It’s the most wonderful time of the year—to take a trip into New York City. The holiday season is in full swing and the daily drone of school may not be getting you into the spirit. If you are looking for a place where you can forget your ordinary routine and enjoy the cheerfulness of the season, NYC is the place to be. The Big Apple offers many different options to help you feel merry and bright.
The most obvious place to start is in Rockefeller Center, home of the annual Christmas tree that is placed there every year. This year’s tree lighting took place on November 28th, and the tree can now be seen in its sparkling glory through the holiday season. The cherished yearly tradition has even more significance this year after Hurricane Sandy in which the tree, originated from Mt. Olive, New Jsersey, survived the mass destruction NJ endured.
After you visit the familiar attraction, you can make your way right to the Rockefeller Center ice rink, another landmark popular during this time of year. The rink offers a daily skating schedule, lessons, and even an opportunity for private reservations at its nearby restaurant. This is a fun option as it combines recreation with the spirit of the season all in one place.
If you love a good show, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is something to see. Highlighting the world-famous Radio City Rockettes, this performance takes the audience on a journey through New York City during Christmastime. You can watch Santa fly around in his sleigh through 3D technology, and watch a live nativity scene complete with real animals.
Throughout the performance, the Rockettes present their most cherished numbers like “Let Christmas Shine” and “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers”, among other classics. The show runs for two hours of spectacular entertainment that has been around for 85 years, and the show just keeps getting better with age.
Junior Michael Migliaro recently saw the show. “It was really great. They did their classic leg kicks, which was cool to see in person. The show was also really kid friendly with the 3D additions. It was really fun,” he said.
If you want to experience Broadway at Christmas time, you are in luck. The classic 1983 film A Christmas Story has been transformed into a musical that follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker’s countdown to Christmas in 1940’s Indiana.
The movie, most known for the phrase “You’ll shoot your eye out!” and the infamous leg lamp, has recently been brought to the stage this season with great reception. If you do not want to miss out on the show, then get your tickets as soon as possible. It will be playing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre through December 30.
Another favorite film brought to the Broadway stage is Elf; a story about Buddy the Elf’s adventure from the North Pole to New York City. This musical will be playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre through January 6.
Simply walking around the city can put you in the holiday spirit. A great way to spend time is to search for the most ornately decorated windows. Department stores such as Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Barney’s have some of the most elaborate displays that are designed and executed specifically for the holidays. You can even get some gift shopping done while on the hunt for the best windows. Junior Taylor Kennedy says, “I go to the city every year around Christmastime, and I always love seeing the store windows and how they change every year.”
If you want to find your inner kid again, visit stores like Toys R Us and FAO Schwarz, which are even more fun during the holiday season. With attractions like Toys R Us’ Ferris wheel and FAO Schwarz’s BIG piano, you are bound to feel like a kid on Christmas morning.
If you are looking to chill out or warm up during your visit, you may want to visit one of the city’s most talked about locations. Serendipity 3 is famous for its Frozen Hot Chocolate, which can be enjoyed with various desserts offered at the eatery. Jacques Torres’ shop in Brooklyn offers delicious hot chocolate, but also some other sweet treats to take home with you. Pinkberry has various locations throughout NYC, and it offers frozen yogurt in holiday flavors like gingerbread. Dylan’s Candy Bar is a fun store to explore, and it’s a great place to look for personalized gifts for those who love candy. If you are looking for something sweet to eat, there are plenty of places to try.
The Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle offers the free “Holiday Under the Stars,” which features an LED star show. You can watch the stars change colors in time with classic holiday songs as they dance with brilliance and sparkle. Another option free of cost is located in Grand Central Terminal. The “Holiday Train Show” not only showcases tons of locomotives, but also displays miniature versions of NYC landmarks like the Empire State Building decked out in Christmas designs. In order to get into the holiday spirit, New York City has so many options that you are sure to enjoy. Whether it be taking a trip to Rockefeller’s ice rink, or watching the Rockettes dance in unison, there is something available for everyone. No matter what you choose to do, a trip to the city is sure to get you jolly for the holidays.
IMAGE TAKEN FROM nbcnews.com
