December is officially in full swing, and that means New York City is decked out in twinkling lights, everyone is serving artisanal hot chocolate, pop-up holiday markets, and romantic opportunities.
If you ask us, the holiday season is all about experience.
Yes, dinner and a movie with your significant other is great, but why not take advantage of all the cool things NYC has to offer at this time of year?
Whether this is your first date or first time meeting face-to-face (no judgement), second date, 5 year anniversary, or 15 year anniversary, we've got you covered.
Icebreaker (1st Date)
Start the day late and the night a little early.
Meet your date on the Main Concourse of Grand Central Station (hello romantic comedies?), and walk through the Holiday Market, grab some last minute Christmas gifts, and then head across the street to Pershing Square Cafe.
We highly recommend the Eggs Benedict, Mac and Cheese, and the Bloody Marys—not in that order.
[anad]
Are you and your date separated by a borough? Maybe it's the Sex and the City reference, but there is something about walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and meeting halfway that brings out the romantic in everyone.
Yes, you could take the subway, but where is the fun in that? On the Brooklyn side, walk around Brooklyn Bridge Park, and grab a bite to eat at the many restaurants that fill the area.
Don't f*ck it up (2nd date and beyond)
Now that it's clear you like each other, feel free to step up the intimacy levels. Check out the many wine bars that New York City has to offer.
There is Fig & Olive, Ola Wine Bar, and City Winery. Get to know each other a little bit more over fine wine and a performance from a variety of artists.
Brunch, yes. Walk off the brunch, yes. Bubby's at The Highline is the place to be on a Sunday morning.
Take advantage of the extensive menu, and then enjoy a brisk, holiday stroll along the highline to walk off the blueberry sourdough pancakes. *wipes drool*
Or, get schwifty with it and show off your slick moves at NVR Sleep - Summer in the Winter, Wednesday night, December 14th, at Kinfolk 90. From 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. you can dance the night away to slick tunes spun by spoiled fam (oh, and Creative Director), Rodney Hazard.
Better than nearly any date you'll go on, it's completely free. RSVP right here!
Goin' steady (longterm relationship IRL)
The ice is so broken my friends. The urge to impress has dwindled. HAVE FUN.
Go rock climbing in the middle of Manhattan. Yeah, that kind of fun. Grab your parka and infinity scarf, and head uptown to Steep Rock Bouldering.
The indoor rock climbing gym is perfect for all ages. After you each do some climbing, bundle back up and head to Earl's Beer and Cheese for a taco and some craft beer. Ideal evening, and you got a workout in there too.
[anad2]
Nothing says 'I love you' like a helicopter ride over Manhattan. And in our opinion, this is the perfect time to do it—imagine all the lights? And the Rockefeller Christmas tree?!
Head over to Wings Air Helicopters and charter a flight today. You can check out the city, or basically anywhere in the Hudson River valley.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]