The winter holidays are my favorite time of year in New York.   From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, New York becomes a magical place.  The normal hustle and bustle of the city takes on a more festive beat.   Sure, the streets are even more crowded with tourists and there’s no such thing as a “quick trip to MACY’S,” but these are minor inconveniences compared to the fun and excitement that this time of year brings. 

As a 13-year resident of Manhattan, I had the opportunity to play tourist this year.  It was great!  Believe it or not, when you live in Manhattan, you rarely go to Rockefeller Center (we stay home and watch the holiday tree lighting on TV) or Times Square (we always plan our route around the city avoiding it).  But this year, I decided to dive head first into the holiday hoopla.

The humongous tree in Rockefeller Center is a must see.  If you want to get a good look and not be elbow-to-elbow with several thousand strangers, go late and on a weeknight.

If you’re in the mood for ice-skating, you can join the long lines at the rink at Rockefeller center or head into Central Park and cue up for a skate around Wollman Rink (a far better experience in my opinion).

There are decorations galore on the streets and in store windows – MACY’S, Lord & Taylor and the premium retailers along Fifth Avenue offer a plethora of holiday delights.   The best show in town is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes.  It’s so corny, but you can’t help but enjoy yourself.  The live nativity scene at the end of the show is my favorite part.

Happy Holidays and may the New Year bring peace, good health and happiness to us all!

Claire