Although New York is very much a year round destination, there are plenty of people who choose to visit the Big Apple when the temperatures are dropping and snow is in the air in the run up to the festive period.
Christmas is a special time of year no matter where you may be, but New York is a city that really knows how to celebrate and should you decide to travel in late November or into December, you’re guaranteed to have an experience like no other.
But what makes New York so appealing?
Central Park
Central Park in the heart of the city is one of the ‘go to’ destinations for anyone visiting New York but even more so in the run up to Christmas, when it becomes something of a winter wonderland.
Skating in the park is one of the big highlights for those visiting New York at Christmas, and the experience will be all the more memorable if you are lucky enough to visit at a time when snow is falling. If that is the case, sledding is possible on both Pilgrim and Cedar Hill should the snow be deep enough.
You could also take one of the popular horse drawn carriage rides around the park, enjoy a ride on the carousel or search for a christmas gift in the market that springs up around Columbus Circle on the south west corner of the park.
Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center is another popular destination in New York throughout the year that becomes even more special at Christmas. The traditional lighting of the tree in Rockefeller Center Plaza takes place after Thanksgiving and is widely seen as the start of the festivities.
As well as the tree, there is also a popular skating rink which first opened on Christmas Day back in 1936, and has been welcoming visitors ever since.
Hit the shops
One of the main reasons for visiting New York in the run up to Christmas is to engage in some retail therapy and to stock up on presents that you can then take back home.
Whether you’re planning to check out the big department stores or prefer to explore the various markets that spring up across the city for the Christmas period, the city has a huge amount to offer the savvy shopper.
It isn’t just about the actual shopping either. Particularly along Fifth Avenue, the various window displays that are put in place across the festive period are something of an attraction in themselves.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park might not be as famous as Central Park for people visiting New York City, but come December, it is transformed into a true winter wonderland in the middle of Manhattan.
As well as a skating rink, which is free of charge, you’ll find European-inspired open air markets selling all manner of artisan gifts and a special lodge that serves a range of festive foods and drinks.
Dyker Heights
You might not think that heading out to a local neighbourhood to see the lights that have been put up by the locals would be seen as a particular highlight of a trip to a city as big as New York. Dyker Heights however isn’t your usual neighbourhood…
Every year, the residents of the Brooklyn neighbourhood go the extra mile with a stunning display that lights up the streets as homeowners and businesses alike get into the festive spirit.
It’s become such an attraction that a visit to the Dyker Heights lights is now part of a number of guided tours that are held in New York during the Christmas period.
Catch a show
There are plenty of shows with a festive theme that take place in New York during the festive period, such as the Nutcracker - which can usually be found on stage at the New York City Ballet.
Also worth considering is the annual spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, where the famous ‘Rockettes’ know how to put on a show and entertain the watching audience.