There's really nothing quite like Christmas in New York. If you thought that this world-famous city was already busy enough on its own, wait until the holiday season comes by. The Big Apple lights up unlike any other during this time of the year, so much so that you almost forget just how hectic the place can be. And thanks to a little magic here and there, New York transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, glowing angels, smiling snowmen, and more. Seeing them in person will definitely make you feel the Christmas spirit.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Christmas in New York is practically defined by one image alone: the giant Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. Since 1933, this famous cultural landmark has set up its own Christmas tree for all of New York (and the rest of the world) to see. In fact, its lighting ceremony, which happens in early December of every year, is often considered the start of the holiday season in the Big Apple. Standing from around 69 to 100 feet tall, it becomes the most famous New York monument during this time of the year, rivaling even the likes of the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Department Store Window Displays
It's not difficult to see why New York's department stores set up such wonderful spectacles every Christmastime. Since they house
famous designer brands, major luxury labels, and the like, they'll want to grab as much attention as they can during the season for shopping. Hence, come late November or early December, they unveiled their holiday window displays, each more magical than the next. From twinkling lights and well-crafted decorations to adorable animatronics and Christmas carols playing on speakers, these
luxury retailers know how to make the Christmas season as fantastical as ever.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Union Square Holiday Market
Of course, you'll still need to shop for your Christmas gifts when you're in New York. And while their window displays may grab your attention, keep in mind that the goodies these world-famous department stores sell are all luxurious and expensive. So where do you go Christmas shopping in New York that's guaranteed to be affordable? In the Union Square Christmas Market! Located right smack in the middle of its namesake
neighborhood in New York, it's a great place to find all sorts of knick-knacks, toys, and snacks that your friends and family would love. Not to mention that it's a New York holiday tradition you won't want to miss!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Central Park's Wollman Rink
New York's well-lit spectacles are all well and good but aren't the holidays all about spending time with your loved ones? Though the Christmas lights and the window displays are undoubtedly magical, sometimes, seeing people playing with their friends and family is enough to have you feeling the Christmas spirit. And you'll see just that if you go to
Central Park's famous ice-skating rink, the Wollman Rink. On this large patch of ice, families, couples, friends, and more all laugh and smile as they skate and glide together. It's even more breathtaking when you see the famous New York skyline in the background too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Admittedly, the New York Botanical Gardens aren't exactly the most famous attraction in the Big Apple. There are far more popular sits both locals and tourists will visit first than this place. However, come Christmastime, the gardens transform into quite the holiday spectacle. Starting late November, this park hosts its annual Holiday Train Show, an exhibit of toy model trains zooming through 175 miniature versions of the city's most iconic landmarks. With the added fairy lights, holly plants, mistletoe, and more, it's a magical Christmas oasis you won't want to miss.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ FeldBum
Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights
Although most of New York's iconic Christmas sights are in Manhattan, there's one in Brooklyn you simply have to see: Dyker Heights! Every year, the residents of this largely suburban neighborhood set up the most elaborate holiday decorations in the borough. From glowing snowmen and well wishes written in fairy lights to life-sized nutcracker statues and reindeer on the roof, you'd think they're all in a Christmas decor contest! And heaven only knows how much all those lights, sounds, and sometimes, even animatronics would cost in the electric bill! Still, there's nothing like seeing family homes all decked out to make you feel the holiday spirit!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
West Village
Now, for something a little bit unique. Christmas in New York sounds extremely busy, doesn't it? From Christmas shoppers zooming from one store to another to carolers performing at the park, there's no end to all the holiday hustles and bustles in the Big Apple. However, there is one part of the city that's practically like a ghost town during the holiday season: the West Village. Not only will you see little to no Christmas lights here, but all you'll expect are the snow-ladened alleyways. You won't even bump into that many people here too—that's how quiet it is here during Christmas! And boy is it magical! This sort of peace and serenity is pretty novel in a city like New York. Talk about a silent night!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Even if you haven't been to New York City before, especially during the holidays, you know these many iconic holiday sights that you've seen in movies, on TV, and more part of what makes celebrating Christmas here so magical. Just wait until you see them in person!
Your well-decorated
luxury home in New York will also be quite the sight to see during the holidays!
