Holiday Season in New York City

Follow me in merry measure

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

While I tell of Yule-tide treasure.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

NYPL knows how to put on a show

Okay, this year has not been jolly and maybe nor has this season. But for most of us, this year has been about looking at the silver lining, being grateful and cautious and finding solace in the virtual world. So today, I am taking you on a virtual jolly ride of the yuletide treasure trove of New York City, all in hopes of spreading some cheer.

Lights, Angels and Trees

When you search on Google where one should spend their Christmas in USA, 9 out of 10 articles would say New York is the city to be in, Vail is the town to be in and Leavenworth is the village to be in. And when it comes to New York, the reason is pretty obvious. As winter commences in the Big Apple, streets, parks and building are all lined with glittery Christmas trees, arrays of light displays, angels and ornaments find a place in every nook and corner, grandiose window displays and store décor lure locals as well as curious travelers  and fun-filled holiday markets are favorite hubs for everyone regardless the day of the week. As days get colder, the warmth of Christmas cocktails complements the gliding on ice under starry nights. And with all this New York is decked up like a gift waiting to be unwrapped by the end of the year.

 

The Rockefeller Tree!

The perfect postcard!

Let’s begin with the perfect postcard of New York’s Christmas, shall we? That towering Spruce lit up with thousands of twinkling lights at the center of Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan. From December first week to the first week of January, this tree is the epicenter of holiday celebrations in the city and has been so since 1933! Being one of the tallest and most famous public Christmas trees of the world, the tree is rightfully called “the holiday beacon for New Yorkers and visitors alike” and is a sight to behold when lit and accompanied by the wired-sculpture angels of the Channel Gardens! And if you are lucky and you can find a spot under the tree, that is the memory of the tree you would remember for years.

This is what grand means!

Holiday Displays at Stores!

Sak's has a little show...

While the spruce dazzling in the center of Rockefeller Plaza is the place people throng from all over the world, right opposite to it is the electric décor of lights and music by Saks 5th Avenue store. The holiday music and light show that plays to spread the joy every fifteen minutes and the impressive holiday themed window displays are arguably more loved by locals than the tree lighting event and is an experience of a kind.

The Jaguar's gift

If holiday windows of Saks were not enough, the gift-wrapped Cartier building can transport you to London in a second and Macy’s and Bloomingdales can take you to a winter wonderland the other second. And though these stores and their windows celebrate the year with the holidays, this year has been a little different, beautiful yet a little serious and sincere. The windows at Macy’s pay tribute to NYC’s essential workers with a neon thank you signs in 16 different languages and the ones at Bloomingdales brought local artisans affected by the pandemic to help build their scent enhanced displays.

And then there are so many random installations!!

 Candles and Chimes at Cathedrals!

St Patrick's Cathedral

While a cathedral putting up its best foot forward during Christmas festivities is not a surprise, St Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue is more than a quintessential cathedral. This iconic structure of New York has been a huge part of the city’s Yuletide celebrations since the 1880’s. And so, when in New York in December, one must not miss out on the breath-taking St Patrick’s Cathedral. Afterall this Neo Gothic cathedral is the most famous Catholic Church in the United States. During the weeks leading to Christmas and a few days after the big day, the garlands, trees, and nativity scene enhance the architectural brilliance of the place and gives you a chance to find jolly with wonder at the same time! Light a candle for hope or love and soak in the vibe of the place, and the place will lift up your spirits, whether you are religious or not.

Light some candles...

And if you are okay with venturing a little out of the normal route, you can be surprised by the architecture and décor at Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. Being the current largest Anglican Church in the world despite being incomplete, this Byzantine-Romanesque designed cathedral is a treat for architecture lovers as well as festivities seekers. And while I don’t know if these Cathedrals are holding any public services (and even if they are, I would not recommend visiting them this season)

 

Ornamented Fountains at Parks and Plazas!

Pizzazz next to the Plaza

Guess trees are just too mainstream, so how about let some ornaments enjoy the centerstage for a while? If you think they can’t look too festive and pretty, think again, because the twinkling ornaments at the Pulitzer Fountain at Grand Army Plaza (across the famous Plaza Hotel) surely know how to make their case! And if they can’t, the Giant Red Ornaments in the park behind Rockefeller Plaza will definitely convince you! Which makes me realize, we are hovering way too much around the fifth avenue. So let’s head somewhere else now!

Did some one say giant ornaments?

Hot Chocolate and More at Holiday Markets!

Hot chocolate with Marshmallow!

Okay, frankly holiday markets are not just for shopping for holiday gifts. These markets are hubs to try out treats and seasonal delicacies at fancy pop ups, exploring works of local artists, get mesmerized by Christmas decors and décor ideas and yes, shop for seasonal presents and decors from local vendors. And when in New York City, the market to visit is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park . Sipping hot chocolate or s’mores and admiring works of local artists on a cold winter day or watching people skate is so satisfying; and then if you can escape to New York Public Library for a moment and rejoin the cacophony again in no time – this is why Bryant Park Winter Village is so special.

Spoilt for choice at Bryant Park

Plus, the plethora of unique local vendor gifts and the crazy number of food pop ups sets the holiday vibe of the place that just can’t be matched by any other seasonal bazaar in the city. Maybe Bronx Holiday Market comes close in terms of food and Dumbo Brooklyn Holiday Flea matches Bryant park in gifts, but for me a visit to Bryant Park has sort of become a ritual now so I am a bit biased. Either way supporting local small businesses while enjoying the merriment is what makes all the Holiday Markets of the city special.

One of the regulars at Bank of America Winter Village

Skate the Rinks!

Glide...

And speaking of Bryant Park, how can I not mention ice skating! It might not snow often in New York City in December, but that doesn’t stop people from having a snowy (alright icy) holiday season, and it is all courtesy of the numerous ice rinks in the city. While Bank of America Winter Village Ice Rink is in the heart of the city, the most famous one is probably the Rockefeller Rink . Then there is the hidden gem at Brookfield Place . However, if I had to pick one – it would be neither of these. Light snow, people frolicking in the beautifully decorated Wollman Rink at Central Park and Jonathan and Sara just talking, finding warmth in each other company – I fell in love with New York’s Christmas vibe while watching this scene of the movie Serendipity. And hence for me ice skating in New York City is synonymous to Wollman Rink and the time for this experience is during the holiday season!

 

Light and Shine at the Yards!

Hudson Yards!

A lot of people must have seen Holiday New York’s pizzazz in Home Alone but one place the movie didn’t talk about, and to be fair couldn’t have talked about is the shimmering wonderland Hudson Yards, The Vessel, The Edge and The Shed transform into! The Vessel with its spirally stairs is undoubtedly the most modern and celebrated icon of New York and so the holiday décor of the place had to be equally modern and exciting right? And Hudson Yards makes sure it is so with over 2 million lights illuminating the entire area! I don’t think I can explain the spectacle in words, so I am just going to let the photos speak for this one.

Umm, how many lights?

Sip the spirits at Holiday Themed Bars!

Maggie's Place two years back

The restaurants and bars of New York are such a big part of the city’s culture that I just couldn’t end this tour without mentioning some of them who go above and beyond to embrace the holiday spirit as well. A lot of places in the city have holiday drinks or Christmas specials, but Rolf’s, Sippin Santa, Miracle on 9th, Maggie's Place are just some of the ones you should check out. Unfortunately, due to pandemic some of these places are closed and some might be closing down soon due to the current rise in numbers. But I just wanted to call them out since I hope they survive the pandemic and are back in full glory next holiday season.

 

Lights lights every where!

Apart from these, resident installations at Dyker Heights, sky lanterns of Brookfield Place Winter Garden, carolers at Washington Square Park, and dancing lights at the Oculus are some more free holiday experiences New York City has to offer along with hundreds of road-side installations. And if you want to witness more immersive and grander celebrations the New York Botanical Garden Glow and Toy Train display, themed old school Christmas at Met Cloisters or LuminoCity Festival of Randalls Island Park are the places to be!  

As dreamy as it gets...

It might be ostentatious, but holiday season puts New York under a different mood - a mood worth experiencing. And while this year has not been about traveling (and nor would I recommend traveling), I hope this virtual trip of tinseled New York put a smile of your face.

 

Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’s guys! See you next year!!

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