2025 Santa's Winter Wonderland NYC Review: A Cozy Holiday Escape at Pier 17

Santa’s Winter Wonderland NYC: Our Full Visit Experience

Santa’s Winter Wonderland NYC is one of the most talked about Christmas events in Manhattan each year. The pop up holiday village takes place at Watermark on Pier 17, located in downtown Manhattan along the East River. Watermark is known for transforming its waterfront restaurant space into seasonal themed events. We had previously visited during their Oktoberfest celebration, so I was already familiar with the layout. Still, I was excited to see how they redesigned everything for the holiday season.

> If you want to see OCTOBER FEST REVIEW, chick here!

The moment we walked up to the entrance, we noticed festive lights, giant ornaments, Christmas trees, and bright red holiday decorations surrounding the pier. Even from the outside, the entire setup felt cheerful and holiday focused. The waterfront breeze, the shining bridges, and the tall downtown buildings created a unique mix of winter charm and New York City energy.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Entrance Fee and Reservation Options

One important thing to know before visiting Santa’s Winter Wonderland is that there is an entrance fee. Many Christmas pop ups in NYC are free to walk around, but this one requires a ticket.

According to the official website:
General Admission starts at $24.00 per person
Website: https://www.santaswinterwonderlandnyc.com/

You can either:

• Make a reservation ahead of time
• Or visit as walk ins, which is what we did

Even as walk-ins, we were able to get in without waiting too long, but this may vary depending on the day. Weekends and evenings tend to be much busier, especially in December.

The price we paid, $24 per person, included:

• Entry into the Christmas village
• Seating inside a heated cabin
• A choice of hot chocolate or warm apple cider
• Postcard with Santa!

For a popular NYC Christmas attraction, I found the price fair, especially since the drinks and cabin seating are included.

Hot Chocolate and Warm Apple Cider at winter wonderland

We were honestly surprised by the drink quality. Many holiday pop ups serve basic drinks that taste watered down or overly sweet, but here both drinks were genuinely delicious.

Hot Chocolate

• Rich flavor
• Very creamy
• Not too sweet
• Perfect for warming up after walking around the city

Warm Apple Cider

• Spiced perfectly
• Warm and cozy
• Tasted like real apple, not artificial flavor
• Great for sipping while looking at the lights

We each tried both drinks and could not decide which one we liked better. It was a great way to start the experience.

Cabin Seating Experience at winter wonderland

After getting our drinks, we were guided to our own private cabin. These cabins are part of what makes Santa’s Winter Wonderland so popular. Each cabin is decorated with Christmas garlands, fairy lights, and festive ornaments. It feels like a cozy holiday chalet, almost like stepping into a scene from a Christmas movie.

The cabin was very warm, almost too warm at times. Since the event is outdoors but the cabins are heated, you can easily take off your coat once inside. The warmth makes it comfortable to enjoy your drink and food without freezing.

Inside each cabin, there is enough space for a small group. The environment feels private yet still connected to the larger Christmas village around you.

Food We Ordered at Santa’s Winter Wonderland

We were hungry when we arrived, so we decided to order food. The menu looked like typical bar style holiday comfort food, so we were not expecting anything special. We were pleasantly surprised.

Fish and Chips

The fish and chips were much better than we expected. The fish was tender on the inside with a light, crispy coating on the outside. The portion size was generous, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying as a main dish. It paired especially well with the tartar sauce, which added a tangy and refreshing contrast.

Onion Rings

The onion rings was nothing special. It was good to share!

Beef Sliders

The beef sliders were one of the highlights of the meal. The buns were soft, and the patties were seasoned well with just the right amount of salt and richness. The melted cheese tied everything together, creating a good balance of flavors in each bite. They felt surprisingly hearty for slider-sized portions.

Shrimp Pasta

The shrimp pasta came with an oil-based sauce, which we did not expect, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The flavors were clean and well balanced, with the shrimp cooked nicely. Even though it was a simple dish, it tasted better than we anticipated.

Squash Salad

The squash salad was fresh and vibrant, offering a lighter option among the heavier holiday foods. The ingredients tasted crisp and seasonal, and the combination created a nice contrast to the fried and richer dishes we ordered. It added a refreshing balance to the meal.

Overall, the food was much better than expected. For a Christmas pop up event, the quality was impressive.

Holiday Decorations and Atmosphere

One of the biggest highlights of Santa’s Winter Wonderland is the decoration. The entire area is filled with:

• Giant ornaments
• Oversized candy canes
• Christmas trees
• Holiday lights
• Snowflake decorations
• Santa themed props
• Red and green holiday colors everywhere
• Fire section with Smor!
• Simple Game sections

It is extremely Instagram friendly. Almost every corner is designed for photos. There are themed tunnels, decorated walls, oversized presents, and festive displays that look great on camera.

Even though it is temporary, the decorations look well made and thoughtful. It feels like a real holiday village, not just a restaurant with a few lights added.

Price Information From Website

According to the official Santa’s Winter Wonderland NYC website:

General Admission:

• Starting at $24 per person

VIP packages and upgrade options vary depending on date and availability. Some include:

• Priority seating
• Additional drinks
• Photo opportunities
• Larger cabin reservations

Visitors can check available time slots directly on the website at:
https://www.santaswinterwonderlandnyc.com/

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Visiting?

Yes. Santa’s Winter Wonderland NYC is a great holiday activity if you want:

• A cozy Christmas themed environment
• Warm drinks in a festive cabin
• Good food
• Beautiful decorations
• A fun seasonal experience at Pier 17

The price is not the cheapest, but for New York City holiday events, it is reasonable. The only thing that could improve would be offering more included activities with the entrance fee.

Still, the decorations are beautiful, the food is surprisingly good, and the cabin experience makes it feel special. It is definitely worth visiting at least once during the holiday season.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland NYC is one of the most charming Christmas pop ups in Manhattan. If you enjoy holiday vibes, cozy cabins, waterfront scenery, and seasonal comfort food, you will have a great time.

It is a wonderful place to go with friends, family, or a date, especially at night when all the lights sparkle. For anyone looking for a festive New York City experience, this event should be on your winter bucket list.