Discover fitness and fun under the towering skyscrapers and twinkling city lights of New York City during the holidays. From morning till night, New York, the largest city in the United States, bustles with activity year-round, offering attractions such as Broadway shows, museums and famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty. Even with a bit of chill in the air during the holiday season, the Big Apple offers plenty of outdoor activities and fun things to do.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Since 1924, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has kicked off the holiday season in New York. Marching bands, clowns, floats and giant helium character balloons entertain crowds. The parade takes place on Thanksgiving Day and covers a distance of two miles, starting at Central Park West. Attended by 3 million people and televised to 44 million viewers, the parade is a free event. Arrive early to find a spot and anticipate several hours of standing. Dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes, bring water for hydration and healthy snacks for energy. Many local restaurants offer special prices on parade day.
Rockefeller Center
Grab your skates and head to the ice rink at Rockefeller Center to twirl in front of the golden Prometheus statue. Take a walking tour of the center and learn about the ornamental Art Deco architecture and history of the buildings. Other tours include Top of the Rock Observation Deck, NBC Studios and Radio City Music Hall. Attend the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony or visit the display from December to early January.
Central Park
Explore Central Park from the seat of a horse-drawn carriage on a snowy day and experience a winter wonderland of snow-covered fields and icicles on tree branches. Build a snowman, make a snow angel, engage in a friendly snowball fight or enjoy the peaceful solace of winter in the park. Roll in the snow with your dog and jump and bound together over snow mounds. Ice skate at the Wollman or Lasker Rink. You can even get a workout meandering through the park on snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Holiday Window Displays
Take a walking tour of the holiday window displays of renowned New York retailers such as Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney's, Fendi, Tiffany's, Bergdorf Goodman and Cartier. Each year, teams of designers and engineers create elaborate holiday displays for these retailers, often keeping the designs a secret until a public unveiling in November. Holiday window displays run the gamut from traditional to artsy to whimsical. Put on a warm coat and wear comfy shoes to stroll the boulevards, or walk briskly for more exercise.
Times Square, New Year's Eve
Watch the ball drop in Times Square on New Year's Eve, a New York holiday tradition since 1906. Celebrate and count down the seconds with more than a million people as the crystal-encrusted sphere slowly descends. At the stroke of midnight, join in with crowds singing "Auld Lang Syne" and ring in the New Year as confetti rains down upon spectators. Prepare for this free, televised event by arriving early, dressing comfortably, bringing non-alcoholic beverages or water and healthy snacks.
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