Six Things To Do in NYC over the Holiday

Words by Nicole Parada
Edited by Jessica Sharrock

​There is nothing like being in New York during the holiday season. Here are five things to do in the city with you family and friends to get into the holiday spirit…

1. Instagram-able Christmas Trees

• While the Rockefeller tree is world-famous (and totally worth seeing), we have a couple of other favorites to see.
• If you want to see a less traditional tree, there is the American Museum of Natural History Origami tree. If you want to see a more traditional tree, the nativity scene decorates the base of the Christmas tree at the MET.
• If you are looking to venture into Brooklyn, the tree in Downtown MetroTech is beautiful and right next to the NYU Tandon campus.
• Also, don’t forget about the holiday window displays at major department stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

 

1. Holiday Train Show

Every year the New York Botanical Garden hosts a holiday train show that roams through the hall. This is a family friendly event. However, if you still want to see the train but with less kids around, maybe try one of their Bar Car Nights. If you are not into the train (or the Bronx might be too far), maybe try Gingerbread land. It’s a best-kept holiday secret and hosted by the New York Hall of Science.

1. Holiday Markets

If any of you are last minute holiday shopping and looking for something unique for that special someone, then the holiday markets are the place to look. Both parks transform into a maze of shops at the Union Square Holiday Market and at the Bryant Park Holiday Shops.

1. Ice Skating Rinks

There is nothing more romantic than gliding on ice, or frequently falling but then being helped up by that special someone. A few of our favorite rinks include, Wollman Rink at the heart of Central Park, the rink at Rockefeller Center, and pop-up rink at Bryant Park, and the hidden rink overlooking the Hudson river at Brookfield Place. If you are looking for something totally new and fancy a trip to Brooklyn, Industry City also has an Ice Rink open.

1. Light up the night sky

While the Manhattan streets have been decorated with twinkle lights, nothing compares to the massive light shows outside of the island. Go on the Christmas lights tour in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, where there are houses (and even mansions) decorated beautifully with holiday lights. Another is the Winter Wonderland in Staten Island.

1. One more favorite: Warm-up with a holiday inspired cocktail (or two)

Huddle in one of the heated igloos at the 230 Fifth Igloo Bar with a view of the Empire State Building or gather together in a holiday gem like Rolf’s.
 
Happy Holidays from all at INet-NYC!