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Holiday Shopping: Experience Gifts You Can Only Get in New York

Experiential gifts are a great way of filling out your gift list for adventurous friends and family members. From boat rides to a theatrical night of cocktails, there are a host of enticing Manhattan gift experiences at a variety of prices. Here are a few ideas for some experience gift inspiration.

Bateaux New York

bateaux odyssey sunset cruise

This holiday season experience elegance on the water aboard Bateaux New York—Manhattan’s only glass-enclosed, European-inspired vessel. This three-hour dinner cruise features unobstructed skyline views, impeccable service, exquisitely plated dining, and live band entertainment! Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, near W. 23rd St. on the Hudson, 866-862-7245, bateauxnewyork.com

Color Factory

color factory nyc

Color Factory is a collaborative interactive exhibit in SoHo’s Hudson Square neighborhood. Purchase a gift card and bestow a memorable experience, with hues that invite curiosity, discovery, and play. 251 Spring St. (btw. Varick St. & Sixth Ave.); colorfactory.co

The Imbible
Christmas Imbible

Photo: Russ Rowland.

The Imbible fuses music and comedy with history, science, and cocktails! Journey through time and jet set around the globe while learning about and sipping innovative cocktails and spirits. Shows include A Spirited History of Drinking; Day Drinking: The Brunch Musical; and Christmas Carol Cocktails. This fun cocktail experience was created by Anthony Caporale—an internationally renowned beverage educator. All performances include three complimentary craft cocktails. Cheers to that! Ages 21 and up. 800-447-7400, imbible.nyc

Madame Tussauds New York

tussauds countdown nye taylor swift justin bieber

And so the renowned countdown begins! Now's your chance to experience NYE in NYC at Madame Tussauds New York in Times Square. Count down the clock with Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift and take your best NYE photo while overlooking the famous ball drop in Times Square. 234 W. 42nd St., madametussauds.com/newyork

New York Botanical Garden

new york botanical train show kids

Holiday Train Show at The New York Botanical Garden. Marvel at model trains zipping through an enchanting display of more than 175 famous New York landmarks—each delightfully re-created from natural materials. Make your best holiday memories with NYC’s favorite holiday tradition! November 23–January 26, 2020. 2900 Southern Blvd., The Bronx, 718-817-8700, nybg.org

New York Starbucks Reserve Roastery

starbucks copper roastery

This holiday season, gift the extraordinary side of coffee with the Roastery Revealed Guided Tour and Tasting Experience, exclusively at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in New York City! For more information please contact nycroasteryevents@starbucks.com. 61 Ninth Ave. (15th St.), 212-691-0531, starbucksreserve.com

One World Observatory

santa one world

One World Observatory—the indoor observatory at the top of One World Trade Center—presents "Winter ONEderland: A Holiday Experience Above It All." The third annual installment of a seasonal transformation will transport visitors on a Skypod elevator journey that culminates with a visit to the observation deck. The experience is complete with holiday decor, thematic dining options, and a visit with Santa on his sleigh. For more information, tickets, and Santa's schedule, please visit www.oneworldobservatory.com
285 Fulton St. (entrance on the corner Vesey & West Sts.), 844-696-1776, oneworldobservatory.com

Planet Hollywood

planet hollywood gift cardThe perfect gift this holiday season is a Planet Hollywood Gift Card. Purchase at Planet Hollywood or online at planethollywoodintl.com/gift-cards/.  Visit the restaurant in Times Square for Holidays in Hollywood through the end of December, featuring special memorabilia, themed holiday menu items, over-the-top decorations, and special visits from Santa. 1540 Broadway (45th St.),
212-333-7827, planethollywoodintl.com

Top of the Rock: A One-Of-A-Kind View

Top of the Rock

With sweeping views of Central Park and Manhattan’s uptown, midtown, and downtown skyscrapers, the view from Top of the Rock is truly one-of-a-kind. Enjoy three indoor and outdoor viewing decks, including the 70th floor open-air roof deck. Visit topoftherocknyc.com to purchase tickets and for more information. Open daily from 8am to midnight. 30 Rockefeller Plaza (btw. Fifth & Sixth Aves.), 877-NYC-ROCK, topoftherocknyc.com

About the Author

Regina Molaro is a freelancer writer whose work spans from luxury to fashion, art, lifestyle, and beauty. Her work has appeared in Modern Luxury Hawai‘i, as well as Bespoke Magazine and In Season—the in-house magazines at the St. Regis and Mandarin Oriental New York.

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