Are you planning to spend Christmas in NY? Check out these tips:
Oh, Christmas! The best time of the year. I don’t know about you, but I am beyond hyped about winter holidays, even as an adult. There is something about them that I can’t put into words that makes my heart explode with happiness. It reminds me of my childhood years when we had pure hearts and everything seemed like a fairytale. And it was a fairytale!
I know times changed, but if we manage to keep a bit of this magic inside our souls, we may pass the joy from one generation to another and keep the Christmas spirit alive for as long as possible.
New York City’s Christmas is legendary. From the bustling, tourist-filled destinations to the serene, hidden gems off the beaten path, countless adventures await, each shimmering with the unique beauty of the season and its ambiance. There are plenty of festive lights to see and food to eat if you’re here or nearby for the holidays. So, without further ado, these are some of the things you can do if you’re spending Christmas in NY:
Strolling along Fifth Avenue
If you’re planning to spend Christmas in NY, I suggest you start at the bottom of Central Park and go down Fifth Avenue towards Rockefeller Center to snap some pictures with the huge Christmas tree.
In between, you’ll see a ton of extravagant, glittering displays outside of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Louis Vuitton, and other stores. After that, I’ll cross to Sixth Avenue and pass the enormous Christmas ornament display and Radio City Music Hall.
Although there are a lot of tourists on the streets (going on a weekday morning helps to avoid crowds a little), the atmosphere is truly beautiful, so be patient and let things happen at the slow pace of those around you. Alternatively, put on a playlist of Christmas music and completely relax. Remember that the Christmas spirit is magical, so let yourself enjoy more things this time of the year.
Go eat at Pastis
Located at 52 Gansevoort St., New York, Pastis is one of the best places to indulge yourself during the Christmas holidays. The excellent Parisian cuisine (such as cauliflower gratin, veal escalope, and a delicious onion soup) is only beaten by the atmosphere, which has a warm Manhattan vibe, joyful, and pretty full, especially when the interior is decked out in tinsel and twinkling lights for the occasion.
You will enjoy yourself greatly there because of the cozy atmosphere, and if you’re lucky, you can meet a lot of celebrities from Hollywood! So if you’re spending Christmas in NY this year and you want to go somewhere nice, Pastis is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but because it can get very busy, especially on national holidays, make sure to call ahead for a reservation.
Christmas shop in Little Italy
If you watched The Godfather, you must have already been familiar with this place because some scenes were shot here. But this isn’t the sole reason to check out Little Italy if you’re spending Christmas in NY this year.
From my experience, from the first step into this place, you will be transported to a magical land in which you will find glass ornaments from around the world, sparkling Christmas trees, and life-size Santa figurines. You won’t resist buying at least one or two things to bring home. While strolling, don’t forget to stop by Ferrara’s, the only favorite bakery of Tony Soprano, to indulge in a fresh cannoli.
Go skating in Bryant Park
Since the ring is opening around 8 am, you will be seeing plenty of in-office workers in Midtown, including fully dressed corporate people wearing ice skates and hockey outfits, putting on headphones, and taking a few morning turns before going to work. If you have a camera, it would be a pity not to snap some pictures!
It is a winter wonderland in the shadow of the New York Public Library. The rink is quiet on weekday mornings without the crowds (or children) that typically arrive on weekends. It is free if you bring your skates, or $21–$36 if you rent them.
Since prices may have changed since last season, it’s better to check out before going there to see if it’s for your budget or not.
Go to the Central Park
Take advantage of your winter wardrobe by taking a leisurely walk through one of New York’s most well-known parks on a cold morning, afternoon, or evening before Christmas. This will allow you to see the faces and styles of Manhattanites without being overwhelmed by the crowds of people shopping along Fifth Avenue.
Furthermore, if you want to feel like a local while you’re spending Christmas in NY, it would be awesome if you went ice skating at Wollman. Of course, if you know how to skate. If not, you can also stand by the barriers and take some pictures of those who skate. You won’t be bored, trust me!
Carriage rides can be a fun experience, but they can also be quite pricey, which is why some people consider them a tourist trap! Just something to keep in mind while planning your adventures!
Holiday shop at Brooklyn Flea
If you’re planning to spend Christmas in NY this year and you don’t want to spend a ton on gifts, check out the flea from Brooklyn. If you are shopping for someone difficult to buy for, this is a great place to go. This outdoor market is located beneath the archway at the beginning of the Dumbo side of the Manhattan Bridge and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Are you a tourist who wants to spend the holidays in NY? If so, get ready and grab yourself a carry-on luggage that fits the airplane’s requirements. Amazon sells it for $33.98, and it’s available in various colors. Pick your favorite!
Listen to some good music at Radio City Music Hall
If you’re nostalgic and you are willing to go and listen to some good old Christmas songs, I kindly recommend you buy a ticket to the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. As you watch the Rockettes perform, you can’t help but be amazed by their synchronization and spirit. Going with someone who has never seen it or even visited the famous location is particularly fascinating.
Have fun watching the lights in Dyker Heights
When you’re feeling like all the Christmas lights you’ve watched and taken pictures of aren’t enough and you want to see more, go to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. For those who don’t know, this is a neighborhood of houses dedicated to bringing holiday cheer.
You will see an “explosion” of the Christmas spirit in the best way possible. Giant snowmen, motorized Santas, Nutcrackers, and an abundance of Christmas lights will fill your heart with joy by simply seeing them! The blocks with the highest number of light displays are the 11th and 13th Avenues between 83rd and 86th Streets.
Have you ever been to NY for the winter holidays? If so, what are your favorite activities in the area? Let me know in the comments section below.
Since New Year’s Eve is slowly approaching, you may also want to check out another related article: 7 Quirky Spots for an Epic New Year’s Eve.
