There’s something perfectly personal about bringing home a Christmas tree each year. It’s not just an errand, like grabbing overpriced eggs —it’s a ritual and the time to make memories for the holiday season.
In New York City, seasonal traditions often become small adventures, for better or worse. That’s why finding your Christmas tree is something you want to feel simple, special, and truly meaningful. Before I discovered Greg’s Trees, I always settled for a fake tree. But once I found Greg’s, that good feeling—the warmth, the tradition, the magic—finally clicked for me.
I grew up with parents who always brought home real trees, but during my first ten years in New York City, I stuck with fake ones. I don’t have children, and for a long time, it just didn’t feel necessary to get a real tree for myself. But once I finally did—once I brought home a real tree from Greg’s—everything changed. My ornaments suddenly felt purposeful and exciting, like they finally belonged. And I found myself genuinely proud to invite people over to see my creation, this cute symbol of the season that made my apartment feel sophisticated.
At Greg’s locations across McCarren Park, Domino Park, Murray Playground in Long Island City, JJ Byrne Playground, Greenwood Park Beer Garden, and Hank’s Bar, the twinkling lights, hand-painted character cutouts, wreath-making, and friendly staff all come together to create something so lovely in NYC. I can’t stop thinking about the 2024 season, when I found the most adorable five-foot tree. I carried it on my shoulder all the way to the bus, carefully balancing it through the city streets, and then brought it home, up two flights of stairs.
This year, that feeling hits even harder, especially since Greg so suddenly passed away from cancer. The new Prime Video documentary The Merchants of Joy, premiering on November 14 and streaming December 1st, follows the five families who run the NYC tree trade—including Greg’s. It’s amazing—and a little crazy—how intense and competitive this world is! In just five weeks, these families hustle to find the best trees, deal with cold weather, compete against rivals, and handle all the challenges. Watching it makes me appreciate even more the magic that Greg brought to the homes of New Yorkers.
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After schlepping your stuff home, you’ve probably worked up a thirst for holiday treats, and luckily, New York is full of festive stops:
The Holiday Bazaar at Grand Central’s Biltmore Room (12/16–12/18)
No matter the season, Grand Bazaar NYC is a staple of my weekends. Located at 100 W 77th Street in the Upper West Side, it’s NYC’s oldest and largest curated weekly market, with over 200 vendors selling everything from jewelry and vintage clothing to art, handmade crafts, and small-batch food. I’ve found some of my favorite treasures here—one-of-a-kind jewelry, vintage pieces, and unique artwork—all while supporting local makers. This holiday season, Grand Bazaar NYC is teaming up with Made in NYC (MINYC) for the Holiday Bazaar at Grand Central from December 16–18. Set in the landmark Biltmore Room, it features curated artisans and holiday gifts. Knowing that 100% of profits go to four NYC public schools, funding enrichment programs for over 2,000 children, makes my overspending feel justified!
Foxtail’s Holiday Hideaway at Arlo SoHo
Located on the ground floor of Arlo SoHo, Foxtail is a cocktail speakeasy that is all about mischief and an homage to mid-century glamour with sneaky, cheeky drinks for the sly and wild. Now open for the season as Foxtail’s Holiday Hideaway (231 Hudson St), it’s transformed into a cozy winter wonderland. You can grab the $45 special, which gets you two holiday cocktails and an appetizer, or just escape the cold with seasonal drinks like Spiked Mexican Hot Cocoa, a Yuletide Toddy, or fun creations like the Christmas Fruitcake and Tree Topper, all flavored with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Every week, top jazz and swing bands fill the space, making it feel intimate without ever being pretentious. Their beverage director is always on top of their game—every season brings drinks that perfectly match the holiday vibe and taste amazing. It’s perfect for hanging out with friends, a low-key celebration, or just warming up before a night out in New York City. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
Lindens Winter Village at Arlo SoHo
Lindens Winter Village at Arlo SoHo opens for the season on December 1st, transforming three cozy yurts into festive holiday cabins that feel like a Nordic oasis. Choose your ideal winter escape: an intimate dinner for two, a shared holiday meal for up to eight, or a private lounge with exclusive cocktails and personalized service. No matter what, you will be blown away. Each yurt is heated and decked out for the holidays, offering a warm, elevated retreat from the cold. It’s the perfect spot to relax, celebrate, or just soak in the winter magic. Reservations are available via Lindens Winter Village.
Haven Ski Chalet at Haven Rooftop
Haven Ski Chalet at Haven Rooftop above The Sanctuary Hotel (132 W. 47th Street) opens for the holiday season on November 27th. No matter the season, Haven Rooftop is well… a haven away from the hustle of Times Square. This year, it’s decked out for Christmas with cranberry bundles, holly arching above each table, shimmering lights, evergreen garlands, and flannel pillows and blankets. From 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, enjoy a festive brunch menu paired with bottomless mimosas and bellinis (with the purchase of an entrée, 1-hour limit). It’s the perfect spot for a cozy, unforgettable holiday brunch.
Canto West Village & Canto Upper West Side: “A Season of Sparkle”
This holiday season, Canto NYC turns both its West Village and Upper West Side locations into sparkling holiday havens. The West Village features a “waterfall” of ornaments and hanging poinsettias, creating a cozy, glimmering canopy that feels like dining under a festive cloud of light. Upstairs at the Upper West Side, soaring vaulted ceilings showcase spiraling garlands and layered ornaments, giving the space a grand yet warm and inviting holiday vibe. Celebrate the season with Canto’s rotating holiday specials and their famous Frozen Espresso Martini, the cocktail that keeps fans coming back even when it’s freezing outside. Every corner sparkles with festive charm, perfectly blending sophistication with holiday cheer.
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Time Out Market New York in Dumbo
Time Out Market New York in Dumbo—home to stunning rooftop views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and the NYC skyline—brings together some of the city’s best food and drink under one roof. This holiday season, guests can cozy up in heated rooftop igloos and enjoy festive specials like Clinton St. Baking Company’s peppermint hot chocolate with crushed candy canes. Seasonal programming includes the FAD Market (Dec 1–21), a curated pop-up featuring handcrafted art, jewelry, apparel, and home goods; a Sip & Script Calligraphy & Ornament Lettering class on Dec 2; a WhistlePig Holiday Mixology Class on Dec 16; and a lively New Year’s Eve Rooftop Celebration on Dec 31 with an open bar, live music, and skyline views.
Wafels & Dinges
Back in the summer of 2007, King Albert II of Belgium got wind of the sad state of “Belgian waffles” in America — pancakes pretending to be cool. Inspired to fix the situation, he gave Thomas DeGeest the title “Special Envoy for Wafels” and from there, Wafels & Dinges was born, starting with a ’68 Chevy truck cruising the streets of NYC, determined to give waffles the upgrade Americans deserved. Fast-forward to today, and that black-and-yellow awning is a familiar sight in some of the city’s busiest spots, like Herald Square and Bryant Park. I, in fact, don’t remember a time when I didn’t see the original food truck and now brick and mortars serving up the sweetest smelling delights. This season, Wafels & Dinges is taking things even further with a collab with Jacques Torres, serving up the decadent Dubai Chocolate Wafel. And if waffles alone aren’t enough, their hot chocolates — some even spiked — are worth a stop on their own.
Haven Ski Chalet at Haven Rooftop
Haven Ski Chalet at Haven Rooftop above The Sanctuary Hotel (132 W. 47th Street) opens for the holiday season on November 27th. No matter the season, Haven Rooftop is well… a haven away from the hustle of Times Square. This year, it’s decked out for Christmas with cranberry bundles, holly arching above each table, shimmering lights, evergreen garlands, and flannel pillows and blankets. From 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, enjoy a festive brunch menu paired with bottomless mimosas and bellinis (with the purchase of an entrée, 1-hour limit). It’s the perfect spot for a cozy, unforgettable holiday brunch.
Ella Funt Low-and-No Proof Cocktails for the Season
Ella Funt, the East Village socialite-favorite neobistro, is rolling out a unique low- and no-proof cocktail menu this festive season in partnership with The Free Spirits Company. The goal is simple: give NYC’s party-goers the stamina for electric nights out without the next-day hangover, all while keeping flavor and style front and center. Throughout December, diners can enjoy creations like The Lower Manhattan, a low-proof spin on the city’s iconic cocktail crafted with full-strength Woodinville Rye alongside The Free Spirits Company’s nonalcoholic Spirit of Vermouth, Spirit of Milano Aperitivo, and Spirit of Bourbon. Another highlight is Ring My Bell, a warm, savory, booze-free riff on a tequila cocktail—think a winter margarita—made with the Spirit of Tequila, red bell pepper juice, agave, and lime.
In a city that never slows down, moments that feel personal are rare. Whether it’s choosing your tree at Greg’s, wandering a holiday market, discovering a cozy cocktail den, or watching cheesy shows at home. The magic of the season comes from traditions, and this season feels bright.
