They say that Christmas in New York is the ultimate holiday experience. Is that true? While there's no denying that the Big Apple is one of
the world's best Christmas destinations, what exactly makes it so special? The city gets pretty hectic during this time of the year, no doubt! Is that really what makes for a memorable holiday celebration? Well, that's part of it! The other parts include seeing the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, skating at Bryant Park, looking at the window displays along Fifth Avenue, and checking out the Christmas market on Union Square.
The Iconic Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center
There's no doubt that the
world-famous Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center is one of the main draws of spending the holidays in New York City. In fact, its lighting ceremony, which happens every late November, sort of starts the holiday season in the city. It's a lively and happy affair, complete with locals and tourists alike crowning Rockefeller Plaza just to see it happen. Once it's all lit up, it lets everyone in the Big Apple know that Christmas is in full swing in New York City.
Shop at The Christmas Market in Union Square
Shopping in New York City is an absolute must, especially during the holiday season. But since the Big Apple is also notorious for its high prices, you're better off shopping somewhere cheap. Say, at a Christmas market, perhaps? New York City has a ton of them in various places, from the Grand Central Terminal to Bryant Park. The most famous, however, is the one on Union Square. Modeled after the dreamy
European Christmas markets, it features a whopping 150 stalls full of local and international toys, trinkets, and treats.
Look at The Department Store Window Displays
New York City is also home to the
most luxurious American retailers. There's Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, and more. They are where you'll want to shop till you drop if you have an unlimited budget. They carry the most famous expensive brands in the world. And while you're there, check out their amazing window displays too. They feature whimsical themes, the most beautiful sets, the most dazzling lights, high-tech animatronics, and for their centerpieces, the latest fashions. They're unveiled either in late November or early December, signaling the start of the holiday season just like the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
Go Ice Skating
While you can't always guarantee a white Christmas in New York City, it does get cold at this time of year. Winter starts at around mid-December in the Big Apple, right at the peak of the holiday season. The temperature gets low enough that the city can already set up its skating rinks. And nothing says Christmas in New York City quite like ice skating! The most famous rinks include the one at Rockefeller Center, right by the famous tree, the one in Bryant Park, and the Wollman Rink in
Central Park, which has been around since 1949.
Check Out The Radio City Rockettes
A huge part of what makes Christmas in New York City so special is its many holiday traditions. One of which is the Rockettes show at Radio City Music Hall. Going as far back as the 1930s, this dance company always hits the state at the prestigious venue on 6th Avenue, putting on one spectacular performance after another. With their sparkling costumes and startling precision, it's a holiday extravaganza that never fails to enchant and entertain the young and old alike. Not even the
cabarets in Paris can rival the holiday cheer the Rockettes inspire!
Listen to Gospel Music at The Apollo
The Big Apple may have commercialized Christmas to an almost unbelievable degree, but it hasn't forgotten what the holiday is all about. The best proof is at the Apollo Theater in the Harlem
neighborhood of New York City. Year after year, this world-famous music hall hosts the “Holiday Joy: A Gospel Celebration,” a gospel concert. Led by Hezekiah Walker & the Love Fellowship Choir, it's a soulful evening that reminds everyone of the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ.
Attend The New York Philharmonic Holiday Concerts
Still up for more music? Look no further than the New York Philharmonic Orchestra! Around this time of year, they perform their “Holidays with the Philharmonic” concerts at Lincoln Center. With their exemplary talent, they transform classic Christmas carols into symphonic melodies, further inspiring the holiday spirit to fill you up with every note and key. These concerts are an absolute must for any music-lover, as the New York Philharmonic Orchestra is among the best in the whole world.
Watch a Broadway Play
Spending Christmas in New York City isn't complete without a Broadway play! Or rather, any New York experience isn't complete without a Broadway play. Whether you're in the Big Apple on a trip or you've
moved to New York City altogether, Broadway is a mainstay you simply have to experience yourself. And for the holiday season, why not watch a musical? Even if the show itself isn't Christmas-themed, the lights, sounds, and signature showmanship will further inspire the festive spirit within you!
See Dyker Heights for The Christmas Lights
Among the
most iconic Christmas sights in New York City is the array of well-lit, beautifully decorated houses in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. At any other time of year, this place remains a fairly quiet suburban neighborhood, perhaps a bit more notable for its sizable properties even when the most
luxurious apartments in New York City can still be rather small. But come Christmastime, the residents battle it out in what is perhaps the most awe-inspiring holiday decoration contest in the country. They can almost rival the window displays along Fifth Avenue!
Visit The Bronx Zoo
You'd think that the zoo would be the last place to visit when spending Christmas in New York City! When the winter cold gets to the animals, they're not exactly as active as you'd want them to be. So wouldn't it be boring to see them when they're too cold to do anything? Not at the Bronx Zoo, it isn't! To make things more festive, the zoo puts up another of the city's most dazzling light displays, transforming the entire place into a Christmas wonderland. What's not to love?
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Wally Gobetz
Christmas in New York City is the absolute best. It gets so hectic here, sure, but it's the type of hectic that will make you feel more excited about the holidays. The Big Apple will fill you up with the Christmas spirit like no other!
