Wintertime in New York City is, quite simply, magical. People travel from all over the world to visit during the holiday season, taking in all of the bright lights, window displays, and festive cheer that the city has to offer. However, those of us who live here 24/7 know that winter in the five boroughs can have its downsides, too, with low temperatures, biting wind, and sunset by 4:30 p.m.
It can all leave you feeling a little… chilly. But never fear: At Brookfield Place in downtown Manhattan, you’ll find a tropical holiday oasis that will help you celebrate the season while still staying warm and toasty. Amid the famous palm trees in the building’s Winter Garden atrium, you can escape from the cold weather and revel in the season with festive events and activities, stores to finish up your holiday shopping, and plenty of bars and restaurants. Beneath the twinkling lights strung amongst the palms, you just might forget that you’re not in the Southern Hemisphere.
First and foremost, Brookfield Place is a one-stop shop for holiday gifting. No matter who’s on your list, there’s a store for everyone. The aunt who always smells as good as her seats at the opera? Jo Malone London. Your stylish 5-year-old niece? Janie and Jack. With more than 40 shops and services like Madewell, Oliver Peoples, Lululemon, Arc’teryx, and more, you’ll be able to finish your shopping in an afternoon. To make your holiday shopping even more convenient, Brookfield Place is also offering free gift wrapping until December 24 — just show your receipt from any Brookfield Place retailer at the Wrap Retreat, located at 230 Vesey Street, on Level 1 next to the Concierge Desk.
In December, Brookfield Place will also host daily events celebrating the festive season. Every Tuesday at 4 p.m., spend $25 or more within the building and receive a complimentary hot chocolate in the Treasure Hut. Or, spend your Tuesdays grabbing food from Hudson Eats and listening to free lunchtime concerts with local musicians playing seasonal favorites. From December 9-15, enjoy free tropical-inspired holiday items during Brookfield Place’s Seven Days of Giveaways. And if you visit any day until December 24, be sure to participate in the cocktail crawl — all you have to do is enjoy tropical-inspired holiday cocktails from two participating Brookfield Place restaurants and you’ll be gifted an at-home cocktail-making kit worth $30.
There are plenty of activities geared toward the little ones, too. The 7,350-square-foot outdoor ice rink on the Waterfront Plaza offers beautiful city views and is perfect for all ages, with events including public skating, private lessons, and intro to hockey for kids. Families can also check out the Hanukkah celebration on December 17, which includes a live klezmer band performance and a craft activity led by an art therapist. And on select days until December 24, meet the man in red at the Selfies with Santa event, or visit Santa’s Sandcastle, an impressively large sandcastle installation aptly situated underneath the palm trees.
So if you’re fed up with the city’s winter weather and ready to book an expensive, last-minute flight to Florida, take a pause before hitting “Purchase”: At Brookfield Place, you’ll be able to get that same feeling of warm escapism without leaving the city limits. Find more information about events and activities here — and don’t forget to bring your tropical ‘fit.
This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our advertiser, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.