It’s the most wonderful time of the year, full of magic and adventure. And where better to spend it than New York? These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you. So, get down to NYC this holiday season, and wrap yourself up in these unforgettable experiences…
I saw three ships
You’ll see more than that on a holiday cruise of Manhattan Harbor. The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and other iconic sights, all from the comfort of a 1920’s-style luxury yacht. Not enough? Sip on complimentary champagne and hot cocoa (not in the same glass, silly), nibble cookies and other treats, and relax in the warmth of the heated solarium. Still want a bit more jazz? You got it. Literally. Live entertainment and Christmas carols will have you decking the, well, deck. Fa la la la la…
Rockettes around the Christmas tree
It ain’t the holidays without a bit of sparkle now, is it? Radio City Music Hall has a whole lotta razzamatazz in its annual Christmas Spectacular: the parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Santa’s magical ride to his workshop, the Living Nativity, and, of course, the Radio City Rockettes. But the experience doesn’t stop there. Wander past winter window displays on a department store holiday tour: Saks Fifth Avenue will dazzle. Don’t forget to stop by the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree, the star of the show.
Come on, it’s lovely weather for a bus ride together
Whether you’re home alone or with friends, get out on a guided bus tour of the holiday lights and movie sites. See the apartment where Buddy the Elf lived with his dad and the Rockefeller Christmas Tree where Kevin McAllister reunited with his mom. A New York actor will be your guide for 2.5 hours, taking you along fabulous Fifth Avenue and past Macy’s for a Miracle on 34th Street holiday experience. Central Park, iconic landmarks, hidden gems: a whole NYC piece of magic, just for you.
Candy canes and silver lanes aglow
One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is seeing neighborhoods dazzling with decorations. And there’s nowhere brighter than Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights. Built in the 1800s, the charming and historical homes are a notable attraction in the holiday season because of their stunning festive lights. Take a guided stroll through the streets to the starting spot: Lucy Spata’s house. Learn about how she began the tradition in the 1980s and the unwritten rules residents follow. A truly illuminating experience.
Eat, drink, and be merry
It’s no secret that holiday traditions usually involve food. So why not take a bite of the Big Apple on a festive brunch cruise around Manhattan? 360-degree views, 3-course prix fixe menu, 2.75 hours of highlights of the famous island: all that’s missing is a partridge in a pear tree! Enjoy everything from the comfort of your own private table. Cruise under all 18 bridges, see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Upper West Side, Battery Park, and many more iconic sites.
Right through the very heart of it
Experience Manhattan in all its holiday glory with a guided tour. Begin at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral in all of North America, and go inside to see its Christmas decorations. With several dozen stained glass windows and 32 white marble columns, that’s gonna be a load of tinsel… Continue on to Rockefeller Ice Rink for a vibrant atmosphere, then on to Bryant Park Holiday Market for local artisanal crafts and festive food and drink from around the world. Cheers!
More than just holly and ivy
If you want to see the whole city in one sitting, head down to the incredible Botanical Gardens. For 30 years, the iconic Holiday Train Show has captivated visitors with its enchanting display of model trains zipping through a miniature NYC. Bonus charm: its 175+ landmarks are created from natural materials such as acorns and pine cones. At night, GLOW is glistening. Enjoy the Garden’s natural beauty in the dark, illuminated by thousands of tiny bulbs (lights, not plants). You won’t want to leaf.
You promised me Broadway was waiting for me.
Step into the fairytale of New York with a holiday Rockefeller Center tour. Start off on Broadway, and see where the famous Waterford Crystal New Year’s Eve Ball is dropped at Times Square. Enjoy the bright lights and shining stars of Radio City Music Hall, opened in 1932, and be dazzled by the UNICEF Snowflake, the largest outdoor chandelier of its kind. Containing more than 16,000 Baccarat crystal prisms, you’ll be walking in a wonderland. Finish off at Rockefeller Center, the heart of holidays in New York. Hark! The 12 sculptured angels sing. (Not really, but they look pretty darn magnificent).
What’s your favorite NYC holiday tradition? Let us know in the comments!
