Maybe this year is the year to accept that the 2020 Holiday season will be different.
It’s not that long ago that we made it through the toughest two seasons to spend quarantined, spring, and summer. Is this not the time of the year, that most of us long for? Shedding our heavy winter clothes, and shaking off those dreary blues, not to mention those few extra pounds we put on over the long winter months, snuggled up with cookies, hot cocoa, and scrumptious Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding?
Wait… that was me I was talking about.
Personally, I think we need to be a little less worried about jumping on a plane to see Grandma and Grandpa, or jetting off to that island paradise just so you can jump in the beautiful piercing blue ocean in that new bikini, or parasail your way over the long white sandy beaches. It’s so overrated!
What’s not overrated is staying the course, thinking about others, do your part, from populating your travel miles with or picking up on your travels the worst virus in our lifetime.
Holidays are a little different this year, with many people forgoing big family celebrations in favor of smaller, home-based events. All the more reason, then, to make your homebound holiday even more special.
If you’re sticking around Lower Manhattan, we’ve rounded up some great spots in the neighborhood for seasonal cheer. Here, we’ve included some tasty eateries, eclectic shops, and other local highlights. Note that most of these establishments have been hit hard during the pandemic and could use some extra help these days, so you’ll be giving back as much as you’re getting. Happy holidays!
1. Thai Farm Kitchen
This South Street Seaport staple serves contemporary Thai cuisine from thom kha kai to Panang curry. A tall glass of Sapporo makes for a great addition to the meal. (21 Peck Slip)
2. Adrienne’s Pizza Bar
Pizza maker Nick Angelis’s menu features gourmet Italian cuisine — make sure to try their house specialty, the grandma-style pizza. (54 Stone St.)
3. Babesta
Babesta is an excellent resource for new and seasoned parents alike for the best clothing, learning toys and equipment to raise your bundle of joy. (56 Warren St., Brookfield Place)
4. Black Fox
Kick back with a great cuppa caffeine and an afternoon cookie (trust us) from 70 Pine’s resident coffeeshop. (70 Pine St.)
5. Blue Park Kitchen
This delicious walk-up establishment offers the rare combination of fast-casual convenience and locally-sourced produce, grains and proteins. (70 Pine St.)
6. Luke’s Lobster
Classic lobster rolls, crab rolls, shrimp rolls, and cole slaw are all on offer at the Financial District location of Luke’s Lobster (26 South William Street). The seafood shack is also dishing up lobster bisque and New England clam chowder for colder days, as well as DIY lobster roll kits for those who’d prefer to cook (or look like they’ve cooked, via Instagram) at home.
7. Taim
Taim offers satisfying servings of falafel sandwiches, cauliflower shawarma, sabich, tasty fries and more. (75 Maiden Lane)
8. Wattle Cafe
A lovely independent cafe boasting excellent superfood waffles, organic bites and excellent coffee blends for all flavor profiles. (19 Rector St.)
9. Bowne & Co.
Learn about the origins of letterpress printing in Lower manhattan, take a workshop or purchase unique gift items. (211 Water St.)
10. Brookfield
Brookfield Place covers all of your shopping needs with more than 40 shops ranging from Gucci to Rite Aid. (230 Vesey St.)
11. The Rink at Brookfield Place
The Rink at Brookfield Place is available for corporate outings, private lessons, birthday parties and special events. (230 Vesey St.)
12. Pearl Diner
Paging omelet lovers: Pearl Diner, the 48-year-old Downtown institution at 212 Pearl Street, is now available for in-person service as well as delivery via apps like GrubHub and Seamless.
13. City Acres
City Acres Market is an all-in-one grocery store, caterer and restaurant specializing in the highest quality products, and its beer selection is first-rate. (70 Pine St.)
14. City Blossoms
Whether purchase to-go bouquets or designing an exquisite floral centerpiece, this mother/daughter-run operation will ensure a beautiful arrangement. (62 Trinity Pl.)
15. Crown Shy
The former chef of 11 Madison Park and the Nomad features a menu of plates like Red Snapper Crudo, Grilled Quail and Roasted Short Ribs. (70 Pine St.)
16. CUT by Wolfgang Puck
Residents and visitors alike fancy this chic, award-winning steakhouse with a killer martini bar. Specialties include the popular Japanese Wagyu beef. (99 Church St.)
17. Da Claudio
This longtime neighborhood standby is perfect for a relaxing weeknight meal (p.s. the Bucatini Arrabbiata is awesome). (21 Ann Street)
18. Sant Ambroeus
Beloved Italian restaurant and coffee shop Sant Ambroeus has expanded its New York City presence with a new location in Brookfield Place (200 Vesey Street) — offering up the usual cappuccinos, gelato and homemade pastries, but will also feature some of Sant Ambroeus’ more robust restaurant options including salads, pasta and even a few elegantly prepared seafood and steak options.
19. Eataly NYC Downtown
Eataly’s Italian specialty grocery has you covered with handmade cheeses, fresh pasta, espresso beans, and the finest quality seafood. (101 Liberty St.)
20. fellow barber
fellow barber is not only the ideal spot for a stylish, affordable haircut; it’s also where you’ll find expertly crafted, US-made grooming products. (18 Fulton St.)
21. Fields Good Chicken
Winner, winner chicken dinner (or lunch!) at this fast-casual restaurant dedicated to amazing poultry dishes. (101 Maiden Lane)
22. Fresh Salt
This neighborhood watering hole has been serving up seasonal cocktails and top-notch grub since 2004, back when the Fulton Fish Market was still swinging in the Seaport District. (146 Beekman St.)
23. Gnoccheria
Come hungry, leave extremely satisfied by the pillowy Italian potato classic as well as Neapolitan pizza offerings. (100 Broad Street)
24. Greenwich St. Jewelers
Give yourself extra time to peruse the gorgeous, carefully curated collections of precious metals and gemstones at this family-owned jewelry store. (64 Trinity Pl.)
25. Bombay’s
Though Bombay’s Indian Cuisine has a small menu, owner Sonal Vyas and staff work hard to ensure that all its offerings are delicious and made with lots of love — from crispy samosas to tender pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices — and it’s also reasonably priced for the neighborhood.
26. Suited
When business partners Andrew Fazio and Wilson Johnson teamed up to create Suited, Lower Manhattan’s newest cafe, it was with the understanding that you can find good sandwiches or a good cup of coffee all over New York City, but not always at the same place. That dilemma has now been solved. (45 John Street)
27. La Parisienne
A lovely French cafe tucked away on Maiden Lane offers excellent dishes for breakfast, lunch, happy hour and weekend brunch. (9 Maiden Lane)
28. Le District
Le District has all of your grocery needs, from daily essentials to French-inspired fare. (225 Liberty St.)
29. Leo’s Bagels
“Leo’s” stands for the classic bagel breakfast “Lox, eggs & onions” — recommend trying their specialty as well as other bagel, cream cheese spreads and smoked fish offerings. (3 Hanover Square)
30. Mad Dog & Beans
Located in a landmark building, Mad Dog serves up traditional Mexican cooking that includes fresh guacamole and potent margaritas. (83 Pearl St.)
31. Brooklyn Beef ‘N Cheese
Ironically, Brooklyn Beef ‘N Cheese isn’t in Brooklyn, but what it sells is a classic Brooklyn roast beef sandwich, the likes of which you’d generally have to go all the way to Coney Island to get. (upstairs at City Acres Market, 70 Pine Street)
32. magic mix juicery
Nutritious breakfast bowls, filling lunches, snacks and — yes — fresh-to-order juices to keep your body happy and healthy. (102 Fulton St.)
33. Salon DeLouie
Salon DeLouie has been operating in the neighborhood for seven years, offering up cuts and colors to the busy workers of Lower Manhattan through good times and bad. And even through the COVID era, the salon is sticking to its most popular classics like coloring, highlights and cuts for all genders.
34. Martin Busch Jewelers
Longtime independent jewelry shop offers excellent options for all price ranges, original designs and watch repairs. (85 John St.)
35. McNally Jackson
Get lost in the vast selection of McNally’s beloved Seaport location. (4 Fulton St.)
36. Mysterious Bookshop
Explore the thrilling titles at this longtime niche bookstore dedicated to noir and the art of mysterious happenings. (58 Warren St.)
37. Neapolitan Express
Neapolitan Express is the perfect spot for organic, authentic pizza that’s good for you and the environment. (40 Wall St.)
38. The Greens at Pier 17
A reservation for The Greens’ seasonal rooftop dining concept nets you your own 10-person-max rooftop cabin, replete with banquette seating, a virtual fireplace, electric heating and delicious seasonally-themed dishes like mushroom risotto, hot smoked toddies, mulled cider and chipotle beef stew.
39. Casa Taqueria
When you need some flavorful takeout, this spicy standby at 40 Gold Street will never let you down.
40. Only Nails
Only Nails offers a selection of 300+ colors for their special dipping powder gel manicure and more than 400 colors for a gel manicure/pedicure. (86 Nassau St.)
41. One World Observatory
Gain a new perspective of our beautiful city from the top of One World Trade Center. (285 Fulton St.)
42. Petropolis
Spoil your four-legged BFF with organic snacks, adorable toys and grooming services at this doge palace. (91 Washington St.)
43. Poster Museum
Philip Williams’s gargantuan in-store collection boasts colorful prints, vintage posters and unique typographical art. You could spend days in here. (122 Chambers St.)
44. primp
Glow up each day with blowouts, makeup, massages and curated products at this Seaport District salon. (142 Beekman St.)
45. Proof
PROOF Coffee Roasters not only makes their coffee from ethically-sourced, locally-roasted beans. They also deliver! (65 Nassau St.)
46. Pure Liquid Wine & Spirits
A knowledgeable staff will help you pair the perfect spirit to any event at this inviting wine shop located in Westfield World Trade Center. (Westfield, South Concourse, Balcony Level)
47. Sauce & Barrel
Sauce & Barrel takes its name from the bar’s barrel aged cocktail program and has a menu that offers more than 15 pizzas. (97 Washington St.)
48. Schilling
Schilling’s menu is a blend of Mediterranean and Austrian dishes that features wiener schnitzel, spaetzle, braised lamb and more. For dessert, the strudel can’t be beat. (109 Washington St.)
49. Spa services at The Four Seasons New York Downtown
New Yorkers in need of rest and relaxation after months of lockdown can unwind at the Four Seasons New York Downtown, as the hotel’s menu of services from manicures to immune-boosting treatments are all be available.
50. Springbone Kitchen
Stay healthy all year with Springbone’s nutrient-rich bone broth, as well as other organic dishes. (74 Pearl St.)
51. Stone Street Tavern
Stone Street Tavern attracts diners looking for hearty American fare and a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. (52 Stone St.)
52. Temple Court
Tom Colicchio’s excellent farm-to-table, American-style restaurant is set within the beautiful atrium and cozy corners of The Beekman Hotel. (5 Beekman St.)
53. Caravan Uyghur Cuisine
Caravan serves Chinese homestyle dishes in a cozy space, and believe us when we tell you that the Laghman noodles are so satisfying. (200 Pearl St.)
54. Stout NYC
If this 90 John Street staple isn’t tempting enough to frequent for their generous pours, consider their signature Stout Steak Sandwich to soak up all that sud.
55. The Tuck Room
The Tuck Room serves up exceptional contemporary plates for lunch and dinner, as well as early bird and late-night specials. (11 Fulton St.)
56. Cowgirl Seahorse
Don’t forget cocktails to-go when you order delivery from Cowgirl SeaHorse: In addition to its reliably reliable bloody marys during brunch, the Seaport District darling offers frozen margaritas in a sanitized mason jar inside a frozen food bag — so they’ll be delivered just as icy old as they come if you’d get ‘em straight from the bar. (259 Front Street)
57. Westfield World Trade Center
Westfield World Trade Center is home to all the stores and art installations you could ever imagine. (185 Greenwich St.)
58. Yoga carE
YogaCare was created to facilitate this transformation in becoming the best version of yourself – permanently — with several online programs that complement the mind, body, and soul in our journey towards each other.
Before we dive into the selection of cakes, cookies and pastries, let’s talk about the space first. Whereas many bakeries in the city are small and more suitable for grab-and-go, 
Sweet Corner Bakeshop has recently stepped up their game in honor of pride month, turning their delicious sweets rainbow-colored. And we all know, everything that looks aesthetically pleasing is way more fun to eat, not to mention delicious.
The layer cake is surprisingly light and fluffy for a seven(!) layer cake with buttercream, and the thousands of sprinkles and confetti add crunch to each bite. We’re just hoping those thousand sprinkles doesn’t equal a thousand calories. But then again, when it tastes like this, we don’t really care about the calories…
Want something similar but smaller? The unicorn cupcake has your name written all over it.