What you'll do
Step into the most magical time of year in New York City with this curated 7-day luxury holiday itinerary. Designed for travelers who want to experience the city in style, it combines iconic Christmas traditions with private tours, world-class dining, and one-of-a-kind experiences. You’ll marvel at the Rockefeller Center tree, sip champagne on the Edge sky deck at sunset, and skate under twinkling lights at Bryant Park — all while enjoying VIP hotel perks and insider access.
This itinerary balances the city’s glittering holiday spirit with slow, indulgent moments: private museum tours before the crowds, cozy Central Park carriage rides, Broadway’s most dazzling shows, and cocktails in legendary hotel bars. With chauffeured transfers, priority seating, and exclusive upgrades, it’s the ultimate way to savor New York during the festive season. Perfect for couples, families, or anyone ready to experience Christmas in Manhattan at its most magical.
👉 For help booking your luxury holiday trip with exclusive hotel perks and VIP access, click here, message me or email Ryan.jones@fora.travel.
Day 1
Recommended Hotel (pick 1)
Option A
The Towers at Lotte New York Palace (Midtown)
Private-elevator “hotel-within-a-hotel” above St. Patrick’s & Rockefeller Center.
Perks for booking through me: VIP status; $100 daily breakfast credit; $100 one-time hotel credit; upgrade & early check-in/late check-out (if available); complimentary Wi-Fi.
To book with these perks, message me or email Ryan.jones@fora.travel.
Option B
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel (Upper East Side)
Old-world elegance steps from Central Park; Bemelmans Bar for live jazz.
Perks for booking through me: Daily breakfast for two; upgrade (subject to availability); personalized welcome; enhanced Elite amenities.
To book with these perks, message me or email Ryan.jones@fora.travel.
The Towers at Lotte New York Palace
hotel
Luxurious Midtown Manhattan hotel
The Towers at Lotte New York Palace
Occupying floors 41–53, The Towers are NYC’s most coveted suites, offering panoramic skyline views and discreet residential-style service. Private elevators and butler-style amenities elevate the experience.
Perks for booking through me:
VIP status
Daily breakfast ($100 credit)
$100 one-time hotel credit
Room upgrades (when available)
Early check-in/late check-out
Complimentary WiFi
To book this property with these perks, message me or email ryan.jones@fora.travel
Arrival, Settle, & Sparkle
Morning/Afternoon
Arrive & drop bags with the bell team (early room priority noted).
Light lunch on-property (Palace: Pomme Palais; Carlyle: The Gallery).
The Gallery – The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
restaurant
Romantic dining room at The Carlyle.
The Gallery at The Carlyle is an intimate restaurant inspired by the romantic tearooms of Istanbul. With deep red banquettes, low lighting, and hand-painted wallpaper, it’s a cozy hideaway perfect for breakfast, light lunches, or afternoon tea. The menu features refined comfort dishes, from fresh pastries to elegant salads and sandwiches, all served with The Carlyle’s signature attention to detail. Ideal for a quiet meal before exploring Central Park or a leisurely bite surrounded by timeless elegance.
Late Afternoon
Private driver to glide Fifth Avenue for a first look at holiday windows (Saks/Bergdorf) and a concierge stop at Lotte’s Winter Bar or The Plaza Champagne Bar.
Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows
Bezienswaardigheden bekijken
Luxury department store in NYC
The crown jewel of New York’s holiday windows, Saks Fifth Avenue unveils an extravagant theme each year, paired with a dazzling nightly light show across its entire façade. Expect long lines and heavy crowds at peak times, but the magic of the animated windows and synchronized music is worth it.
Winter Bar at Lotte New York Palace – Midtown
bar
Luxury hotel with tree, Winter Bar & holiday vibe.
Steps from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Lotte New York Palace is famous for its elegant courtyard Christmas tree, one of the prettiest in Midtown. Inside, visitors can stop at the Winter Bar for seasonal cocktails or hot drinks, making it a cozy detour during a Fifth Avenue holiday stroll. The combination of its festive outdoor display and warm interior atmosphere makes the Palace one of the best luxury hotel stops in the city during December.
Evening
Check-in, refresh.
Dinner: Le Bernardin (seafood temple) or Daniel (seasonal tasting).
Nightcap: Rarities at Lotte or Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle (live music from 5:30 pm).
Le Bernardin
restaurant
World-renowned French seafood temple.
Le Bernardin is one of New York City’s most celebrated restaurants, a three-Michelin-starred destination dedicated to the art of seafood. Helmed by Chef Eric Ripert, the menu highlights pristine fish and shellfish in elegant French preparations, from delicate crudo to imaginative tasting menus. The serene, understated dining room lets the food shine, making this a must for culinary enthusiasts seeking a refined, once-in-a-lifetime meal in Midtown Manhattan.
Bemelmans Bar – The Carlyle Hotel
bar
Elegant bar with murals and nightly live music.
Located inside The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, Bemelmans Bar is a New York institution where old-world glamour meets holiday charm. The bar is named for Ludwig Bemelmans, creator of the Madeline books, whose whimsical murals cover the walls. In the evenings, starting at 5:30 p.m., live jazz and piano music create an enchanting atmosphere perfect for cocktails or a romantic night out. Known for its martinis and timeless service, Bemelmans remains one of Manhattan’s most elegant spots to celebrate the season.