A 5 Minute Guide to Christmas in New York City

Few cities across the world celebrate Christmas better than New York, USA. The Big Apple doesn’t do things by halves, as it annually transforms its skyscrapers and world-famous attractions into a seasonal landscape, which makes it the perfect place to spend Christmas with your nearest and dearest.

If you are set to spend the festive season in The City That Never Sleeps, here are some top bucket-list activities for Christmas in NYC.

Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Millions of people across the world travel to NYC for Christmas simply to set eyes on Rockefeller Christmas Tree, which serves as a symbol of the season.

Not only is the 72ft-tall tree adorned with more than five miles of lighting, but you can also attend the tree lighting ceremony, which will this year be held on Wednesday 28th November at Rockefeller Plaza.

Winter Village

If you want to grab a cup of hot chocolate, enjoy a seasonal treat, or buy a unique Christmas gift for a loved one, visit Winter Village at Bryant Park. The park is free to enter, and you also do not need to pay a penny to enjoy a spot of ice skating on the rink.

However, if you don’t have any skates of your own, you’ll need $20 to rent a pair. It’s a perfect way to spend a day or evening with your loved ones in the city this Christmas.

Fifth Avenue Window Displays

Window shopping doesn’t get much better than the Fifth Avenue window displays. Enjoy a pleasant stroll down 5th avenue, making your way from 34th street to 58th street, as many stores will adorn their windows with stunning displays.

Retailers most famous for their iconic festive displays include Macy’s and Barneys, which often attract a rather large crowd, so be patient when waiting to look inside.

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Ice Skating at Central Park

You can trust Central Park will not let you down when it comes to seasonal activities, but one attraction you will not want to overlook is ice skating at Wollman Rink, which is a seasonal favourite for many New Yorkers and tourists.

You’ll find the public rink on 62nd and 63rd streets, which is complemented by the romantic backdrop of the NYC skyline. It’s one experience you and your spouse won’t forget during your visit to the city. Sounds perfect, right? If so, plan your trip now, and don’t forget to make sure you sort your accommodation in time.

You might want to consider renting out your own space and having the freedom to go and come as you please. VacationRenter has plenty of options for you to cater for whatever group you are visiting with.  

Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall is a must-visit during a trip to NYC during the festive period. The world-famous concert hall offers a calendar full of Christmas concerts, so it’s the ideal place to listen to festive classics in a truly iconic landmark.

Dyker Heights

Make your way to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, as the whole neighbourhood hosts a competition to out-decorate each other every year, so expect to experience stunning and original light displays and decorations.

The tradition started in the 1980s when a resident adorned her home with over the top decorations, which infuriated her neighbours so much that they started a competition. Cut to 30 years later, and it’s now a seasonal event.

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