Christmas in New York City is special. The entire city is light with energy and brightness not found in too many other places. While every year Christmas creeps up earlier it’s rather a wonderful time of the year. The energy and spirit of NYC comes alive in ways it doesn’t other times of the year. And this year there are so many things to do in NYC.  Whether you are a tourist or a local, Christmas in NYC is not to be missed. Below are some of my recommendations:

 

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is truly spectacular and larger than life. It's also my personal favorite. It’s huge, has twinkling lights and has a Swarovski Crystal tree topper (above picture) that is several feet in diameter. The tree is already up. Last time I saw it there was scaffolding around it. This year it’s getting lit on Wednesday the 29th and as every year there are lots of festivities surrounding it. The time usually is after 8:30 pm.

 

I however recommend going in December, not that the crowd won’t be insane but the flow of traffic is better regulated. For a treat stop by Morrell's Wine bar across the street from the skating rink.  

 

Also across the street from Rock Center is Saks Fifth Avenue with the most incredible Holiday windows in the city. The line goes often goes around the block and it is always worth waiting to see it. Every year the windows are different and have different themes. There are also beautifully lit icicles and stars on the outside of the entire building that go off into a spectacular light show every 15 minutes played to Beethoven.

 

The Bronx Zoo has a beautiful light display as every year. There are hundreds of illuminated animals (fake of course) and sculptures as well as a lovely fully lit holiday train that is an experience like no other.

 

Radio City Music Hall has the leggy and fabulous Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular.  New York City Ballet has The Nutcracker.

 

Most of the Museums including the Museum of Natural History  & The Met have their own Christmas programming and beautiful holiday displays.

 

For unusual and gorgeous as well as affordable Christmas presents try some of the best outdoor Holiday shopping experiences in NYC.

 

Bryant Park has the annual Holiday Fair, Fetes De Noel, which is a European style Holiday Market hawking everything from paintings, photographs, sculptures to hand made jewelry, candles and clothing.

 

There is also a huge ice skating rink in the middle of the park that is free to skate in but you have to rent the skates, unless you bring your own. Be prepared to wait in a line for hours. The lines at Wollman Rink are significantly shorter. 

 

Grand Central Terminal also has a similar Holiday Fair in the Vanderbilt Hall. There is a smaller Holiday market in Union Square as well as several other similar experiences that make New York so unique. 

 

Don’t DRIVE into the city. Gridlock Alert will have you pulling your hair out. There are plenty of options to get around the city.  I highly recommend taking them.


Have a FAB, happy and SAFE holiday season!!