New York Christmas Dinner Ideas 2024

Christmas in New York City is a magical time of year, with the bright lights, festive decorations, and joyful atmosphere making it a perfect place to celebrate the holiday season. When it comes to Christmas dinner, New Yorkers have a plethora of options to choose from, ranging from traditional turkey feasts to more modern and innovative cuisine. In this article, we'll explore some of the best New York Christmas dinner ideas for 2024, including recipes, restaurant recommendations, and unique dining experiences.

A Classic New York Christmas Dinner

A traditional New York Christmas dinner typically features a roasted turkey as the centerpiece, accompanied by a variety of side dishes and desserts. Some popular side dishes include mashed potatoes, green beans, and stuffing, while desserts like pumpkin pie and apple crisp are sure to be a hit. For a classic New York Christmas dinner, consider the following recipe:

New York-Style Roasted Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, olive oil, garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
5. Roast the turkey for about 4-4 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving and serving.

Modern Twists on Classic Christmas Dishes

While traditional Christmas dishes are always a hit, some people may be looking for something a bit more modern and innovative. Here are a few ideas for modern twists on classic Christmas dishes:

• Korean-Style BBQ Turkey: Marinate the turkey in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, then roast it in the oven.
• Vegan "Turkey" Made from Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, and rice vinegar, then roast it in the oven.
• Christmas Tacos: Use seasoned ground beef or turkey and serve it in tacos with all the fixings, including salsa, avocado, and sour cream.

Restaurant Recommendations for Christmas Dinner in New York

If cooking a big Christmas dinner at home isn't your thing, there are plenty of great restaurants in New York that offer delicious holiday meals. Here are a few recommendations:

• The Plaza Hotel: This iconic hotel offers a luxurious Christmas dinner in its Palm Court restaurant, complete with a roasted turkey and all the trimmings.
• The Russian Tea Room: This beloved restaurant has been a New York institution for over 90 years, and its Christmas dinner menu features dishes like beef stroganoff and roasted duck.
• Carbone: This retro Italian-American restaurant in Greenwich Village offers a festive Christmas dinner menu that includes dishes like veal parmesan and lobster fra diavolo.

Unique Dining Experiences for Christmas in New York

If you're looking for a truly unique and memorable Christmas dining experience in New York, here are a few ideas:

• Christmas Dinner Cruise: Take a cruise around Manhattan while enjoying a delicious Christmas dinner on board.
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride and Dinner: Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park, then enjoy a cozy Christmas dinner at a nearby restaurant.
• Christmas Market Food Tour: Visit one of New York's many holiday markets, such as the Bryant Park Winter Village or the Union Square Holiday Market, and sample a variety of festive foods and drinks.

Gallery of Christmas Dinner Ideas in New York

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're cooking a big Christmas dinner at home or dining out at one of New York's many restaurants, there are plenty of delicious and festive options to choose from. We hope these New York Christmas dinner ideas have inspired you to try something new and exciting this holiday season.