On a regular day of the year, the Big Apple is always buzzing with numerous of activities, sights, and sounds that can overwhelm even those who have lived in the city their entire lives. But during everyone’s favorite time of the year, the magic of the holidays combined with the never-sleeping city scene just creates the best overwhelming holiday spirit. From the jingling bells of those asking for donations for the Salvation Army to the majestic window displays of the most prestigious brands, New York City is just bursting at the seams with things to do during the holiday season. For those of you who may be at a lost for ideas, here’s a beginner’s guide to celebrating the holidays in the Big Apple.
1. Buy tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Probably the most well-known Christmas show in New York is the Christmas Spectacular, which is held in Radio City Music Hall right in the heart of Rockefeller Center. The show runs from the beginning of November to the end of the December and features many festive dance acts by the oh-so-popular Rockettes. This event is great for everyone and will be sure to leave you with so much holiday spirit, you won’t want to stop dancing!
2. Take a selfie with a tree
The Christmas Tree that lives in Rockefeller Center during the holiday season is probably one of the most iconic images when the words “Christmas in New York” come to mind. And why not? This stunning landmark is a must-see for most tourists and native New Yorkers, so feel free to grab your cameras and take a million tourist-inspired pictures with this gorgeously decorated Christmas tree.
3. Grab a bite to eat
Name an occasion that couldn’t be celebrated with food. Stumped? I don’t blame you because food is literally appropriate for every scenario. The places to eat in New York City are literally endless. You can find just about any kind of food at any budget in the Big Apple. One great casual dining restaurant is Bill’s Bar and Burger, which is located at Rockefeller Center. So while you’re in the area taking your tree selfies and dancing around and suddenly may get a random burger craving, check out this sweet spot.
4. Shop on 5th avenue
With Black Friday being the official start of the holiday season, it’s hard to resist the temptation of one of the biggest fashion and shopping capitals of the world. Fifth Avenue has a ton of stores from affordable such as H&M to luxurious designers such as Burberry and Prada. If you’re like me and happen to be very broke (as always), just taking a stroll down Fifth Avenue and admiring the window displays and building exteriors that the major designer brands incorporate into their holiday themes is breath-taking in itself.
5. Ice-skate in Bryant Park
Another classic wintertime activity is ice-skating and what better place to do so then at Bryant Park’s own Citi Pond? If you’re going to iceskate, you might as well go somewhere that has a ton of energy and a beautiful landscape, such as the famous park that sits at 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. Another perk is that admission is free, so the only thing you’d have to pay for is skate rentals (if you need them).
6. Check out the outdoor holiday markets
Aside from the ice-skating rink, another thing that Bryant Park is well known for in the winter seasons is the holiday market that is set up every year. Vendors set up their stands here and give pedestrians the opportunity to do some holiday shopping and purchase little trinkets that generally cannot be found in a department store. Shopping here is a great way to support smaller businesses.
7. Visit Santa Claus
Whoever said that us collegiates are too old to make a visit to Father Christmas himself? Major department stores such as Macy’s and Bloomingdales have their own Santaland where you can line up and take a picture with good ol’ Saint Nick. Bring your little siblings and live out your inner child for a day.
8. Stop by Herald Square
Herald Square is the home of the world’s largest store. Its Macy’s store is quite stunning and not only is it a great place to get your holiday shopping done, but if you’ve ever seen the movie, Miracle on 34th Street, you’d know why Herald Square seems to have some sort of Christmas magic.
9. Take a workout class
This may seem like a bit of an out-of-the-ordinary way to celebrate the holidays, but why not get an early jump on those New Years resolutions to get into shape or kickstart your workouts in preparation of the big, delicious holiday meals that are coming soon to a dining table near you. Being a fitness junkie, I had to include this because New York has just about every fitness class that you can think of. A recent discovery of mine is Row House NYC, which I seriously recommend because it’ll give you a great total-body workout (as I’m typing this, I got the sore muscles to prove it). Taking any sort of physical activity class is a great way to stay in shape during the winter, especially when the weather outside is brisk and uninviting.
This list is literally only the tip of the iceberg in the possibilities of ways to spend the holidays in New York City. Always remember that there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city that I’m proud to call home, and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year, collegiates!