Making the Most of a Holiday Visit to New York City

October 17, 2012

During the holiday season, New York City is a truly magical place. It seems like everyone gets into the holiday spirit, and there are interesting events and attractions for all ages. If you'd like to participate in the fun, plan your visit for between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which is when the best shows and events take place. By making your plans in advance, you'll have plenty of time to buy tickets for holiday shows. Make sure to enjoy at least a few of the following things during your visit:

 Holiday Window Displays - New York City department stores take the concept of window shopping to a whole new level. That's especially true during the holidays, when the city's biggest department stores pull out all the stops. Macy's is just one example. Every year, several of the windows at the store on 34th Street are dedicated to scenes from the popular film "A Miracle on 34th Street." Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys all get in on the action too. Do your window shopping after dark to get the most out of the experience.

 Ice Skating - When it comes to ice skating in New York City, you have plenty of options. Central Park has several rinks, and the park is decked out with lights and other decorations during the holiday season. The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers is a really nice option too. For the classic New York City ice skating experience, though, you have to head over to Rockefeller Center. There's just nothing like gliding around the ice at Rockefeller Center, especially with the massive tree lit up nearby.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree - Ice skating is just one reason to head over to Rockefeller Center during the holidays. If skating isn't your cup of tea, you should still head over to check out the amazing Christmas tree that's set up every year. The tree goes up during the second week in November every year, and the lighting ceremony takes place just after Thanksgiving. The tree stays up until the first week in January. Although the exact size of the Norway spruce that's used varies each year, it has to be at least 65 feet tall and at least 35 feet wide. On average, there are more than five miles of lights strung on the tree as well, and a single, brightly lit star sits on top of it.

 The Nutcracker - You don't have to be a huge ballet fan to appreciate the beauty and timeless appeal of The Nutcracker. The New York City Ballet performs this classic holiday treat every year between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. It is performed at Lincoln Center, and several matinee performances are available. However, tickets sell out quickly. If you have your heart set on attending the ballet while you're in New York, make sure to purchase your tickets well in advance.

 Radio City Christmas Spectacular - Although this festive Christmas revue is performed around the country, there's nothing like seeing it in the Big Apple. The Rockettes pull out all the stops for this wildly popular Christmas show, and more than 140 performers participate in it. More than one million people take in the show every year, and it's been a New York City holiday fixture since it debuted in 1933. The show is performed at Radio City Music Hall between early November and around New Year's Day. To get good seats and a convenient time, buy your tickets early.

No matter how you choose to spend your holiday visit to New York City, you're sure to have a spectacular time.