Hi, friends! Welcome to another day of Vlogmas!
It’s so nice to have you here. If you’re a new face stopping by, hi hello! My name is Flor, and I’m a content creator, new mom, and lover of all things New York City. If you’ve been around for a while, you probably already know I love sharing my life here in the city—from motherhood moments to influencer events to life as a New Yorker in general. And Christmas in NYC? It’s simply magical. Today, I’m taking you along on a beautifully festive day exploring some of the most decorated, twinkly spots in the city. You can watch the vlog right here to catch all the cozy, snowy vibes. Go ahead and hit play while you read along!
The Plan for the Day
Whenever I explore, I like to map out my plan so I feel organized but still leave room for little surprises or moments of discovery. Today, we strayed from my usual Midtown favorites (think Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park) and ventured into some different areas of the city. I wanted to soak in the Christmas spirit somewhere new.
Here’s what we tackled on Vlogmas Day Four:
- Washington Square Park
- Union Square Holiday Market
- Madison Square Park
- Hudson Yards
I really packed the day with some of my bucket-list spots. Grab a coffee, a cozy blanket, and let’s relive the magic together!
First Stop, Washington Square Park
We started our walk at Waverly Place, where the city feels more classic and less touristy. Just two blocks away, we found ourselves at the iconic Washington Square Park. The Christmas tree there is so charming, standing proud right under the beautiful arch.
If I’m being honest, the tree here might not be the biggest or the fanciest in the city, but there’s something about it that gives me all the warm, fuzzy vibes. The last time I saw this tree was years ago, before I even lived in NYC, so coming back felt nostalgic and full-circle. Plus, it started snowing lightly while I was there. Tiny snowflakes fell on my beanie, and for a winter-lover like me, it was pure magic!
I always say you don’t need to go to places just because they’re famous. Spots like Washington Square Park bring an intimate vibe to the holidays that’s worth experiencing, especially when everything feels so decorated and cozy.
Union Square Holiday Market Vibes
Next up, we bundled up and headed to Union Square, which is about a five-minute walk from the park. If you’ve been in the city during the holidays, you have to stop by a holiday market. And Union Square’s market is the perfect place for this vibe.
Once there, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the Christmas markets I visited in Europe back when I lived in Munich. Union Square’s market has that same charm with cute vendor stalls, fairy lights, and delicious treats. You can browse for handmade ornaments, sip hot cider, or grab a snack from one of the many food stalls. It felt like being transported to Austria or Germany, and for a moment, I forgot the icy temperatures biting at my fingers.
Speaking of cold… pro tip! If you’re visiting during chilly weather like me, make sure to plan breaks to escape the freeze. I stopped by Barnes & Noble for a quick restroom detour and thawed out my hands. Trust me, your future self will thank you for warm moments like this!
Cheer at Madison Square Park
Onward to Madison Square Park! Fun fact about me: I am a sucker for an unexpected Christmas tree surprise, and I found just that here. I literally didn’t know the park had its own tree until a couple of days ago, and I couldn’t wait to check it out.
Madison Square Park always feels like a pocket of calm amid NYC’s craziness, and the tree there fit the vibe perfectly. It wasn’t crowded, which made it a peaceful spot to take in the decorations. If you’re around the Flatiron area this season, I recommend stopping to see it.
Oh, and the surrounding lights and festive setup give you all the NYC-at-Christmas charm you could ask for. It’s cozy and calm but still has that undeniable New York energy, you know?
Finally, Hudson Yards Brilliance
Our last stop was Hudson Yards, and oh my goodness, why have I never done this before?! I always end up at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park during the holidays, and as much as I love those spots, this year I wanted to try something new. Finally.
Hudson Yards absolutely blew me away. The lights were everything. Seriously, watching them in person felt so much more immersive than what you’ll see in the vlog (although I promise I tried to capture their brilliance on camera). They sparkled everywhere—from the grand overhead displays to the walls of The Shops.
There’s something magical about wandering through a place that feels like it was designed to completely envelop you in holiday cheer. And because this was my first time visiting during the holidays, it just felt extra special.
A Perfect Day in the City
By the end of the day, I felt so happy to have uncovered so much holiday magic that wasn’t on my usual holiday route. Combining snow, beautiful decorations, and cozy markets made it feel like the perfect festive day.
If you’re in New York or planning a trip soon, I hope this little itinerary inspires you to explore. Don’t stick to the usual crowded landmarks; there’s so much charm in the smaller spots, and they often capture what’s so special about Christmas in NYC more authentically.
Don’t forget to watch today’s Vlogmas video for all the snowy, twinkly fun! And if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my channel and hit the notification bell. There are still 8 more Vlogmas episodes coming, and I don’t want you to miss them!
Until next time, stay warm, stay festive, and keep chasing that holiday magic.
XO,
Flor.
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