[title]
The holiday season is for looking back—from the best dishes we got to eat to this year's top book titles and more—dreaming about what's ahead... and holiday gifts.
Let's be honest: no matter how old we are, there's something about the Christmas and Hanukkah season that unleashes our desire for presents, whether they come in the form of tickets to unique experiences or physical tokens. Added points if the gifts are New York-centric ones that will foster a sense of adventure and deeper passion for this city we (luckily!) call home.
Whether you are looking to fill out your own wish lists, in search of inspiration for gifts to buy loved ones or even considering honoring the season with a self-given present, Time Out New York editors are here to help: here are some of the holiday favors they are hoping to receive this year.
A unique Caribbean liqueur brewed in Brooklyn
"For many members of the Caribbean community, the holidays call for the hibiscus-based drink, sorrel. Every family stirs up their drink their way, some spice it with cinnamon and cardamom, others cloves and ginger. The brewed beverage is often punched up with rum. Proudly crafted by Jackie Summers, the first licensed Black distiller in the U.S., comes Sorel Liqueur. Brewed in Brooklyn, the aromatic drink makes the season feel bright with a mix of Moroccan hibiscus, Nigerian ginger and Brazilian cloves. Easily mixed with spirits and bubbles, the best way I've found to enjoy Sorel is simply over ice and good conversation." —Morgan Carter, Food and Drink Editor
A book about NYC's deepest secrets
"This gift is a secret—literally. Give your loved one the gift of adventure in New York City with a new book written by yours truly. The paperback, Secret New York City: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, digs into nearly 100 hidden gems across the five boroughs. To name a few: an underground art installation in the middle of Times Square; an eerie witch in Central Park; a surprisingly delightful rat artwork; and a puzzling Scrabble sign. My tip: put a few Post-Its on pages you’d like to visit with your gift recipient, then make a plan for your adventures together in 2025. Order a signed, personalized copy right here." —Rossilynne Skena Culgan, Things to do Editor
An intimate cabaret show experience
"I love seeing musical-theater stars on Broadway, but it’s a special treat to see the same performers up close and personal—as I’ve been lucky to do many times at the retro supper club 54 Below. Taking in an intimate cabaret show in the cozy-swanky atmosphere of this theater-district destination is a classic New York experience. But tickets aren’t cheap, and that’s why I’m a big fan of 54 Below gift cards. The lucky recipients get access to extraordinary entertainment, with the freedom to choose when to go and whom to see; the 54 Below calendar in the next few months includes sets by such Broadway biggies as Norm Lewis, Paulo Szot, Lillias White, Laura Benanti, Derek Klena, Tony Yazbeck and Joaquina Kalukango. And, as an added incentive, the cards come with a 10% bonus when you buy them here." —Adam Feldman, Chief Theater Critic
A unique immersive theater outing
"The second I walked out of Life and Trust, the three-hour immersive experience currently taking over multiple floors of a historic Financial District skyscraper, I turned to my friend and said, “That was cool as hell.” It’s not often these days to experience something that truly feels like a spectacle but that’s exactly how I’d describe this Sleep No More follow-up. Over the course of this Faustian tale, you’ll wander through a gilded age New York packed with a secret society, a Vaudeville stage, an ornate mansion, a stable, a mysterious garden, a sinister laboratory and many more memorable sights. It all leads up to a final scene that’s breathtaking. Buy a discounted pack of four tickets and make it a friend group gift!" —Will Gleason, Content Director, Americas
A versatile and fashion-forward denim bag
"A blue denim Telfar bag from the new Telfar flagship store. When I heard that Telfar was opening its first-ever brick and mortar location in SoHo, I was elated. In 2025, I want to ditch backpacks for good, and Telfar’s medium sized shopper bag option perfectly fits a laptop and a few other office essentials. New Yorkers are lucky to get to see the brand’s in-demand products in person, so going in-store to pick something out for a loved one who lives out of town is certainly an added touch." —Ian Kumamoto, staff writer
A medically approved, relaxing massage
"I am absolutely obsessed with massages: they are my own form of meditation, allowing me a moment of introspection in a quiet room within the hustle-and-bustle of the city. Now that I'm pregnant, though, my options are limited—which is why I'm particularly fond of Eastside Massage Therapy, where therapists also offer prenatal massage treatments that will help ease leg cramps, back pains and overall soreness in a dedicated pregnancy suite. There is also a custom shaped pregnancy massage table on site!" —Anna Rahmanan, Senior National News Editor
A membership to a spa offering the best views of Manhattan
"You know those places you could just keep going back to again and again? That’s QC New York for me. In the handful of times I’ve been there (to cover its opening and new offerings) over the last few years, I’ve been charmed by it and have always left feeling like I want more. With its rejuvenating saunas, outdoor heated pool and (my fave) Vichy showers, there’s never enough time to fully explore and enjoy it all. My dream would be to have a membership or a gift card (at least) to use when I can carve out several hours to enjoy a massage, nap in its relaxation rooms and check out its brand new wing and restaurant. A girl can dream!" —Shaye Weaver, Time Out New York Editor