10 Reasons to Visit New York City at Christmas

Christmas in New York

Christmas in New York

New York is renowned for being somewhat magical around the Christmas period. From early November right up until December 25th New Yorkers go absolutely wild with excitement! Toy shops are bursting with smiles and the streets are brightened up by the incredible Christmas decorations, it really is something that is not to be missed. Of course this happens all around the western world, so what makes New York so special?

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Carolers

I don’t know about you, but I’m from London and back there you’ll be very hard pressed to find any carolers who’ll uplift you with Christmas spirit! New York is jam packed full of red nosed carol singers making you feel all warm and cozy inside.

Ice Skating

Romantic, blissful and downright Christmassy, ice skating in New York around the holiday season is pretty much bucket list worthy.

Window Displays

There is something about Christmas window displays that just gets those jingle bells ringing in your ears! Macy’s Christmas Window Displays in Herald Square are particularly pretty, as are Bloomingdales in Lexington Avenue and Lord & Taylor’s in 5th Avenue.

Public Christmas Trees

Sure, everywhere has public Christmas tree’s. But are they really on the same scale as the ones in New York? Probably not! Madison Square Park, the Rockefeller Center and South Street all boast the biggest and brightest trees around. In particular the South Street tree which is a whopping 50 feet tall!

Christmas Lights

There really isn’t anything more stunning than the Grand Central terminal laser light show which is held every year. Projecting spectacular Christmas lights onto the Sky Ceiling, it’s a definite photo opportunity and one of the essential things to do in New York at Christmas.

Live Performances

There is usually a range of live Christmas performances held each year within the big apple. From Broadway adaptations of the hit movie Elf, to even a ballet performance of The Nutcracker. They simply aren’t something to miss out on!

FAO Schwartz

This is one for the kids and even big kids! This is the exact same toy store where Tom Hanks played the giant floor piano as a child trapped in a man’s body. Of course toy stores are a ‘must’ at Christmas time!

Macy’s elaborate Santaland

Stepping into this place is like stepping into how you probably picture Santa’s Grotto to look. Elves casually walking around, real looking snow, toy trains choo-chooing around you and of course Santa himself, it’s all a little bit magical!

Happy People

It may seem a little obvious, but Americans are generally happy people anyway, so imagine them at Christmas time! It’s really heart warming to walk down the streets of New York and have people smile and spread the Christmas cheer in their own little way.

Christmas Parties

A night out around Christmas time in New York is really something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. There are literally hundreds of bars that put on some old Christmas classics to really get you in the mood.

This article was written by freelance writers and travel blogger, Charlotte Grey for New York travel guide NewYork101.

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