A Holiday Guide to New York City
By, Julia Keegan
Thanksgiving kicks off the Holiday activities in New York City. As soon as the floats go up for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Christmas tree and lights shortly follow.
Here are six spots to stop by for the best memories and instagram pictures in New York City during the Holiday Season!
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The Grand Central Holiday Fair
This small shopping village in Vanderbilt Hall is perfect for last minute gifts or just for killing time while you get coffee and wait for your train. Not only can you buy gifts, but all the bakeries in the area also have amazing goodies that taste amazing!
Opens: November 12
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Rockefeller Center
This is a classic New York Christmas spot for a reason. First off, the Christmas tree is something you see once then it’s pretty much the same thing every time, but it’s a staple of the Christmas season. Second, the ice skating rink is fun to skate on, but the real fun is standing above the rink and watching all of the tourists. You can spend hours people watching in Rockefeller Center and be entertained the entire time. When it gets dark, across from Rockefeller Center is the Saks 5th Ave light show that plays at the top of every hour.
Opens: November 28
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Bryant Park Winter Village
Hands down, this is where you will find the best shopping during the holiday season in New York. There are stores from all over the city in these small huts, where you can find true gems. All kinds of gifts at various prices are available there, so you will definitely not go home empty handed after walking through. If you don’t get to skate at Rockefeller Center, there is also a rink on the inside of the village. It’s cheaper than Rockefeller Center skating and equally as fun. Lastly in this winter village, I recommend getting a waffle from Waffle and Dinges. I promise you, it will be the best waffle you’ve ever had.
Opens: October 27
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Lotte New York Palace
The outside of the building where Serena Van der Woodsen lived is beautiful decorated for the winter holidays. Making it the perfect destination for a festive Instagram holiday photoshoot.
Opens: December 13
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Bloomingdale’s on Lex Ave
You don’t even have to go inside the store to get into the spirit. The windows are always super festive and usually have some sort of interactive factor that is always a fun time with friends.
Opens: November 17
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Macy’s Santaland
Want to live like Buddy the Elf? Then Macy’s Herald Square is the place to be. You can get any christmas shopping you want done here, as well as take a photo with Santa!
Opens: November 23