From Miracle on 34th Street to Elf, New York City is a metropolis that has almost become synonymous with Christmas spirit. Travel website Lonely Planet offers some tips on what to see, what to skip, and how to get the most out of your time in the Big Apple.
Rockefeller Center Plaza, with its huge Christmas tree boasting over 30,000 lights, is definitely worth a stop, but you may want to skip the skating, as the ice rink is expensive and overcrowded during the holiday season. Wollman Rink in Central Park is a slightly cheaper option and offers just as much atmosphere.
Massive toy store FAO Schwarz is also worth a visit, and the giant piano – which sits upon the floor and is played by jumping on the keys – still exists if you feel like recreating the scene from the movie Big. Go when it first opens, though, or don’t go at all, especially if you don’t like the crowds. The Toys’R’Us in Times Square offers a slightly less-crowded alternative, and kids can ride the indoor Ferris wheel.
If you want to see Santa, Macy’s Santaland is the place to go, with all its decorations and Christmas cheer. Again, though, weekends and mid-day are going to be packed, so it’s best to show up right when the store opens.
The city has many holiday shows as well, from the classic Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall to the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.