Lesser-Known NYC Spots To Get You In The Holiday Spirit

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The tree at Rockefeller Center and the store windows along Fifth Avenue are New York City holiday hot spots, but maybe you're looking for something different this December.

So CBS2's Alice Gainer took a look at some lesser known, but equally as festive spots in New York City.

Everyone knows at least one person who over does it with the holiday decorations. Well at Rolf's German Restaurant in Gramercy Park, it's like the holidays threw up all over the walls, and that's the big draw.

"The decorations and for dinner," said one patron.

Dolls, icicles, lights bows, ornaments; it takes weeks to put it all up.

"Seven weeks," said host Suhal Uddin. "(How many people?) About five guys work five to six hours a night."

The restaurant is so popular, there was even a line outside.

"(You think it's going to be worth the wait?) Yes!" said one patron.

The line at Rolf's can range anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.

Meanwhile at Le Parker Meridien, you can cast your vote for your favorite "Made in New York" gingerbread creation.

"I like the cookie monster one the best," said one viewer.

For $1 per ballot, you can help raise money for City Harvest, which helps feed the hungry.

Each structure was created by a different local city eatery. There's gingerbread replicas of Times Square, the Fulton Fish Market, Breakfast at Tiffany's -- all very detailed and impressive, Gainer reported.

Maybe you're looking for a big Christmas tree? Avoid the crowds and head to the tree at South Street Seaport, where you can actually get close enough to hang out underneath it.

"I wanted to go somewhere a little more quiet and peaceful and less touristy," said Queens resident Alexandra Cremer.

Feeling like lacing up some skates and getting on the ice? Grab a pair of head phones and join the silent disco skate at the rink next to the South Street Seaport tree.

DJ's spin and you can select what channel of music you want to skate to while wearing head phones.

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