Christmas time in NYC never gets old. I could go each year and walk the same streets and eat at the same places and it all feels new and different and perfect. This time around it was no different.
Because everything is so expensive in the city this time of the year, we found a cute little place to stay in Brooklyn called Sofia Inn. We were able to rent a room and a shared bathroom a few blocks from a subway station. It was all we needed. And since we were in Brooklyn, we had to check out The Bagel Store. They are known for the rainbow bagels and we were so excited to try them. They are so good!
We spent the rest of the day doing all the traditional things most do in the city. We walked around to lots of Christmas markets, took pictures of new graffiti, ate pizza, did some Christmas shopping, caught a Broadway show, Wicked, ate thai food at Go-Go Thai and ended the evening with dessert at Grace Street and a walk through Times Square.
On Saturday morning, we headed back into Manhattan and when straight to Macy's to check it all out. Even first thing in the morning there was a 3 hour wait to see Santa!! We decided to just talk to one of his Elf's for him to relay our wishes to Santa for us.
We met up with Noel, Kerry and Emma along with 1,000's of Santas for the annual SantaCon. I love when we accidentally show up in the city during SantaCon. If NYC in December doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit, just add Santas!
Kerry & Emma introduced us to No Chewing Allowed! This place was great and I would recommend everyone to give this place a try. But be forewarned, you will be in a sugar coma afterwards.
Bryant Park and watching ice skaters, we huge out, did a little shopping at the market and caught up on life. I am so thankful they were willing to come into the city to hang out for a few hours. I just wish New York wasn't so far so we could see them more often.
After our time with family was over, we went back to all the touristy things we love. We headed into the NYC Library, went to see the Rockefeller tree in the day & night, explored Grand Central Station, warmed up in St Patrick's Cathedral, watched the light show that Saks Fifth Ave puts on and ended our night with more dessert at Cafe Lalo's.
On Sunday, we met some friends in Brooklyn for breakfast at Tom's Restaurant before we hit the road.
We weren't ready to leave the city but we decided to make another stop on the drive home so it made is a little easier to leave. Tom told us about at Christmas market in Philadelphia that we wanted to check out.
We had a great time exploring Dilworth Park and downtown Philadelphia. We had no idea they were so into the Christmas market world. Next time I would love to spend more time, drink the holiday, spiced wine and try my hand at ice skating. But this time, we settled for walking around, doing a little shopping and grabbing lunch at a mac & cheese place, Mac mart.
The trip was filled with revisiting old favorites and exploring new places.
