Sometimes the best trips are the ones you plan on a whim, and that’s exactly what happened when I decided to book a last-minute Whirlwind Holiday Getaway to NYC: Mother-Daughter Trip. I brought along a friend, her daughter, and all three of my girls—two of whom had never been to New York City before. What better way to kick off the holiday season than by immersing ourselves in the city’s festive magic? With only two full days to explore, we packed in as much as we could—and it was every bit as magical as we’d hoped. We kept our packing light and planned a trip full of shopping and holiday cheer. Here’s what we packed and what we did. Don’t forget to favorite looks, items, and full posts for easy reference while planning your own trip and outfits!
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Whirlwind Holiday Getaway to NYC: Mother-Daughter Trip
Since we didn’t have much time to plan, I chose to stay at the Lotte New York Palace, my go-to for trips with the kids. Its central location is unbeatable, making it easy to get around, especially with a packed itinerary. Plus, the holiday decor at the hotel is stunning—just stepping into the lobby feels like the season is in full swing.
With four girls aged 8 to 11, we focused on activities that they’d love. First on the list: shopping! We made our way to some must-visit spots, including Loveshackfancy, the Jellycat pop-up at FAO Schwartz, and Roller Rabbit to grab the exclusive NYC pajamas you can only get in-store. Watching their faces light up as they explored each shop was priceless—it’s the kind of holiday magic you can’t plan for.
Pulling off a packed itinerary like this in such a short time required some serious planning. We made sure to book every lunch and dinner reservation in advance, which saved us from scrambling for spots at the last minute. Having a driver was also a game-changer—it made it so easy to drop off shopping bags, avoid the subway during the holiday rush, and save time between activities.
No holiday trip to NYC is complete without seeing the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The show was just as magical as I remembered, and I’m convinced it’s something I’ll never grow tired of. The girls were captivated, and it was such a joy to share this iconic tradition with them.
We spent one afternoon in SoHo, which was a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle around Rockefeller Center. It’s such a charming, quieter area with some of our favorite stores like Stoney Clover Lane and Little Words Project. The cobblestone streets and boutique vibes made it feel like a special little escape within the city.
With just two days, we couldn’t do it all, but that’s all the more reason to plan another trip! Next time, I’d love to take them ice skating, have a festive afternoon tea at The Plaza, and explore the holiday market at Bryant Park.
While the trip was quick, it was everything I wanted for the girls: a chance to experience the holiday magic of NYC, from the twinkling lights and iconic landmarks to the joy of discovering new favorite places. It was a memory-making whirlwind that I know we’ll all cherish—and it’s safe to say, we’ll be back for more soon.
