Christmas in New York

I love New York City for different reasons at different times of year, but I'd have to say my favorite time in New York is Christmastime! There is just something so magical about the city at this time of year. From the countless beautiful Christmas trees throughout the city, to the festive store windows, to ice skating, it is such a fun time to be in the city. If you are planning a visit to the Big Apple and aren't afraid of the cold, then I definitely recommend visiting in December. Here are some of my favorite places and things to do in NYC at Christmastime.

1. Trees

Obviously when you think of New York City and Christmas, you're going to think of the giant tree at Rockefeller Center. It truly is a sight to see! Not only is it huge, but the backdrop of 30 Rock behind it and the ice skating rink below make it even more spectacular. Plus with the sounds of music from the rink and the awesome display at Saks Fifth Avenue (more on that below), it's not just a visual experience, but also lovely to your ears! Be warned that unless you visit in the middle of the night, it will be crowded. You are going to have to fight your way through a LOT of tourists (and some locals who need their yearly viewing), but when this is what you see it is so worth it:

After you've taken in the beauty of Rockefeller Center's tree, you're not even close to being done! I mean, you can simply walk around the city and between the hundreds of hotels, office buildings, and apartment buildings you'll pass by, you're bound to see more gorgeous trees. My suggestions on "must see" trees after Rockefeller would be the courtyard of the Lotte New York Palace, Bloomberg Tower, the marquis at Radio City Music Hall, and Bryant Park.

Lotte New York Palace

Bloomberg Tower

Radio City Music Hall

Bryant Park

2. Holiday Popup Markets

One of my favorite things about New York in December is all of the Holiday Popup Markets. No matter where you are staying in the city, there is plenty from which to choose. If you're staying uptown, head to Columbus Circle. Staying in Midtown? Well you can go to Grand Central Terminal (and it's inside, so you'll stay warm!) or Bryant Park. Hotel a little further south? Union Square has you covered. Each Holiday Market has rows upon rows of stalls with just about everything you can think of to buy. From jewelry, to scarves, to ornaments, to books, to puppets, to clothing, to handmade gifts, the list goes on and on! If you can't find something for everyone on your list at one of these Holiday Markets, then you won't ever find it! And the best part about the Holiday Markets is they have food and drink stalls as well, so while you're shopping your heart out you can enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa! And you may end up discovering something you never knew you needed. This year, I came across a company called Jet Set Candy and needless to say, I'm obsessed! I am now the proud owner of a necklace with JFK, CDG, and LHR charms! You never know what you may discover at a Holiday Market!

3. Window Displays

There are so many great department stores in NYC that go all out with their window displays. Each year, the stores spend months on end designing their window displays, countless hours installing them, and God only knows how much money. But man are they worth it! I would suggest starting at Macy's since they're the OG when it comes to window displays. Plus, you have to look inside because the main floor is always a sight to see as well.

After Macy's head up to Fifth Avenue between 50th and 59th for a treat! Saks Fifth Avenue always goes all out with their windows, but even better is the sound and light display they install on the exterior of the building. Every day starting at around 4:30 PM until about 11:30 PM, there is a show every 10 minutes. The Saks light show lasts about 5 minutes and is a true spectacle to view. So after you've seen the Rockfeller Tree, just turn around and watch the fun!

Keep heading north and you'll pass Tiffany & Co. (you know the famous one where a certain Audrey had breakfast?) where you can take in their festive facade and then you'll get to Bergdorf Goodman. Bergdorf always has a crazy theme and display to their windows (they are all about fashion so what else would you expect?!). While some years it may be quite odd, it is always colorful and a fun thing to see!

4. Ice Skating

When you think of winter and the holidays, what better activity than ice skating? Lucky for you, NYC has more than enough options for skating. There's The Rink at Rockefeller Center, The Rink at Bryant Park, The Rink at Brookfield Place, and Wollman Rink in Central Park. Each has its own unique features and each offer different prices and times. When deciding where to go, I would think about the scenery while skating and then go from there. The Rink at Rockefeller Center is directly under the giant Christmas Tree, but is on the smaller size. Wollman Rink is much bigger and you'll take in The Plaza Hotel and skyline views. The Rink at Bryant Park is surrounded by a Holiday Market, so there's a lot to see and do. And if you're downtown, The Rink at Brookfield Place is a great option for Lower Manhattan.

5. Shows

At any time of year in NYC there are always plenty of shows to see. However, at Christmastime there are a few options that you won't get at any other visit. Take in the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall and see the classic kick line we all know and love. Plus, the second half of the show is a live action "Living Nativity" featuring real animals like camels, sheep, and donkeys! You can also take in a performance of The Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet. Even if you're not a fan of ballet, you're bound to love Tchaikovsky's music. And if you're going to watch a ballet, why not make it the world famous New York City Ballet?! If you love Handel's Messiah, make sure you book a ticket to the New York Philharmonic's performance. And if you want something more fun and upbeat, check out what's currently on Broadway. Depending on the year, there is always a fun Christmas show.

6. Unique Experiences

We're talking about New York City, so you know there are bound to be some unique and fun things to do that are holiday themed in the city. Want to have a drink in an igloo on a rooftop 20 floors above the ground under the Empire State Building? Well, you're in luck because 230 fifth has just that! Seriously, how fun does this look???

Photo Cred: 230 fifth

Want to hop on board a 1920s-style motor yacht and cruise around Manhattan's harbor while eating brunch? Yep, that's a thing with the Holiday Brunch Cruise on the Yacht Manhattan!

Want to see the coolest train set ever with over 150 NYC landmark replicas like Grand Central Terminal and The Statue of Liberty? Head to the New York Botanical Garden and enjoy!

Photo cred: New York Botanical Garden

No matter what your desires for your visit to NYC at Christmastime, I promise you will go home happy and full of memories to last a lifetime!

Bon voyage and Happy Holidays!!!