticky toffee pudding were highlights. Once on board, the service was top-notch, complete with festive turkey dinners and a cheeky tequila and raspberry cocktail. Despite some turbulence, landing in a frosty New York felt like stepping into a film.
The Arrival and the Airport “Challenge”
I’ll be honest, JFK Airport was a bit of a test. It took us over two hours to clear passport control. We nearly got caught in the 9:45 PM cut-off! Thankfully, we made it through and headed straight to the Crowne Plaza. The room was spacious and exactly what we needed after a long day of travel.
Christmas Day: Rockettes and Rickshaws
We kicked off Christmas morning with breakfast at Junior’s—a local staple. Then, it was time for the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. If you are in New York for Christmas, this is a non-negotiable; the show was absolutely brilliant!
As the city got busier, we escaped the hustle for a festive dinner at La Grande Boucherie. The vibe was incredible and the food even better. To end the night, we took a Rickshaw ride through the city. Wrapped in blankets, we glided past the stunning lights of Fifth Avenue and the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. It was pure magic, even with the “carnage” of the Christmas Day crowds!
Boxing Day: Pastrami and the Statue of Liberty
On Boxing Day, we headed to the legendary Katz’s Delicatessen. If you’ve seen When Harry Met Sally, you know the place. The pastrami sandwich is huge—we shared one and it still cost about $46, but it was worth every penny.
Next, we tackled the New York Subway. It’s a bit different from the London Underground (you have to watch the signs closely!), but it got us to the Brooklyn Bridge. Instead of walking the whole bridge, we opted for the Staten Island Ferry. Pro tip: it’s completely free and gives you a fantastic view of the Statue of Liberty without the tourist price tag.
A Lesson Learned: The Speak Easy Tour
Our final evening had a bit of a hiccup. We booked a “Speak Easy” tour in an old-fashioned car through a third-party site, but the driver never showed up. It was a disappointment, but we didn’t let it ruin the night. We headed back to the Cognac bar near Central Park for some drinks and eventually grabbed some world-famous Junior’s Strawberry Cheesecake to enjoy in our room.
Final Thoughts
New York at Christmas is hectic, expensive, and loud, but it is also incredibly beautiful. From the larger-than-life cans of Coke to the sparkling lights of Manhattan, it was a trip we will never forget.