After twenty-one years, I finally got to experience Christmas time in New York City. As insane as it was, I hope everyone gets the chance to at least once. This was my second time in the city in almost exactly six months, and boy, is it different from July to December, from 2AM waiting for the Today Show to all day exploring. Even though we got lost on subway (more than once!), wanted to punch some people in the face later on in the day, and spent thirty minutes trying to find a bathroom in Times Square, it was definitely worth it. If you’re in NYC or are going in the near future, here are some things you should definitely check out!

1. The Taylor Swift Experience!

Okay, guilty-as-charged, this is the main reason I was heading to NYC this weekend, but you guys should expect this from me. However, whether you are a die-hard Swiftie, just a fan, or even a hater, I highly recommend checking out the exhibit in the Seaport District (the district itself is pretty remarkable!). For a hater, it might not turn you into Swift’s next big fan, but will show you just how much she has truly accomplished in just ten short years in the industry. For a Swiftie, it is literally heaven on earth, full of hand-written song lyric, childhood momentos and clothes, interactive dance floors, studios, and more, costumes from all of her tours, music videos, award show appearances (did I mention one of her Grammys is there?!), and more, it is all things Taylor, just how we love it. Here’s a picture of just two of all the incredible costumes, both from her star-studded Bad Blood music video released last May. The exhibit is open through February 19^th and it only $10 to enter!

2. The Edge of the Upper East Side!

Now, I will admit, inner me was fan-girling hardcore when I realized we were passing a location featured in the CW show, Gossip Girl (pictured below you may recognize Chuck Bass’s first hotel), but even the edge of the Upper East Side is pretty cool. Yes, all of these landmarks are the same no matter when you visit, but there is something so magical about all of the holiday spirit and beautiful decorations. In fact, I recognized the Gossip Girl hotel by their decorations, as sad as that is. Plus, window-shopping on your way from landmark to landmark is super fun because all of these stores are full of sparkly, high-profile attire that are just neat to look at. And if you feel adventurous and have the time, by all means hit up the West Village! I plan on it during my next visit.

3. Local Cafes!

Just like all other tourist stops, you have to find some good, signature food. This little café caught by eye because of the colorful, familiar holiday artwork on its windows. There were so many places we could have stopped in. You’ll never have to worry about going hungry on your trip with at least five food stops on every block.

4. Times Square!

This city truly never sleeps. That was something I learned last time I was in the city, but this time was a different perspective. And I still feel the same. The difference between rounding the block before stepping into the center of Times Square and standing in the midst of it ourselves, it was like night and day. Literally. The block before was only lit with street lights and store/restaurants signs, but in Times Square it looked like it was noon. On the way, we passed by the holiday decked out Avenue of the Americas, and even that compared to Times Square was dim. This was truly my first time in Times Square in the normal hours of the night, and the hustle and bustle really is fascinating.

5. Rockefeller Center!

I’m sure you were all waiting for this one. Rockefeller Center and its famous Christmas tree are the staple of any holiday trip to New York City, and of course we had to stop by. I was floored by just how tall the tree was. The lights were magnificent and seeing the rink below the tree was just a magic experience. We started off across the street from the tree and gradually made our way right next to it, passing by other strings of lights and white light-up angels on our way. And I felt like an ant next to the tree, I will say that. However, if you go nowhere else when you visit, you HAVE to visit the tree.

Christmas is creeping up fast, but we still have another three weeks to go crazy over everything involved. Don’t let it consume you. If you need some stress-free time, take a day trip to NYC and check out the sites! Happy Holidays!