I know Halloween has just ended but as many of you probably understand, Halloween snuck up on us and a lot of us probably didn’t get the chance to do all of the typical things: corn maze, carving pumpkins, picking apples, haunted house, ya know the whole nine. Well now is our time to plan ahead for things to do in NYC during the Holidays.
1. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
This is a classic. Whether you venture out and watch the parade in person or you are snuggled up on the couch drinking coffee from your favorite mug this is the best way to get into the holiday spirit. The entire parade is amazing whether it be the character balloons or the marching bands we can all agree Santa rolling in at the end is when we surely know it’s Christmas time in the big city.
2. Wollman Rink in Central Park
Ice skating may not be for everyone (especially anyone as accident prone as me) however this is surely a spectacle of the holiday spirit in the city. Whether you brave it out and actually skate on the rink or you stand on the side and people watch and take in the beautiful atmosphere the Wollman Rink in Central Park is definitely a holiday must. Being located in Central Park is having the hometown feel right in the heart of NYC.
3. The Rockettes
You can’t miss out on the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Not only do you get to see Radio City Music Hall, but the lights surrounding the area and the show are truly enough to put anyone in the holiday spirit. This is a great place for any and all ages and worth every penny.
4. The Nutcracker: The New York City Ballet
The Nutcracker is another holiday classic and what better way to experience it than through the one and only New York City Ballet. These dancers are the best of the best and make anything look graceful. The talent mixed with the classic is a must see.
5. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Whether you go on the day of the lighting or you go anytime throughout the season, as touristy as it is, you’ve got to experience the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. It’s astounding how beautiful and how incredibly large it is and is something you have to experience in person. TV just doesn’t do it justice.
6. Window Displays on 5th Avenue
This is a simple holiday activity that you can do in between others. Walking down 5th Ave. and seeing the intricate details in all of the window displays will leave anyone inspired. It’s truly a beautiful sight.
7. Sledding in the City
If the weather allows, sledding in the City is something we should all try at least once in our lifetime. Sledding is one way to turn the cold into fun and what better place to do it than in Central Park surrounded by all of those skyscrapers.
8. Dyker Heights Holiday Lights
The holidays are an amazing time for decorations and it is truly a sight in Dyker Heights located in Brooklyn. This is a local tradition that keeps the residents in constant competition with each other with only the best outcome each year: bigger and better (didn’t think that was possible) lighting displays.
9. Giant Decorations Displays
This is a lot like the displays on 5th Ave., it’s something to do while walking through the city. It’s a simple and beautiful thing that happens in the Big Apple during the holidays and it is definitely a spot for great pictures with any friend.
10. Eat at Rolfs
This is just incredible. You are literally surrounded by thousands of Christmas decorations that will turn any Grinch into Santa Claus. It is a German restaurant located in the Gramercy Park neighborhood and although I can’t say anything about their food, the decorations will keep anyone coming back.
11. Bryant Park Winter Village
This is the home to seasonal shops and a true sense of a small town in the Holiday season. These shops sell jewelry, food, clothing, personal gifts and really almost anything you can think of. If that doesn’t draw you in as it is, part of every purchase made at the Winter Village will help to maintain the park throughout the year, plus not a lot of tourists bother heading over.
Don't let the Holiday's sneak up on you and plan ahead to get all of the seasonal to-dos done.