cira

1) Around what date do they start decorating Midtown Manhattan and Rockefeller Center?

2) I plan on going to NY either the 8th though the 13th or the 17 through the 20th...which of the two above dates would be the LEAST busiest to be in NY..?? Thank you.

cira

Vicki

I've been to NYC during both of those times and it's very crowded, however, you will love it. You will definitely get in the Christmas spirit. Just talk a walk along Fifth Avenue and look at all the window displays. The tree in Rockefeller Center gets lit the first week of December. It's the best city to be in during the Christmas holidays.

Neal Sanders

Cira, you'll see New York in all its holiday glory on either of those dates. In addition to Rockefeller Center, you'll want to put these traditions on your schedule: 1) the tree at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The "tree" is inside the museum and it's artificial, but what decorations! 19th century Italian figurines arranged as a creche scene. It's worth a trip to New York all on its own. 2) The window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue (5th Ave. at 50th St) and Lord and Taylor (5th Ave at 39th St). These are animated displays that tell a different part of a story in each of eight or so windows. 3) Macys, Saks, Bloomingdales for decorations, but especially the flagship Macy's store in Herald Square. It is a world unto itself.

As to which date is less busy... the better question is which date you can get a hotel room for!

Jeanne

I work in NYC and December is my favorite month. I agree with the earlier responses that both of the dates you mentioned will be crowded, but well worth the trip. Other additions to your sight seeing should include the Plaza Hotel (the lobby is beautiful) FAO Schwartz Toy Store, The Christmas Spectacular at Rockefeller Center, a carriage ride through Central Park (make sure they bring you past Tavern on the Green).

cira

Tx so much for your replies. I was able to get a room for two nights on the 15th through the 17th...how exciting..thanks again.