The cool temperatures have returned; The decorations are now up on our streets. The holiday season is in full swing in the Grand Central neighborhood. To celebrate, check out this guide featuring ideas for holiday attractions, events, dinner, drinks, gifts, worship, giving back and more.
As always, for a full listing of shopping and dining options around the neighborhood and much more, check out our interactive map.
Grand Central neighborhood businesses: Have a holiday offering that we’re missing? Email us at info@gcpbid.org.
Holiday Attractions & Things to Do
In Grand Central Terminal:
With 40 vendors selling all types of art, clothing, toys, accessories and much more, you’re sure to find the perfect gift at the Grand Central Holiday Fair in Vanderbilt Hall.
From Monday, December 19 through Friday, December 23, Grand Central will host their Holiday Wrap-Up, featuring Terminal-wide in-store events and promotions, complimentary gift wrapping, and more.
Also, visit the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex & Store for their 15th Annual Holiday Train Show. View the popular model railroad exhibition and shop for gifts for your family and friends in the museum store.
——
On Saturday, December 24, head to JAZZ at KITANO (In The Kitano Hotel New York, 66 Park Avenue at 38th Street – 212-885-7119) for the Holiday Special Show featuring the John Di Martino Trio. Also, be sure to check out JAZZ at Kitano‘s full schedule of December events, including Jazz Brunch every Sunday with the Tony Middleton Trio and more.
——
Take a stroll down Fifth Avenue and enjoy all the holiday decorations, including the holiday windows at Lord & Taylor (424 Fifth Avenue between 38th and 39th Streets – 212-391-3344).
——
Every holiday season, The Morgan Library & Museum (225 Madison Avenue between 36th and 37th Streets – 212-685-0008) displays the original manuscript of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (through January 8, 2017). Check out The Morgan’s full slate of holiday events and exhibitions, and browse The Morgan Shop for the perfect holiday gifts.
——
The Roosevelt Hotel (45 East 46th Street between Madison Vanderbilt Avenues – 212-661-9600) invites you to savor the holiday season with a variety of social festivities, including Bourbon & Billiards and Wine Down Wednesdays at Madison Club Lounge (Inside The Roosevelt Hotel: 45 East 46th Street between Madison Vanderbilt Avenues) and Ladies Night and “From the Locals, to the Locals” at Vander Bar (At the The Roosevelt Hotel: 45th Street, at Vanderbilt Avenue – 212-885-6131). View the full Madison Club Lounge and Vander Bar events calendars for December.
Restaurants serving special holiday menus
Alfredo 100 (7 East 54th Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues – 212-688-1999) will be open on Christmas Day serving its a la carte menu.
——
Ammos Estiatorio (52 Vanderbilt Avenue, between 44th and 45th Streets – 212-922-9999) will be open on Christmas Day serving their regular dinner menu as well as some traditional Christmas dishes. View their three-course Christmas menu here.
——
Ai Fiori (400 Fifth Avenue, Second Floor, in the Langham Place, Fifth Avenue, at 36th Street – 212-613-8660) will be open on Christmas serving a Christmas Day Tasting Menu as well as a “Feast of the 7 Fishes” Tasting Menu. Make your reservations here.
——
Benjamin Steakhouse (52 East 41st Street, between Park and Madison Avenues – 212-297-9177) and the newly opened Benjamin Prime (23 East 40th Street between Madison and Park Avenues – 212-338-0818) will both be open on Christmas Day offering four-course prix-fixe menus accompanied by a glass of Holiday Egg Nog. View the menus here and here. Sister restaurant, The Sea Fire Grill (158 East 48th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues – 212-935-3785) will serve a Feast of the Seven Fishes Menu on Christmas Eve and this special menu on Christmas Day.
——
The Bull & Bear Steakhouse (In the Waldorf Astoria New York, 550 Lexington Avenue, at 50th Street – 212-872-1275) will be open on Christmas Eve serving a four course prix-fixe dinner menu. They will also be open on Christmas Day serving a limited a la carte dinner menu. On Christmas Day, join Peacock Alley (In the Waldorf Astoria New York, 301 Park Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets – 212-872-1275) for their world famous Waldorf Brunch.
——
Join Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse (451 Lexington Avenue, at 45th Street – 212-661-4810) on Christmas Eve for their Feast of the Seven Fishes. Also, this holiday season, stop by Davio’s to enjoy some festive flavors from their new Holiday Cocktail Menu, which includes a Boughs of Holly Martini, White Christmas Cocktail, Baby It’s Cold Outside and Winter Sangria.
——
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Docks Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill (633 Third Avenue between East 40th and 41st Streets – 212-986-8080). They’ll be serving this special menu.
——
FRESCO by Scotto (34 East 52nd Street between Park and Fifth Avenues – 212-935-3434) is celebrating the holidays with a A Night of Seven Fishes feast on Christmas Eve.
——
On Christmas Eve, The Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant (Grand Central Terminal, Mezzanine Level of ramp to Dining Concourse – 212-490-6650) will host its Feast of the Seven Fishes. The menu will be available for both lunch and dinner, beginning at 11:30 AM, with the final reservation for dinner at 10:00 PM. For reservations call 212-490-6650.
——
Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecôte (590 Lexington Avenue at 52nd Street – 212-758-3989) will be serving up their signature Steak Frites on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. No reservations required.
——
Join New York Central (In the Grand Hyatt New York, 109 East 42nd Street at Grand Central Terminal – 646-213-6865) on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for their four-course dinner prix-fixe menu.
——
On Christmas Day, Osteria Laguna (209 East 42nd Street between Third and Second Avenues – 212-867-1905) will be offering a special a la carte menu. Make your reservations here.
——
On Christmas Day, Parker & Quinn (In the Refinery Hotel, 68 West 38th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues) will serve this three-course prix-fixe menu. Make your reservations here.
——
Join Pera Mediterranean Brasserie (303 Madison Avenue, at 41st Street – 212-878-6301) on Christmas Eve and enjoy their Christmas prix-fixe menu.
——
Salvation Taco (Inside the Pod 39 Hotel, 145 East 39th street, between Lexington and Third Avenues – 212-865-5800) will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day serving three-course dinners for parties of 4 or more.
Cocktail lounges and beer, wine and spirit purveyors
Langford Wine Merchants (4 East 43rd Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues – 212-867-1000), Beekman Liquors (500 Lexington Avenue, between 47th and 48th Streets – 212-759-5857), Beer Table (Grand Central Terminal, Graybar Passage – 212-922-0008), Central Cellars (Grand Central Terminal, Graybar Passage – 212-687-1300), Sussex Wine & Spirits (300 East 42nd Street at Second Avenue – 212-867-5838) and Park Avenue Liquor Shop (270 Madison Avenue at 39th Street – 212-685-2442) have what you need for your many holiday toasts with friends and family.
——
This holiday season, take your friends and family to one of Hospitality Holdings‘ unique, upscale and “refreshingly civilized” establishments around the Grand Central neighborhood, including Bookmarks (299 Madison at 41st Street, atop The Library Hotel – 212-204-5498), Lexington’s (inside The Court, at 120 East 39th Street, at Lexington Avenue – 212-592-8844) and Madison & Vine (at the Library Hotel, 299 Madison Avenue and 41st Street – 212-867-5535).
Gift Ideas
Brooks Brothers (346 Madison Avenue at 44th Street – 212-682-8800) has created handy gift guides for both men and women.
——
Check out a few of The Center for Fiction‘s (17 East 47th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues – 212-755-6710) gift ideas. Also, head to The Center’s first-floor bookstore to pick up some great literary gifts for your friends and family.
——
As we mentioned above, Grand Central Terminal is once again hosting its popular Grand Central Holiday Fair – a smorgasbord of unique, quality, often handmade products from a diverse group of vendors from around the country.
——
Have family or friends visiting over the holidays? Planning a NYC holiday staycation? Book The Kitano Hotel New York‘s (66 Park Avenue at 38th Street – 212-885-7000) “Holiday Package,” which includes accommodations for up to four with daily breakfast for up to four, VIP admission to the ice skating rink at Winter Village at Bryant Park, and a holiday shopping and attractions savings discount. Kids stay free, maximum age 16 yrs. old. Also, for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, rates start at $329 per night plus tax.
——
The Library Shop (The New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, First Floor, Room 116 – 212-930-0641) has a wide variety of gift items and holiday cards for sale as well as unique items related to the Library’s collection, history and great literary works in general. Check out the holiday section of their gift shop here.
——
Stop by Li-Lac Chocolates (Grand Central Terminal, Grand Central Market – 212-370-4866) to browse their great selection of Christmas and Hanukkah chocolates.
——
Lord & Taylor (424 Fifth Avenue between 38th and 39th Streets – 212-391-3344) has a great gift guide with choices to satisfy nearly all your gift-buying needs. Take a look online at your leisure, then stop by the store to pick up everything you need and see their legendary holiday windows.
——
This holiday season, give the gift of cheese from Murray’s Cheese (Grand Central Market, 43rd Street & Lexington Avenue – 212-922-1540). Browse their gift guide and then stop into their Grand Central shop to pick up what you need. Also, Murray’s now delivers via Instacart.
——
Porsche Design (501 Madison Avenue between East 52nd and 53rd Streets – 212-308-1786) has a great selection of gift ideas for men and women. Stop by their Madison Avenue flagship to browse their selections.
——
From imported chocolates, coffee and sweets for the holidays to the most coveted of Scandinavian luxury brands, gorgeous Nordic gifts abound at The Shop at Scandinavia House (Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue between 37th and 38th Streets – 212-847-9737).
Religious Services, Music & Events
For those looking to attend an Advent, Christmas or Hanukkah service, here are a few options:
Central Synagogue (652 Lexington Avenue, at 55th Street – 212-838-5122). View their full calendar of events and services.
Church of the Covenant (310 East 42nd Street, between Second and First Avenues – 212-697-3185).
The Church of St. Agnes (143 East 43rd Street, between Lexington and Third Avenues – 212-682-5722).
St. Bart’s (325 Park Avenue, at East 51st Street – 212-378-0222). Learn more about Great Music at St. Bart’s annual holiday events and concerts. And view St. Bart’s Advent and Christmas worship calendar here.
Saint Peter’s Church (619 Lexington Avenue, at 54th Street – 212-935-2200).
Opportunities for giving and volunteering
During this holiday season, our thoughts may turn to those less fortunate. There are some great opportunities in our neighborhood to give your time, your energy or other resources to help others. One such opportunity is with the Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services Corporation, the largest homeless services provider in Midtown Manhattan. Visit their website to learn more about ways you can help. Visit the NYC Service website for more volunteer opportunities in Midtown and around NYC.
The post Neighborhood Holiday Guide appeared first on Grand Central Partnership.