Best NYC Hotel Lobbies to Visit During Christmas (Free to Enter)

Turns out you can just walk into these fancy hotel lobbies during the holidays without booking a room. No one really stops you if you look decent. Some have better decorations than the actual tourist spots. Perfect for Instagrammable holiday photos.

Here's the list if anyone wants to try it:

The Plaza - Home Alone 2 vibes, massive tree, everything's gold. Right on Central Park. Note: they're strict during peak season so go early morning (before 8am) or book afternoon tea if you really want in.

Lotte New York Palace - Has this courtyard with a huge Christmas tree that's actually unreal for photos. The Gossip Girl tree. Near Rock Center so you can hit both.

The Langham - They literally have a Paddington Bear and sometimes do free hot chocolate carts outside on weekends (5:30-7pm in December). Very chic.

The St. Regis - Two giant Nutcracker statues at the entrance. Super elegant, not over-the-top. Old school luxury.

The Mark - Upper East Side so less crowded. More low-key but still gorgeous.

Baccarat Hotel - This one is INSANE. They have a Christmas tree made entirely of crystal. Three tiers. Across from MoMA.

The Carlyle - Cozy holiday vibes, also UES. They have one of the best bars in the city if you want to grab a drink after.

The Peninsula - Fifth Avenue, beautiful decorations with nutcrackers and presents everywhere. Easy to add to your route.

The Beekman - Downtown, has this nine-story atrium that looks like a Victorian novel. The tree goes all the way up.

Pro tip: Go on a weekday afternoon for fewer crowds. Dress decent (not tourist sweatpants) and just walk in confidently. Take photos, enjoy the vibe, leave. Honestly one of the best free things to do in the city during the holidays.