There’s something magical about Christmas time in New York City. From Rockefeller Center to Radio City Music Hall, there are so many quintessential things to do in New York during the holiday season.
Maybe it’s because the city has been the setting for movies like Miracle on 34th Street, Serendipity, Scrooged, Home Alone 2, Elf, and others. Or perhaps because some of New York’s most iconic holiday traditions date back to the 19th Century. Even the ‘Big Guy’ himself has a little known ‘Big Apple’ connection.
The famous look of Santa Claus has been credited to Thomas Nast, a New York political cartoonist for Harper’s Weekly. In 1863, he drew a rotund Santa donning an early version of the red and white suit. At that time, it also had stars and stripes, and he wears it while giving out gifts to American Civil War troops.
In a second drawing, Nast featured Santa in his sleigh, and going down a chimney during Christmas time in New York City. In decades to follow, Santa’s outfit evolved to become more about the wintry season, and less about current affairs.
Must-see Christmas tree
The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is a beloved tradition that began in 1931, when a tree was erected on the grounds while the site was being constructed. That first tree was a six-meter-tall balsam fir put in place by Rockefeller Center construction workers, decorating it with handmade garlands made by their families.
The modern day tree is over 24 meters tall with more than 50,000 twinkling lights. It towers above the ice-skating rink, and is a timeless attraction for locals and visitors alike who come for Christmas time in New York City.
A century of dazzling kicks
It wouldn’t be Christmas in this town without the world-renowned Radio City Rockettes. Founded in 1925, the beloved dance troupe has become a legendary New York show, with over one million visitors each year at Radio City Music Hall.
They dazzle audiences with synchronized high kicks, eye-catching costumes, and festive performances. The Christmas edition combines classic carols with and digital projections that turn the theater into a giant canvas of colour.
World renowned window shopping
No matter what time of year, New York City is the ultimate shopping destination. During the holidays, window shopping just might be the ultimate activity of the season.
Macy’s department store first began making festive window displays in 1874 – a tradition that has continued for 150 years. Today, Manhattan’s flagship stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Nordstrom participate in exuberantly decorated displays. When it comes to free things to do in New York City, it doesn’t cost a cent to stroll around and take in the dreamy scenes, one window at a time.
Year-end celebrations
It also doesn’t cost anything to visit Times Square. Throughout the holidays, a Waterford Crystal Ball sparkles high above the streets, set in place and awaiting New Year’s Eve. When it descends in a spectacular televised ceremony witnessed by millions of viewers around the world.
Being there in Times Square in person would be a bucket-list way to ring in the New Year. With a stop at the ‘Confetti Wishing Wall’ to submit a wish for the New Year on a piece of official confetti released when the ball drops at midnight.
The perfect way to end the night – and start the new year – in the city that never sleeps. Especially at Christmas time in New York City.
