Are you looking for things to do to celebrate the season in New York City? Look no further, baby. These are a few of my favourite things to do in December in NYC.

1. The Holiday Train Show

2. Take a photo with the accurate-looking, old timey Santa at Macy’s, The Plaza or The Queens Center Mall.

3. Eat at The Plaza Food Hall (specifically for their Lady M outpost). Kids might enjoy the Rawther Fancy Teas with Santa, an hour-long tea party in the Eloise Shop (dates/details through the link).

4. Eat the frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3 or if you hate waiting in line, they also sell take-home versions that you can make at home.

5. See The Rockettes, finally.

6. Visit the Christmas markets at The Union Square Holiday Market, The Bryant Park Winter Village, and The Columbus Circle Holiday Market.

7. Visit the best Little Italy in this town, Arthur Avenue in the Bronx

8. Go ice skating in Central Park.

9. Holiday Train Show at Grand Central (yes, there are two train shows on this list - but this one is free and smaller than #1).

10. See The Phantom of the Opera before it’s gone forever.

Heaven exists.

I finally went to see the holiday train show - and once you get past the long lines, screaming children and Metro North ride, it actually makes for a great day. Here's a video of what it looks like once you're inside

One tip? Skip the NYBG tram ride. It's kind of funny that they even offer tram rides in December since everything is in a full-on state of UNbloom. It's probably a gorgeous ride in the nicer months, but take my word for it and skip it if you're there for the train show. Oh! And an even better tip? Call in advance for tickets. Otherwise you'll get there and you'll have to wait around for a few hours, hence the brisk tram ride undertaking.

Everything designed in the train exhibit is breathtaking. The detail and effort that went into it all is insane and if you've ever had any kind of interest in miniatures, you will love this place to pieces. And the trains, my God the trains! I've often said that if I were to ever have a child, then I would do everything in my power to make his/her room just like Casper's (in the movie Casper, with Christina Ricci). Remember how at the top of the wall in that room, there was an elevated train track, with a train that traveled around the perimeter of the whole room? That. I want that. Such a great idea for a kid's room.

Anyhow, this was definitely worth the trip to the Bronx. Go, damnit!

The exhibit runs until January 16th, 2023. You can purchase tickets here.

10 Christmas Activities In NYC

The Holiday Train Show at The New York Botanical Garden