It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!!! Yeah, it's still the month of November but once the clock struck 12 on November 25th it was officially the Christmas season. For me especially, the christmas season is alive and well all year round but for mere mortals, it has only just begun. This is the time of year that I live my best life and countdown for. The christmas shopping, tree decorating, light shows and being with friends and family is what makes the holiday season so special. If you're just as excited as I am then you have to know what it's like to be in New York City at Christmas time. You always see those movies where one character might say "have you ever been to christmastime in new york?". Well there is a reason they always say that. Physically being in New York City during the holiday season is more magical than it will ever appear in any movie or tv show. As someone who lives here, I get to experience new work on the daily and love it no matter what time of year it is. But living as a new yorker during christmas time is on another level. Take a gander at some of the reasons why you should hit the road and head to the city to expereince the magic for yourself.
1.) The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
If you haven't heard of this tree or seen the television special of the lighting, then i firmly believe that you have been living under a rock for the past 80 or so years. Everyone and there mother travels near and far to take a selfie under, or next to this monstrosity. But why not? Its gorgeous, huge and iconic. Stay tuned for instagram posts this coming December featuring your friends and a 94ft Norway Spruce. Best of all....IT'S FREE.
2.) Ice Skating!
Since we're on the subject of Rockefeller center, we might as well talk about another iconic Christmas in New York staple. ICE SKATINGGGGG. There is obviously The Risk located right underneath the Norway Spruce at Rockefeller Center or there are other alternatives if you can't get a spot to skate there. There is the Wolloman Rink which is located in the middle of central park with beautiful views of midtown and there is also the Bryant Park skating rink which is right in the center of the Winter Village. So what if you suck and can't stay up for more then 5 minutes? You'll still look fab doing it. JUST DO IT FOR THE GRAM.
3.) Window Displays
When i say window displays, I hope you don't think i just mean staring at a mannequin wearing some clothes. No. New York department store window displays are in a whole other ball game. They have their own unveilings. It's a big deal here. Theres so many that you can see and interact with. Iconic ones include, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodmans and Lord and Taylors. One year my roommate and I made the mistake of thinking that the Saks window unveiling would just be them lifting up the black curtain and taking a peek. but in reality the rockettes showed up, there was reserved seating, roads were blocked off and there was a line to take a picture next to them. It's. A. Big. Deal.
4.) The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Speaking of the rockettes, if you're here for Christmas then you MUST see the Christmas spectacular. It's a legit sin if you don't see it. While the radio city rockettes are what the show is most known for, the show also has a story within that made me tear up a bit. But I cry at everything so this isn't new. Get some tickets, take the fam, get some cotton candy and a souvenir cup and enjoy the show.
5.) Union Square Holiday Market
If you want to enjoy the Christmas spirit downtown and away from the craziness of midtown, take a walk through the Union Square holiday market. Literally as soon as you get off the subway, you are submerged in the a Christmas market wonderland. There are tons of venders that you can buy gifts are, enjoy different kinds of food or candy, and my personal favorite...the hot chocolate vendors. You will never find better hot chocolate than at this marker. There are about 6 different places and you won't know how to choose but regardless of what you get, you won't be disappointed.
6.) The experience
Doing all of these activities is fun and you et to enjoy the festivities in the greatest city in the world. But the main reason you should come to New York at Christmas time is to just enjoy the electricity that the city has to offer during the most wonderful time of the year. Sure the tourists, which is what you will be considered by us new yorkers while visiting, can make you crazy and claustrophobic, but just put that aside and enjoy the season while its here. We only get 25 days, so make them count whether you come to NYC or not.
