The Christmas season acts like a magnet, drawing people from all corners to New York. Our early December journey to the Big Apple marked our first-ever experience of witnessing the city adorned in festive finery. As it turned out, we were just one couple among the masses in the city that never sleeps. Perhaps the post-pandemic travel surge is fueling this tourist migration. We encountered fellow travelers from the Deep South and as far away as California. Not surprising, given that New York boasts grand, eye-catching holiday sights throughout its five boroughs. TikTok and Instagram are flooded with video shorts posted by travel “influencers,” highlighting must-see Christmas displays.
For our stay, we chose Midtown Manhattan, where our hotel was conveniently located next to Times Square and Broadway. (We even had tickets to two Tony Award winning Broadway musicals: “Some Like It Hot” and “Kimberly Akimbo”, including meet-and-greets with the stars).
From there, it was an easy walking distance to all the sights we were eager to explore. Our first stop was Rockefeller Center. The night before our arrival, the iconic tree on the plaza was officially lit. Security is tight around the entire plaza, making it impossible to get close to the tree. Nonetheless, it remains an impressive sight with numerous photo opportunities. With the ice rink below and the tree above, the atmosphere embodies the very essence of Christmas in New York.
On the opposite end of the plaza, a narrow alleyway leads to Fifth Avenue. The view from here looking towards Saks Fifth Avenue department store is outstanding. It’s our favorite spot for photos, with lighted trumpet angels framed beside us and the elegant Saks holiday mural in the background—a perfect picture for a holiday postcard.
New York is renowned for its grand holiday window displays, and Saks didn’t disappoint. Each window is a work of art with animation, special effects, and lighting. I only wish we had more time to explore the displays at the other department stores.
The Bryant Park Christmas Village offers a delightful stroll through a winter wonderland, featuring shopping for unique holiday gifts and crafts, along with food and drinks. The village boasts a huge decorated tree and an ice rink. Bryant Park is also known to have the cleanest and most opulent free public bathrooms in New York City, though be prepared to wait in line.
Midtown Manhattan is undoubtedly deeply invested in holiday cheer. Despite the crowds in the main tourist venues, the mood on the streets was cheerful. A large NYPD presence ensured our safety, and we never encountered anything threatening.
New York is unquestionably the place to go to experience a larger-than-life Christmas! Check out the video below for some of our New York City highlights.
Photos: Susan Geiger
Video: Steve Geiger
Wow, these are such fantastic photos. With skyscrapers twinkling with holiday lights and stores displaying awe-inspiring festive windows, there’s certainly magic in the air during Christmas in New York City. It seems like every corner of the Big Apple fills with cheer, making a visit to NYC during the holiday season a bucket-list-worthy adventure. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx