15 October 2024

New York City at Christmas is like a fairy tale come to life. The lights, the music, the festive atmosphere, and the sheer magic of this iconic city make it a truly unforgettable experience. Our family of five had the pleasure of immersing ourselves in this Christmas Wonderland last Christmas for 4 days, and it was an experience that we'll always remember and will definitely do again one day. Our Home Base: Central Park We decided to base ourselves near to Central Park at the Park Central Hotel, and it was the perfect choice. A central location near to Carnegie Hall, Central Park, and near to the Rockefeller Centre and other tourist hotspots. Central park was literally a few blocks away. The hotel was a good base for us. We had two rooms, basic but both comfortable and clean. Being so near to Central Park was perfect. It was close to the the ice skating rink that is seen in the movies and the horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping along the paths. It was rumoured that 'you know who' (Taylor Swift) had been skating that morning, so you can imagine the buzz – the atmosphere was electric! It was busy too! Our teenagers loved being near to the park, and wondering around the stalls at the late night Christmas Market, sampling food and drink, chatting with stall holders and buying Christmas gifts. It was a welcome space away from the busy Christmas crowds in the heart of the city. Anyone with a family will appreciate staying in midtown New York City for the balance of the Park and to be near the attractions simultaneously - there is a lot of walking! Make sure you have comfy walking shoes. Must-See Christmas Attractions and Landmarks Rockefeller Centre / Rock at the Top Of course, no trip to New York at Christmas is complete without visiting some iconic landmarks. The iconic Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree was a breath taking sight. The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular was another highlight, with dazzling costumes, talented performers, with a heart warming story. The Rock at the Top was another fantastic ‘must do’ experience beginning with a thrilling ascent in the lift which is an experience on its’ own. The Top of the Rock offers an unparalleled 360-degree view of the iconic New York City skyline. It's a vantage point that captures the essence of the city, from the bustling energy of Midtown to the serene beauty of Central Park. There are opportunities to get professional pictures taken on the Observation Deck with amazing views of the city in the background too! Shopping We also couldn't resist the allure of the fabulous department stores and all their stunning Christmas windows. The elaborate displays were a feast for the eyes, and we could have spent a lot longer than we did admiring the creativity and detail both inside and outside the buildings. And let's not forget the iconic toy store, FAO Schwarz, where everyone turns into a big kid, exploring the giant piano and the life-sized teddy bears. Have I mentioned the M&M’s shop? Sephora? Cartier and Tiffany’s? Macy’s? I could go on… Bus Tour We took an open topped hop on - hop off bus tour which saved time (and our legs!) did a complete circuit from Times Square back to our hotel, taking in Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and the World Trade Centre Memorial. Highly recommend it as a whistle top sight seeing experience. But wrap up if you’re on the top deck! Take in a show We booked tickets to see Wicked! ahead of our trip to guarantee availability. The Gershwin Theatre was a 9 minute walk from the hotel and a short queuing experience. The performance was as you’d expect – brilliant! Although we were a little jaded from our flight, we still thoroughly enjoyed it. Note to self – book theatre performances towards the end of the trip… And of course, no trip to New York would be complete without indulging in some delicious food. From classic New York pizza at just 99cents a slice (we had a few of them to keep us going) to mouth watering bagels, we tried it all. A Christmas to Remember Our Christmas in New York City was a whirlwind of excitement, wonder, and unforgettable memories. The city truly comes alive during the holiday season, and it's a place that captures the magic of Christmas like no other. We didn’t experience New York in the snow but it was still incredible. As a family of five, we created lasting bonds and cherished moments that we will talk about for years to come.