Fellow holiday fanatics, the season is just about upon us! Jack-o'-lantern are behind us and dazzling lights and festive fun are in our future!

Sure, you could fight the crowds to see the famous tree or get elbowed out of the way on Fifth Avenue. But the real joy of the NYC holidays? It’s the prep. It’s securing the ingredients, the perfect vintage glassware, the ultimate gift, and the feeling that your celebration is perfectly, uniquely New York. Here are five essential, hyper-local places for setting the stage for an unforgettable holiday party.

1. The Pro-Level Gift Hunt at a Museum Shop

For seriously cool, actually desirable gifts, hit a museum shop. Specifically, places like the MoMA Design Store, the New York Transit Museum Shop, or for the Broadway-fan, The Museum of Broadway.

Think about it: high-brow design, clever gadgets, unique jewelry, and gifts that say, "I have taste, and I also support the arts." You can snag an exclusive Keith Haring tote, a sleek modern lamp, the coolest set of vintage subway map coasters, or a piece of Broadway history. It's painless, efficient, and fun. Plus, it makes you look like you planned this months ago. (Look, if you buy another "I ❤️ NY" shirt, I'm calling the police.)

And never forget, The Playbill Store has the most diverse array of Broadway-themed goods that you can get shipped right to your door!

2. Up Your Cookie Game

Your holiday baking needs to look like a Pinterest board exploded, not like you panicked in a generic grocery store aisle. That’s why before I bake for a party, I take the pilgrimage to NY Cake in the Flatiron District.

This place is a baker's paradise. You need five different shades of edible glitter? Check. A cookie cutter shaped like a reindeer doing yoga? Probably. A tiny spatula that makes you feel like Martha? Absolutely. Forget the boxed mix; go here for the next-level tools and edible bling that will make your cookies and cakes look (and taste) like they cost $10 apiece.

Want to purchase pre-made cookies that are top tier? I am a superfan of Supermoon Bakehouse. The cookies, world-famous croissants, and all their treats are at a different caliber. And the best part? It looks like they are gearing up to bring back nationwide shipping—perfect for sending as holiday gifts to loved ones!

3. Source Booze & Bitters at Astor Place

If you are hosting, your holiday cocktail game needs to be flawless. The area around Astor Place, specifically the iconic Astor Wines & Spirits, is where you stock the artillery.

This isn't just a liquor store; it's a vault of obscure Amaro, international gins, and the single-barrel bourbon you've been reading about. Grab your spirits, then hit up a nearby spice shop for real cinnamon sticks, star anise, and high-quality bitters. Your guests will be impressed as they sip on sophistication!

4. Dig for Dinnerware Gold at Fishs Eddy

Every great holiday meal deserves a table setting that tells a story, and nobody does quirky, classic, and truly NYC dishware like Fishs Eddy in the Flatiron District.

You won't find boring porcelain here. Discover vintage diner mugs, plates with cheeky NYC slogans, and quirky glassware that screams "festive, but make it cool." Whether you need a set of mismatched vintage-style milk glasses or a platter big enough for the entire family's turkey, this is where you go to ditch the basic and create a table that becomes part of the conversation.

5. The Perfect Greenery at the NYC Flower District

Before you settle for a pre-packaged wreath, get to the NYC Flower District (West 28th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues). Even if you're not buying a massive order, walking this block in the morning is a sensory holiday overdose in the best way.

Find vendors with lush, fresh-cut pine, fragrant cedar garlands, giant red velvet ribbons, and all the seasonal foliage you need. Snag a bundle of hyper-fresh winter greens to drape over your mantle or staircase. The smell alone will instantly transform your apartment into a holiday-ready sanctuary that smells like a forest. And if you have a bit of extra time, be sure to check out the Historical Flower District Museum with their living flower tours!

There are many additional places to visit, shows we recommend, hotels to stay at, and more! Keep checking back monthly as we continue sharing things to do in NYC (and London).

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