Winter Wonderland: Why Planning a Trip to New York City Is the Best During Christmas

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If you’ve never spent Christmas in New York City, then I highly recommend a visit to my hometown. I’ve lived here all my life. And to me, New York City says Christmas holiday more than this place I’ve seen.

This city pulls out all the stops when it comes to transferring into a Christmas paradise. From the storefronts to the residential houses, the people of New York really know how to make it festive. And there’s so much to see and do here, you may need another visit.

New York City Christmas Events

The biggest attraction for coming to New York in December is the many events we have to offer. In a city that already supplies so many things to do, many people find themselves excited about these events when the time of year comes.

Some of these events have become a tradition for the city. For as long as I can remember, I was always able to attend at least one of them every year. And these 3 events describe the spirit of Christmas to me.

Ice skating at Rockefeller Center & Bryant Park

For those ice skating fans, there’s nothing that will compare to skating in these iconic places. Bryant Park is located between 41^st and 42^nd street on 5^th avenue. What’s so great about this rink is that it is surrounded by Christmas themed stands and even a large, decorated tree.

Each year they put up what is called Winter Village, filled with small shops and seating areas. The park opens around 8 am. The skating at this rink is free. So you could skate for hours and shop as well.

And on those chilly days in New York, there’s some great hot chocolate in the area to warm you up afterward.

And if you’re looking for a little festive cocktail and food, The Lodge Deck is your number 1 stop. They’re open from 10am – 10:30pm.

Rockefeller Center is iconic for its ice skating ring during the holiday season. Located under the large Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, this rink just says Christmas postcard.

The rink opens at 9 am and they offer different sessions offered to the public.

Tickets range from $10 up to $50 per person. This year because of the pandemic, there is social distancing being provided at the rink so you can still have a great time skating while protecting yourself.

The sessions at this time are 50 minutes long which gives you just enough time to skate while enjoying our famous Rockefeller Christmas tree.

This rink has been the setting of many Christmas movies over the years. And the list of celebrities that have skated there is endless. So there’s no way you could pass up an opportunity to skate at this famous rink.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular show with the Rockettes

Radio City Music hall is known for its amazing shows. And no show is more iconic during Christmas than the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Started in 1933, this show is one of our longest-running shows.

As a child, my dad took us to our 1^st Christmas Spectacular show in 1988. And I remember being amazed from beginning to end at the different acts of the show. It is where I got to see the Nutcracker for the 1^st time and more.

The show performs such acts as Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, the Living Nativity, and the Nutcracker which is my favorite. And what makes it even more iconic, and festive is seeing the line of Rockettes. The Rockettes are the highlight of the show and have been a part of this Christmas tradition since the beginning.

They bring to life the wooden soldiers, decked out in their red and white soldiers’ uniforms. This is a must-see for those visiting during the holidays. Tickets are priced from $50 to $225. And they do offer group tickets as well.

Rockefeller Christmas tree

As a New Yorker, you know it’s the Christmas season when they put up the giant tree in Rockefeller Center.

This tradition started back in 1931 when the construction workers building what is now Rockefeller Center, gathered their money and put up a small tree as a thank you for having a job during the Great Depression.

And it is still going strong. Each year, the city picks their tree and hauls it in to set it up. Once all set up, there is a lighting ceremony that usually takes place a week after Thanksgiving.

It’s free admission to visit the tree. However, this year reservations are needed. But outside of a pandemic, it is free for all and many. It is the perfect Christmas setting in New York City.

I highly recommend visiting and taking pictures there at least once during your visit.

New York City Christmas Highlights

Aside from our events, the city is covered in Christmas decorations. And each year seems to get better and better. From Saks 5^th Avenue to our flagship Macy’s store, we go above and beyond to turn this city into a festive paradise.

Here are a few sights you may see walking through the streets of New York City during the Christmas holiday.

Saks Fifth Avenue

The Lotte Hotel

Radio City Music Hall

Pulitzer Fountain

Washington Square Arch

New York Public Library Lion

Cartier

Grand Central Station

Macy’s Flagship store

Conclusion

Living in New York City has its perks. And watching this city transform each year makes celebrating here that much more special. The New York City Christmas experience in the city fits the mold of what we all envision it to be.

While we may not have the snow to make it perfect, everything else falls in line. From the cold weather to the streets decorated in festive cheer, I really couldn’t imagine spending this special time of the year anywhere else.

So, have you been to New York during Christmas? What are some of your experiences? What is Christmas like in your hometown? Feel free to share in the comments below. And don’t forget to pin, like, and share this post for others to enjoy as well.

Until next time, this is Tammy saying keep strong, keep positive. And NOTHING’s impossible!!! Happy Holidays Everyone.