Winter Wonderland Stays Right in the Heart of NYC

By Olivia Haveron

As we phase into the end of 2020, still stuck in our homes due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, we have found very little time away from those in our households. While this is not inherently a nuisance, too much time with anyone can eventually become a pain. We long for the days where we can safely get away, even if for one night. Now, Airbnb is offering a couple opportunities to get away for one night only, right in the heart of New York City.

According to 6sqft, “one lucky New York City Family of four will get the chance to spend the night inside FAO Schwarz.” This stay happens to be one of the world’s most famous toy stores. While entries for the event occurring on December 22nd are closed at this point, one family will have the chance to live out their Night at the Museum fantasies.

The night consists of a variety of fun and exciting treats, which includes dinner and breakfast in the FAO Schwartz dining area covered in candy, a living room with a perfect view of Rockefeller Center, the chance to build a plush toy and remote-controlled car, and so much more. The flagship Rockefeller Center store opened in 2018 after closing its original location on Fifth Avenue. With the closure of this FAO Schwarz location came the closure of the nation’s oldest toy store.

However, all is not lost on your dreams of staying in FAO Schwarz. Conrad New York Midtown has partnered with the iconic toy store to offer a 1,800-square-foot one-bedroom suite seemingly straight out of a toy shop. The suite includes 10-foot stuffed animals, train sets, and the famous dance-on piano. Available until January 5th, the suite comes at the hefty price of $3,000 for a single night. David Niggli, the chief merchandising officer of FAO Schwarz, said in a recent interview with AFAR “We’ve always wanted to do something like this with a hotel. To imagine the joy and wonder that will captivate guests from the minute they open the door -- it's magical.”

Included in that same package is a $100 gift card and private shopping spree of the FAO Schwarz with a Toy Soldier before it opens to the public. Guests will also receive a breakfast at the restaurant’s hotel Dabble and a basket of “Schweetz” courtesy of the toy store. If the hefty price tag is too much, you could even choose to stay at a regular suite and instead can order gifts with an “in-room toy menu” that is served directly to guests.

Airbnb is also offering a New Year’s Eve experience that will put you right in the middle of the ball drop. For one night only, you can sleep in a private igloo under the Times Square Ball. Teamed up alongside Nasdaq and Mariah Carey, Airbnb is offering the chance for a party of two to ring in the New Year under the 10-floor terrace of the Nasdaq MarketSite which will have a heated igloo-like dome to sleep in. In addition, the view includes all of the live, broadcasted events and performances from that night. The guests will also get a personal, virtual greeting from Mariah Carey, a $5,000 shopping credit, and dinner by a private chef.

New York City residents can request to book this one-night fantasy suite for just $21. Those who request a room must prove their NYC residency and must live in the same household -- due to COVID-19 restrictions. Those who are interested in booking the igloo can begin registration on Monday December 21st at 9:00 a.m..

While it seems that almost everyone is ready for this year to be over, 2020 can still end on a high note. Airbnb is offering a variety of holiday specials all over the country, not just in NYC. Because the year has been one of mainly down moments, we all deserve to live in a winter wonderland, even if only for one night.