There is something magical about Christmastime in Manhattan. From Yuletide animated window displays and holiday wreaths on every shop's door to larger than life exhibits of angels and toy soldiers, it does indeed look a lot like Christmas. Take a day this month to hop a train engage in a day of youthful holiday fun and frivolity as you revel in the magic of Christmas from a New York state of mind.
Nothing signifies the holiday worldwide more than the towering Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. This year’s 76-foot tall Norway spruce arrived from Shelton, Connecticut on November 8th to take the renowned place of honor. Donated by the Vargoshe family, the 12 ton tree is estimated to be approximately 75 years old, spanning 46-feet in diameter. Now erected, the reigning symbol of the season has been crowned with a 550-pound, 9.5 feet in diameter Swarovski crystal star. Five miles of wiring now stud its branches with multicolored LED lights. On Wednesday, December 4, between 7:00-9:00pm, hundreds of thousands of visitors will pack Rockefeller Center for the 81st annual tree lighting ceremony, during which the tree's 45,000 twinkling lights will be switched on. The tree remains lit through January 7 and will draw millions of spectators making pilgrimages to gaze in awe at the towering, sparkling spruce.
While you're in the plaza, consider a few whirls around the ice skating rink to the sweet sounds of holiday melodies, with the picturesque view of the tree, flanked with gold-lit angels, presiding over the plaza. When it's time to turn in the skates and warm up, head over to Serendipity on East 60th Street and duck inside for a time out of sweet decadence, such as one of their hot chocolates. The frozen hot chocolate drink is their specialty, and it's romantically sized for two.
Since one scene from the season’s visual imagery depicts piles of toys that surround our living room trees on Christmas morning, no holiday frolic through Manhattan would be complete without a browsing spree in FAO Schwarz, located on 5th Avenue. The colossal toy emporium has been enchanting and captivating shoppers of all ages for more than 150 years. When you have had your fill of exotic stuffed animals, enormous Teddy bears, elaborate Lego displays, floor-sized piano keyboards, games and all of the coolest toys for the young and the young at heart, graduate next door and browse the latest tech gadgets and big kid toys in the Apple store. Finally, if you're on a quest for unique ornaments or a new set of whimsical Christmas stockings for your family, take a stroll through Bryant Park and peruse the delightful outdoor holiday market stalls.
You may want to spend the evening taking in a holiday show. From the Christmas Spectacular extravaganza of Radio City Music Hall to the New York City Ballet’s performance of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet to a holiday jazz concert at Lincoln Center, the city is a cultural Mecca for performing arts. Its expansive restaurant scene beckons all for dinner after the show, filling city blocks with the tempting aromas of an international culinary palette. Finish off the night with a final view of the tree after dark before heading back to Penn Station for the journey home, bringing with you the rekindled spirit of the holiday's wonders.
Nothing signifies the holiday worldwide more than the towering Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. This year’s 76-foot tall Norway spruce arrived from Shelton, Connecticut on November 8th to take the renowned place of honor. Donated by the Vargoshe family, the 12 ton tree is estimated to be approximately 75 years old, spanning 46-feet in diameter. Now erected, the reigning symbol of the season has been crowned with a 550-pound, 9.5 feet in diameter Swarovski crystal star. Five miles of wiring now stud its branches with multicolored LED lights. On Wednesday, December 4, between 7:00-9:00pm, hundreds of thousands of visitors will pack Rockefeller Center for the 81st annual tree lighting ceremony, during which the tree's 45,000 twinkling lights will be switched on. The tree remains lit through January 7 and will draw millions of spectators making pilgrimages to gaze in awe at the towering, sparkling spruce.
While you're in the plaza, consider a few whirls around the ice skating rink to the sweet sounds of holiday melodies, with the picturesque view of the tree, flanked with gold-lit angels, presiding over the plaza. When it's time to turn in the skates and warm up, head over to Serendipity on East 60th Street and duck inside for a time out of sweet decadence, such as one of their hot chocolates. The frozen hot chocolate drink is their specialty, and it's romantically sized for two.
Since one scene from the season’s visual imagery depicts piles of toys that surround our living room trees on Christmas morning, no holiday frolic through Manhattan would be complete without a browsing spree in FAO Schwarz, located on 5th Avenue. The colossal toy emporium has been enchanting and captivating shoppers of all ages for more than 150 years. When you have had your fill of exotic stuffed animals, enormous Teddy bears, elaborate Lego displays, floor-sized piano keyboards, games and all of the coolest toys for the young and the young at heart, graduate next door and browse the latest tech gadgets and big kid toys in the Apple store. Finally, if you're on a quest for unique ornaments or a new set of whimsical Christmas stockings for your family, take a stroll through Bryant Park and peruse the delightful outdoor holiday market stalls.
You may want to spend the evening taking in a holiday show. From the Christmas Spectacular extravaganza of Radio City Music Hall to the New York City Ballet’s performance of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet to a holiday jazz concert at Lincoln Center, the city is a cultural Mecca for performing arts. Its expansive restaurant scene beckons all for dinner after the show, filling city blocks with the tempting aromas of an international culinary palette. Finish off the night with a final view of the tree after dark before heading back to Penn Station for the journey home, bringing with you the rekindled spirit of the holiday's wonders.