Neighborhood Holiday Experience Guide
December 5, 2024
Neighborhood Holiday Experience Guide
Some of our favorite things to do during the Holiday season in each of our club neighborhoods in NYC – Chelsea, Downtown Brooklyn, Prospect Heights and Flatiron!
The holidays are often a whirlwind of gift shopping, wish lists, and wondering what to buy for everyone on your list. This year, instead of filling up our carts (and cramming our closets), we’ve shifted the focus to something even more meaningful: shared experiences. We asked our staff to share some of their favorite local holiday activities across our club communities. Read on for inspiration on how to spend memorable, quality time with friends and family, right in your neighborhood, this season.
The Highline Hotel, Chelsea (Photo Credit: Culture Travel)
Chelsea
Walk Through Chelsea Market and the High Line
Get some holiday shopping done while you taste your way through Chelsea Market this holiday season. Pro Tip: Grab a breakfast burrito from Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market on weekdays between 8AM – 11AM for a savory start to the day! Stop by Artists & Fleas to buy unique local gifts, and warm up with a bowl of soup from Very Fresh Noodles or Mok Bar. End the afternoon with a sunset walk on the High Line. Walk all the way to the end to finish the day at Hudson Yards for more festive décor, shopping and more. Be sure to check their calendar for opportunities to meet Santa, celebrate the Festival of Lights for Hannukah and more.
Winter Camp New Year’s Eve Party at Porchlight
Need plans this New Year’s Eve? Check out local southern eatery and bar Porchlight as they transform their space to a wintery wonderland with an apres-ski vibe. For more details and ticket pricing, click here.
Art Gallery Stroll Through Chelsea
Chelsea is known for its art galleries and creative displays. During the holidays, look out for seasonal installations and window displays that add a festive touch to the neighborhood. Start your day by taking in the breathtaking architecture of the historic Highline Hotel, and their holiday decorations! Grab a seasonal latte in the lobby from Intelligentsia to fuel up for a day of strolling. Check out information about Chelsea art galleries here.
The Hard Nut (Photo Credit: Mark Morris Dance Group)
Downtown Brooklyn
Ice Skating at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Does it get more classic than ice skating in NYC for the holidays? Check out ice skating at Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park to avoid the Rockefeller crowds (and prices!) this season. While you’re in the area, check out the FAD Market in Dumbo to shop for local and unique holiday gifts, and eat and drink your way through Time Out Market.
Sleyenda Pop-Up Christmas Bar in Cobble Hill
Who doesn’t love a good pop-up bar for the holidays? Starting December 1st, local pan-Latin restaurant and bar, Leyenda will be serving up holiday cocktails all month long during their Sleyenda Holiday Pop-Up. Featuring drinks such as Santa’s Little Cider, Tia Mia, Nutcracker Old-Fashioned, Coquito Ho Ho and so much more – plus over-the-top festive decorations to keep your spirits bright!
A Holiday Classic with a Modern Twist: Nutcracker Two Ways!
Check out the Brooklyn Nutcracker December 12-15th at The Theater at CityTech for a new look at the characters and story you know and love. Enjoy a combination of ballet, hip-hop, and global dance that “represent the heart of Brooklyn's cultural mosaic.” For more details and to purchase tickets, click here. Looking for more of a comedy twist on the Nutcracker? Check out The Hard Nut by Mark Morris Dance Group at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) from December 12-22nd.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Photo Credit: Brooklyn Botanic Garden)
Prospect Heights
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Perfect for all ages, this light show is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! Enjoy illuminated light trails while enjoying seasonal treats and festive music. Click here for tickets and more information.
Candle-Making Class at Apotheke
Make your own custom candle at Apotheke with family and friends this holiday season. The perfect cozy winter activity, great for anyone ages 10+. Click here for more information and to book your spot!
Brooklyn Pop Up Holiday Shop at the Brooklyn Museum
Shop for unique, handmade gifts from over 60 local vendors at this holiday pop-up shop held for two consecutive weekends in the Brooklyn Museum in the beautiful Beaux Arts Court. Click here for more details. Make it a full day of shopping on Vanderbilt Avenue to check out more local shops and restaurants. Grabbing a sweet treat from Ciao Gloria is the perfect way to start the day!
Swingers Mini Golf Holiday Experience (Photo Credit: Swingers NYC)
Flatiron
Harry Potter Store
Stop by the Harry Potter Store on 5th Ave to take in the festive Hogwarts vibes as you shop and sip your butter beer! Participate in the Christmas tree trail scavenger hunt, shop limited-edition holiday merchandise, and join Dobby the Elf in donating socks to those in need. For each pair of socks donated, Harry Potter New York will make a contribution to Knock Knock Give a Sock.
Holiday Sip + Shop at Chelsea Piers Fitness Flatiron
Keep it super local with our Holiday Sip + Shop event at our Flatiron club location on Saturday, December 14th! All location Members and their guests are welcome to join us for this one-day event. Shop local vendors featuring jewelry, ornaments, candles and so much more. Plus, enjoy free hot cocoa, coffee, and pastries! RSVP here!
Festive Mini Golf at Swingers Nyc
Looking for a holiday activity that's a bit more active? Check out Swingers Nomad location for a unique experience of "crazy golf" while enjoying festive drinks and gourmet-style street food. Perfect for a holiday date spot, or a fun group activity with friends for the holiday season.