1. Rockefeller Center
During the holidays, one of the most popular things to do is to visit Rockefeller Center’s tree and ice skating rink! The tree is absolutely beautiful and worth the trek through the crowds. Whether you go with your family, friends or significant other, the tree is something everyone should go to at least once. After seeing the tree, ice skate at the rink for a fun activity!
2. Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a beautiful park, especially during the holiday season. Bryant park’s “Holiday Market” has over 170 kiosks that sell anything from delicious hot chocolate to cute stuffed animals. It is a great place to walk around and browse. There is also an ice skating rink that attracts many people, if you wanted to make a day out of it
3. Sak’s Fifth Avenue Window Decorations
One of my favorite holiday traditions is to walk and browse the Sak’s Fifth Avenue holiday windows. The windows serve as a Manhattan during the holidays custom. During the holidays, Sak’s has the most wonderful window displays, and I mean critically acclaimed windows. Every year, they put together a new set with lights and unique themes.
4. Grand Central Terminal’s Holiday Fair
If you’re headed into the city from Westchester County or anywhere else using the Metro North, you’ll have to come through Grand Central Terminal anyways, so, you might as well check out the Holiday Fair. Over 40 vendors take over park of Grand Central for a few weeks to sell original artwork, jewelry, and other fun things that can be gifts for your family, or yourself.
5. Go to a Broadway Show
If you’re in New York City, one of the best things to do is visit a Broadway show. For years, these musicals and plays have made tons of people happy and are a trademark of Manhattan. This season, the top shows are Aladdin, The Lion King, Dear Evan Hansen, and more. Check out broadway.com for all the shows and how to buy tickets.
6. See the Rockettes
The Radio Hall Christmas Spectacular is a big component of New York City’s Christmas season. The Rockettes have been performing in Radio City Music Hall since 1932 and have ever since been one of the biggest attractions during the holiday season.
7. The Holiday Train Show and the New York Botanical Gardens
The train show is an annual tradition that displays more than 25 model trains that run throughout 175 NYC sites. These trains run through miniature handcrafted landmarks that have been made from plant parts found around the gardens.
New York City during the holidays is a beautiful thing to witness. Between the lights hung up on every street to the extremely well planned holiday shows, I highly recommend visiting Manhattan during the holiday season as some point in your life.