10 x why you should not miss the holidays in NYC
The holidays are getting really close and if it were up to me, I would skip them this year here in the Netherlands. The new measures are not exactly creating the ultimate Christmas atmosphere. So it's time to escape the country. But where would I want to celebrate Christmas if I could choose any destination? I don't have to think long about that: New York of course. I can't think of a city that goes all out more during the holidays. From the endless amount of lights to the cozy ice rinks. Fortunately, the city has recently reopened to international visitors, so what are we waiting for? Okay, maybe for our salary. Perhaps it's an idea for next year? You definitely have to celebrate Christmas in NYC at least once in your life. Here are ten reasons why.
1. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The classic Christmas parade with gigantic balloons, floats, clowns, the best Broadway musicals, and performances by celebrities. It doesn't get more Christmasy than this, you know.
2. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
We obviously recognize this tree from every classic Christmas movie. The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center has been a tradition for over eight decades. This year, there will again be a stunningly beautifully lit tree (a whopping 25 meters tall) that will light up the city until mid-January.
3. Broadway performances in Hudson Yards
Every Monday, you can enjoy free live performances from Broadway's biggest hit shows in Hudson Yards. Cast members sing songs from productions like Aladdin, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge, and many more. The performances can be admired until December 13.
4. Winter wonders at the Pulitzer Fountain
Fifth Avenue welcomes the holidays with 32 handmade animal sculptures opposite the Plaza Hotel. With over one and a half kilometers of lighting, an ice rink, and 24 handmade icebergs around the Pulitzer Fountain, you could say they go all out for Christmas here.
5. Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History
This origami tree is here for the fiftieth time this year, and that anniversary must be celebrated. The theme of the tree is therefore ‘Gems of the Museum’. There are fifty specially made golden balls hanging in the tree and a thousand origami pieces inspired by current exhibitions such as Sharks, Blue Whale, and T-Rex.
6. Train show at the New York Botanical Garden
Another beloved tradition is the miniature wonderland in the Haupt Conservatory, which has been specially built for the holidays for thirty years. More than 175 famous landmarks from New York have been recreated from natural materials such as pine cones, acorns, and seeds.
7. Union Square Holiday Market
This Christmas market at Union Square is a must-visit to score the best Christmas gifts made by local artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs. Of course, you'll also find the tastiest food stalls for hot chocolate and mulled wine.
8. The best light festivals in the city
During the holidays, various light festivals are organized in the city. Hudson Yards is illuminated in a light show of over two million sparkling lights. In Prospect Heights in Brooklyn, you can admire the Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. There are beautiful light works by local artists on display.
9. Ice skating in New York
In several places in New York, you'll find the coziest and most charming ice rinks. The world-famous ice rink at Rockefeller Center, for example, or in Bryant Park in Manhattan, where an outdoor ice rink of one and a half kilometers can be found. Prefer to skate in Central Park? Then I have good news: the Wollman Rink NYC has just reopened, where you can skate with the magical skyline of Manhattan in the background.
10. New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop
The countdown on New Year's Eve at Times Square is something we've seen in a million swoon-worthy movies, and it seems like quite an experience, you know. The Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will shine all season long at Times Square until it is dropped on the 31st. Even better: guests can come by the New Year’s Eve Confetti Wishing Wall starting December 1 to submit a New Year's wish on a piece of official NYE confetti that will pop at midnight as the ball drops. How romantic is this?
Source: NYC & Company | Image: Nycgo
