Christmas In New York 2011

Tuesday, 25 October 2011 08:41

New York City Guide - Visiting New York

New York is one of the most iconic cities on Earth and it is at Christmas time that the city is at its best. The images of New Yorkers and tourists wrapped up against the winter temperatures in coats and scarks as they walk thorugh Central Park to the backdrop of snow falling is one of the most iconic images that many people have of New York.

The most famous Christmas tree in the world could be classed as the tree that adorns the Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan. Accompanied by the equally famous ice skating rink. The tree, usually a Norway spruce 69 to 100 ft (21 to 30 m) tall stands in the plaza and one of the best pre-christmas events on New York is the lighting of the tree around the 30th November and will stay lit until the middle of January. The star that has topped the tree since 2004 is 9.5 ft (2.9 m) in diameter and weighs 550 pounds (250 kg). This "Swarovski Star" was created by German artist Michael Hammers. As the Christmas tree is located so closely to the famous ice skating rink at the Rockefeller Center, it is a great place to be in NYC to get into the Christmas spirit.

If you want to see a show in New York then the show to see is the Radio City Hall´s Christmas Spectacular, which runs from November 7 – December 30 at the world famous venue. Also check out the traditional Nutcraker performance at the New York State Theater, which runs from November 28 – January 3 and is great fun for the whole family.

One of the many treats of New York is its shopping and one of the best things to do in NYC in the run-up to christmas is to window shop and the shops in New York provide some of the best window displays. Whether you are visiting Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Barneys or Bloomingdales then you are in for a treat as the shops really put a lot of effort into their displays and they are great to see.

There are also a number of one day celebrations in NYC such as the Holiday Gift Fair in Grand Central, which usually takes place on November 23-24 or the Winter´s Eve where the whole neighbourhood of West Side Lincoln Square becomes a winter wonderland making it the perfect trip to get into the Christmas spirit. Activities include Tree lighting, Kids games as well as street performers and much more.

If you want a more traditional Christmas experience in New York then many of the churches hold events to mark the birth of Christ. The Cathedral Church Of Saint John The Devine hold many events including a Advent procession on the 4th Decemeber, a Peace Tree Dedication on December 17th as well as a number of special masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day itself. The Riverside Church is also holsing special masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

New York is one of the great places in the world to experience Christmas as it is a unique experience to this city. Whether you saw a New York Christmas in Home Alone 2, Miracle on 34th Street or Elf and thought I must go or just want to visit New York then Christmas is the perfect time. One of the best ways to see and enjoy New York is by renting a apartment. Check out our New York Apartments for a great selction.