One of the most magical places on earth for Christmas is undoubtedly the big apple. I fell in love with the city even more when I witnessed it during the holidays. The city comes alive with decorations, music and ample amounts of joy from early December until sometime in January. Unfortunately a lot of other people think this too, which can mean accommodation prices jump, people are everywhere and attractions are crowded. But still 100% worth it in my personal opinion.
Tips to booking Christmas accommodation in New York
Booking early is always best especially for peak travel periods like Christmas. If you sign up to Plannin you get up to 40% off accommodation. As someone that has used every accommodation booking site you can imagine, this is my new go-to and has the best rates of any I have used.
Things to do in New York over the holidays
Bryant Park Holiday Market
This small park in the center of midtown is located between 40th & 42nd street and 5th street. The park comes alive with cute Christmas market stalls and decorations surrounding a huge ice skating rink. Find delicious food and cute homemade gift ideas.
Rockefeller Center & Radio City Music Hall
The most popular attraction in the city is the huge Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center Plaza. It is beautiful and festive but can be very busy, so be careful and watch out for pick-pocketers. The famous Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall is a great night out to get you in the festive spirit.
Ice Skating
There are many outdoor ice skating rinks to choose from across the city but these are some of the most popular ones:
- Bryant Park
- Rockefeller Centre
- Wollman Rink – Central Park
- Lasker Rink – Central Park
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
Walk down Sixth Avenue
Around the entrance of the Rockefeller Centre on Sixth Avenue, there are many places to view some fun and bright Christmas decorations. Find huge ball-bells, trees covered in lights, giant Christmas lights and more.
Look up at the colorful Empire State Building
The top of the Empire State Building lights up in green and red for the holidays, or sometimes other colour variations. For a view of this against the magnificent skyline, Top of The Rock has the best views. Make sure to book a time-slot to visit as early as popular as they can sell out fast.
Go inside the eight-story Macy’s store
I was amazed once I walked into the gigantic store at Herald Square. Beautiful decorations cover the whole eight stories that feels like a large mall. It’s hard to believe it’s all just one store. Make sure to check out the cool Christmas themed windows out the front first of course.
Visit the other department store windows
Whilst many store’s get on board the tradition of holiday window displays and light shows, here are some of the best:
Saks Fifth Avenue:
Staying close to the Rockefeller Center area, walk across the road on Fifth Avenue at 49th Street to Saks Fifth Avenue. This store hosts bold displays popular among children and at night, witness a spectacular light show on the facade of the building.
Lord & Taylor:
Just across the road from Saks, on Fifth Avenue & 39th Street, is one of the most popular window displays in the city. Famous for their snow globes and smiling elves, their signature style is not to be missed.
Bergdorf Goodman:
Another one to wander past on Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman is located at 58th Street. Displays are a little more cutting edge and daring for something different.
Barneys:
A more artsy take on the holiday windows can be found on Madison Avenue at 61st Street. They provide more comical, adult-friendly windows with many live performances or mechanical displays.
Bloomingdale’s:
On the Upper East Side, this is a little further away, but worth a visit. They have some of the best holiday displays every year with a unique theme and some interactive windows. Visit it at 1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street
Chelsea Market
These markets are magnificently decorated and are a must whilst visiting NYC. They are open most days over the holidays, apart from Christmas Day and New Years Day. Visit the Chelsea Markets site for holiday hours.
New York City is one of the most exciting places to be for Christmas, and I hope my post makes your trip one to remember!
