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For most New Yorkers, the holiday season begins at Thanksgiving, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November each year and runs until after New Year’s Eve. During this magical time of year, the city turns its festive charm to maximum dazzling effect, creating a winter wonderland of colourful celebration. From extravagant Christmas decorations to decked-out department store windows, these are the top nine festive experiences in the Big Apple at Christmas:
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, NYC
The first Wednesday after Thanksgiving holiday is the day that traditionally marks the lighting ceremony for New York’s most iconic Christmas tree – in 2023, that means you’ll be able to marvel at this towering example of festive lighting any time from 29 November onwards. The ceremony usually begins with a live music performance to set the holiday mood – in previous years, some of the world’s biggest music stars have performed, including Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin. You’ll find yourself gazing in awe at the gigantic tree, which is illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights, including a huge Swarovski crystal star that weighs over 400 kilograms. It’s a sight that truly epitomises Christmas in New York City.
Ice skating at The Rink, NYC
Right next to the Tree, the Rockefeller Center’s ice-skating rink offers one of the city’s most picturesque and Christmas-infused experiences. Lace up your skates and make your best attempt at gliding elegantly around The Rink, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and the shrieks of happy skaters. It’s the perfect excuse to dress up in your most vibrant, Christmas-themed, winter woollies. Treating yourself to a post-skating hot chocolate is mandatory, and ideal for toasting your successful circumnavigation of the world’s most recognisable ice rink.
New York’s charming Christmas markets are a memorable way to take care of any last-minute Christmas shopping requirements while sampling tasty treats and immersing yourself in the vibrant holiday atmosphere. Union Square Holiday Market is considered one of the best holiday markets in the United States, with 185 artisan vendors vying for your attention with an incredible array of unique gifts, artworks and tasty treats. Alternatively, you could head uptown to Bryant Park’s Winter Village, where you can browse the holiday market stalls, enjoy festive food in a cosy igloo or show off your winter driving skills in bumper cars on ice.
The breath-taking Saks Fifth Avenue light show is an unmissable annual spectacle. The renowned department store adorns its façade with an elaborate display that transforms the entire building into a work of art. Join the crowds that gather along Fifth Avenue to witness this stunning Christmas tradition, which features elaborate, holiday-themed window displays and a captivating, ten-storey spectacle of lighting and synchronised music. This year’s opening event is scheduled to take place on 22nd November, and although the details are kept closely under wraps, previous years’ ceremonies have featured appearances from Sir Elton John and Michelle Obama.
A visit to the magical winter wonderland at Macy’s Herald Square is a much-loved New York holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike. It’s an immersive experience that will transport you into a whimsical world of Santa’s elves, dazzling Christmas trees, and enchanting holiday scenes. The highlight is, of course, the chance to meet the big man himself. Children can share their Christmas wishes with Santa in a beautifully decorated Santa’s Workshop, then the whole family can indulge in a little Christmas shopping in the world’s largest department store – ten floors offering a little over 90,000 square metres of retail therapy heaven.
Taking in a Broadway show is an essential part of any New York experience, and during the holiday season, you can expect to choose from a number of festive classics, from a graceful ballet performance of “The Nutcracker” to the timeless, feel-good warmth of “A Christmas Carol.” It’s a fun way to combine New York’s vibrant theatre scene with a little extra holiday cheer. Head to Radio City Music Hall at the Rockefeller Center to catch a performance of its “Christmas Spectacular” with the world-famous Radio City Rockettes, featuring dazzling choreography, elaborate costumes and festive Christmas music.
An iconic feature on the city skyline for almost a century, the Empire State Building plays an essential role in celebrating Christmas in New York, illuminated with festive colours and dazzling lights. The famous observation deck is adorned with holiday decorations and a towering Christmas tree – the ideal spot from which to soak up panoramic views over the city from 86 floors up.
Experiencing Central Park during a New York City winter is like stepping into a magical wonderland, especially if you’re lucky enough to see it blanketed in a layer of soft-white snow. The contrast of snow-covered trees against the backdrop of iconic Manhattan skyscrapers is best experienced while bundled up in cosy blankets for a horse-drawn carriage ride. Take a peaceful stroll along the winding paths or indulge in an ice-skating adventure at Wollman Rink, enjoying the frosty air and the sense of tranquillity that makes Central Park a wonderland of wintry enchantment.
It’s well worth extending your stay in New York to join one of the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations, mingling with the crowds in Times Square. Join the countdown that accompanies the iconic ball on its famous descent down the towering One Times Square building, while enjoying the atmosphere created by live performances and confetti showers. When the ball reaches its final destination, marking the start of a brand-new year, you can’t help being swept up in the atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie created by a million revellers who have come from all around the world to take part.
From the aroma of roasted chestnuts on every street corner to the twinkling lights of Fifth Avenue, Christmas in New York is a holiday experience that is sure to create festive memories that will last a lifetime. To start planning your New York Christmas escape, talk to your personal travel manager today.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
