FAO Schwarz Lists Iconic NYC Toy Store on Airbnb

If a visit to FAO Schwarz is on your holiday to-do list then do we have some exciting news for you. This holiday season, FAO Schwarz’s is listing the beloved toy store on Airbnb for one-of-a-kind private access to its world of theater, imagination and wonder. Though the holidays may look a little different this year, this overnight experience will bring joy and cheer at a time when it’s needed most.

With toys in every corner, from plush teddy bears to race cars and dreamy spaces to rest your head, guests will experience the store in a whole new light. For those that prefer to cuddle on their own couch, FAO Schwarz is also hosting Online Experiences on Airbnb soothers can experience the magic of FAO Schwarz, no matter their location. 

This one-time, one-night stay will take place on Dec. 21, and is available to book for one New York City family of four from the same household starting Dec. 15 at 12 p.m. ET for just $25 (plus taxes and fees). Featuring festive, family-friendly accommodations and activities previously only dreamed of, guests will have unprecedented access to the elements that make one of the world’s oldest toy stores the most enchanting place in Manhattan, including: 

• Free rein to wander and delight in the two-story, 20,000-square-foot toy wonderland (plus a private, socially distanced tour of the space with your host, a real FAO Schwarz toy soldier who will remain masked and six feet apart throughout!)
• Countless toys and games to choose from during your very own shopping spree — courtesy of Airbnb
• A fantastic feast enjoyed amidst the mouthwatering backdrop of FAO Schweetz
• Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to play, explore and experience the theater of FAO Schwarz, including a music lesson on the store’s iconic Giant Dance On Piano a Build-A-Bear workshop session, an opportunity to build your own remote-controlled car, which you can then race in the halls of FAO Schwarz, and an immersive science experiment guided by an FAO Schwarz professor
• Whimsically-designed lounging and sleeping spaces, including a real life sleigh bed and bunk beds with a slide

Interested guests should note that booking rules are in strict adherence with local COVID-19 guidelines, and those who request to book must prove New York City residency and currently live in the same household to minimize risk. Guests can rest easy knowing that the space will be cleaned in accordance with CDC rules and consistent with Airbnb Enhanced Cleaning Protocol.

To spread the magic and cheer to families and children near and far, FAO Schwarz will also be hosting Airbnb Online Experiences that can be enjoyed throughout the world, including: 

• FAO Schwarz’ Professor Abracadabra will host a magic lesson, in which those with a penchant for illusion will walk away with a few new tricks up their sleeves. 
• FAO Schwarz’ Professor Atlas will host a crash-course in chemistry, teaching science lovers how to make gooey, glow-in-in-the-dark slime.
• FAO Schwarz’ toy soldier will host a festive holiday book reading to get guests in the spirit of the season. 

Families can request to book these Online Experiences starting Dec. 9 at 12 p.m. ET through airbnb.com/happyholidays and the experiences will take place throughout the holiday season. 

To share the spirit of the season, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to FAO Schwarz nonprofit partner St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Airbnb

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