The Best Holiday Things to do in New York City
Enjoy the Big Apple in December for Shopping and Fun
Nov 3, 2009
New York City sparkles over the holidays. It's an exciting city any time of the year, but in December the city puts on a show. The streets light up with Christmas decorations and shop windows draw crowds. And for people wanting a New York experience, this is the month to be there.
Rockefeller Center
Make your way to Rockefeller Center to go ice skating on their outdoor rink. You've seen it in the movies. Now experience it for yourself. Trees are covered with fairy lights and the scene is magical. You can do it on a whim, and rent ice skates, but the number of people allowed on the ice is limited and sometimes there's a line-up. Grab a hot chocolate to keep you warm while you wait. Rockefeller Center is reached via 5th Avenue at 49th Street and 50th Street. Take to the ice for a wonderful holiday memory.
The Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony is a long tradition in New York, that takes place in either late November or in early December each year. This ceremony is an event that marks the beginning of holiday celebrations in New York. Thousands of lights fill the tree and they stay lit throughout the holiday season. The lit tree makes ice-skating a magical Christmas experience.
Radio City Music Hall Annual Christmas Spectacular
Take in the Radio City Music Hall Annual Christmas Spectacular. It takes place from the middle of November right up until New Years Eve, so visitors as well as New Yorkers will have a chance to see the show. You'll see the Radio City Rockettes kick up their heels and well over one hundred players against a backdrop of lavish sets. The Christmas Spectacular has been a New York tradition since the 1930s. Radio City Music Hall is located on the Avenue of the Americas, 1260 Sixth Avenue.
Times Square on New Year's Eve
Visit later in the month and make your way to Times Square on New Year's Eve to watch The Ball drop. The Ball is a giant covered with Waterford Crystals. At 11:59, it makes a slow descent from the top a flagpole, sparkling as it drops and coming to a stop at midnight. It's another holiday New York experience not to be missed, a New York tradition, and it draws a million people into the square joining the the city's biggest party of the year.
Throughout the evening there is entertainment with well-known names in the music industry. New Year's Eve Celebrations in Times Square is huge event filmed live by numerous television networks.
Horse and Carriage Ride in Central Park
Make your way to Central Park between 5th and 6th Avenues to take a winter horse and carriage ride in the New York's world famous Central Park. The average price for up to 4 adults in $34 for a half-hour ride, less than $60 for an hour.
Christmas Shopping
Do a little Christmas shopping while you're in the Big Apple and don't forget Bloomingdales, Macy's, Barney's, Lord and Taylor, Century 21 and Sak's Fifth Avenue. Do a little advance research to find the best bargain stores. You may have to travel outside of Manhattan, but you'll be amazed at the deals you'll find.
New York is well-visited over the holidays, so plan your visit early to find the best hotel rates and show tickets. No need to rent a car. It's a great walking city and taxis are everywhere.
References
- Manhattan User's Guide, Charles A. Suisman and Carol Molesworth, Hyperion, 1996
- Radio City Music Hall
- Rockefeller Center
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