During the holiday season, there are very few places more festive than the heart of Rockefeller Center. Between it’s iconic Christmas tree, dazzling ice skating rink, tons of shops, and close relation to the SAKS windows and their remarkable light show, spending a cozy winter evening there with a cup of hot cocoa is surely a bucket list item for many.
As if the renowned location wasn’t festive enough, it just got even jollier, with it’s latest pop-up, The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic! Nestled within the Chanel Gardens, this sugar-coated wonderland is an immersive, family-friendly escapade designed to infuse the holiday spirit with a dash of whimsy.
Running now through January 2nd, the Candy Cottage promises an experience for all ages. It will take guests on an adventure that will invite them to embark on a journey through a magical, candy-filled Christmas tree.
Inspired by a fabled tale of an old cottage within a Christmas tree trunk, overflowing with magical sugar turned into edible delights by the cottage keepers, the Candy Cottage experience beckons visitors into a swirling, sugar-laden fantasy. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by the feverishly working Cottage Keepers, spinning sugar into delectable treats while encouraging visitors to pluck candy from the cottage walls—truly a dream come true for those with a sweet tooth!
Once the sugary wonderland cravings are satisfied, visitors are equipped with a specially crafted map, setting them on a scavenger hunt throughout Rockefeller Center. This quest, teeming with hidden Christmas magic, leads participants through the iconic landmarks of the Center.
The journey culminates as guests return to the transformed Candy Cottage, where they receive a magically conjured gift along with a personalized message, as if crafted from thin air. The entire experience is curated to leave a lasting impression of the holiday spirit, wrapping visitors in the magic of Christmas.
The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic is the brainchild of We Are Smile Studio, a creative force founded by seasoned theater and film producer Arielle Tepper and Creative Producer Vance Garrett. Their expertise in crafting immersive experiences is evident in this delightful collaboration, marking the first of many to come from this innovative studio.
The design, courtesy of Nate Bertone and Adam Blumenthal, promises an enchanting atmosphere, while fabrication and production management by Nicolas Locke and Jonathan Zencheck ensure a seamless and magical execution of this whimsical concept.
The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic at Rockefeller Center promises an immersive, magical experience ideal for families, friends, and anyone seeking to infuse the holiday season with a sprinkle of enchantment. With its darling design, creative storytelling, and a touch of theatrical expertise, it’s destined to create lasting memories that capture the essence of Christmas.
The experience operates daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing ample opportunity for families and visitors of all ages to partake in the festivities. Ticket prices range from $25 to $45 per person, depending on the day of the week and time of visit. Tickets are available here!