The best Holiday attractions to visit in NYC
With Thanksgiving coming up, followed by Hanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s, it’s a glorious time to be in New York City.
Nobody celebrates the holidays like The Big Apple. And with virtually every event and attraction taking place this year as opposed to last year, it promises to be as spectacular as ever.
Here are 10 of the best shows, sites and attractions to city in The City.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
One of the greatest traditions ever. The annual parade has changed routes several times but still ends up in front of the Macy’s flagship store on 34th street in Manhattan and, literally, passes by millions of fans on the way. And, as always, there’s something new when it comes to the floats and balloons. TIP: For a true experience, head to the American Museum of Natural History, between 77th and 81st streets, the night before the parade to watch the balloons being filled with helium.
Rockefeller Center
What a sight to behold! Rockefeller Center not only features the giant Christmas tree placed just behind the iconic statue of Prometheus, but just below him is the sunken skating rink that is open to the public. TIP: To get the true scope of the holiday feel, enter the plaza from the Fifth Avenue side.
Bryant Park
Nestled just behind the famous New York City Public Library is Bryant Park, which transforms itself into a winter wonderland for the holidays. In addition to a public ice-skating rink, more than 100 vendors set up enclosed shops and kiosks – many of them high-end – to peruse and purchase for the holidays. TIP: For a great meal, check out the Bryant Park Grill just steps from the rink on the backside of the library.
Holiday Window Displays
Sometimes, you don’t have to spend a dime to be mesmerized by New York City, the greatest people-watching place in the world. And sometimes those people are of the mannequin variety. The City is famous for its holiday window displays, including some absolutely elaborate displays. Find them at places like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Saks, Tiffany and more. TIP: Start at Central Park South and walk down Fifth Avenue to see the best displays.
Radio City Christmas Show
The Rockettes, a dancing Santa Claus, a Nativity Scene with live animals on stage … it never gets old. This is for the kids and the kids at heart. TIP: There are multiple shows each day so you can pick from a variety of times. But coming out of Radio City at night to see the lights and decorations of New York is magical.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
A little bit of everything. A great place be indoors to shop while escaping the elements. A 6,000 square-foot space at Vanderbilt Hall, attached to Grand Central Terminal. And a chance to walk around one of the great architectural wonders of New York City. TIP: Whether you travel by train or not, stop at Zaro’s Bakery for the best bagels or black-and-white cookies in New York.
Holiday Train Show
Now this will take you back. Venture out of Manhattan proper to the Bronx to the New York Botanical Gardens for a magnificent display of holiday trains. The kids will get a kick out of it and, who knows, it might rekindle something for adults. TIP: Make it a day. If it’s not too bitter outside, the world-famous Bronx Zoo, Arthur Ave – New York’s real Little Italy – and Fordham University are all within walking distance of the Gardens.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Display
Another chance to venture out of Manhattan. Across the bridge, in the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, you will find residents who pull out all the stops for Christmas. Their homes are some of the most elaborate light displays and decorations you will ever find. TIP: As you know, traffic is notorious in New York. Let somebody else do the driving and take one of the three-and-a-half-hour bus trips that leave Manhattan.
Hot Chocolate
When it’s time to take a break and warm up with a mug of hot chocolate, this is the place to be. And it doesn’t matter where you are in The City – Midtown, the Village, Upper West Side, whatever – there’s always a great place to stop for hot chocolate. TIP: Our favorite? The heck with warming up. Head to Serendipity 3, the most decadent dessert place on earth, for their famous frozen hot chocolate.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Oh, c’mon. After all these years of watching it on television live from Times Square, you should be live in Times Square on New Year’s Eve to experience it at least once. TIP: Stake out a place nice and early, and try to be near a restaurant or an establishment with a kind heart that will allow people to use the restrooms. Ten or 12 hours is a long time to hold it.