Christmas Day in NYC?

Old Aug 31st, 2016, 04:04 AM
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Christmas Day in NYC?

Not sure yet --- but I may end up traveling through New York on my way home from a longer trip. Trying to arrange things so I get home the 24th or 25th but that may not be possible.

So . . . If I end up w/ two nights in NYC Dec 24/25 and fly home the morning of the 26th -- what would you recommend for a solo traveler on Christmas Day? Not accommodations -- more what is open, what festive activities, any special tips . . .

I've been in NY during the pre/post holiday period but never ON the holiday.

Thanks
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Old Aug 31st, 2016, 04:31 AM
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Well most sights are closed Christmas Day as are many restaurants.

So - for what to see/do

Explore Central Park
Take the Statne Island ferry across the harbor
The ToTR and the ESB are both open on Christmas
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Walk around Rock Center to see the tree, skating, decorations and St Pat's across the street (may want to eat at Sea Grille or Rock Center Cafe)
Walk from Macy's up Fifth Ave through Barneys or Bloomies to see all of the incredible holiday windows
You might also want to see the Nutcracker, which is being performed in several different versions at multiple venues.

For a special meal on Eve or Christmas go to opentable.com to see who is serving a traditional holiday meal at what price. For the Eve you might want to find an Italian place that is serving the traditional Feast of the 7 Fishes.

Many locals who do not celebrate Christmas eat out at ethnic restaurants, many of which are open, esp Chinese. That and a movie (no long lines as usual) are another New York tradition.

I'm sure there are other options I've missed but this is some obvious ones.
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Old Aug 31st, 2016, 04:42 AM
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This year, Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, so some churches will be open for worship, though it might be less well attended than usual since many will have also had worship the night before on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve worship will probably feature more special music and atmosphere than Christmas Day.
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Old Aug 31st, 2016, 06:20 AM
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Increasingly, upscale restaurants in the city are opening on Christmas Day, so I think you'll be surprised at the range of options available to you even as dining out for most people still hasn't taken hold across the board. This may be because of increasing numbers of tourists in town during the holidays or just a push to make more revenue. Regardless, I think you'll find alot of options for dining, and you may not have to make reservations so far in advance (but there are by no means as many options as on Thanksgiving), but it's mostly for Christmas brunch and lunch rather than dinner. Christmas Eve dinner reservations at Italian restaurants may be harder to get.

Christmas Day is a great time to go to Rockefeller Center to see the tree (though it will still be pretty busy). The Empire State Building and Top of the Rock are both open (and the One WTC Observatory I think). The Radio City Christmas Spectacular performs on Christmas Day. Tourist stores in Times Square tend to be open. And of course all the outdoor stuff will be open (including the Central Park Zoo and Wollman Rink). If the weather isn't bad, it's a nice day to walk around. The city is pretty quiet. I think the 9/11 Museum is open, as is the Museum of Jewish Heritage (which is a really great museum by the way).
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Old Aug 31st, 2016, 09:09 AM
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There is a wide range of restaurants that are not upscale, that are open on Christmas Day including Jewish delis and most Chinese, Indian, Thai, Ethiopian, Japanese, mid-eastern restauarants. Obviously people from countries and cultures that are not predominately Christian.

It is a grand tradition for NY Jews to see a movie and then go for Chinese food and in recent years it has spread to younger people who are away from their homes and aren't religious.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tku61sKhPGo
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Old Aug 31st, 2016, 09:12 AM
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Yes to that. Just do not make the mistake of trying to go to a Vietnamese place (as I did, organizing a big group) as most are closed on that day. I imagine Korean would be the same.
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Old Aug 31st, 2016, 09:30 AM
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MOvie theaters are always open on CHristmas Day in oany major city I've ever been in, I'm sure they are in NYC. If nothing else, something to do and chance to see a film you've been wanting to see.
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Old Aug 31st, 2016, 11:30 AM
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Many Korean-Americans are Christian, so I would avoid Korean restaurants on Christmas.
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Old Aug 31st, 2016, 12:49 PM
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Yes to Korean, too. How embarrassed was I when I organized a dinner for our "Asian dining club," and we were to meet at a Viet place in C'town and we all met on a horribly cold night only to find the place closed. I guess no Indian places from Goa, either, right?

I've had pretty good luck here, although I prefer to go to Flushing:

http://amazing66.com/menu
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Old Aug 31st, 2016, 01:21 PM
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Thanks everyone -- lots to work w/.

"MOvie theaters are always open on CHristmas Day in oany major city I've ever been in, I'm sure they are in NYC. If nothing else, something to do and chance to see a film you've been wanting to see."

Just to clarify -- I'm not looking for 'if nothing else' time fillers like going to a movie. Looking for special places -- not things one could do at home . . . Not w/ NYC room rates

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Old Sep 9th, 2016, 07:00 PM
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OK . . . it is settled. I arrive at LGA around noon on Dec 24 and fly out of JFK 4:30PM on the 26th. Staying at 3 West Club on W 51st St and booked the 10PM Rockettes show Christmas Day -- so my whole weekend is very Rockefeller Center-centric.


I'm thinking I'll just walk around on the 25th mainly looking at Christmas windows. Since the show is so late I think I'd like to book a special place for dinner. Up to maybe $150 not including wine. Not necessarily 'traditional Christmas' but that's OK too.

I'll check open table -- but any specific recommendations?
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Old Sep 9th, 2016, 07:24 PM
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As a recovering catholic agnostic, I'd check out a Christian Christmas Mass in one of the many amazing architectural gem churches and cathedrals. (and leave a proper donation in the poor box as a visitor)

Then maybe China Town for Jewish Christmas Dinner?
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Old Sep 9th, 2016, 07:53 PM
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Thanks -- but sorry, that ain't the sort of thing I'm looking for and Chinatown isn't anywhere near where I'll be Christmas night . . .
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Old Sep 9th, 2016, 07:55 PM
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It's your Christmas. Make sure to show up early to check out Radio City Hall.
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Old Sep 9th, 2016, 08:07 PM
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I don't need to check it out -- I've been before, and am staying right across the street.
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Old Sep 10th, 2016, 05:00 AM
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Why so snappy?
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Old Sep 10th, 2016, 05:06 AM
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You might try Sea Grill or Rock Center Cafe - you can see the skating rink from both - but you would have to check if they are within your budget. We do Sea Grill every year but usually the day before Christmas.

Also Top of the Rock is open all of those days if you haven't done that yet and obviously St Pat's will be gorgeous. Just be aware that Midnight Mass on the Eve and HIgh Mass Christmas day require advance tickets.

If you want another show there are numerous versions of the Nutcracker being performed around town. We do the Lincoln Center one - but again usually in the week before Christmas.
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Old Sep 10th, 2016, 05:13 AM
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I'd make a reservation at the Modern Dining Room, Marea, or Gabriel Kreuther.
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Old Sep 10th, 2016, 06:22 AM
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Thanks nytraveler and ekscrunchy -- I'll check them out.

My budget isn't firm really -- I just though $150 would be in the 'neighborhood' and I'd maybe avoid really top drawer because I'd be dining solo.

"Why so snappy?"

Just so folks don't think I'm an ungrateful SOB -- Because you've attacked me more than once and I didn't see a whole lot of value in what you suggested. Thought I was more than polite >

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Old Sep 10th, 2016, 06:39 AM
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ooh -- just looked at the Sea Grill and they are doing a $135 3 course menu and Rock Center - a $95 menu on Xmas Day.




Since Gabriel Kreuther is normally closed on Sundays -- it may not be open on Christmas but I'll check.

I thought I might go to MoMA on Christmas Eve so will check into The Modern - but it is too early to book there.
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