By Emily Gianni
Christmas in NYC is by far one of the best times of the year. The activities and Christmas decorations make the season successful. Here is a hit list of ten things you need to see or do during the Christmas season in the city with my personal review on it.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
This is by far my favorite thing to do during Christmas time. There are about sixty kiosks that you can go shop in. You can buy the most unique Christmas gifts here. The holiday shops are open on weekdays from 11am to 8 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 8 pm. Not only are there gift shops here, but there are also places for you to get food: chocolate shops, No Chewing Allowed, waffles, crepes, pies, s’mores, etc.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree
This may have to be the most touristy activity for you to do in New York City; however, it is completely worth it. The tree is so beautiful when lit up and it has to be the biggest Christmas tree I have ever seen in my life. This year the tree has come from Maryland and it is officially here! It will be lit on December 1, 2021.
Central Park Holiday Lighting
This lighting of Central Park will take place on December 2, 2021. This event has been happening for more than twenty years. There will be holiday carols, hot cocoa, ice carvers, and of course the holiday lights.
Ice Skating
Ice skating in the city is always a perfect date. You can go ice skating in Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, and Wollman Rink in Central Park. You can rent ice skates for a fee, or bring your own. Make sure you bundle up, as it can get really cold when ice skating outside!
Holiday Window Displays
This is my favite thing to pass by when driving in the city. At Saks 5th Ave, there is a beautiful display of lights on the building. By looking at this, it really gets you in the Christmas spirit and you know that Christmas is right around the corner.
Radio City Music Hall Decorations
Every year, it is a sight to see the decorations at Radio City Music Hall. It always gets decorated so beautifully for Christmas time. Not only are there decorations placed on the outside of the music hall, but there are an immense amount of decorations on the inside. There is a beautiful big tree placed on the inside as well as Christmas lights and wreaths.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
This is a show you simply cannot miss. Here, the Rockette’s perform and do an amazing job! You can already buy tickets to watch this Christmas Spectacular. The Rockettes are a part of the NYC experience, so if you have not seen them yet, go buy your tickets!
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
This Brooklyn neighborhood is home to some of the best decorated houses for Christmas. These decorations are life size: the Santa, sleighs, and snowmen. Some houses even blast Christmas tunes. You can take a bus tour at Dyker Heights to see the Christmas lights too.
See The Nutcracker
This is a two-act ballet about a girl who becomes friends with a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and starts a battle against the evil Mouse King. If you have not yet seen this ballet, you have to go; it is an unforgettable experience and the story is amazing. The tickets can typically be between $45 and $280. Anywhere you sit in the theater you can still have a good seat.
Luminosity Light Festival
Last but not least, there is a beautiful light festival on Randall’s Island. I went for the first time last year and the structures were amazing. This light festival calls for great Instagram photos and the tickets are not expensive at all! After the light show, you can stop by the food trucks and pick up food and hot chocolate.