“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”🎶🎺
Looking for the best things to do in NYC over the holidays? Enjoy these timeless holiday traditions in the Big Apple with family and friends!
1. Central Park Walking Tour & Ice Skating in Wollman Rink
Ice skating in Central Park is quintessential NYC – a classic activity steeped in tradition dating back to 1858 with skating on the lake, and continuing nearly a century later when Wollman Rink opened in 1950. Skate by day and feel the crisp winter air and sunshine on your face or conjure up romance with night time skating under the stars and a twinkling backdrop of city lights. Either way, the enchanting winter ambiance as you glide across the ice at Wollman Rink is an experience that should not be missed!
2. Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes
Make the Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes® presented by Chase part of your holiday tradition, and experience the kinds of moments that memories are made of. Enjoy the legendary precision and grace of the Rockettes® as you share the magic and joy of the holidays with your loved ones.
The show blends your favorite iconic moments with breathtaking technology to amaze and delight fans of all ages.
3. Rockefeller Center Holiday Christmas Tree
Year after year, thousands of people bundle up and crowd the sidewalks for the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and millions watch the live broadcast.
The 2019 tree will be lit on Wednesday, December 4 at Rockefeller Plaza (between West 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues). The annual tree lighting ceremony is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. The tree will remain lit and on display through early 2020. On Christmas day, the lights shine for a full 24 hours!
4. New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker
This year marks the 65th annual performance of one of the Big Apple’s best Christmas shows around! Whether The Nutcracker is a family tradition or a once-in-a-lifetime visit, your memories of this glittering classic ballet will stay with you for a life time.
From the moment the curtain goes up, the crowd is transported to a magical place filled with marching toy soldiers, a glowing one-ton Christmas tree that will leave you in awe, mischievous mice, waltzing snowflakes, the Land of Sweets and some of the most breathtaking costumes, set designs and dancing on earth!
5. Experiencing the Best Holiday Window Displays
New York City is a winter wonderland during the holiday season, decked out with bright lights, tinsel trim, and decorations. The glistening and enchanting department store windows are a sight to see at the major department stores around Manhattan. The festive window display tradition in New York City dates back to the 1870s, according to Macy’s on 34th street, the first retailer to start the trend. After you experience the Macy’s window display, you may want to visit the iconic Empire State Building located just a five-minute walk away on 34th street.
You can download and print the NYC Christmas Window Displays: A Free Walking Tour courtesy of Green Global Travel.
6. Union Square Holiday Market
There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than experiencing the Union Square Holiday Market! Shop, eat and drink at this alfresco haven that has welcomed thousands of shoppers for more than two decades. The market hosts more than 150 small business vendors who are tucked behind cheerful red-and-white-striped tents in Union Square. Sip on a rich hot chocolate while you shop for eccentric gifts for your loved ones!
When: November 21 – December 24, 2019; hours are Mon–Fri, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
