Festive Season in New York City
Who doesn't love Christmas or the 'Holidays' as it is commonly known in our adopted nation. New York City offers many great attractions and activities during the festive season, appropriate for singles, couples and families, so while you may be missing the beach and summer in Oz, you can distract yourself with one of these great activities;
Ice skating - Wollman Rink in Central Park, probably the most famous of the NYC ice rinks and the most photographed. Other great options are Bryant Park, Brookfield Place, Standard hotel in the meatpacking district. LeFrak center Prospect park & Trump Lasker rink.
Polar Express - Hudson Valley train ride Set to the soundtrack from the movie, passengers will relive the magic of the story on a round trip to the 'North Pole.' The trip takes about 90mins and they serve hot chocolate, enjoy a sing along time and a visit from Santa. $48per adult, $38 per child.http://cmrrevents.com/wordpress/polarexpres
The Rockettes. ... what would the holiday season in NYC be without a visit to see the infamous rockettes at radio city hall. I took my kids last year and from the moment we walked into the foyer of the theatre they were already mesmerized by all the lights, glitter and Christmas charm. You can also see Santa and have your photo taken before or after the show. The actual show is not just the rockettes dancing around, but tells a child friendly Christmas story.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree - so great to see the tree but always sooooo busy!! I usually take the kids in for a look at the tree at night (all lit up) and across to SAKs for the amazing window light display with accompanying music. You can be in and out in 20 mins. ...but if I was kid free, I would take advantage of the great atmosphere and head for a glass of wine or bubbles at a near by bar or restaurant..including rainbow room, polo bar or the veuve clicquot bar in SAKs.
5th Avenue Holiday Window Displays at SAKs, Tiffany's and Bergdorf Goodman & at Macy's and Bloomingdales. - off 5th Ave
Santa meet ' n'greet . ... Santaland at MACY's is great, but always busy. Macy's Santaland is a 13,000-square-foot holiday display that makes your kids feel like they've entered the North Pole. You'll find caroling snowmen, reindeer, twinkling lights, trees, elves etc The winter wonderland path to Santa is worth it: Kiddos can sit on his lap, share their Christmas wishes and get a photo from a professional photographer. They do have an online reservation system which can help with the big queues and from this year 2017, you must make a reservation in advance. www.macys.com
Other less crowded Santa options included Bloomingdales, ABC Store in flatiron, and the food court of the Plaza hotel which is never busy!
Amazing Holiday Markets at Union Square, Bryant Park and Columbus Circle. These markets actually sell quality gifts and are a perfect way to spend an afternoon strolling around with a cup of hot chocolate. They do have a few food stands as well.
The Nutcracker ballet- Take a waltz through a blizzard of ballerinas and an irresistible treat for all ages. The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center is the perfect holiday show. NOV 24 – DEC 31
The Holiday Train Show at the New York botanical gardens in the Bronx showcases more than 150 landmark replicas like Grand Central Terminal and The Statue of Liberty made of plant materials such as bark . The show runs from November 19 until January 14 www.nybg.com