Hi friends! Welcome back to the blog, and happy Vlogmas Day 7!
I am beyond excited to share today’s post with you because it’s packed with festive vibes, cozy moments, and some of the most magical holiday sights that downtown New York City has to offer.
If you’re new here (hi, welcome!), my name is Flor. I’m a content creator living in NYC, juggling life as an influencer and a new mom to my one-year-old daughter, Julia. During December, I post a series of Vlogmas videos on my YouTube channel, which means cozy winter vibes, NYC adventures, and holiday cheer every other day until Christmas, including five more videos after this one. If you haven’t yet, make sure to subscribe to my channel and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss any of the content (it’s gonna be good, I promise!).
Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about today’s adventure, with a little bonus treat for you mid-post – the video! 🎥✨
A Holiday Walk Through Downtown NYC
Day 7 of Vlogmas started with a plan. I had mapped out four iconic holiday spots downtown, each with its own special vibe, and I was SO ready to see them all! There’s something about experiencing New York during the holidays that feels magical and nostalgic yet new every single time.
Stop 1: Brookfield Place
First up was Brookfield Place, an upscale shopping mall and event space filled with luxe brands and perfect photo ops. It had been years since my last visit, so going back was exciting. During the holidays, the space transforms with stunning light installations that create this cozy yet chic holiday vibe.
The highlight? The gorgeous light decorations cascading from the ceiling. It’s the kind of scene you just have to see for yourself (or, you know, in the video below 👇). Walking beneath the lights felt like stepping into a glittering snow globe. While Brookfield Place might not be familiar to everyone outside NYC, trust me when I say it’s worth adding to your holiday list if you’re nearby!
Want to see exactly what I’m talking about? Here’s the vlog to go along with this magical day. Watch it here:
Stop 2: The Oculus
Literally across the street from Brookfield Place is the Oculus, which isn’t just an incredible transport hub but also serves major shopping mall energy. I’ll admit, I hadn’t been there during the holidays before, so I didn’t know what to expect. This year, they installed a rink for the season. Now, plot twist – it’s NOT an ice rink like I thought, but instead a roller rink painted white to give the illusion of ice. It’s such a fun spin on a classic holiday attraction!
Whether you’re commuting or just exploring, the Oculus is a holiday fave because every corner has decorations and light displays Instagram-worthy enough to make even the Grinch smile.
Coffee Break!
Before heading to the next stop, I made an essential coffee run – because what’s a winter walk without a cozy drink in hand? ☕ Julian-approved naps aside (she was at home with me later), Vlogmas is fueled by caffeine. Personally, grabbing a coffee downtown during December feels like leveling up my festive energy.
Stop 3: The Wall Street Tree
After Brookfield Place and the Oculus, I made my way to one of NYC’s most under-the-radar holiday gems – the Wall Street Tree. You guys, this tree doesn’t get nearly enough hype. If you’re picturing a small, modest tree, think again. This one rivals the size of the Bryant Park tree, and honestly, it might be even taller. It’s literally in front of the New York Stock Exchange, making for such a dramatic yet picturesque holiday backdrop.
True story: I only discovered this tree LAST year. It’s proof that even when you live in NYC, there’s always something new waiting to be discovered. If you haven’t seen this tree before, I highly recommend adding it to your must-visit list!
Stop 4: The Seaport Tree
My final stop was at the Seaport District, a neighborhood I’ve learned to love over the years. Fun fact (and history nerd alert!): Seaport is basically where NYC started, with those cobblestone streets and historic buildings still standing as a reminder of the city’s origins.
While the Seaport tree isn’t as large or dazzling as the others, it’s charming in its simplicity, surrounded by newer shops and that stunning waterfront vibe. There’s something so peaceful about being in this area at night with the lights reflecting off the water and fewer crowds. If you’re nearby checking out Wall Street, it’s just a short walk away, so definitely swing by if you’re in the area!
And speaking of the Seaport, they have one of the fanciest cinemas in the city that’s perfect for date night. Think oversized seats, gourmet food delivered right to you, and a cozy vibe that’s low-key bougie in the best way possible. It’s called iPic in case you want to book a movie night there someday.
Why NYC At Christmas Is Pure Magic
What made this day even better? Running into people I know! One thing I find so magical (and truly serendipitous, though I’ll admit I still trip over pronouncing that word) about New York is that no matter how massive and bustling the city is, you’ll sometimes cross paths with familiar faces. And on my way to the Seaport, I ran into a friend I wasn’t expecting to see. It just reminded me that, despite its size, NYC can sometimes feel like the coziest small town.
Next Up on Vlogmas
I hope you’ve enjoyed coming along with me on this holiday walking tour through downtown Manhattan. I have five more Vlogmas videos lined up, including some exciting plans and, spoiler alert, a giveaway coming at the end of the series! If you’re not already subscribed to my channel, now’s your chance to join in on the fun and stay ahead for the giveaway requirements. Click that Subscribe button, hit the notification bell, and come hang out with me the rest of this holiday season! 🎄
Also, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you been to any of these spots during the holidays? Do you have any favorite NYC trees or holiday hotspots? Leave a comment down below with your suggestions. If there’s a hidden gem I haven’t covered yet, I’d love to add it to my list!
Until next time, sending you cozy vibes and ALL the holiday cheer. 💓🎄
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
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