At The New York Palace, we love New York, and the holiday season is our favorite time of year. We beautifully decorate our Madison Avenue hotel to fit in with the wonder of the season. Come and see our three-foot gingerbread house created by our pastry chef Bill Leonard. Designed in the style of an elegant country estate, the house is decorated with classic candy, including candy canes, gum drops and shredded cereal to resemble a thatched roof. The New York Palace is also happy to host some holiday visitors! Children will be delighted as they’re greeted by two Palace Guards in our Courtyard from 11:30am to 2:30pm every weekend. The guards will welcome visitors to the New York Palace’s dazzling Christmas tree and will pose for photos. Also gracing us this holiday season is the Snowflake Princess, making appearances at our weekend Holiday Fantasy Brunch in Istana. This magical princess leaves children with the gift of her special snowflake cookies.
The New York Palace Guards, Snowflake Princess and our Special Guest, Alan Cumming
The New York Palace is so thrilled about the holidays that we’ve planned special packages and events to mark this festive time. This year, we’re debuting The Palace’s Holiday Fantasy Package, which includes superior accommodations, a $100 nightly food & beverage credit which can be used towards the Holiday Fantasy Brunch in Istana, in-room dining, cocktails and lunch in The Lobby Lounge, a commemorative The New York Palace holiday ornament, and an in-room festive welcome amenity. Starting Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Day, guests joining us for the Holiday Fantasy Brunch in Istana will receive a visit from The Palace’s very own Snowflake Princess. Making surprise appearances, children can pose for a photo with the princess and enjoy the signature snowflake cookies she leaves behind. For the adults, our Happy Holiday Hour will take place in GILT bar beginning at 4:30pm, and The Madison Room at 5:00pm. Try our new holiday-inspired cocktails, created by bar manager Robert Honeycutt. ‘The Stocking Cap’ is made with Hennessey cognac, Godiva white chocolate liqueur, cinnamon syrup and splash of cream and served in a red hot sugar rimmed martini glass. Cheers!
When we asked our New York Palace staff about their favorite attractions for the holiday season, the popular response was The Rockefeller Center ice skating rink, offering a beautiful view of Rockefeller Center and its famous Christmas tree. Just be prepared for longer lines during the holiday season! After your skating, eat at the Rockefeller Center Café and watch the newest group of skaters slip and slide or gracefully pirouette on the ice. For last minute gifts that loved ones will appreciate, pick up an elegant piece of jewelry or fabulous home décor at Michael C. Fina on 5th Avenue and 45th Street. And of course, our must-see Christmas shows were a tie between the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, with dancing, glamorous Rockettes, and George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the beautiful New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center.
Only have one day for your New York holiday? Assistant Chef Concierge Caroline Innocenzi recommends you start your day with a mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by our Holiday Fantasy Brunch at Istana. After, catch the Rockettes and Santa at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and end your evening at One If By Land, Two If By Sea with a gourmet meal and a glass of cognac by the fire.
We at The New York Palace hope you enjoy the holiday season as much as we do!