There's plenty to do in New York any time of year, but the holiday season offers even more. Among the decorations, the special shows and the festive atmosphere, New York City thrives even in the cold. Much of the fun is centered in central Manhattan, but you can find activities all over the island and in the other four boroughs as well.
Window Gazing
Many of the stores, including Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Bergdorf Goodman, have window displays. Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord and Taylor, and Barney's feature fancy holiday displays as well, and with a warm coffee or hot cocoa in hand, window gazing will be fun, even in the cold. The displays are different every year and have different holiday scenes highlighting the best excitements of the season. Inside Macy's, your kids may be interested in Santaland--but even without kids, you shouldn't miss it.
Tree Gazing & Lights
In addition to window displays, holiday trees can be spotted throughout the city as well, brightly lit and warm despite the chilly temperatures. South Street Seaport, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center and a portion of Park Avenue (48th Street to 97th Street) all decorate Christmas trees with dazzling lights. Many churches and cathedrals also decorate trees for the Christmas season, and while you take a tour of the Christmas trees, you can duck inside the churches, museums or shops to warm up and perhaps finish a bit of holiday shopping. The most famous Christmas tree in New York City is the one at Rockefeller Center, which, according to NYCtourist.com, has more than five miles of wires and 30,000 lights.
In addition to all the snazzy lights on the Christmas trees, there are light shows at Grand Central Terminal and the Empire State Building, in addition to a light display at the Bronx Zoo.
Ice Skating
Outdoor skating rinks are throughout the city as well, including at the famous Rockefeller Center (you can skate with a view of the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree), Bryant Park and South Street Seaport. Unlike tree gazing and window gazing, ice skating isn't free, but the activity will keep you warm and show you the athletic side of city life. There are also rinks in Central Park to investigate.
Holiday Markets and Festivals
Markets and festivals are attractions in any city, and New York's winter scene is no exception. In addition to all of New York's regular shopping paradise, there are markets at Bryant Park, Union Square and Grand Central. Little Italy boasts a holiday delight with its decorations, carolers, vendors and parades. Walking through the holiday markets is a great way to exercise and be active while getting your shopping done or experiencing a New York Christmas.
Cross-country Skiing in Central Park
Cross-country skiing is permitted in Central Park when there is more than six inches of snow forming a good base. You could also try snowshoeing in the park, or even sledding. If there is enough snow, you could build a snowman or make snow angels. Just like in the summer, Central Park provides the best of the city and country mixed together--the closest you'll get to nature in the cement jungle.
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