Holiday Season in New York City:
Whether your visiting with family or on a solo trip to New York City, the Holiday Season can be a magical time in the city. There’s so much to see, eat and do, you won’t run out of options for staying busy while visiting.
I’ve had some great experiences this Holiday Season, so I’ve decided to share some of my favorites with you. I’ve included links to coupons as well as some amazing pictures that will inspire you to start planning for next year.
Happy Travels!
1. Ice-Skating at Rockefeller Center
Although we stood in line for almost an hour to skate at Rockefeller Center, better planning could be done on your part to ensure you have a great experience. Going online in advance to make your reservations could save you a lot of headache. The Holiday Season is peak season so be ready to spend some $. The cost for skate rentals are $12 and the cost to be on the ice will run you $32.
https://therinkatrockcenter.com/files/pdfs/Rink-General-Admission.pdf
https://therinkatrockcenter.com/Reservations
2. Cozy up during a Central Park Carriage Ride
Who wouldn’t love a long carriage ride around Central Park. A romantic carriage ride during the Holiday Season, with a warm blanket and hot chocolate as you soak in the sites of the city can’t be beat.
Carriage rides range from $75.70 to $118.97 depending on the length of the tour and the type of tour you would like to take around Central Park. To make advance reservations, head to the link below. I’ve also included discount information for carriage rides.
http://www.nychorsecarriagerides.com/reserve/
http://www.smartsave.com/central-park-horse-and-carriage-rides
3. Have Afternoon Tea at the Russian Tea Room
Afternoon tea at the Russian Tea Room can make you feel like an aristocrat. Top that off with the festivities of the season and you have a combination of delicious tea and great food, surrounded by family and friends.
http://www.russiantearoomnyc.com/
4. Visit Carnegie Hall for a Show
Carnegie Hall during the Holiday Season is a great experience. There are several shows throughout the month of December, including seasonal shows that are family-friendly. Ticket prices vary, but if you’re a student you could get discounted tickets by presenting your student ID. If your in town and seeking some entertainment during the Holiday Season, stop by to Carnegie Hall.
Check out the link below for more information on show schedules.
5. Experience the Saks Fifth Ave. Light Show
Saks Fifth Ave. puts on an incredible light show during the season, sadly there were no pictures taken at the time of our visit. We were headed to Rockefeller Center which is across the street and people were already lined up to see the light show. As we waited in line to ice-skate the light show began, and it was spectacular. The music along with the lights was something for the senses. If your headed to NYC in December, make Saks Fifth Ave. a must stop destination for some seasonal goodness.
6. Holiday Window Displays on 5th Ave.
Heading down 5th Ave. you’ll be greeted by shop windows with beautiful seasonal displays. From Tiffany’s to Bergdorf Goodman, there’s so much to see, but nothing beats Saks Fifth Ave. The displays at Saks, were artistic and life-like. People lined the streets to see the displays and get photographs. The best time to visit would be a week day evening. Friday, Saturday and Sunday would take you into large crowds and lots of police presence.
7. NYC Holiday Markets
Edited: December 22nd 2019.
Finally made it to the NYC Holiday Markets. There are many around Manhattan and you will find something unique at each. You have your options of Union Square, Columbus Circle and Bryant Park. The Holiday Markets are open each year between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Bryant Park’s Winter Village is open a littler later though going just a few days past New Year’s Day.
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I’ve only ever visited NYC during the summer months but would LOVE to visit during the holiday seasons. The lights are so gorgeous and I would also love to go skating at the Rockefeller Center!
Ice-skating was amazing. It’s the number one thing to do “when” you come. While your there you can also visit Top of the Rock and get a view of the city, with amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
New York City is still on my “yet to get to” list. Christmas and New Years there just sounds like the perfect thing to do. I’m a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to the cold, so not sure if it will happen. Makes for some great photos though 🙂 Happy Travels in 2017
Thanks Josie. It’s extremely cold in the winter, so you have to think long and hard about heading here in the winter. It’s great fun though so something to think about.
Those holiday markets sound really nice! Something to keep in mind for next year for sure! Thank you for sharing 🙂
wwwooooowww.. ice skating.. i love it. someday i will go to there. wait me.. 🙂
Nice post. I must admit I live close to the city and have never taken a carriage ride (way out of my price range). I also prefer to skate on Byrant park as its a bit cheaper, Rentals are $20 and my Mum has her own skates so it’s free for her to skate there. You do have to que though and there isn’t a way around that. I do love it here at Christmas especially walking down 5th Avenue seeing all of the window displays 🙂
That’s awesome! I didn’t know Bryant Park was cheaper, will keep that in mind for next year!
I’ve done quite a bit of these! I love walking around and looking at all the window displays. Central Park after a snow early in the AM is delightful! Ahh now I miss NYC.
New York is my all time favorite city in the world and I have been there several times already; but solely in summer … I really should look into getting there in winter; but it´s freezing, isn’t it?
It’s cold yes, but it depends on the time you arrive. late November, early December is not that bad. Bundle up and come anyway, it will be worth it.
After i read your post i went and i made myself a cup of tea imagining i’m having it at the Russian Tea Room. I didn’ t take the carriage ride when i went to New York and now i regret it, but for sure i’ll get a chance another time. Your post is great, keep up the good work.
Thanks for the love Andreea, it’s definitely the weather for tea. I made a bundt cake on Monday and we ate it in two days, each time with some tea.
If I could do at least one of this on Christmas season, then it would be one of my memorable holidays abroad… thanks for suggesting these activities… I enjoyed reading it, as if I’m in NYC already…
Your welcome Louiela. It doesn’t hurt to dream or plan ahead. Happy New Year!