Christmas is a time when people come together to celebrate. For some, that means attending religious services. For others, it might mean spending time with family and friends. For those who are seeking a change of scenery, there are few places in the world that do the holiday season quite like New York. The Big Apple is truly a magical place to be during the holiday season, with its sparkling lights, festive activities, and gift-buying opportunities. Let’s take a look now at what makes New York so special around the holidays.
A Shopper’s Paradise
New York is a magical place to visit during the holidays and those who love shopping will truly find themselves spoilt for choice. From the well-known shops on Fifth Avenue and 34th Street, to the quaint boutiques sprinkled throughout Greenwich Village and Soho, this city houses some of the best retail options in the world. Whether you’re looking for something special for a loved one, or to treat yourself, you will be sure to find the perfect items that will spark joy and warmth. Plus, if you are lucky enough to stay in a hotel near a luxury shopping street in new york, you will have some of these incredible shops on your doorstep!
At this time of year, there are also a plethora of holiday markets that pop up throughout the city offering unique goods ranging from handmade crafts and clothing to international cuisine and vintage home goods to both tourists and residents who enjoy a festive shopping experience and are searching for something a little bit different. The Union Square Holiday Market is a favourite among locals and visitors alike during the holidays. The market has been around since the 1980s, and it has grown to include over 100 seasonal kiosks that offer a variety of products to tempt those searching for that perfect item.
Home To Some Iconic Christmas Movie Locations
For those who start watching festive movies in November (or earlier), New York City is an amazing place to visit during the holidays. The city is home to some of the most iconic Christmas movie locations, such as the ice skating rink in Central Park seen in Home Alone 2, or the elaborate department store window displays featured in Miracle on 34th Street. And, of course, no one can forget Buddy running riot in various parts of the city in Elf. No doubt seeing these locations in person will be an unforgettable experience and only add to the magic of New York.
For those who really want to make sure that they see these locations, there are various tours available dedicated to showing people where some of the festive magic was made. There are a mixture of walking and bus tours to choose from, all led by experienced local guides, who will be able to share local knowledge of each place and help even the biggest Grinch get into the holiday spirit!
Christmas Trees And Light Displays
No trip to New York at Christmas would be complete without a visit to the Rockefeller Center to see the giant Christmas tree that is in place from late November/early December until Christmas. The tree, usually a Norway Spruce, has become quite the draw for locals and tourists from around the world who come to the city for a bit of holiday magic, and has really become an integral part of New York’s holiday. In addition to the Rockefeller tree, there are also beautifully decorated trees in other locations of the city, including the Museum of Natural History, the New York Botanical Garden, and various hotels in the city.
New York is full of holiday light displays that make it a magical wonderland during the holidays. From shop windows adorned with festive decorations, such as the legendary Saks Fifth Avenue display, to the top of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, New York really does come alive during the holidays. The neighbourhood of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, New York is known for its extravagant holiday decorations and displays that attract visitors from around the world. The holiday spirit of Dyker Heights starts in late November and continues through December, as families come together to create beautiful light displays and decorate their homes with a variety of traditional decorations.
Entertainment
Once the Macy’s parade has rolled through on Thanksgiving, all eyes then turn to Christmas entertainment. During December, the streets of New York are abuzz with activity and alive with carol singers around the street, ice rinks are installed in green spaces for all ages to enjoy, special holiday shows appear around Broadway, and long-running shows even add extra performances in order to keep up with holiday demand and ensure that everyone who wants to see the show will be able to do so.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is one of the most famous and beloved holiday shows in the nation and the Rockettes, a legendary dance troupe known for their iconic eye-high leg kicks, have been an integral part of these celebrations in New York since their founding in 1925. Every year, they take the stage at Radio City Music Hall to perform their classic precision dance routine to captivate their audiences and celebrate the magic of Christmas with millions.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are a special time in New York City. The decorations, the snow, and the festive atmosphere make it one of the most wonderful places to visit during this time of year. There’s something for everyone in New York during the holiday season – from shopping to sightseeing to enjoying some of the best entertainment in the world. If you haven’t had a chance to visit New York during the holidays yet, we highly recommend adding it to your bucket list!
DISCLOSURE – This is a collaborative post.
