How to Celebrate the Holidays in Lower Manhattan

Without the usual festive parties, family get-togethers and packed shopping streets, it’s safe to say 2020’s holiday season is a little muted. But there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday spirit in Lower Manhattan, whether it be by feasting on Stone Street, toasting at an Irish pub, shopping at the Oculus, or even boogying down at a socially distant Snowball. Cheers!

Feast On Stone Street

One of New York’s most historic streets has gone all out for the holidays, with the old-timey cobblestones and storefronts decked out in lights and other festive decor. Dine in one of Route 66 Smokehouse’s toasty individual outdoor snow globes, which seal in you and your fellow diners so you can safely (and warmly) feast together. They also come with individual Christmas trees, so you really do get the whole deal. For other Stone Street highlights, grab a pint at Ulysses and or an old-fashioned slice at Adrienne’s Pizzabar.

Get Tipsy At The Irish Punt

Nothing says “ringing in the holidays” quite like a stiff drink or two. If that’s your M.O., The Irish Punt at 40 Exchange Place is the place to be — offering up savory pub cuisine to soak up those generous pours. Slàinte.

Shop Your Heart Out At The Oculus

It’s a tough month in a tough year, but your friends and family will be delighted with your thoughtful gifts. The Oculus at Westfield World Trade Center is a prime spot for spacious and socially-distant shopping, and it’s home to all your faves: Kiehls, John Varvatos, Kate Spade, Moleskine, MAC, you name it. As a bonus, the Oculus is in full festive mode, between the main space’s lights, wreaths and trees and the decorated shop windows.

Gaze At The Brookfield Luminaries

Brookfield Place’s annual holiday luminaries aren’t shying away from a pandemic year. Stop by the Winter Garden and take in the interactive installation, in which visitors can make wishes on the canopy of colored lanterns. This year, the wishing stations are touchless, but the Michael Bublé and Tony Bennett-soundtracked light shows are as vibrant as ever.

Hit Up A Silent Snow Ball Dance Party At Zuccotti Park

Pandemic or no pandemic, we can still (safely) party. At lunchtime every Tuesday from December 1 to 15, Arts Brookfield is hosting a socially-distant Silent Snow Ball at Zuccotti Park. Don a pair of headphones and a listening device, dance your heart out to selections made by a rotating cast of DJs, and see if you can recreate the “Jingle Bell Rock” moves from “Mean Girls.”

Previously: 58 Ways To Support Lower Manhattan Businesses This Holiday Season