I’ve visited New York City in every season, but experiencing the city at Christmastime is, in my opinion, the best time to go. The city buzzes with holiday shoppers, store windows showcase incredible holiday displays, and the energy is lively and happy. NYC during the holidays is magical, with numerous festive activities and attractions to enjoy. Here are some favorites:
1. Thanksgiving Day Parade: The biggest holiday season kick-off is the Thanksgiving parade with its elaborate floats, marching bands, and musical performances. It’s a fun experience, and while I expected it to be overwhelming with the crowds, we managed to find a good viewing spot and enjoyed the parade without feeling too crowded.
2. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: Visit the world-famous Christmas tree that is decorated in thousands of holiday lights.
3. Rolf’s German Restaurant: Renowned for its extravagant Christmas decorations, this Gramercy restaurant transforms into a winter wonderland decorated with thousands of ornaments and twinkling lights.
4. Holiday High Tea: Enjoy a festive afternoon tea at the luxurious Plaza Hotel.
5. Radio City Christmas Spectacular: See the Rockettes perform in this classic holiday show at Radio City Music Hall.
6. Bryant Park Winter Village: Shop for gifts, enjoy festive food, and ice skate at this holiday market.
7. Festive Light Displays: NYC is renowned for its extravagant holiday light displays, from beautifully decorated window displays to entire buildings where the lights dance to holiday music. Some must-see displays include Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman.
8. Carriage Ride: Grab a hot chocolate and snuggle up under a blanket while taking a horse drawn carriage ride through Central Park.
9. Holiday Train Show: The New York Botanical Garden has a very cool display of model trains weaving through miniature replicas of iconic NYC landmarks.
10. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment: Grab a bite at this cool old Victorian restaurant that is decked out to the nines in holiday decor. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting NYC at Christmastime.
11. The Nutcracker: Attend a performance of this magical Christmas ballet performance by the New York City Ballet.
12. American Museum of Natural History: Enjoy the Origami Holiday Tree, featuring hundreds of handcrafted paper models.
13. Christmas Eve and Day Services: Attend a holiday service at historic churches like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Grace Church, and St. Thomas Church.
14. Union Square Holiday Market: Shop for handmade crafts and enjoy holiday specialties at this busy market.
15. Tavern on the Green: Enjoy lunch at this iconic restaurant in Central Park that is decked out for the season with a grand Christmas tree and festive lighting.
16. Dyker Heights Holiday Lights – Take a tour of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to see amazing light displays created by residents. There are many bus tours to that depart from Manhattan.
17. Go Ice Skating: Go ice skating at one of the city’s iconic rinks, such as Wollman Rink, Rockefeller Center Rink, or Bryant Park Rink.
18. Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to see an awesome holiday light display along with music, as well food and beverage booths.
19. Christmas Theater Show: Attend one of the many holiday theater performances including The Grinch, A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, Elf, Holiday Inn, or White Christmas.
20. Holiday Cruise: Opt for a fancy Christmas Eve dinner cruise or a more relaxed Christmas Day brunch on the New York harbor.
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