Polo player Nacho Figueras traded in his horses for live reindeer at the St. Regis Hotel.
The athlete jumped into a sleigh with his wife, Delphine Blaquier, and kids.
Two real reindeer, named Comet and Blitzen, also greeted guests and posed for photos on the street without incident.
Event planner Bronson van Wyck opened his Holiday Workshop at the hotel and decorated the lobby with trimmings and a golden tree.
Author Lesley M.M. Blume gave a reading.
Emily Mortimer also attended.