Christmastime in New York City

A visit to New York City at Christmastime far surpassed even my high expectations. This vibrant city knows how to celebrate, adding lights and colorful displays to heighten the charm and give tourists and locals alike a heaping daily dose of holiday spirit. Christmas markets pop up, along with ice rinks and tall trees. Iconic shows like the Rockettes make our spirits soar. And people seem to be more smiley, kind, and helpful during this season.

Here are some Christmastime highlights from our time in New York City this week. My husband and my daughter and I all had a simply marvelous week!

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Rockefeller Center

The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is the quintessential spirit of Christmas in New York City. Each December at the tree lighting ceremony, celebrities are brought in to sing and dance and welcome the season. This year’s tree is a 77-foot tall Norway spruce that’s decorated with 50,000 multi-colored lights. It’s topped by a Swarovski crystal star. Ice skaters glide beneath the tree and people come from all over to gaze at this beauty.

Right next to the tree is the famed F.A.O. Schwarz toy store. Even if you’re not a shopper, venture inside this delightful store with its full-sized giraffes, polar bear displays, and piles of teddy bears.Try to go early in the day, as lines go around the corner and down the block just to get in the door.

Hark the herald angels sing!

Window Displays

Window displays light up all the major stores with color, interactive fun, and scenes from movies. Notice the high-rise buildings in the reflection. Wander along 5th Avenue for outstanding artistry at Macy’s and Saks.

Inside the stores, the decorating continues to entertain.

Central Park

What says winter in New York more than ice skating in Central Park?

Much of the city’s trees sit bare and brown in the winter. I live in California, where pines and palms keep the landscape green year round. So when we found this lone tree sporting greenery, we were happy!

When you are feeling numb from the cold, stop in the Plaza Hotel food center in the lower level of the hotel, at the south end of Central Park. Warm up with a coffee and a sweet treat.

This toy soldier stands guard at the Tavern on the Green in Central Park. The restaurant was closed for a private party, but we enjoyed the lobby and gift shop.

The Rockettes

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular has been a staple of Christmas in New York City since 1933. The precision dancers are joined by a live orchestra, and modern technology wows spectators with projections of New York sights on the walls and a 3-D arrival of Santa. Dazzling costumes, non-stop music and dancing, and a finale of the Christmas story complete with camels are sure to boost your Christmas spirit.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

One rainy afternoon we took refuge in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The elegant Christmas tree featured an artistic nativity scene. The graceful angels were my favorite.

The Streets of New York

Out and about on the streets of New York City, you will see so many seasonal sights to warm your heart. These bears were just sitting outside a cafe, waiting for me to join them.

Our hotel lobby, the New York Public Library, restaurants, and office buildings are all decked out. I love the oversized ornaments.

We just happened to be in the city during SantaCon, when hundreds of New Yorkers dress as Santa. This was how the streets looked ALL day long!

If it’s Christmas cheer you’re after, a trip to New York City during the holidays is just the thing. Lights, trees, ice skating, sparkle, twinkle, and evergreens decorate the town. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from my family to you!

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A Note about Photographs: I edit my photos in Lightroom and often use Presets to bring out the best in a photo. One set of Presets I recommend is Winter Wonderland by Helene in Between. They will make your photos “pop”!

Linking up with Image-in-ing, The Good, the Random, the Fun, Through My Lens, Seasons, Our World Tuesday, Weekend Wanderlust, Faraway Files, Wanderful Wednesday, Feet Do Travel, My Corner of the World, and Weekend Travel Inspiration.

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