How do you normally spend your Christmas holidays? Do you hit the beach after opening gifts? Crank up the barbecue and enjoy a meal in the backyard? Drive several hours away for skiing, tobogganing or another winter sport?
When you listen to traditional Christmas songs, full of images of snow covered hills, frost-tipped trees and cold weather, you may long to experience such a holiday for yourself – something that’s a little tough to do when the mercury is rising and the sun is shining. If you’ve always wanted to experience a cold Christmas holiday, maybe this is the year you splurge on a trip to New York City, considered by many to be the best place to experience the holiday season in the world.
- Christmas Holiday in New York CitySkunkworks Photographic / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA
With the number of affordable flights to New York on the rise, planning an unforgettable trip to the Big Apple is within reach for many families. Getting there is only part of the fun, though, as once you arrive, there are literally dozens of activities and experiences for all ages – and the fun only increases if there are a few inches of snow on the ground.
Enjoying the Snow
While a substantial snowfall can create hassles in getting around the city, the fluffy white stuff creates a magical scene, especially when it’s fresh. Start by heading over to Central Park; simply taking a walk along the paths (don’t forget to pack plenty of warm socks and a pair of boots!) in the early morning quiet after a storm is an unforgettable experience. Or hire one of the many horse-drawn carriages that congregate near the park entrances and snuggle with your love under a warm blanket while you take in the wintry cityscape.
If you’ve brought the kids along (or even if you’re a kid at heart) check out one of the many sledding hills around the city. Purchase an inexpensive sled at a corner shop or toy store, and head to Pilgrim Hill in Central Park to experience a favorite winter activity of New Yorkers; Cedar Hill, just south of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is also a good sledding hill. Other parks that will thrill you include Riverside Park and Inwood Park, which tend to be less crowded than Central Park.
Ice Skating
Besides the Radio City Rockettes (who you should make time to see at Radio City Music Hall), is there any image more iconic of Christmas in New York than that of ice skaters in Rockefeller Center? Every winter, Rockefeller Plaza transforms into an outdoor skating rink where visitors can take a few turns in the glow of the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Skating at Rockefeller Center might be a tradition, but it’s also pricey; a family of four will spend almost $100 USD. for the privilege. For more affordable (and slightly less crowded) skating, try Wollman Rink in Central Park or the free skating rink in Bryant Park. All of the rinks offer skates for rent, so don’t worry about packing yours from home.
Indoor Activities
While getting out and enjoying the snow covered city is fun, after a while you’ll probably want to warm up a bit. Head to Serendipity 3 to warm up your toes and enjoy a New York favorite, the “Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.” Or explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art; during the holiday season, the museum displays a tree adorned with 14th century Baroque ornaments that’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Shopping is also a must for visitors around Christmastime. Stroll down Fifth Avenue and take in the stunning window displays or stay warm inside the festively decorated stores. Turn on to 34th Street to visit the legendary Macy’s department store, where you can often catch performances from bands, singers and more throughout the store while you shop.
If you’re planning to visit New York during the holidays, you’ll find so much to do and see that you may wonder how you’ll fit it all in. Take your time and savor the sights, sounds and experiences of a New York holiday – and return to the sunny shores of Australia with a treasure trove of holiday memories.
[box]A Melbourne resident who became a New Yorker in 2000, Kelsey Noyes cannot imagine spending the holidays anywhere else. She has fond memories of sliding down the hill on 91st street as a child – and believes she has eaten her body weight in Serendipity treats over the course of her life.[/box]
