About New York
New York City is one of the most iconic cities in the world, famous for its bright lights, bustling streets, and picturesque skyline. At Christmas time, it's also a magical place to visit, with twinkling decorations adorning the iconic sights and delicious aromas of traditional holiday food wafting from eateries around the city.
Whether visiting New York for the holidays or seeking a festive evening out with friends or family, a Christmas dinner in the city can be an unforgettable experience. Marvel at the lights in Times Square or meander through the Museum of Modern Art. Don't forget to see Central Park in its Christmas glory, where you'll build up an appetite!
If you want to do something special, why not book a Christmas dinner venue to create a festive feast composed of traditional holiday favorites? The menu might include starters such as chestnut soup or potato pancakes with apple sauce, followed by turkey with all the trimmings, accompanied by mulled wine or eggnog. For dessert, indulgent options like sticky toffee pudding or plum crumble might be served alongside warming drinks like Irish coffee or hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows.
To top off your night, add a dose of seasonal cheer by hiring entertainment to offer carol singing throughout your meal or include live performances from local choirs to entertain your guests.
Christmas Dinner Options in New York
- Bakery
Hosting a Christmas dinner is a good enough reason to order a tantalizing cake from one of New York’s bakeries. There is no better treat than presenting your guests with festive holiday desserts and pastries.
- Photography
When loved ones gather, special memories are created, and these moments are worth capturing for posterity. One of New York’s best photographers can snap beautifully sentimental photos of your Christmas dinner party. Perhaps you want family photos taken to go on the holiday cards; you can use the opportunity to also take Christmas portraits.
- Flowers
Add some holiday cheer to your dinner table with beautiful floral arrangements from one of the city's talented florists. The florists in New York City take the holiday season quite seriously, and they will deliver perfectly curated Christmas-themed arrangements for the occasion.
- Christmas Decorations
Nothing captures the spirit of the season better than a Christmas tree adorned with holiday-themed decorations. The lists of holiday shops in New York can set you up with everything you need to create the holiday magic at your chosen Christmas Dinner venue.
- Catering
The food is the highlight at a dinner party, and with one of New York’s catering companies taking the lead, you are guaranteed to have well-fed guests. Best still, they can come up with a unique and festive tablescape for the occasion to truly wow your guests.
Christmas Dinner Vendors in New York
- Dominique Ansel Bakery
Dominique Ansel Bakery is one of the most popular baked goods stores in New York City. Opened in 2011, the bakery quickly grew and acquired a reputation for its delicious pastries, including its signature Cronuts, which debuted in 2013. The Bakery is also home to other delicious creations, including the DKA, Cookie Shot, Frozen S'mores, and made-to-order madeleines.
- Jelo Flowers & Decor
Jelo Flowers & Decor is a New York City-based event design company specializing in producing unique events. The company's event designers are skilled at organizing multicultural occasions, and they are dedicated to creating decorations that reflect the spirit of the occasion. Their bouquet of services includes floral arrangements and event planning.
- Balloons To Go
Balloons To Go is a one-stop shop for all of your balloon needs! They can cater to the most basic balloon decorating requirements and also come up with elaborate creations. If you have a birthday coming up, want to congratulate someone, wish a loved one good luck, or deliver any other special congratulatory message, Balloons to Go have you covered.
Pros and Cons of Christmas Dinners in New York
Christmas dinners in New York can be a truly magical experience. From the bustling city streets to the towering skyscrapers, it’s hard not to feel festive during this time of year. Whether you’re looking for an intimate family gathering or a lively night out with friends, here are some of the upsides and downsides of indulging in Christmas dinner in the Big Apple.
Advantages
- From the bright lights of Times Square to the holiday decor found throughout New York City's five boroughs, no other city can compare to getting into a festive spirit.
- Whether you want an upscale dining experience at one of NYC's famous Michelin-starred restaurants or a simple yet delicious home-cooked meal at a booked venue, there’s no shortage of options for enjoying Christmas dinner in New York City.
- From ice skating at Rockefeller Center to lively karaoke sessions at one of NYC's many dive bars, there are plenty of ways to make your Christmas dinner even more special by exploring New York City before or after your meal.
Disadvantages
- As one would expect with any large city during peak season, certain areas may become congested with tourists and locals alike, making it difficult to navigate streets – especially during rush hour – which means longer travel times on Christmas day.
- With many venues raising prices due to demand during this season combined with more expensive ingredients (think seafood platters), having a fancy feast for your family or friends can get pricey quickly if you don't research ahead of time and stick to budget-friendly menus instead!
- Since this is such a popular time for people coming into town from all over the world, along with locals who snag reservations months in advance, getting seats at highly sought-after activities for after-dinner fun can be nearly impossible unless you plan well in advance.
Tips on How to Organize Christmas Dinners in New York
Christmas is a particular time of the year, and in New York City, there's no better way to celebrate it than with a festive dinner. Here are some tips to help make your Christmas dinner in New York City truly unforgettable.
- Choose the right venue: Depending on the size of your group, you may want to consider renting out a private room at a local restaurant or renting out an entire space like a loft or hall for your event. This will ensure plenty of seating for everyone and give them more choices for food and beverage options.
- Create an invitation list: Once you have settled on a venue, create an invitation list that includes friends and family members who may be interested in attending your Christmas dinner party. Make sure you’re able to accommodate all guests who are invited before sending out the invitations so that everyone feels comfortable during the event.
- Set a theme: To make your holiday gathering even more festive, consider setting up themed decorations throughout the room or venue space – such as hanging garlands of mistletoe or setting up colorful candles around the dining table. This will help set the mood and make it easier for guests to feel right at home.
- Plan your menu: One of the most important aspects of planning any party is deciding what food to serve your guests. For Christmas dinners in New York City, try serving traditional dishes like roasted turkey with stuffing or mashed potatoes topped with gravy – these classic recipes are sure to please everyone! You could also add some unique words from different cultures if you would like to add variety to your menu.
- End with a toast: As you prepare for the end of your Christmas dinner party, why not finish off by raising a glass and making a toast? Guests will love this special moment as they celebrate one another and give thanks for all their blessings during this magical season!
Famous Locations in New York
- Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center, located in Midtown Manhattan, offers a variety of activities to do. It is not only home to an array of shops and restaurants but also home to the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This large tree draws in visitors from near and far every holiday season. A tree is placed in the town square around mid-November, and the lighting ceremony usually happens on the Wednesday evening after Thanksgiving.
- Radio City Music Hall
The Radio City Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular is one of those legendary New York City customs you don't want to miss. The famed Rockettes dance and dazzle their way through Radio City Music Hall, transporting you into a world of enchantment. The Christmas Spectacular is a must-attend event for anyone wanting to get into the holiday spirit. It features the iconic Woodland Dance and a sensational ice skating finale, among other delightful surprises.
- Macy's Herald Square
Constructed in 1902, Macy's Herald Square was the first building to have a modern escalator and one that has continuously set trends since then. Today, Macy's Herald Square takes up an entire city block, with 11 stories of fashion, dining, and entertainment. Whether you're searching for the newest styles or want to grab a bite to eat, Macy's Herald Square has something for everyone.
