Anaya Balkcom
The holidays are a time for fun and festivities with family and friends. From the smell of chestnuts roasting on an open fire to the sight of Santa in every mall, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.
Although there are a variety of places you can spend your holidays, there is only one place that will make them memorable. Where is this magical place, you might ask? Well, I’ll give you a hint: it’s not the North Pole! Although you can find several Santa Clauses here, the magical place I’m referring to is New York City.
Whether walking down the bustling streets of Manhattan or taking a quick peek inside one of your favorite stores, the holiday presence is all around. Home to the dazzling Rockefeller Christmas Tree and the unforgettable Radio City Rockettes, NYC has an abundance of enchanting holiday events for the whole family to enjoy!
Check out the list below for a few favorite holiday festivities in NYC that will leave you in a holly jolly state of mind.
- The Inflation of the Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons
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If you enjoy watching the preparation before the celebration, look no further than the Inflation of the Thanksgiving Day parade Balloons. On the eve of Thanksgiving, patrons begin lining up on West 72nd Street and Columbus Ave starting at noon to see the blowing up of the Thanksgiving day balloons before the parade. The sight of the balloons and festive music playing through the speakers comes together to make this a Thanksgiving Eve you won’t forget!
Original photo by Anaya Balkcom - Maribelle
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Do you want to step your hot cocoa game up? Check out MarieBelle’s; it’s a beautiful eatery specializing in teas and hot cocoa. MarieBelle’s offers everything from signature pastries to afternoon tea and Parisian-style coffee. This is just the place to visit if you would like to bask in a beautiful ambiance while drinking specially made hot cocoa. Keep in mind that sites like these tend to book fast, so be sure to make a reservation in advance!
- Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
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Have you ever wanted to channel your inner Buddy the Elf? Stop by the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink. This iconic staple of the NYC holiday tradition offers several ticket options to personalize your experience. Whether you are reserving your time on the ice or a private chalet to overlook the ice skaters, you have a number of options awaiting your arrival.
- Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
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From November 17 – January 7, stop by the Bronx Zoo to admire their exquisite holiday light show. From their ice-carving demonstrations to the Holiday Train, it is an interactive and inclusive experience for all. The Zoo offers six lantern trails to choose from and seasonal treats. Sensory Inclusive Nights are also provided, making this an inclusive experience for all. Tickets to this festive event can be purchased on the Bronx Zoo website.
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular
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Aside from the dazzling tree displayed in Rockefeller Center, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a true staple of the NYC Christmas experience. The Christmas Spectacular showcases several Christmas-themed performances, featuring the Nutcracker and the dazzling Rockettes. A special appearance is also made by the star of the show himself, Santa Claus! This is a fantastic show that the whole family will enjoy! Tickets can be purchased on the Radio City Rockettes website.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Light show
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One of my favorite parts of the NYC holiday experience is seeing the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show. Every year Saks Fifth, located in Manhattan, displays a light show on their building. The array of dazzling colors cast onto the building provides onlookers with an eye-catching presentation. If you would like to catch this fantastic show, head down to 5th Ave in Manhattan anytime from November 21 – the beginning of January. The show starts at 5 p.m. and plays every ten minutes leading up until midnight.
Original photo by Anaya Balkcom - New York Botanical Garden Train Show
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Lastly, if you enjoy viewing holiday train shows, stop by the Botanical Garden from November 17 – January 15. From 10 am – 6 pm, the Botanical Garden will be showcasing its festive train show that features over 100 replicas of NYC landmarks. Tickets for this show can be found on the New York Botanical Garden website.
If you love the holidays, I highly suggest you try all these places in NYC. New York celebrates the holidays like no other and incorporates them into almost every aspect of the city.
Being in the city allows you to feel all the magic of the holidays and reminds you of how it feels to be a kid again. From the Christmas displays to the streets illuminated with Christmas lights, New York truly knows how to celebrate the holidays.