Holiday Fantasy at The New York Palace

Robert Doyle READ TIME: 3 MIN.

New York, NY- The New York Palace is launching its first Holiday Fantasy, transporting visitors' imaginations into the world of toy soldiers, gingerbread houses and snowflakes. Each year, the midtown luxury property draws crowds into its renowned Palace Courtyard which boasts a 30-foot twinkling Christmas tree.

This year, from November 25 until December 24, The Palace will give visitors the royal treatment. Palace Guards will greet people from the tree-adorned Courtyard; a Snowflake Princess will make special appearances at the weekend Holiday Fantasy Brunch; a daily Happy Holiday Hour will delight adults with seasonal cocktails; and the lobby will house a giant Gingerbread House complete with a chocolate train. The New York Palace is also offering a special Holiday Fantasy hotel package for those wishing to fully immerse themselves into this wintery wonderland.

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, two statuesque Palace Guards will greet visitors at The Palace Courtyard, welcoming them to behold the oversized Christmas tree, posing for photos and answering questions about the hotel's holiday offerings. A Snowflake Princess will make surprise appearances at windows overlooking the Courtyard and will delight children with special snowflake cookies at the weekend Holiday Fantasy Brunch.

To create the costumes for the Palace Guards and Snowflake Princess, The New York Palace tapped the talents of Claudine DeSola, Creator of Caravan and Stylist Studio . Designer Danny Roberts of Igor and Andre designed the costumes for the Palace Guards and Lisa Puccio designed the costume for the Snowflake Princess. Claudine DeSola then took these designs and brought the holiday costumes to life. Ms. DeSola has extensive experience with design projects and has curated shows for STYLE 360 with ELLE and Elle.com. She has designed dresses for celebrities and has styled over 250 actors and musicians.

Beyond dazzling the eyes, The Palace's Holiday Fantasy is sure to please visitors' taste buds. The Holiday Fantasy Brunch will delight kids of all ages, with an � la carte menu offered at restaurant Istana on Saturdays and Sundays, 12noon-2:30pm.

From Princess Premiers to Fairytale Endings, dishes will include Mrs. Claus' Macaroni & Cheese; the Palace Guard Burger; Prancer's Pumpkin Cheesecake; the Working Elves Cupcake Shop and more. A Happy Holiday Hour for adults will be offered daily in The Palace's Lobby Lounge and two Michelin-starred restaurant GILT. Special seasonal cocktails like the Stocking Cap, the White Christmas Cocktail and the Cranberry Margarita on the Rocks will help keep the season bright.

An elegant three-foot Gingerbread House, masterfully created by The Palace's Pastry Chef Bill Leonard, will be on display in the hotel's Grand Lobby. The Gingerbread house will be designed in the style of an elegant country estate outfitted with holiday scenery, including Christmas trees and a Chocolate Train with candy-filled cars. Classic candy will decorate the house, including Candy Canes, Gum drops and shredded cereal to resemble a thatched roof.

The Palace's Holiday Fantasy Package will include luxury guest room accommodations; a $100 nightly Food & Beverage credit which can be used at Gilt, Istana or towards the Holiday Fantasy Brunch; a commemorative New York Palace Holiday Ornament; and an in-room children's welcome amenity. Upgrade options are also available. This package starts at $499/night and is based on availability.

To book this package or learn more about The New York Palace Holiday Fantasy, please visit www.newyorkpalace.com .

The very finest in old-world elegance and new-world opulence can be found just beyond the courtyard gates of The New York Palace on the corner of 50th & Madison.� With 805 rooms and 88 suites, The Palace is known for unparalleled splendor, spectacular views, sumptuous rooms and exquisite service.�

Located in the heart of Manhattan -- across the street from St. Patrick's Cathedral and only steps from Rockefeller Center -- the hotel's world-renowned courtyard incorporates motifs from several 15th-century Italian cathedrals and has served as the entranceway to the historic Villard Mansion since 1882.� Today, The New York Palace gracefully blends the landmark Villard Mansion with a contemporary 55-story tower.

Guests can book accommodations online at www.newyorkpalace.com or contact reservations at 1-800-NY-PALACE (1-800-697-2522).


by Robert Doyle

Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.

Read These Next