Christmas Bucket List
Christmas themed bars, holiday markets and other cheer
Hi! Hello!
Christmas season is my absolute favorite time of year! For me, Christmas doesn’t begin until the day after Thanksgiving. Growing up, on Black Friday, we would drive up to the mountains to a Christmas Tree farm, choose and cut a tree fresh and then decorate the tree when we got home.
A live Christmas tree is the only way to go for me and a frasier fir is superior. A North Carolina frasier fir, the best.
This year, I am trying to hold on to as much joy as I possibly can and so here are some things I am looking forward to doing this holiday season.
Christmas Bars
Every year, normal bars transform into Christmas themed bars. Sleyenda in Cobble Hill is my favorite on this list. On November 29th, Leyenda, a Brooklyn Cocteleria, will transform into a winter wonderland. They have an igloo in the back for groups as well as a cozy fire inside. My favorite way to warm up on a cold day is their spiked Mexican hot chocolate, a little spicy, a little spiced. I’ve walked in here plenty times and they are open on Christmas Eve!
Snowday in Brooklyn is a seasonal holiday pop-up at the popular Brooklyn brunch spot Sunday in Brooklyn - featuring over the top decorations and holiday themed drinks. Definitely make a reservation here - I’ve already got one booked in December with friends!
Rolf's German Restaurant is a popular Christmas bar on Instagram. They put the deck in deck-the-halls and is a great place for pics. If you want to visit here I would recommend going early and with a reservation!
During the holiday season The Cabinet Mezcal Bar in the East Village transforms into The Miracle on 9th Street. They serve up cocktails in novelty glasses and there are Santas all around. I haven’t been to this spot yet, but I want to make a point this year!
One of my favorite bars Dead Rabbit is launching a holiday takeover - Jingle Jangle - starting November 19th. I love Dead Rabbit and want to visit so I can try some of their holiday drinks.
Christmas Markets
Christmas markets originated in Germany but now exist all over the world. NYC’s Christmas markets are a great place to do Christmas shopping, grab some food, ice skate and generally engage is holiday cheer.
The Union Square Holiday Market will be open this year November 16–December 24, 2024. With over 100 vendors selling affordable and unique items from local craftsmen and artists, there’s a lot to see. Grab a warm beverage and enjoy.
The Bryant Park Holiday Market is open October 25, 2024 - January 5, 2025. Bryant Park is probably most famous for its ice skating rink. The best stall is No Chewing Allowed for hot chocolate. Last year, I tried the raclette - what’s not to love, melty cheese on crusty bread with some cured meats.
Christmas Tree to See in the City
It’s not a Christmas list without calling out the Christmas tree to see in NYC - the Rockefeller Center Tree. The crowds can be crazy here - I would prioritize going either on a weekday or later in the evening. Last year we went on Christmas Eve and it was not crowded at all.
Shows
During the holiday season, there are lots of shows to get you in the holiday spirit. There are of course the two classic NYC holiday shows - The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular and the New York City Ballet’s Nutcracker. But here are some other shows for you to consider!
Elf is my favorite Christmas movie and Elf the Musical is coming to Broadway! The New York Philharmonic is also doing Elf in Concert and I am dying to go.
For a spicier holiday show, may you consider Nutcracker Rouge by Company XIV? A baroque burlesque holiday show, I went a few years ago with a friend and absolutely loved it and have been itching to go back.
Movies
Two movies I always have to watch during the holiday season are Elf and Die Hard. To me, Elf is THE holiday movie - and the same for Sayak with Die Hard which he watches every year on Christmas Eve.
Activities
Two fun holiday activities are the Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights.
Lightscape is an after-dark lights show throughout the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. They sell seasonal beverages for you to enjoy as you walk through and enjoy the light displays with festive music. Dress warmly and be prepared to walk. It is a lot of fun.
A neighborhood in South Brooklyn, Dyker Heights is decorates hardcore during the holiday season. Best enjoyed with a car, the lighting displays here are crazy and fun. If you have a car, pile in with friends, bring some hot chocolate and blast the Christmas music. There are also lots of people walking around the neighborhood too if you don’t have access to a car.
Books
I usually read at least one seasonal warm and fuzzy Christmas romance this time of year and here are a few that I have read in years past that you may enjoy!
One Day in December by Josie Silver
Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun
The Christmas Orphan’s Club by Becca Freeman
Do you have any suggestions for cozy Christmas reads for me to read this year?
Recipes
The oven is on and I can’t stop baking. Last year, I made an absolutely delicious spiced cranberry snacking cake from Baking with Dorie. Year after year, I return to this gingerbread cookie bar recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction. They are just that good. I buy cream cheese icing instead of making it myself which is my secret to making any recipe a little easier.
Mulled wine is always a good idea. Throw on your crockpot or a pot on the stove. I don’t usually follow a recipe but this is a good one to follow if it’s your first time making mulled wine. I also have fond memories drinking wassail at Christmas parties as a kid and I want to attempt to make an adult version this year.
What’s your favorite Christmas movie?
Take care and happy holidays,
Savannah
📚 Currently Reading: As Long as the Lemon Tree Grows by Zoulfa Katouh
🎧 Currently Listening: Men Have Called Her Crazy by Anna Marie Tendler
You can shop my 2024 reads so far here.
If you would like to learn more about my Reading Around the World Challenge, you can read more about it in my previous post.
You can see my reading list for my Reading Around the World challenge here.
You can submit reading suggestions for my challenge here - I am always looking for more ideas!
Continuing to share some resources for Helene relief - and especially thinking about all those impacted as the weather gets colder.
Consider donating to Beloved Asheville or World Central Kitchen if you are able. They’ve both been posting and it’s amazing to see the money I have been able to give has been used to directly support the community.
As always, take care of yourself and take care of your neighbors. Thankful for my community and friends during this time.
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Love Leyenda but its Christmas alter ego is news to me!!! That might be a post decorating spot for us next weekend 🎄
Yippiee ki-yay