It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Plaza Hotel. Yes, in July.
Santa Claus arrived early — hopefully in a mode of transportation with better air conditioning than his sleigh – for the iconic Manhattan hotel’s inaugural “Christmas in July” package beginning later this month.
Santa wisely ditched his suit for a red Hawaiian shirt, saying the sweltering New York heat has already helped him lose some of the December weight he put on from all the milk and cookies.
“Well, I came down at about 300 pounds and I’m now a lot less than that,” Santa said from inside the comfortable climate-controlled confines of the hotel’s penthouse suite. “I gotta get back up to the North Pole to eat some of Ma’s cooking and some of her cookies, and then I’ll be all set.”
Mike Gavin
Mike Gavin Santa Claus chats with a child at the Plaza Hotel’s “Christmas in July” event.
But first, Santa Claus is coming to town. Midtown, that is.
The Plaza is offering the Christmas in July package from July 24 to July 26, giving children the opportunity to have a personal check-in with Santa to get a mid-year update on their naughty-or-nice list status.
“I gotta check it twice to make sure I know who’s naughty and who’s nice,” Santa added.
Mike Gavin
Mike Gavin Santa Claus poses for photos at the Plaza Hotel’s “Christmas in July” event.
The summer special includes a holiday-inspired welcome, a spirited dance class guided by The Sarafinas, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Guests receive a summer discount of 15 percent off the Plaza’s flexible rate, with prices starting at $1,100 per night.
Once checked in, they can enjoy the most wonderful time of year a few months early.
“The holiday season has always held a special place in The Plaza’s story,” said Sam Ioannidis, managing director of The Plaza. “It’s a time filled with warmth, wonder, and timeless traditions. This year, we decided to start the celebration a little early. With a little help from Santa and a note to the North Pole, we brought that festive spirit to July. This summertime experience offers guests a chance to enjoy the magic of the holidays in a more intimate way.”
Twasn’t the night before Christmas, but it sure felt like it Tuesday morning at the Plaza during a launch event for the package.
Santa and special guests were rockin’ around the Christmas tree in a suite Kevin McCallister may have once occupied — the hotel also offers a “Home Alone” package honoring the classic holiday movie filmed there.
A Christmas tree glistened by a regal staircase as children excitedly walked up and down in their summer shorts and T-shirts. The Elf on the Shelf enjoyed its summer vacation by turning the mantle into a day at the beach with sunglasses, lounge chairs and sand castles. The Sarafinas dancers performed while Christmas music played on a private terrace overlooking Manhattan on a 91-degree summer day.
Because Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day.
Mike Gavin
Mike Gavin Santa Claus and dancers perform at the Plaza Hotel’s “Christmas in July” event.
So, if all you want for Christmas is for Christmas to come early, then the Plaza has the perfect gift for you. Catch Santa before he leaves the summer sizzle of New York City for the cool chill of the North Pole.
“I’m only here another couple days,” Santa said. “I’m checking out the new construction. I have to make sure I understand where I can get into the buildings.”
→ Continue reading at NBC New York
