"Chinese food on Christmas Day is a big city tradition, and this place is both delicious and has a fun, old-school atmosphere. It’s near Lincoln Center, so if you happen to catch a show or are uptown around the holidays, be sure to pop in here and make a reservation if you can! The booths are cozy and glamorous, and the Beijing duck is divine."

"St. Patrick’s Cathedral is certainly no secret to the masses (pun intended), but it’s still one of the most beautiful places to stop in to light a candle for a loved one or sit quietly to reflect and stare at the stunning architecture. The Christmas mass schedule is on their website, and if you are interested in Christmas Eve midnight mass, they do have a lottery system as it becomes very crowded!"

"One of my all-time favorite restaurants in town is Cafe Mogador. I’ve been going here since I moved to the city in 1999. They have the best brunches and even serve breakfast specials til 4pm on weekdays in case you’re a late riser. Their specialty is delicious Moroccan food. Be sure to try their Middle Eastern breakfast or a side of hummus, and if you’re there for dinner, I love the lamb tagine."

"One of the sweetest vintage furniture shops tucked in the Cobble Hill area of Brooklyn, this is where I’ve happened upon some of my favorite vintage Christmas ornaments. They are so nostalgic to look at and always come in the cutest original boxes. They also sometimes have a bowl of lonely, single ornaments. And you might even pick up a newly re-upholstered, one of a kind vintage chair while you’re there!"

"Sometimes you just wanna eat under a sky of chili pepper lights! This East Village staple is a fantastic and magical place that has been around for years. It reminds me of when I first moved to the city because I came here all the time with friends. The vegetarian dinner special is great, and ask for some lime pickles on the side!"

"Every Christmas I end up at the Union Square Market for last-minute gifts and fun people watching. They have food stalls, too! It feels so good to buy a locally made gift and support artists at this time of year. And you get the most unique presents!"

"There is nothing more fun than an annual holiday extravaganza. No matter what your flavor of holiday or music, you will love the Yo La Tengo Hanukkah Shows. This killer band has been putting this show on for the better part of the last 17 years, and there are always special guests and fun surprises afoot."

"Bar Lunatico hosts some of the best live music in the city. So many of my favorite local musicians play here, and almost any night of the week you’re bound to see and hear something magical with an incredible, well-curated variety of genres. The food happens to also be amazing, and the cocktails are very special. It’s a cozy room with a warm glow. Buy tickets in advance if you’re able!"

"Such a beautiful old and restored theater in Brooklyn. I remember when I went for the first time, I was in awe of the ceiling, and the lobby is beautiful. Seeing any show here is a delight, but to see a holiday show here would be a very special thing. They have the Nutcracker, Hip-Hop Nutcracker, and Elf on the Shelf shows in December."