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45 Park Avenue via Compass 45 Park Avenue via Compass
We are coming on to the season of Hallmark and Lifetime original holiday movies, many of which center on people leaving big cities to discover the magic of the holiday season in small towns. But this year, New York City isn't seeing many departures. A recent report from the New York City Comptroller's office found that the city has regained roughly three-quarters of the population that left at the height of the pandemic. The findings are based on change of address forms filed with the U.S. Postal Service.

The influx of residents has led to high demand for places to live. Crain's New York Business reports that Manhattan rental inventory is down nearly 70 percent from a year ago, and at its lowest point since 2012. Indeed, CityRealty listings show only 5,926 publicly listed apartments for rent throughout New York. Additionally, the rise in demand has had an impact on prices, and landlords aren't offering concessions or discounts to the same degree as in previous years. A total of 235 rental listings experienced price cuts over the past week, and a full chart may be found below.

Moreover, contrary to what those TV movies would have viewers think, New York is no place to escape from at this time of year. The streets go from merely exciting to downright magical, and all neighborhoods offer seasonal traditions. This year, many of these start before Thanksgiving.

In this article:

West 43, 552 West 43rd Street
West 43, 552 West 43rd Street Midtown West
1624 Amsterdam Avenue
1624 Amsterdam Avenue Hamilton Heights
One Museum Mile, 1280 Fifth Avenue
One Museum Mile, 1280 Fifth Avenue East Harlem
The Chrystie, 229 Chrystie Street
The Chrystie, 229 Chrystie Street Lower East Side
View 34, 401 East 34th Street
View 34, 401 East 34th Street Murray Hill

45-Park-Avenue-01 45 Park Avenue via Compass
From the listing: Spanning approximately 2,500sf, this elegant home boasts floor to ceiling windows from every room, each room overlooking iconic panoramic views of Park Avenue. Full length Juliet window doors open directly into this Park Avenue home, with a view of the top of the Empire State Building from your living room, just perfect for relaxing, lounging and entertaining. Thoughtfully designed with two separate winged primary suites, each replete with en suite bathrooms and walk-in closets. There are two additional bedrooms, one of which is off the living room and works equally as well as a formal dining room, TV room or home office. See floor plan and full details here.

Union Square Holiday Market Union Square Holiday Market via Urbanspace
Whether you’ve been visiting for years or first saw it in the opening scenes of Netflix’s Dash & Lily last year, the Union Square Holiday Market has become a New York City holiday destination. After last year’s unplanned hiatus, the market welcomes over 160 vendors selling art, apparel, jewelry, toys, food, and other items that can’t be found by browsing around online. (P.S. The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is set to open on November 27.)

1280-Fifth-Avenue-01 One Museum Mile via Argo Corporation
From the listing: Rarely available penthouse unit in One Museum Mile condominium, designed by famous architect Robert A.M Stern, where Central Park is your front yard. There is a massive chef’s kitchen with enough space to fit a large dining table in the center. It’s fully equipped with top of the line, stainless steel appliances and also has a large window, breakfast bar, and pantry. The living area is well-proportioned with plenty of room for oversized furniture while maintaining enough space for a separate office and eating areas. See floor plan and full details here.

Lightscape Brooklyn Botanic Garden Image via Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The days are getting shorter and darker, but one would never know it to visit Brooklyn Botanic Gardens: Over one million lights illuminate the paths and celebrate the beauty of nature. Highlights are set to include the Winter Cathedral Tunnel, Fire Garden, Sea of Light, and new works by local artists. A curated soundtrack will play along the way.

552-West-43rd-Street-01 West 43 via Corcoran
From the listing: This spacious loft features a key locked elevator that opens directly into a private foyer. Among the many highlights of the unit are wood floors throughout, an in-unit washer and dryer, and 10-foot ceilings with sunlight through the over-sized north and west-facing windows creating a fantastic sense of space and volume. The primary bedroom features an en suite bathroom, and the open chef’s kitchen is highlighted by maple cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a wine cooler. Option to rent furnished. See floor plan and full details here.

Pink-Winter-Lodge Image via Dan Nilsen
Between its creative cocktails and sweeping city views, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge has been a destination for locals and tourists alike practically since Moxy Times Square opened. The Pink Winter Lodge transforms the space into a sparkling pink oasis inspired by a posh ski lodge. The full dinner menu will be served along with seasonal sweets and cocktails like The Sweetest Surprise cake (see above; only 20 served each night), The Pink S’mores Stack, Apres Ski (vodka, white chocolate liqueur, soy milk, and mini marshmallows), and 24K Magic (bourbon, spiked eggnog, and Aztec chocolate dusted with nutmeg and garnished with gold leaf flakes). Downtown, Moxy East Village recently opened Palm Holiday, a tropical-themed installation with seasonal cocktails at The Ready Rooftop.

229-Chrystie-Street-01 The Chrystie via Rose Associates
From the listing: Spacious one-bedroom with newly renovated pass-thru kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and an eating bar, floor-to-ceiling windows, multiple closets, new wood floors, an updated bath, and an in-unit washer/dryer. Located in the heart of the Lower East Side where the vibrant neighborhoods of the East Village, Nolita and Soho meet! See floor plan and full details here.

Industry-City-ice-rink Image via Industry City
Between Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and the Wollman Ice Rink, it sounds like Manhattan has a monopoly on skating rinks. But Brooklynites won’t need to travel so far this year with the opening of the Industry City ice rink. The open-air ice rink is located next to a snack bar operated by Frying Pan Brooklyn that serves hot chocolate and snacks.

277-South-5th-Street-01 The Dime via Douglas Elliman
From the listing: Williamsburg is unlike any other neighborhood in New York City, brimming with creative energy, cultural entertainment, vibrant nightlife, and technological ingenuity. Combining rich historic architecture with stylish contemporary design, The Dime will offer 177 rental residences in studio, one, two, and three-bedroom layouts. Every floor boasts breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and Williamsburg Bridge, visible from nearly every apartment. Offering one month free on a 12-month lease. See floor plan and full details here.

Image via New York Botanical Garden
For the 30th year in a row, the New York Botanical Garden presents model trains zipping through replicas of New York City landmarks made out of natural materials like leaves, seeds, bark, and pine cones. The event is enhanced by live performances from Uptown Brass on select dates. (P.S. If toy trains aren't your thing, the New York Botanical Garden is also hosting GLOW, an outdoor experience that uses dazzling colored lights to illuminate the gardens.)

45-Wall-Street-01 45 Wall Street via TF Cornerstone
From the listing: This immaculate loft-like studio features a separate windowed alcove, two full baths, a windowed open kitchen, new strip flooring, spacious living/dining area, tons of closet space, and northern exposure. Now accepting The Guarantors. See floor plan and full details here.

Sophie-Taeuber-Arp Image via Museum of Modern Art
Between her murals, stained glass windows, furniture, paintings, and sculptures, Sophie Taeuber-Arp was one of the most multi-talented modern artists in the history of the movement. For the first United States exhibition of her work in nearly 40 years, the MoMA will feature over 400 works from paintings to interior designs to textiles to marionettes. The exhibition opens to the public on November 21, but museum members can attend a preview starting November 18.

401-East-34th-Street-01 View 34 via UDR
From the listing: View 34 is the new destination for upscale living in New York City. Our newly renovated homes are complete with plank flooring, stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, and new windows with custom roller shades. Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, View 34 is walking distance to the East River, NYU Medical Center and numerous bars and restaurants. See floor plan and full details here.

Pier 17 Image via Howard Hughes Corporation
After the success of summer's rooftop lawn, Pier 17 puts a seasonal twist on it as the days get colder. Set amidst a mountain range sculpture, dining cabins feature ski lodge-inspired decor, virtual fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling skyline views. A new menu features specialty cocktails and Southern, Japanese, Latin, and vegan dishes. Health and safety protocols are in place - masks and proof of vaccination are required, the food and drinks are ordered through touchless mobile ordering, and thorough cleaning procedures take place every time a party leaves a cabin.

1624-Amsterdam-Avenue-01 1624 Amsterdam Avenue via Compass
From the listing: Each unit in this renovated rental building has a central air system, video intercom, and high ceilings. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout this apartment. There is a new kitchen with Caesarstone countertops and stainless steel appliances. The bedrooms are generously sized to fit a full or queen. 2 months free on a 2-year lease. See floor plan and full details here.

Interwoven Flatiron District Image via Atelier Cho Thompson
From November 22 - January 2, the Flatiron Plaza will be home to Interwoven, an interactive story wall designed by Atelier Cho Thompson to celebrate the joys of intersecting with our community in a public space. An unveiling party will feature refreshments from Eataly and Shake Shack, live music by The Jazz Gallery, and raffles for prizes from local businesses.

426-Bergen-Street-01 426 Bergen Street via Zealestate Group, Inc.
From the listing: One-bedroom home in north Park Slope has high ceilings and oversized windows with incredible light all day long. There is a separate eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. The bedroom can fit a queen-sized bed. Pets are allowed. See floor plan and full details here.

Macys parade balloons Balloon inflation image via Mommy Poppins
The new balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will include Grogu (aka “Baby Yoda”), the title character of Ada Twist, Scientist, a new Pokemon balloon, and Tiptoe, the reindeer star of Macy’s holiday campaign. Spectators will be able to watch these and all the others be inflated the day before Thanksgiving outside the American Museum of Natural History. Guests must provide proof of vaccination to access the event.

2-Seaman-Avenue-01 2 Seaman Avenue via MNS
From the listing: All apartments at 2-12 Seaman Avenue feature a stunning open layout concept, sun drenched living area and hardwood flooring all throughout. Ideally situated in the heart of Inwood, this lovely building is centrally located to fit all of your needs. With an array of eclectic and renowned eateries at your fingertips, you will have a hard time choosing where to grab your next bite. Now offering 1 month free for immediate move-ins. See floor plan and full details here.

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