The most magical things to do for the holidays in NYC

The fact that each winter chef Jon Lovitch expertly crafts an adorable (and completely edible) gingerbread village is quite miraculous. It takes him a full year to craft detailed miniature homes and storefronts and even more impressive, his handiwork has held the Guinness World Record title for the largest gingerbread village for multiple years in a row. You can see it for yourself at Essex Market this holiday season.

For many a hardened, city-dwelling grinch, holiday cheer is a nostalgic notion—that long-lost anticipation of presents waiting to be opened or the care poured into building a jolly snowman. There’s no way to miss the magic of the holidays once you step inside. It’ll melt your frosty heart. Sure, you might have to queue up in the cold before warming up with a toasty mug, but it’ll be in good company at one of the East Village’s finest watering holes.

Take a cocktail class where you don a cloak, wield a working magic wand & use molecular mixology to brew drinkable elixirs if you want to feel drunk with magic. This two-story pub on Stone Street contains The Apothecary, which serves a range of signature molecular cocktails that showcase science and The Pub which serves traditional British comfort food with an interactive, fantasy twist.

The Santa Clause films starring Tim Allen, especially the original, sparks joy for many because of the twinkling magic of Santa portrayed throughout. Even if you haven’t seen the films, Santa means a lot to so many of us. This year, atop Pier 15 at Watermark, you can experience the wonder he brings at Bucket Listers’ pop-up, 90-minute-long experience. You’ll have the chance to walk through Santa’s house, where you’ll get to sit in the figure’s cozy armchair by the fireplace in his very own living room. Even better, you can order seasonal treats and drinks at the gingerbread house bar and walk through delicious-looking candy cane pillars while filling up stockings at Mrs. Claus’ candy bar. If you happen to stop by on a Saturday or Sunday in December, you’ll be able to enjoy Santa’s brunch as well.