Christmas In New York: Are You Ready For Your Holiday Tour?

As promised, I’m taking you along with me on a Christmas tour in NYC. I’m going to show you how we celebrate Christmas in the Big Apple. And, you’ll find out why NYC is at the top of most best holiday destination lists and why it should be on your “holiday travel must do” list. No, I’m not a biased New Yorker. I’m just a savvy New Yorker who knows how amazing NYC is at Christmas time…..

So with over 19,000 steps (according to the pedometer), I managed to see Bryant Park’s Christmas market and winter village, Rockefeller Center, Radio city hall, 5th ave. holiday window displays, Union square holiday market and I squeezed in some time to go shopping at Macys. Yep, I covered a lot of ground.

As soon as I arrived at Penn Station, I went to 6th ave and walked up 6 blocks to Bryant Park’s Christmas market (by the way, noted for one of the best holiday markets in the world). It’s an open space with boutique style shops selling infinity scarves, tea spices, aroma oils, jewelry and other distinctive items. But, the thing that stood out to me was the artistic Christmas ornaments. The “Christmas Around The World” ornament display caught my attention, where every country name and flag was painted onto an opalescent color ornament. It’s really awesome! And, I loved the shoes and pocketbook shaped ornaments (2 of my favorite things).

Of course, there were several spots to grab a bite to eat but the Bryant Park Cafe took the cake for me. It’s an outdoor cafe with a pretty cool layout. There’s even an area with a fire pit surrounded by comfortable benches. It gives a “eating and drinking hot chocolate around the campfire” feel.

Now, the holiday shops and cafe is all part of the Winter Village transformation at Bryant Park. There’s free ice skating, music and other activities such as visiting Santa’s corner and watching holiday movies. I could have spent all day at Bryant Park but I couldn’t I had to move on to the next holiday hot spot.

Another 6 blocks up, I enjoyed the incredible holiday decor on the street and stopped by the Radio City Hall (going to see the Rockettes after Christmas…more on that later). I went around the block and arrived at Rockefeller Center. Obviously, I saw the iconic tree with over 40,000 lights. But beyond that, I saw flags surrounding the ice skating rink, amazing Christmas decorations and Salvation Army bell ringers dancing and singing Christmas carols with people in the street…..definitely a NY thing. All in all, Rockefeller is worth seeing especially the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. 

Moving on to 5th ave, I went to see the Saks 5th window displays. The store really popped out and got my attention with classic clear Christmas lights to illuminate the storefront. I noticed each window display told a story with great detail in an elegant and chic style.

Heading uptown onto the east side, I came across the Union Square holiday market (another best of the best of holiday markets). This Christmas market is known for up close and personal and fun shopping experience. As I walked down the holly-lined aisles, I found unique gifts including jewelry, candles, skin care products, winter accessories, artist wares and gourmet pastry and food. It has a great holiday spirit feel to the place.

As the day was wrapping up and I was heading back to Penn Station, I couldn’t help stopping by Macy’s holiday window display, which is spectacular. And, I had to get some shopping time in and oooh and ahhhh over the holiday decorations inside of Macys 🙂

Well, did you enjoy your Christmas tour around NYC? I really hope so! I know it seems I covered a lot of territory. But, in reality, I only scratched the surface. I still want to see other holiday window displays along 5th ave (Lord & Taylor and Barneys), Grand Central Station and Empire State building holiday light show synchronized to music. Also, I want to go ice skating at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park, see the Nutcracker at Lincoln and of course visit Serendipity 3 for its famous hot chocolate. There is so much I want to see and do. And, I want to encourage you to venture out with me. Hopefully, you’ll be able to join me for another Christmas tour around NYC in personal. It’s going to be possible…details on that later. Leave me a comment and let’s chat.

Hugs,