Christmas is the most fun in New York

AND THIS IS WHY

New Yorkers excel in all sorts of things. Crossing the street on a red light, not using available kitchen utensils, unnecessary honking, and immensely loud sirens. But where they might be the best at is Christmas.

I walked through the streets this morning and the Christmas fever that makes you crave hot chocolate and Christmas cookies is already noticeable. The lights, the angels, the green and red ribbons; they are already filling the streets of New York. And that is incredibly enjoyable. This will be our third Christmas here and I hope for another white one. But even without snow, it’s a fairy tale here and I can already imagine myself as a tourist-in-my-own-city on the ice rink. That kind of tourist outings and much more is allowed at Christmas. And the best ones you find here:

From Bergdorf to Macy’s, how beautiful you are.

All the stores are richly decorated with lights and wherever possible, a Christmas tree, Christmas elf, or Christmas ornament sparkles. But the windows of the famous department stores are the epitome of Christmas’ splendor. This year, Bergdorf chose a grand glitter fest with Swarovski and Bergman is my favorite. But Saks, Lord & Taylor, and Henri Bendel also have stunning window displays. So grab an XXL coffee, walk from about 26th Street up 5th Avenue, and let yourself be amazed.

Hot chocolate and Cafe Cluny

Not only Uptown, but also Downtown is slowly turning New York into a Christmas card. All the gabled houses in West Village are being decorated and a Christmas wreath hangs on the door. Wait for a snowy night for a walk, set the alarm early, put on your moon boots, and leave the first snow tracks in West Village. It’s like a fairy tale then. End with hot chocolate at Cafe Cluny.

Gliding over the ice

You do that in Central Park at the Wollman Rink. There’s also one in Bryant Park, but it doesn’t have such a nice view. Do expect a storm of people and especially watch out for all those unguided projectiles that are on the ice rink for the first time. But it remains incredibly fun, skating among the skyscrapers of New York.

Dance tradition

Many of us go to mass at Christmas, but there is also another kind of tradition in New York: The Nutcracker. This year, the story will be portrayed with beautiful costumes and tight-fitting outfits. Enjoy!