There’s a certain magic that exists in the Big Apple at Christmas time- the lights, the trees, the lavish decorations and the abundance of holiday cheer. There’s a reason Buddy the Elf loved it so much, after all. Unfortunately, there are forces beyond our control that determine whether or not the weather coincides with our holiday cheerfulness. Ready to hit the streets of New York, but the weather outside is frightful? Don’t fret; I’ve got you covered. Here are 10 things you can do to stay indoors to avoid letting the weather disrupt your holiday antics.

#1 Chelsea Market

This massive indoor marketplace will supply you with all the Christmas cheer you need while also providing you with plenty of dining and souvenir shopping options (and I don’t mean those tacky snow globes you can find at every street corner in Times Square). Grab a coffee or pastry to snack on while you walk around and browse the local vendors, or sit down and enjoy a tasty meal at Friedmans. And be sure to look up and enjoy the copious amounts of ornaments and tinsel hanging from the ceiling throughout the market.

#2 Starbucks Reserve & Roastery

Right next door to Chelsea Market, you’ll find the perfect place to rest your feet and enjoy a delicious hand crafted cup of joe. If you’ve never been to a Starbucks Roastery before, you’re in for a treat. I assure you, this is not your average Starbucks.

#3 Radio City Christmas Spectacular

I’m sure you’ve heard of this famous performance with the gals in sparkly outfits kicking their legs like there’s no tomorrow. If you need something to get you in the Christmas spirit, this show is a MUST. Sit back and experience a heart warming show full of incredibly talented dancers, singers and performers while Radio City Music Hall is transformed into a magical winter wonderland all around you. Already seen the Rockettes perform in a different city and thinking, “Been there, done that”? Trust me, the show in NYC takes it to a whole other level. The lights, the music, the costumes and obviously the dancing; throw in a full menu of Christmas cocktails, and what’s not to love?

#4 Macy’s at Herald Square

You’ve probably seen the outside of this massive department store (it’s actually the largest department store in the world) on your TV screen as you watch the floats glide past it during the Thanksgiving Day Parade, but that’s not all this Macy’s is known for. Come the end of November, the entire 3-acre store is decked out from floor to ceiling in Christmas decor galore. They even have a manifestation of the North Pole on the top level where you can meet the jolly Kriss Kringle himself (but make a reservation online before you go!)

#5 The Oculus

Tucked behind the 9/11 museum is this stunning new addition to New York City’s impressive architecture scene. Also functioning as an upscale shopping mall, it’s the grandest terminal station you’ll find in the city (aside from Grand Central Station, of course). During Christmas, they jazz the place up with a unique and definitely photo-worthy display of Christmas lights on the ground floor along with a quaint little Christmas market.

#6 Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station is far more than just a commuter train terminal. You could walk around and get lost for hours admiring the ornate architectural elements, wandering the food court, browsing the shops and gazing up at the famous celestial ceiling mural. In addition to all of this, the station hosts an indoor holiday market along with various events throughout the Christmas season.

#7 St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Wander inside the gorgeous Neo-Gothic cathedral on Fifth Ave. Sit in a pew for a while and soak in the history surrounding you.

#8 Dine at Rolf’s

This snug German restaurant has become a holiday staple and considered a must-visit by many. The moment you walk through the door, you’ll be wonderstruck by the borderline absurd amount of Christmas decorations covering the entire eatery. The size of this restaurant may be trivial, but they certainly made use of every inch (and i mean that very literally) of space. I mean, they decked the heck out of those halls. While the food and drinks are certainly overpriced, it’s just one of those places you have to go once. I’ve never seen anything else quite like it, and I’m not sure anything else like it exists. Try and make a reservation well in advance, but if things don’t pan out, you can always wait in line to get in. Go on a week day at an off time (we went around 3pm), and you shouldn’t have to wait more than half an hour.

#9 Plaza Food Hall & Hotel

Hungry for a bite to eat, but don’t want to break the bank? Head over to the Plaza Hotel, a New York icon just outside of Central Park. Sneak a peak at the Christmas tree in the lobby if you can, then head to the entrance to the Food Hall, which is basically an underground food court kicked up a few dozen notches. Take a seat and chow down on a delicious meal from one of the various food vendors. Offering international cuisine and everything from casual to fine dining, the Plaza Food Hall has something for everyone.

#10 Dyker Heights Bus Tour

Last, but certainly not least, head away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and take a bus tour of Dyker Heights, the most festive neighborhood in Brooklyn. You may be thinking, “Wouldn’t rain kind of put a damper on a Christmas lights tour?” This may not be the best option if it’s pouring rain or snowing heavily, but for us it was the perfect escape from the annoying drizzle we encountered during our stay. We absolutely loved being able to sit on the warm, dry bus and gaze out at some seriously impressive Christmas displays in the yards of the wealthy Brooklynites. Book your tickets through A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours, and you’ll get a charismatic and knowledgeable guide who will share entertaining anecdotes and more intimate insights that you probably won’t get with other options. This tour was definitely one of the highlights of our trip, and was the ultimate way to muster up some Christmas spirit!

Enjoy your time in NYC, and stay dry my friends!

xo, The Girl Out of Texas