New York at Christmas
The holiday season is upon us and as a New Yorker who has moved across the country, I always make time to come back to The Big Apple for the holiday season.
New York City is an iconic Christmas location, I’d highly recommend that you add it to your bucket list if you haven’t already! From early November, the city transforms, but I’d recommend visiting close to Christmas, or between Christmas and New Year, because what is NYC without the snow?
If The Big Apple is on your holiday plans this year, I’ve put together a list of my favourite places to go and things to do.
Rockefeller Centre
The iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree cannot be missed! The surrounding gardens are filled with giant decorations and the ice skating rink is one of the most iconic things to do during the Holidays.
But don’t just take in the view from the outside. Head to the top for the perfect view of NYC which includes the Empire State building. If you’re looking for dinner plans, Bar 65 is located at the top of the tower. Take in the sunset and the twinkling lights of the city over a cocktail and dinner.
5th Avenue
This corner of retail heaven isn’t only perfect for Christmas shopping, but the window displays and indoor decor are spectacles in themselves.
Saks Fifth Avenue goes all out, with music, light shows and moving decorations that play in intervals every evening. You’ll also want to visit Macey’s Bergforf Goodmann and Bloomingdales as they decorate their stores using popular themes such as movies and songs from the year gone by.
Central Park
If you are lucky enough to visit when it snows, Central Park becomes a Winter Wonderland. There are several places to visit, such as Bow Bridge and Strawberry Fields, but simply wandering around the park is enough.
For the best view, walk towards the north end of the park, when you turn around you get the perfect composition of skyscrapers poking out above the snow-capped trees!
The Plaza
The Plaza hotel is probably one of the first places that come to mind when you think of New York City during the festive season. Kevin’s adventure starts here, and yours can too.
Guests of The Plaza can book the Home Alone Experience, which includes a tour of the city in a limo, a giant pizza and an even bigger ice cream sundae. What better way to celebrate the holidays than stepping into your Movie?
Times Square
Of course, the best time to visit Times Square in the winter is for the ball drop on New Year’s eve!
Plan your evening ahead of time and either get there early or book tickets to one of the many events the local bars will be holding. I love seeing the ball drop and celebrating the new year in style, in the warm, in my favourite outfit and in a bar with a view of the ball.
Hudson Cruise
You’ve seen New York from the sky, now see it from the water.
I’ve heard fantastic things about this Bateaux Dinner Cruise. The boat's sides are made of glass so that you won’t miss any of the sights. The food is delicious and the service is second to none.
Can you do this any time of the year? Of course, the festive decor, music and warming three-course meal make it the ideal way to spend a cold evening. You can take the views from a warm spot inside.
Byrant Park
I love this market in particular because it’s full of independent, small businesses. You would usually need to travel to each corner of the city to find them.
Not only are there amazing products to find, but the food is great too. What could be better than picking up some street food from the park and wandering around taking in the lights and the sights?
Xmas decor at The Peninsula NY hotel and rooftop
My other hotel option is The Peninsula, they offer so many festive experiences such as The Jolly Holiday Package which includes sight-seeing and an in-room Christmas tree!
If your accommodation is sorted then simply pay them a visit for their beautiful decorations, and magnificent views of the rooftop!
Hudson Yard
With 115 miles of string lights, you can’t fail to be amazed at the beautiful light displays in Hudson Yard.
Put on your best festive outfit and pay them a visit for some highly Instagramable content!
City Highlights
On your travels across the city, look out for these giant festive decorations.
Find the giant candy canes and baubles across from Radio City Music Hall, and the nutcrackers by USB bank.
New York isn’t just The Big Apple during the festive season.
Where do you like to go in New York City during the festive season?
Are there any highlights you’d add to your trip?