There is nowhere quite like the Christmas season in New York City (NYC)! A big city with big dreams, big lights, and big spirit. NYC has it all this Christmas! Here are 7 great reasons to spend part of your Christmas season in NYC.
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Visit Rockefeller Center
The most famous tree in the country is by far the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. It takes a massive tree to dominate such a vast space. Of course, no two trees are alike (unless you go fake), but no Charlie Brown Christmas trees are allowed at this famous NYC venue. Therefore, minimum guidelines are in place to ensure the tree is big enough.
While it is typically much larger, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree must be at least 20 meters tall and 7.5 meters wide. The decorating process begins in mid-November to ensure it is ready to be lit the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. The 8 kilometers of fairy lights are lit in a public ceremony. After the initial lighting, they turn on at 6:00 each evening until New Year’s Eve at 11:00 p.m. They remain on for a full 24-hours Christmas day.
Don’t forget to don your skates while in the area. Rockefeller Center is famous for its skating rink. If ice skating isn’t your thing, take a bit of time to enjoy a cup of cocoa while you watch skaters with all skill levels take to the ice.
Go Window Gazing (instead of shopping)
While shopping for Christmas gifts in NYC can be fun, don’t forget to allow time to gaze at the fabulously decorated store windows! The windows are intricately decorated and will often tell a story rather than focus only on sales. Large department stores spend a year planning and preparing the displays and they draw locals and tourists alike. You will find the best shop windows on Fifth Avenue and the Herald Square area.
The best shop windows will be found at Bloomingdale’s, Saks fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co, Lord & Taylor, Henri Bendel, and Macy’s. Be sure to allow time to go inside Macy’s to check out some of the most amazing interior decorations you will ever see.
Visit Santa at Macy’s
There are thousands of department store Santa Clauses in NYC, but for the real deal check out Macy’s Santaland. The magical village will amaze even the Grinchiest of Grinches! Children young and old queue to chat with the big guy and have a photo snapped. Santaland isn’t just a little photo-op with a few animatronic reindeer and elves. It is a complete experience taking up a whole floor of the store and can make the wait to visit with Santa not nearly so onerous.
Amazingly, Santaland started in 1861 when the store advertised that Santa himself would stock the store with special gifts. Over 200,000 children (and children at heart) visit Santa each season so be smart and reserve your spot online before you come. That way you know that Jolly Old Elf is waiting just for you.
Check Out Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall is known the world round as the home of the Rockettes. Each year the Rockettes star in the Christmas Spectacular along with Santa, the Nutcracker, and others. Showings begin in early November.
The concert venue itself is known for donning festive exterior decorations including a Christmas tree. You will also find some photo-op worthy enormous ornaments across the street. These are worth visiting both day and night.
Free Broadway Performances
One of my favorite things to do in NYC is to visit Broadway (and off-Broadway) to enjoy the fabulous shows. Unfortunately, these shows can make a pretty large dent in the bank account. But never fear, free Broadway performances are here!
Broadway Under the Stars is a 5-week series of FREE indoor performances at Time Warner Center. Wait a minute – doesn’t “under the stars” typically mean it is held outside? Yes, but in this case the name refers to the humongous 14-foot stars hanging form the 100-foot ceiling at Time Warner Center. These stars are a show within themselves, and thousands of visitors are drawn to the center just to see their light show.
But back to Broadway. You don’t see the whole show or anything, but you do get to see 2-3 songs from each show featured on that day. It is well worth timing your trip to participate. Performances typically run early November to mid-December.
You can also catch free Broadway performances at the Stage in Hudson Yards. These events are like Broadway Under the Stars and typically run November-December. Be sure to snag tickets early!
Christmas Lights Galore
New York City is alight with color all year long, but there is nothing to compare to the spirit the city takes on during the holidays. There is definitely no place for a Grinch when NYC wraps itself in festive Christmas lights.
From the tree in Rockefeller Center to the shops on 5th Avenue, NYC definitely does Christmas right. You will also find many of the NYC iconic structures decked out for the Christmas season. The Empire State Building even times their light display to music by some of our favorite artists. This show is only available for one week so try to time your trip accordingly.
For a more residential experience, check out the “Best Decorated Neighborhood of America.” Just across the bridge in Brooklyn you will find beautifully lit and decorated homes. These folks do not skimp on Christmas. Some the extravagant installations cost over $10,000!
Christmas Markets
NYC has several fabulous Christmas markets starting as early as October. Christmas markets are fun places to jump-start your holiday spirit. Grab a cup of coco and browse the booths of local crafts and treats. This is a great place to wrap up your holiday shopping. In fact, there is often a booth that will literally wrap your gifts for you!
The Bryant Park Christmas Market is particularly popular because you can also go ice skating while there. Better yet, drop your husband and kids at the skating area so you can explore the market unhindered. It typically runs from the end of October to early January. Check out this listing of super Christmas markets in NYC.
Book Your Christmas in NYC Holiday!
Hotel accommodations in NYC can be quite pricey, especially around the Christmas holiday. I like the Hotel Edison Times Square. It isn’t the grandest hotel by any stretch of the imagination, but it is reasonably priced, and you can’t beat the location.
You can always take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, but if you like to have pre-arranged transportation to your hotel, consider this private transfer service.
If you have never visited NYC, you may not want to limit yourself to the traditional Christmas venues. Check out these great tours and activities to ensure you take a bite out of the Big Apple!
What do you most love about visiting NYC during Christmas, or any other time of year?
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