From Costco Bins to the Plaza: My NYC Christmas

I’m a self-identified Christmas Crazy. Not the type who starts shopping in July (that level of commitment deserves its own Hallmark movie), but the kind of crazy who owns twenty of those body-sized Costco black-and-yellow bins—yes, those bins—stuffed with holiday decor. I. LOVE. CHRISTMAS.

The rules in our house? Decorations up by Thanksgiving, Christmas music only until December 26th, and don’t even try to count carbs during the season—there will be cookies, and they will be nonstop.

Despite my festive obsession, I hadn’t made the ultimate pilgrimage: New York City at Christmastime. Last December, that wish finally came true. Pro tip: Plan early. Book in July unless you want to take out a second mortgage to stay near Midtown, where all the magic happens. We found a charming little hotel in Murray Hill, just a short stroll from Grand Central.

Our first stop? The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Even my husband was wowed—those Rockettes are next-level. Of course, you can’t skip Rockefeller Center. Sure, it’s wall-to-wall people, but the tree is so impressive it’s worth the crowd shuffle.

Walking Fifth Avenue is like stepping into a snow globe of high fashion and twinkling lights. The window displays are incredible, but Bergdorf Goodman is the crown jewel. I still mourn the days of Henri Bendel and Barneys, but Bergdorf’s is the last independently owned luxury icon—and inside feels like pure Christmas magic.

Want a true Eloise moment? The Plaza requires reservations just to peek inside the lobby, so plan ahead. For a kitschy Christmas finale, brave the line at Rolf’s German Restaurant. The decorations? Over-the-top fabulous. The drinks? Overpriced—but worth every penny for the Instagram moment.