Without a doubt, the biggest icon of Christmas in New York is the towering Christmas Tree that adorns Rockefeller Plaza. The impressive and real tree is decorated with over 50,000 coloured lights and topped with a dazzling Swarovski star which features a whopping 3 million crystals!
The tree is illuminated daily from 5 am to midnight (except NYE when it is turned off at 9 pm), right up until mid-January. On Christmas Day, you can catch it lit up for a whole 24 hours, which gives you plenty of time to visit during a quieter period of the day.
If you’re looking for an experience like no other, then staying at The Plaza Hotel (where Kevin McCallister stayed in Home Alone 2) should be high on your list. The Hotel even offers a ‘Home Alone 2: Fun in New York’ experience which includes a limousine ride around the city, a large cheese pizza, a Home Alone sundae, and a stay at the Plaza Hotel. Although a reservation can be difficult (and expensive) to secure around this time of year, you can still catch a glimpse of the spectacular hotel Christmas tree in the lobby.
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas at the Winter Village in Bryant Park. Pick up handmade gifts for your friends and family back home, indulge in some of the best festive foods (think warm mugs of hot chocolate and s’mores), and get a photo with Santa himself.
Before you shop ‘til you drop, lace up your skates and head to the famous ice-skating rink. The rink tends to get very busy so make sure you buy your tickets in advance and visit in the early morning to avoid the biggest crowds.
Step out of the cold and into the extraordinarily decorated Rolf’s. Located in Gramercy Park and serving German fare and beers, the restaurant’s cute exterior doesn’t prepare you for what you’ll experience once you step inside. Thousands upon thousands of Christmas baubles, warm yellow lights, icicles, bows, and garlands cover almost every surface of the interior. You’ll think you travelled straight to the North Pole!
Every year around Christmas Time, people flock to the famous Fifth Avenue for more than just a bit of shopping. All the big stores from Tiffany & Co to Cartier, Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and our personal favourite - Saks Fifth Avenue - theme their window displays (or even the entire building) around the festive season. Take a stroll down Fifth Ave and be amazed by the intricate displays and whimsical light shows.
The oldest toy store in the United States is more than just a collection of toys. Located right in front of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, you’ll find yourself transported into a world of wonder and magic. Aside from browsing the unique and life-sized toys, you’ll be wowed by the famous musical clock tower and you can even play the floor piano made famous by Tom Hanks’ movie Big.
One of the oldest Christmas traditions in New York City is the lavish Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. The live show has pleased audiences for almost a century and is loved by tourists and locals of all ages. Featuring appearances by the Nutcracker, Santa himself, and the perfectly synced Radio City Rockettes, you’ll be in awe from start to finish.
One of the most-loved traditions at Christmas time is roaming the neighbourhood in search of the best Christmas light displays. If you’re spending Christmas in New York, then the best spot to do this is in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Dyker Heights. You’ll find the most extravagant light displays, stunning decorations, life-size characters and even Christmas carolers.
You can choose to walk through the streets at your own pace or opt for one of the many bus tours that will escort you and provide you with a history of the neighbourhood and the traditions associated with the displays.
