Decking the Halls!

Last year, Mike and I had a festive date night complete with a little dinner & an evening with the Rockettes.  Even though they are one of the most festive shows in all of Manhattan....we didn't find it necessary to see the Rockettes again this year. Nevertheless, a Christmas night in the city was an absolute mandatory.  Mike and I were both traveling an absurd amount over the last quarter of the year, and after what seemed like 25 holiday parties full of cocktails and gluttony, it was initially hard to motivate for another night of debauchery....but...it ended up being one of my favorite nights of the season....and on that I'll cherish forever.

One of the reasons for that is because we invited a few friends to join the Mobleys for a Christmas-packed evening - the soon to be married Megs & Cooper, who always promise to be a great time!  We started out with a dinner at the New York staple - Minetta Tavern.....of which ALL FOUR of us were shockingly prompt.  While we polished of an incredible meal of filet mignon and a nice juicy bottle of Chateauneuf du pape, what ensued after was what was particularly special and memorable.

The four of us hopped in a car to head uptown (while singing Christmas carols in the taxi of course), and opened the cab door to Rockefeller Center for a group viewing of the most famous Christmas tree in the country!  After seeing the Rockefeller tree for the first time in person last year, I vowed to never miss it again as long as we are New York City residents. It's ALWAYS worth the crowds, and it's always worth what seems like the longest cab ride ever.   The four of us admired the tree, and marveled at the tiny little ice skaters on the rink below.
I'm also embarrassed to say, that I've never had the time to walk up 5th avenue and take a look at all of the gorgeous storefronts! We walked a very sparkly and entertaining 9 blocks for the final stop on our New York City Christmas Tour....The Plaza.


If you have never been to the Plaza at Christmas time, I HIGHLY suggest it.  Each year, the Plaza allows one store or designer to decorate their lobby tree - this year, it was trimmed by Saks!  There is also a wonderful bar called the Oak Room, but unfortunately it was closed for a private party the evening we were there.  But we still climbed the stairs to the second story bar for one of the most festive old fashioneds I've ever had.

I know I've said this before, and I'll say it again every year, but my GOODNESS....New York is a magical place at Christmas.  With the craziness that accompanies the end of the year, it's easy to take this gorgeous city for granted, but making the time to soak in the beauty of the season is so fulfilling.  We are headed off to spend Christmas with both of our families this week, but we're so glad that we took a night to enjoy Christmas in New York, just in the nick of time.