Hey there, friends! Can you believe we’re almost at the end of Vlogmas? Today’s adventure was one I’ve been dreaming of for weeks. We took a walk through the West Village, one of my absolute favorite neighborhoods in New York City, and it was every bit as magical as I had hoped. From festive decorations to iconic pop culture spots, this little holiday stroll felt like stepping into a Hallmark movie. If you’re ready to soak up some seriously chic Christmas vibes, keep reading because I’ve got all the details!
But before I go on, I want to share the video I filmed during this day. If you prefer to watch instead of read (or do both!), you can check it out here:
Discovering the West Village
I’ve been to the West Village a ton of times (if you live in New York, it’s kind of a must), but I had never properly explored its holiday decorations. Seeing this neighborhood dressed up for Christmas was at the top of my list, especially after visiting the Upper East Side and Dyker Heights earlier this season. I’d seen so many cute pictures and videos of West Village streets all spruced up for the holidays, and I knew I had to experience it myself.
Walking through the area is like flipping through a coffee table book full of dreamy New York moments. The West Village exudes charm all year round with its cobblestone streets, picturesque townhouses, and ivy-covered façades. Around the holidays, though? It’s next-level enchanting. The decorations here feel so elegant and understated. You won’t see the over-the-top displays of Dyker Heights—instead, think minimalist white lights, wreaths on every doorway, and chic Christmas trees peeking out from inside historic brownstones.
A Little Movie Magic
One thing that’s extra special about the West Village is how steeped it is in pop culture history. Growing up watching shows like Friends and Sex and the City, I remember dreaming about what it would be like to live in this neighborhood. Of course, I didn’t realize back then that the gorgeous apartments they filmed were wildly expensive and way out of budget for most New Yorkers (the struggle is real, am I right?).
Still, the nostalgia is so fun! While wandering, I made it a point to swing by a couple of iconic landmarks. I saw the building used as Monica and Rachel’s apartment from Friends and even walked the street where Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment is located in Sex and the City. There’s something surreal about standing in places you’ve seen on screen so many times. It kind of makes you feel like the main character for the day.
Cozy Cafes & Holiday Eats
A day full of exploring calls for great food, and the West Village does not disappoint. We stopped at Boucherie, and I cannot recommend it enough. The cozy vibes, the twinkling holiday lights inside, and the giant, stunning Christmas tree in the dining room made it feel like the perfect seasonal hideaway. Plus, the food? Totally on point. This was actually my second time there—I visited a few years ago and loved it, so it was super special to come back and experience it all over again during the most festive time of year.
If you’re in the area, you can’t go wrong grabbing brunch or lunch there. Just make sure to snag a reservation, especially around the holidays, because spots fill up quick!
A Taylor Swift Connection?
Okay, I couldn’t write this without throwing in a little Taylor Swift moment. If you’re a fellow Swiftie, you might already know this, but Taylor used to have a place in the West Village. Some of the cafes and restaurants in the area are rumored to be her go-to spots for low-key dinners with her friends. I don’t know why, but I find things like this so fascinating. Maybe it’s knowing you’re walking the same streets as one of your favorite artists, or maybe it’s just one of those random fun facts you tuck away for future trivia games.
Either way, it all adds to the magic of the neighborhood. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to wander around streets so beautiful that even Taylor Swift was inspired by them?
Wrapping Up the Day
We wrapped up the day with full hearts (and full stomachs) and a little touch of sadness because I didn’t want it to end. The West Village has this way of making you feel like you’ve traveled back to simpler times, even if just for a few hours. Between the pop culture connections, the dreamy architecture, and the festive ambiance, I can’t imagine a better way to spend a December afternoon in the city.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to check out the video above to see everything for yourself. It was such a special day, and I’d love for you to experience it too—even if it’s through your screen for now.
If you’ve been to the West Village, I’d love to know your favorite spots. And if you’re planning to visit during the holidays, don’t forget to bundle up, wear comfy shoes, and leave a little extra time to get lost (in the best way)!
Finally, if you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend, subscribe to my YouTube channel for more NYC fun, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss what’s next. Tomorrow is the last day of Vlogmas, and I can’t wait for you to see what I have planned. Until then, thanks for spending a little bit of your day with me. Happy holidays and see you soon!
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like my previous vlogmas:
- Watch day 1 here
- Watch day 2 here
- Watch day 3 here
- Watch day 4 here
- Watch day 5 here
- Watch day 6 here
- Watch day 7 here
- Watch day 8 here
- Watch day 9 here
- Watch day 10 here
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