NYC. The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. How about the best city to completely immerse yourself in culture and make the most of the holidays? Have you ever wanted a front row seat to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? How about ice skating under the twinkling lights of the world famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree? New York City is the place to spend the holidays and here’s why…
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off of the holiday season in NYC. These larger than life inflatables of everyone’s favorite characters glide down the streets in between marching bands, floats and street performers. The balloons are like nothing you’ve ever seen up close and personal. One our favorite things to do is visit the American Museum of Natural History the day before the parade and watch them inflate the balloons. Come parade time; there are so many different ways to enjoy the parade – you can grab a spot along the parade route bright and early that morning, or maybe from a hotel room or a restaurant with a view along the parade route. Either way, it sure beats watching it from your couch. Plus, take the day off from cooking and have dinner at one of the many fantastic local restaurants.
Just a day after the jolly old man in the red suit caps off the parade and giving thanks, the city bursts with holiday magic. Some top things to do for the holidays in NYC are to catch the Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, stroll down Fifth Avenue admiring the holiday windows, shop at holiday markets, or meet Santa at the Macy’s Herald Square store. Take a carriage ride around Central Park and maybe stop in for a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity. Also, don’t miss the Wollman Ice Skating Rink – it’s a beautiful spot to dance on ice with the NYC skyline as your backdrop. Manhattan also hosts the lighting of the world’s largest Hanukkah Menorah – such a special way to kick off the annual Jewish Festival of Lights.
While there are so many options to enhance your holiday trip to New York City, I can take away the overwhelming part of planning the perfect getaway for your family. This holiday season you’re surely not to be confused with Scrooge when you get in the holiday spirit in this city.
Written by Michelle Guthrie: Michelle is a wife and mother to 3 young children. She was born and raised in Florida and a long time Disney World annual passholder. When her family isn’t vacationing at Disney or Universal, they’re taking road trips to see the USA. It’s her family’s goal is to catch a game at every MLB ballpark. Michelle is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She loves helping plan magical vacations that create memories to last a lifetime…all at no cost to you. Contact Michelle to book your next vacation at Michelle@destinationsinflorida.com or 813-928-9432. You can also follow her on Facebook here.