There is nowhere else in the world like New York City at Christmas: the twinkling lights, the elaborate holiday window displays, the festive decorations. It's enough to warm the heart of even the most cynical New York grinch.
The only problem with our famous holiday decorations is that they draw such big crowds of tourists. It's hard to stop to admire the holiday bling without being run over by bargain hunters, tour groups, or a wayward pedicab. If you can't beat them, join them. Don't let the crowds prevent you from getting out to see New York City's holiday sparkle.
The only problem with our famous holiday decorations is that they draw such big crowds of tourists. It's hard to stop to admire the holiday bling without being run over by bargain hunters, tour groups, or a wayward pedicab. If you can't beat them, join them. Don't let the crowds prevent you from getting out to see New York City's holiday sparkle.
1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Holiday Lights
Photo by Pamela Skillings
Rockefeller Center is New York City's most famous and popular destination for holiday decorations. Tens of thousands of people turn out for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony every year and tens of thousands more stop by Rockefeller Center to shop, skate, or admire the lights during the holiday season.
2. "Under the Stars" at Time Warner Center
Photo by Bjorg Magnea
Twelve 14-ft stars dazzle from the soaring ceilings of Time Warner Center, lighting up all of Columbus Circle throughout the holiday season. This year, you can even see snow falling inside Time Warner Center during the "Magic Snowfalls" every half hour on the weekends through December 21st, 2008. See photos of the holiday dazzle at Time Warner Center.
3. The Bronx Zoo
Photo by Pamela Skillings
Take a short subway ride from Manhattan to admire the beautiful holiday Wild Winterland display at the Bronx Zoo. This year, to reduce carbon output, the usual nighttime light show has been transformed into a daytime extravaganza. See the holiday decorations, watch the animals open their holiday presents, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, and feed the reindeer. Kids can also enjoy storytelling, ice-carving, marshmallow-roasting, and other entertainment.
4. Fifth Avenue Department Stores
Photo by Pamela Skillings
Take a stroll up Fifth Avenue and admire the brilliance of the holiday window displays -- true works of art in many cases. Stroll by Bergdorf's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany's, and all of the stores competing to capture your attention. Don't miss the famous UNICEF snowflake made of Baccarat crystal, which illuminates Fifth Avenue near Tiffany's at 57th Street.
5. Bryant Park
Bryant Park transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. See the decorations, take a free spin around the Bryant Park ice skating rink, or browse for unique gifts at the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park.
6. Origami Holiday Tree and Holiday Dinos at the American Museum of Natural History
Visit the American Museum of Natural History during the holiday season and marvel at the famous Origami Holiday Tree, a New York City tradition for more than 30 years. Volunteers started folding in July to make the 500 origami decorations on display and master folders will be on hand during the holiday season to teach visitors the art of origami.
Also on display at the Museum are two 19-foot Holiday Barosaurs constructed of openwork stainless steel and decorated with pine boughs and lights. Illuminated at night, the dinosaurs greet visitors outside the Museum's main entrance on Central Park West and 79th Street.
This year, the Museum is also home to the new Polar Rink so you can also enjoy some holiday ice skating during your visit.
7. Holiday Lights at Grand Central Terminal
Photo courtesy of Grand Central Terminal
Don't miss the annual holiday light show at Grand Central Terminal. This year, you'll be dazzled by the kaleidoscope colors and holiday images that light up the famous Sky Ceiling and walls of Grand Central Terminal every thirty minutes. Kids will also love the model train exhibit sponsored by The New York City Transit Museum and shoppers will enjoy browsing for unique gifts at the Holiday Fair booths in Vanderbilt Hall. See photos of the holiday light show and decorations at Grand Central Terminal.
