It’s hard to beat the seasonal magic of Christmastime in New York City. There are endless ways to get in the spirit of the holidays here. My older brother Austin came in town a couple weekends ago and we had so much fun running around doing all the fun Christmas things. So far – Austin, my younger brother Evan, and my parents have all come to New York to visit me  – just waiting on my little sis to get up here (attn: Elena Rink!). Here’s a little clip from our weekend running around the city & my top 10 list for if you’re visiting New York in December…

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My guide to Christmas in NYC is on my blog right now! 🎅🏼🎄🛷🎁✨ [link in bio] 🎥: @austinrink #nyc

A post shared by Olivia Rink (@oliviarink) on Dec 12, 2018 at 6:07am PST

Video by: @AustinRink

Guide to Christmas in NYC

1. Rockefeller Center

Home to some of NYC’s most iconic Christmas traditions: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (“The Tree”) & the ice skating rink. Grab a coffee at the Ralph’s Coffee pop up beside the rink, then head to the Top of the rock observation deck to experience breathtaking views of the skyline.

2. Saks Lights Display

Directly across the street from Rockefeller Center is Saks Fifth Avenue where you can experience the ‘Theatre of Dreams’  – one of my favorite things. This holiday tradition features a 10-story-tall theatrical light show that you can’t miss!

3. Rolf’s German Restaurant

This cozy German restaurant located in Gramercy Park is decked out in lights and decor for the holidays. This is a must-do if you’re visiting in December!  Rolf’s serves up German beer, sausage platters, meatloaf, pork chops, and apple crepes. Bring on the comfort food 😊

4. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Step inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 5th Avenue for a breathtaking view of the architecture inside. It’s a peaceful getaway in the middle of 5th Avenue’s madness. Light a candle and say a prayer for a loved one.

5. Cartier Store

The Cartier Mansion on 5th Ave is a very Instagrammable moment during Christmastime in New York. This six floor boutique located on the corner of 52nd Street and 5th Avenue is wrapped in a glittering red bow this time of year and open to anyone who wants to take a peek inside.

6. Ralph’s Coffee

Ralph Lauren’s best kept secret? Ralph’s Coffee! Located on the second floor of Ralph Lauren, Ralph’s Coffee is filled with beautiful marble tabletops and delicious coffee. The perfect place to stop in for a breather while shopping on Fifth.

7. Rockettes

I STILL haven’t done this yet but it’s on my list this year! I want to see the Rockettes perform at Radio City – an American precision dance company that has performed at Radio City Music Hall since 1932! I’ve heard it’s such an awesome show and experience.

8. Christmas at the Palace

If you’re searching for the quintessential holiday landing spot in New York City, Lotte New York Palace should be at the top of your list.  Located on Madison Avenue, this historic hotel is minutes from some of NY’s best holiday spots (Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral). It’s known for its 30-foot Christmas tree that stands in the entryway of the courtyard and a magical lobby full of decorations.

9. Bryant Park

This reminds me so much of Christkindlmarket in Chicago! Browse through a little village of Christmas shops selling jewelry, decor, food, and gifts surrounded by skyscrapers.  You can also skate in the village rink with a view of the giant tree and get a hot cider/chocolate afterwards. A little holiday oasis in the middle of Midtown 🎅🏻

10. Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays

Fifth Avenue’s window displays are one of the most iconic Christmas moments in New York. Some of the best window shopping you’ll ever see! Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Barney’s, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Ave, Tiffany’s…

This post has been sponsored by Nature’s Bounty. I received product and compensation, but all opinions are my own.

We’ve officially hit hibernation season, so I figured it was good timing to share my list of mind, body, & spirit self care tips to help get you through these brutal winter months. Staying healthy and taking care of yourself is not only about how you treat your body, but also how you nurture your mind & spirit too! Read on for a list of my favorite ways to maintain a positive spirit during hibernation season.

BODY

1. Nature’s Bounty® Hair, Skin and Nails Gummies: these gummies are the perfect basis for your beauty routine. I have used some of their rapid-release softgels before, but I love these delicious strawberry gummies that have biotin, a B-vitamin to help maintain healthy hair.* The supplement also contains Vitamins C & E which are both antioxidants Vitamin E contributes to skin health, and Vitamin C supports the production and formation of collagen* This is my #1 choice for Hair, Skin, & Nails gummies; you can shop them here on Amazon! 

2. Space Heater: Before you read any further, order yourself a space heater if you don’t already have one – it’ll be your new best friend this season.
3. Hot Water with Lemon: I’ve been drinking hot water with lemon first thing in the morning when I wake up. It’s warm and comforting like coffee, but cleanses my system instead of giving me caffeine jitters. I wait until after I’ve had a full breakfast to drink coffee, and use the hot water with lemon as my morning drink. I’ve been drinking it at night before bed too! Water with lemon helps in maintaining the pH balance of the body and is also promotes digestion and increases your metabolism.
4. Eat fruits & vegetables: To keep your iimmune system supported during the winter, get your nutrients and vitamins by eating healthy. Especially ones that are rich in antioxidants which can play a beneficial role in fighting off free-radicals and keep your body functioning at its best. Here’s how I’ve been weaving fruits & veggies into my meals:

• A handful of berries to your oatmeal (I’ve been doing blueberries + strawberries)
• Eat mushrooms, onion, spinach, peppers as sides with any meal you cook.
• Add banana slices to your peanut butter toast

5. Warm bath or shower: I always instantly feel better after a hot bath or shower in the winter. Pro-tip: use relaxing oils and and towels from straight out of the dryer!
6. WATER: challenge yourself to drink the recommended amount of eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
7. SLEEP: get in to bed an hour earlier and read or listen to a podcast to wind down. Nothing makes me feel better than 8 solid hours of sleep.
8. Make a get-well-kit: for if/when you do get sick this winter. Then you won’t have to leave the house when you start to feel crappy and you can stay home and rest up.

MIND

9. Exercise your mind by reading & listening to podcasts(Current Podcast: The Porch)
10. Draw or paint: my brother and one of my best friends recommended adult coloring books for a mindless way to unwind and now I love them. You can find a bunch on amazon.
11. Make your home smell more relaxing:  bath and body works candles do the trick for me!
12. Turn on a Yule Log: – I put this West Elm Yule Log on my TV when I’m working at home and play whatever music I’m in the mood for. Yes I am a 50 yr old in a 27 year old’s body.. whatever.
13. Make a relaxing sleep playlist on Spotify. I love this piano one.

SPIRIT

14. Devotional – a great way to start every morning, my favorites are this one + this one.
15. Southland Church Online – I try to watch at least one of these per week. This message series is from the church I used to attend in college, love it so much!
16. Phone Calls – I always save time on Sundays for check in calls with long distance family/friends
17. Decorate/revamp a cozy space in your home & hibernate!

I’m getting so many questions from you guys about New York City suggestions – what to do & where to stay! So I’m going to start posting as many of these little ‘guides’ as possible to help you plan for your next trip to the city. After being in a long distance relationship between Chicago and NYC for two years and 5 consecutive seasons of New York Fashion Week, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite hotels the city has to offer:

The Nomad Hotel 

Neighborhood: Flatiron / Madison Square Park

https://www.thenomadhotel.com/new-york

Old world charm, funky art, quaint rooms, great restaurant, helpful staff.  

The Roxy Hotel 

https://www.roxyhotelnyc.com/

Neighborhood: Tribeca

Charming, Django in the basement (favorite jazz bar in NYC), great brunch & oyster happy hour, cozy place to work in the lobby, in Tribeca – one of my favorite neighborhoods with so many great food spots. 

Boots | Similar Coat | Jeans 

The Beekman Hotel

Homepage

Neighborhood: Financial District (so close to my apartment!)

We have dinner here all the time. The hotel is gorgeous & historic and the restaurants are some of the best in NYC. The iconic nine-story atrium and pyramid skylight is incredible. Located near the Brooklyn Bridge + WTC. 

Nomo Soho Hotel

https://nomosoho.com/

Neighborhood: Soho

Great hotel & pretty views. I’ve stayed here a few times. Great restaurant and scene. Rooms are so unique with the royal blue decor and this is unbeatable. Close to so many good restaurants & shopping. 

The Standard

http://www.standardhotels.com/new-york/properties/high-line

Neighborhood: Meatpacking

Trendy, floor-to-ceiling windows, great views of Manhattan, German beer garden at ground level, the rooftop discothèque Le Bain, the legendary Top of The Standard bar, and an outdoor public plaza. 

Dream Hotel – Downtown 

https://www.dreamhotels.com/downtown/default-en.html

Neighborhood: Chelsea

I stayed here the first 2 times I came to NYC. It’s a great solid option and very centrally located. A lively and beautiful environment within walking distance to Chelsea Market, The High Line and The West Village.