Filed under: christmas. holidays, Holiday events, ice skating, top-feature
Classic Christmas in New York City
Yes, the temperatures are freezing, and of course the shops are crowded, but New York City has a festive holiday spirit that might just be unmatched in the rest of the country. Whether you are visiting NYC for the first time or are a seasoned veteran, you can get your dose of holiday cheer by enjoying some of the most classic ways to celebrate Christmas in the city. With a few insider tips, you can see these attractions while avoiding crowds and making the most of the run-up to Christmas.
The most popular attraction in NYC during the Christmas season is understandably Rockefeller Center. The soaring tree has been a symbol of the city’s festive holiday spirit since 1931. While hoards of tourists do visit and have their picture taken in front of the tree, there are other ways to enjoy this site as well. I would recommend arriving early in the morning, or late at night (or both!) to experience the tree. On weekdays, the ice skating rink opens at 9:00 am and at 8:30 am on Friday through Sunday. Arrive early to soak up the festive atmosphere before being one of the first to wait in line and skate (prices vary according to day and time, but expect to pay at least $10 plus skate rental fee).
If you like the idea of skating beneath the stars, the rink also stays open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. This means that (almost all) of the kids will have gone home, and the rink will assume a more romantic atmosphere. If you aren’t a skater, the entire plaza has a more romantic feel late at night. Bring along your hat, scarves, and gloves and enjoy the twinkling lights of the most famous Christmas tree in the country.
The logical next step on any classic Christmas tour of NYC is to see the creativity of department store windows. Once again, early in the morning or late at night will be the best time to take your stroll past Saks 5th Avenue without being rushed along with the crowd. If you’re traveling on a budget, one tip is to enjoy the windows of Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, or Lord and Taylor at night when they are closed, so you won’t be tempted inside by the gorgeous windows. While these attractions are by no means groundbreaking ways to celebrate Christmas in NYC, they offer a tradition that has made locals and visitors feel merry for decades.
Another spot for classic Christmas pleasures is Central Park. You can go skating here too, and this rink is often less crowded than Rockefeller Center. Wollman Rink is open 7 days per week starting at 10:00 am, and has extended evening hours until 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. Budget travelers should take note that weekday adult prices are $10.25 while weekend adult prices are $14.75 (plus $6.25 skate rental fee).
Another Central Park attraction offers a warmer alternative to skating. A horse-drawn carriage tour might be an extravagant purchase starting at $50 for 20 minutes, but it is one of the most scenic ways to experience the park. Snuggling up beneath a velvet blanket, you will get to see all the beauty of Central Park in one tour. In my opinion, winter is the only time that these tours hold any appeal. The carriage almost seems to transform into a sleigh as you glide through the winter wonderland of Central Park.
Christmas just wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping, and New York City today offers some great alternatives to department stores. If you have ever experienced the European Christmas markets, you will love the festive markets at both Union Square and Bryant Park. These little shopping villages offer everything from traditional NYC souvenirs to interesting gift ideas for the difficult people on your list. Even if you aren’t shopping, the red and white tents and twinkling lights of the Holiday Market at Union Square make this park-turned-market worthwhile to visit for a hot chocolate and a stroll.
One of the largest markets in the city is the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. With over 100 booths to browse through, you are sure to pick up something for loved ones back home. Beyond the glowing stalls and tall Christmas tree, these shops are also popular because of the free ice skating rink it offers. That’s right, instead of paying at Rockefeller Center or Central Park to give those skates a whirl, Bryant Park offers free skating. That sounds like the holiday spirit to me!
The best time to shop is absolutely during the week. Avoiding Saturday and Sunday (with the exception of the early morning hours) will allow you to soak up the atmosphere of the market without getting annoyed by the crowds. On the weekends and even during peak hours on weekdays, leave behind the popular Christmas attractions in favor of exploring other neighborhoods. Check out local offerings in Soho, chase down food trucks in the East Village, or cross the Brooklyn Bridge for a heavenly slice of Grimaldi’s pizza.
These Christmas classics will form the core of your festive trip to New York City, and if done correctly, can be seen without a headache. Don’t let the cold temperatures and snowflakes keep you away from NYC this winter; with the right gear you can keep warm and have a merry little Christmas too.
The Basics:
- Rockefeller Center, 600 5th Avenue, New York. (map)
- Saks 5th Avenue, 611 5th Avenue, New York. (map)
- Central Park Skating Rink, Central Park at East 63rd Street, New York. (map)
- The Holiday Market at Union Square (map)
- The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park (map)
Photo Credit: Rockefeller Center by Francisco Diez on Flickr, Central Park ice skating by maveric2003 on Flickr, Christmas Market by gia_s on Flickr.
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