The Introvert's Guide to Christmas in New York
As you may have read in my previous article, I spent a very quiet holiday season in New York City. In fact, I spent New Year's Eve alone. Instead of the parties and the ball drop in Times Square, I whiled away my time with slow, calm activities that helped me settle into the lively business that is NYC.
Fellow introverts know that we fall on a spectrum ranging from super stay-away-from-me to I-socialize-like-an-extrovert-but-need-serious-downtime-to-recharge.
New York City has its soft spot too. It doesn't have to be loud and proud all the time. For the introvert who just wants to chill out or spend some time outside alone, here are my recommendations for a fun-filled winter itinerary in the Big Apple.
I've organized them into "blocks" based on my personal experience as well as factors like proximity and common themes.
Block 1
Visit The Oculus at the World Trade Center
If you're making a transit connection through the World Trade Center (like I did taking the subway into NYC from New Jersey), make sure to stop by The Oculus (the lower level atrium) for some festive holiday fun.
Each year, WTC holds a holiday market with specialty shops, themed lighting designs for commemorative events, and even performances! The market typically opens from late November to early January. It's best to go at night if you want to see the lights pop. For example, they'll program different lighting looks for the general holiday season, Hannukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and New Year's Eve/Day. Check their official platforms for programming dates.
When I went, there was also an indoor skating rink. The mini clock structure in the center of the atrium is a great photo-op.
For an even better photo-op, take the elevator up to the viewing platform and wait patiently for a center spot to open up. The Oculus features an amazing skeleton-like skylight. It's a great introduction to New York City's grand architecture.
If entering WTC is your way into the city, make sure to get some rest and recuperation for the rest of the night and leave the sightseeing for the next few days.
Bonuses
If you're feeling up for it, you can visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum located onsite as well as the Memorial Pools outside.
I didn't get a chance to see them, but I did find The Strangers Project nearby when I went back another day. The Strangers Project is a traveling pop-up exhibition that showcases real human letters on love and loss. It's a beautiful exhibit that'll have you crying in the best way possible.
Block 2
Book a Times Square photoshoot
I promise you, Times Square right before the New Year's is a sight to behold. There's nothing else quite like it in the world. Everyone's out there partying and shopping and generally making fools of themselves, and the technicians are hard at work setting up the lights and stage for New Year's Eve festivities.
I know some people are camera-shy and would rather feature the sights in their photos instead of themselves, but trust me when I say this is not something you'd want to miss out on. I'm a self-admitted extroverted introvert, so posing for some cheeky photos was right up my lane. Try to book your photoshoot in the evening for the week leading up to New Year's Eve (but never December 31!).
NYC drivers will be giving you the stink-eye all night as you jay-walk with the crowds, but it's one of the only times to see the city from the middle of the street without fear of being run over.
To capture all this wonder and excitement, bring a friend to help you take some photos or book a professional photographer like I did (follow the link for example photos from my shoot). If you're a solo traveller, this will offer you both protection in a crowd and possibility of new friendships. Get a peek at my photos and learn how I booked mine for only $70 here!
A photoshoot will probably take up most or at least half of your day, especially if you're preparing outfits and makeup, so schedule accordingly.
Some of the venues you'll be taken to (pictured: The Giant Red Christmas Ornaments).
Block 3
Drop by Hudson Yards
A friend brought me to this new mall in the West End of Midtown Manhattan to sightsee. The eponymous Hudson Yards is an up-and-coming neighbourhood that's still being developed, framed to be the next urban hotspot.
The The Shops at Hudson Yards mall features high-end shopping brands, a glittery glass exterior, and loads and loads of holiday fairy lights. The holiday décor is part of a seasonal project each year called Shine Bright Presented by Wells Fargo. A major attraction is the 32-ft suspended hot air balloon right inside the main doors on the west side that changes colour! Altogether around the neighbourhood, Shine Bright strings over 2 million lights for the season.
The Vessel is also a landmark structure outside the west gates.
Edge NYC is a tourist attraction located inside the mall that purportedly gives you a skyline view, but I personally wouldn't spend my money on this.
Hudson Yards is also a 12-minute walk away from New York Penn Station, and on the way back from the mall on foot, you'll end up in the secret perfect spot for photos!
See Penn Station
Penn Station is one of the two most recognized railway terminals in NYC (the other being Grand Central Terminal – see below). There are other terminals too, but Penn Station primarily serves the West End, and Grand Central Terminal serves the East End.
There's not too much to see inside the Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station right now, in my opinion, but the lower level does have a variety of eateries and boutique shops that may be worth your while.
Otherwise, admire it from the outside at the intersection of 33rd and 8th, and you just might get a great shot of the sun setting over the building.
If you're walking back from Hudson Yards, don't forget to stop to snap a pic of yourself against the backdrop of the Empire State Building (find the best spot for photos here).
Madison Square Garden, the famous arena and concert venue, is also right next to it on the other side of 8th Ave.
Block 4
See the Radio City Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular – AFTER New Year's
The days after New Year's Eve are the singular best days to see the Rockettes. Ticket prices are extremely discounted, and you can get a good deal whether or not you line up in person or buy online. This goes for any Christmas-related show in the city, such as George Balanchine's The Nutcracker.
The Rockettes' Wooden Soldier Fall is famous for its difficulty, and it's really a treat to be able to see it live. Plus, the theatre they perform in is huge.
Check out my review of these shows here:
Angela Xu
See any Broadway show (or all of them)
As an introvert, you can almost never go wrong with Broadway. It's the perfect blend of doing something fun but not having to do it with someone if you don't feel like it.
If you're a visitor to the city, that makes it even better because you'll be open to all the shows with fresh eyes. Snatch the moment to see as many as you can because where else would you ever be able to watch a full-length theatre production every single day of the week?
Again, wait until after New Year's for the best prices. The week of January 1st is always slower because most people are snuggling at home.
Go to The Nutcracker Ballet
Same deal – watch George Balanchine's The Nutcracker after January 1 for the best prices and discounts.
I understand the feeling of wanting to get all the holiday things done in the run-up to Christmas and New Year's Eve for a "truly" festive feel, but if you're not one for crowds or heavy prices, treat yourself to a calmer, just-as-enchanting performance by the New York City Ballet without all the chaos.
Plus, the Lincoln Center where they perform is stunning. It's a huge three-building performance complex that will delight any arts lovers. Take it all in by the fountain in the center of the square.
Block 5
Visit Bryant Park Winter Village
There are several holiday markets during the season, but Bryant Park's is the most popular and well-known. Sure, it's a bit of a tourist trap, but that doesn't stop locals and tourists both from enjoying all the activities is has to offer. I personally loved it.
From a shopping perspective, there were so many innovative products I would've loved to take home if not for my limit of a single carry-on (and moolah, of course).
For foodies, imagine my delight when I discovered a dango booth! In all kinds of flavours!
I will admit a lot of the stuff there was extremely overpriced, but you can't expect less from New York City, I suppose. As long as you don't get pulled into the consumerism, you should be fine. There were some artisans as well selling their own handmade products, like these candles:
Other than vendors, the Winter Village also features a large skating rink, roof-covered food court, and Christmas tree with Santa hours.
My other great (window-shopping) finds included 100% waterproof rain jackets, rare crystals, cheeky posters, and book art.
Visit the Rose Room at New York Public Library
Booklovers and literary lovers unite – here is a reading room to satisfy all your buttons. Libraries have historically been a cultural pillar for civilizations for over 5000 years, and some of our modern-day libraries have been preserved or revitalized to reflect their long-standing heritage.
The magnificent Rose Main Reading Room is one of them. It was opened in 1911 and features a beautiful mural ceiling in pastels that's been painstakingly restored time and time again.
The Rose Room is open to the public for dedicated research time with an access card, or you can visit in small groups let in periodically by library staff during specific hours. (Note that if you're visiting only, you'll have to leave after a few minutes of sightseeing.) Check their official platforms for hours.
The New York Public Library is right next to Bryant Park, so make this a 2-in-1 outing.
Check out the rest of New York Public Library
Besides the popular Rose Room, the Library also holds a treasury of historically significant documents and items in their gallery. This gallery is open to anyone.
If galleries and museums aren't your thing, them hop into the gift shop next door for some fun souvenirs, some of which you may only be able to find at the Library.
Upstairs, there are also hallway installations with more timelines and information on significant peoples.
Admire Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is the most famous railway terminal in New York City. Its sky-high dome, ceiling murals, and beautiful, spacious architecture make it the perfect backdrop for photos, selfies, and even Kpop performances!
Remember that viral performance of Kpop boy-band BTS dancing with a marching band? That was filmed in the main lobby of the Terminal.
Remember to visit at night for the best illumination.
On the lower level, there are restaurants and a large food court, though the washrooms get busy quickly and aren't the cleanest.
Block 6
Go skating at Rockefeller Center at night
Or just sightsee, that's perfectly fine too. Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree is always one for the books, and there's a lit-up ice skating rink right underneath it. Just be aware that if you're spending time on the ice here, there'll be thousands (literally!) of people vying for a chance along the viewing platforms to snap a pic – and you'll probably be in them.
Of course, nighttime is the best time to see the tree's full glory, and I had to push and shove a bit to finally get a space at the front for photo-taking. Be prepared for cold winds, and dress warmly.
Rockefeller Center itself is a 19-building commercial complex spanning 22 acres, so you can do your shopping here at the same time. However, I recommend heading a few streets over to see one special store...
American Girl Flagship Store
I'd never heard of American Girl before I became an American Girl hairstylist in Toronto. They have starter dolls called "Truly Me," and the whole point is to choose one that represents you exactly. Then there are limited edition Girl of the Year dolls, as well as the legacy "historical dolls" (the original ones plus new ones made with historical backgrounds). Each doll comes with a book with a moral lesson.
As a boutique only, we were limited in hairstyle and spa options, but I do have photographic proof of me making my living painting tiny nails on dolls and braiding beautiful "Waterfalls" and "Sweethearts" (official AG styles) into hair.
Sometimes it was exhausting (a really tangly doll would take me over 2 hours), but it was a lot of fun.
The lore about AG is so expansive, you wouldn't believe it. I'd heard stories about the New York store offering hospital services, the full range of dolls in every colour of the rainbow, and more.
It became a kind of marker that whenever someone from our boutique went to NYC, they would make it a point to visit the AG flagship store.
I was not disappointed. It's huge, first of all. It wasn't too busy, but there were parents with children playing around the store and lining up for salon services. In the flagship store, children can have their hair styled in the same way as their doll's.
They also had Disney collaborations and – guess what – a Wicked collaboration with outfits for Glinda and Elphaba!
You can go wild in here. It's fun, innocent, and just a little bit silly.
Block 7
Shop at Christmas in New York, Little Italy
Visit Little Italy for their humongous Christmas in New York store. It's exactly what it sounds like – a store for anything Christmas-related, with jewelry engraving services and a whole second floor of Christmas-plus-more (eg. Halloween décor). They excel in ornaments and dolls.
Chinatown
Little Italy is also close to Chinatown, which is worth a walk-through if nothing else. It's not an obviously dedicated area like London's Chinatown, but if you want some good ol' bread and sandwiches, you'll find them here. Just be mindful of tacky souvenir shops – these items are everywhere; you don't need to be paying a premium for them, unless you're good at bargaining.
Block 8
Pass by The Whitney Museum
I'm personally not a fan of museums, but the Whitney Museum, when I went, had an exhibition going on featuring the history of Alvin Ailey Dance Company with live performances. Unfortunately, no tickets were available when I asked, but for museum-goers, the Whitney Museum is definitely worth a look.
Their gift shop also has some really great artwork, clothing, and souvenir items. There's a bistro right across the lobby for a meal break.
The High Line
Right next to the Whitney Museum is one end of the High Line, an urban green space sitting several meters in the air and stretching along several blocks. Of course, in the winter, it's less "green," but there can be art installations along the path. It's also much less crowded in the winter, so you can stop to get the perfect skyline view of Manhattan.
Many "I do" moments happen here.
The High Line has been noted as a prime example of how green space and modern city-structure can cohabitate.
Chelsea Market and Artists & Fleas
Exit the High Line from the indicated spot to enter Chelsea Market, a hip, trendy shopping mall with great food options and a selection of boutique and mainstream stores.
Right inside this entrance is the year-round Artists & Fleas artisan market. Some of the items are unique imports, some are fully handmade, and some tout a sustainable crafting label. There are also lots of illustrative artwork and prints. I bought myself a a nice handmade shell jewelry plate, and, upon reverse image-searching it online, found it to be definitively a unique handmade piece – there's no other one like it in the world.
I also saw Egyptian perfumes and essential oils, reproduced movie posters, and vintage clothing.
Don't forget to visit the basement level of Chelsea Market for a hot sauce taste-teste at Heatonist ;)
Allegedly, New York's best hot dog is served in the basement food court at Dickson's Farmstand Meats.
There's also a kawaii Asian lifestyle store called Pearl River Mart on the main floor where you can find all sorts of goodies for a reasonable price.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
I'm not a Starbucks or coffee fan in general, but you don't have to be one to check out the cool Starbucks flagship store right next to Chelsea Market. They've got exclusive Starbucks-branded trinkets and drinkware, and the giant coffee bean grinder is a sight to behold.
It's a fun place to sit down and work for a while or just enjoy the aroma.
Block 9 (Brooklyn)
Time Out Market
Since I lived in Brooklyn my first week in the city, I took the bus to find the Brooklyn Bridge Lookout and discovered Time Out Market.
It's a large, hip food hall with tons of boutique, local, and unique flavours, along with some pop-up retail brands – not to mention it's so crowded during the day. If you like livelihood, this is the place for you.
Waiting in line for the female washrooms is a real challenge, though. It got so bad, staff had to intercept and start hailing the women into the men's washrooms.
The Lookout (the unofficial one)
If you exit Time Out Market towards the riverside, keep your eyes open for a sign on the wall directing you to the rooftop lookout.
This isn't the official Brooklyn Bridge Lookout point on Google Maps, but I dare say it's equal in reward because there are almost no people (in winter) and you get a good vantage point of both Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges (Brooklyn Bridge might be partially blocked by some trees).
With a creative eye and some help from bystanders (mine happened to be a photographer), you can snap some fun shots of yourself getting whipped around by the wind (not joking).
The view from atop.
Jane's Carousel and the Riverside
After taking your fill of the bridges, head on down to Jane's Carousel by the riverside to see this 1922 historic attraction. Then walk along the riverside and its parks, where I found a violin performer offering their tunes, as well as a personal filming project going on.
Be sure to dress extremely warmly because those winds gusts aren't joking around.
I never actually made it to the Brooklyn Bridge Lookout due to the cold, but I was happy with what I found already.
Left: Jane's Carousel / Right: Underneath the Brooklyn Bridge.
Conclusion
There are tons of other things you can do in New York City that aren't on this list, like:
- Try the famous local food (saved for another article)
- Frolic in Central Park (I didn't go the park this time, but it's a big one to check off your list if you're an Enchanted fan)
- Visit more museums like The Met and MoMA (these are located in Upper Manhattan, and it's a bit of trek if you're near Midtown or Lower Manhattan, so I'd save this for if you're going to Central Park as well)
- Visit the Statue of Liberty (sometimes, the ferry stops operating in winter, so check the weather and official platforms before making the trip)
- Just walk around Times Square – it's already a sight in itself
In this article, I've crafted the itinerary based on my own experience and "blocks" of activities you can do in one go. It's a mix of sightseeing and holiday splendour combined.
At the end of the day, New York City is a distinctive metropolitan that everyone should see that at least once in their lifetimes. I hope this guide has given you, the fellow introvert, a starting point for your travels.
