Four things you have to experience in New York City during the holiday season
Morgan HinesIt's the most wonderful time of the year, especially in New York City.
That means an influx of visitors. According to NYC & Company, New York's destination marketing organization and visitors bureau, the city can expect to see 7 million visitors between Thanksgiving and the new year. It's the busiest time of year for domestic travel to New York City.
Growing up, I was one of those visitors. My family and I jostled among the crowds –vying for a position to see the tree at Rockefeller Center and bustling through Saks Fifth Avenue trying to take in all the holiday scenery.
It was magic. All of it – including the crowds.
There's a reason the season brings so many to the Big Apple. Holiday delights are everywhere. There are decorations, lights, shows, displays. The list of entertainment options, free or for a fee, is practically endless. It can be overwhelming to decide what to do and for some, the crowds can be overwhelming, too.
After living here for a few years, I've gained perspective on the best ways to enjoy the city during the holiday season.
Christmas in NYC 2019:Kid-friendly things to do for the holidays in New York
Walking tour: Department store windows and displays
The best way to see any city, in my personal opinion, is just by walking around. This continues to be true during the holiday season. Each year, department stores deck the halls by mid-November, filling windows with festive displays or creating a winter wonderland within.
Some of the department stores with the most popular displays include Macy's in Herald Square and Saks Fifth Avenue, on Fifth Avenue, both in Manhattan.
This year though, there's a "new kid on the block." Earlier this year, Nordstrom graced New York with a bright and shiny, 320,000-square-foot, seven-floor store on 57th and Broadway.
The company has incorporated Scandinavian-inspired Christmas decorations throughout the store, a hat tip to the Nordstrom's founder, John W. Nordstrom, who was a Swedish immigrant.
Holiday hack: You can see the windows two ways: Keep an eye out as you wander around, or you can take a walking tour of the windows. Green Global Travel offers a free walking tour map on its website for some of the most popular windows.
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The Christmas Spectacular
The first time I saw the Christmas Spectacular I was in third grade, and we evacuated the theater due to a fire alarm – I'll never forget watching camels walk down the street.
The issue was resolved and the show went on.
And the Christmas Spectacular was exactly as the name states: Spectacular. Since then, I've seen it twice in adulthood. It doesn't get old. Each time, it's been an experience worth repeating.
Featuring performances by the Radio City Rockettes, known for their high kicks and precision dance, the 90-minute show runs through Jan. 5.
Holiday hack: The Rockettes offer more than just a show. If you're looking for a gift to give a dancer in your family, consider purchasing a dance class with the Rockettes.
Christmas in NYC 2019:Kid-friendly things to do for the holidays in New York
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
Whether you're from the area or are visiting, nothing says Christmas more than the massive tree that stands in Rockefeller Center each year – a tradition, formally, since 1933.
The 2019 tree is a Norway Spruce and stands at 77 feet tall and hails from Orange County, New York. It's decorated with more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights on nearly five miles of wire.
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The tree is lit from 6 a.m. to midnight each day and is lit for a full 24 hours on Dec. 25.
Holiday hack: Visit the tree at an off hour if you want to avoid crowds. My tradition is to go around 6:30 or 7 a.m. Rockefeller Center is quiet, and the tree has begun to shine before the masses arrive. Plus, if you're looking for a cappuccino before taking on the rest of the day, there likely won't be a line at Ralph's Coffee truck, which opens at 8 a.m.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a holiday haven.
As the fall progresses, Bryant Park slowly morphs into a winter wonderland atmosphere that includes a free admission ice skating rink, holiday shops and a bar and food lounge.
Holiday hack: If you have your own skates, bring them. Though admission to the rink is free, skates are not.
Other notable stops, activities
It's hard to name what the very best things are for everyone to do for the holidays in New York City. Here are a few other notable options:
- Union Square Holiday Market
- Shine On at Hudson Yards
- Origami tree at the American Museum of Natural History
- Big Band Holidays at Jazz at Lincoln Center
- The Holiday Train Show® at the Botanical Gardens
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