The holiday season in New York City starts with Santa's arrival at the conclusion of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade starts a festive time in New York City until it ends as ball drops in Times Square, ringing the the arrival of the New Year, 2010.
Extravagantly decorated department store windows, twinkling lights and the centerpiece of Rockefeller Plaza: the towering tree that casts a sparkling shadow over the much loved ice rink.
Traveling to New York City for the holidays is always a special treat. Get there easily by Amtrak, bus, car or plane, but make sure to make it a part of your holiday travel plans. It's busy and crowded, but it is truly a magical time of year in the Big Apple.
Here are ten highlights that travelers should not miss in New York City during the 2009 holiday season:
Macy's Thanksgiving Parade: The parade begins at 77th and Central Park West and ends at 34th Street and 7th Avenue on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a three-hour event is held in New York City starting at 9:00 a.m. EST on Thanksgiving Day. If you can't see it in person, it will be broadcast live on NBC.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in NYC will be held on December 2nd. Festivities begin around 6:45pm, and the tree lighting takes place at 8:55pm sharp! The 76-foot Norway spruce has been hoisted into place near the famous skating rink in mid-Manhattan. It will be decorated with 30,000 lights and is the tree lighting is a big, beautiful event in New York City.
Macy's Santaland: The Macyland Express takes families on amagical journey through the Enchanted Forest to the North Pole that culminates with a private visit with Santa. Along the way kids stare transfixed at the expansive Christmas scenes, marveling at the model train displays. The Macyland Express is at 151 W. 34th Street
New York. For more information call 212-494-4495.
Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular: A sell-out and a must see for over 75 years, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an amazing theatrical event. The Christmas Spectacular runs from November 7 thru December 30, 2009. Radio City Music Hall: 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 Tickets: 212-494-4495
Holiday Store Window Displays: Well-decorated department store windows have become a hallmark of the holidays in New York City, eagerly awaited each year by tourists and locals alike. The stores plan all year for the unveilings each November, protecting the top-secret themes and design. This walking tour covers approximately 2 miles and should take about an hour and a half if you don't stop to shop. It includes Macy's, Bloomingdales, Saks and more of the retail industries best and biggest holiday windows.
Historic Richmond Town: Richmond Town is a living history museum and village in the heart of Staten Island that was originally populated by colonists in the 1690s. During December, visitors are surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmases past. September through June: Wed.-Sun. 1-5 p.m. 441 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10306
Lighting of the World's Largest Menorah: Hanukkah is celebrated in NYC with a 32-foot, 4,000-pound, golden candelabra that grandly takes the spotlight near Central Park on the corner of 5th Avenue and 59th Street. The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. on the first night of Hanukkah, December 21 and continues throughout the eight day Jewish holiday. Location: 59th Street and 5th Avenue in Mid-town Manhattan.
Central Park: Central Park is a year-round destination for visitors to New York City, but special events during the month of December make it a can't-miss spot for families. The lighting of the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center kicks off the holiday season in Central Park on December 7, 2009. The events are free and don't require advance registration.
New York City Ballet's Nutcracker: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Gorgeous costumes, a one-ton Christmas tree that seemingly never stops growing, an on-stage snow storm, and a 62-piece orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's timeless music make this a must-see. New York State Theater, 20 Lincoln Center
New York, NY 10023. More information: 212-870-5570
New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show: Head to the Bronx for this big family event. Now in its 18th year, from November 21, 2009 to January 10, 2010, visitors to the Holiday Train Show get a great view of nearly 150 miniaturized five-borough landmarks -- including the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Terminal, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Bronx's own Yankee Stadium -- that are brilliantly recreated entirely from natural materials like twigs, seeds, tree bark, and berries. New York Botanical Garden: 200th Street and Kazimiroff Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458 Information: 718-817-8700
Whether you are in New York City for a day or a week, the holiday season is one of the best times to see the spectacular sites in the Big Apple.
Cheryl Phillips
HULIQ.com
sources: Family Fun, Macys.com, NBC, NY Dept of Tourism
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