It’s the most wonderful time of the year and what better place to celebrate the holidays than the city? With the magic of snow falling around the skyscrapers and endless possibilities of holiday fun, New York City is the place to be in December.
Here are the top five suggestions of things to do in NYC during the holiday season:
1. Visit a holiday market place. With most of these markets open until December 24, they are great options for checking off some items on your gift lists. Take a trip down to the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park’s Winter Village or the Union Square Holiday Market for good food and some unique gifts to bring back home to your family. A more accessible option is the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, which is within close proximity to Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus and still offers those one-of-a-kind gift ideas.
2. If you haven’t seen the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, you need to seriously consider doing it this holiday season. What is Christmas in the city without joining in on the tradition of watching the Rockettes perform in Radio City? While tickets for this event can get expensive, it is worth seeing at least once in your lifetime, just to say that you have. The show lasts until January 3 so there is still plenty of time to get together with some friends to see the show.
3. Although it’s too late to see the tree being lit, it is still a great idea to visit Rockefeller Center. Just like the tradition of the Rockettes, it’s not really Christmas in New York unless you stop by to see the Christmas tree (if you celebrate this holiday). The tree will be lit until January 7 (and it’s free to see), so stop by sometime between now and then for a little taste of the holidays in NYC.
4. While you’re in Rockefeller Center visiting the tree, you might as well stop for a few hours to ice skate. Depending on the day you go, prices for this rink can reach up to $32 and entry is on a first come, first serve basis. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the rates at Wollman Rink in Central Park can reach $18, again depending on the day you go. Either choice is a great option for an afternoon of fun before the holidays.
5. If you’ll be sticking around in the city through December, a great way to kick in the New Year is to visit Times Square and watch the ball drop. If you don’t mind crowds or standing out in the cold to witness this great tradition, this event is highly recommended. The list of events start at 3:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and lasts fifteen minutes into the new year. Celebrate the beginning of 2016 with friends in the greatest city and make sure to bundle up!