12 hour visit to NYC in December
 

Hello everyone, I'm looking for recommendations of what to do during a 12 hour visit to New York City next month to get in the Christmas spirit besides seeing the Rockefeller Center and doing the Christmas window walk. Also, I was hoping to end the trip with a romantic carriage ride, are they only in Central Park? Where do they pick you up? Which carriage companies are recommended?

The carriages are located at Central Park South (59th St) just west of 5th Ave and they will be happy to take you for a lovely ride through the park. I think the price is now about $50 (and tip is appreciated) for 20 minutes or so.

Walking up 5th Ave will certainly put you in the holdiay spirit, with all the lights and decorations.

Another Christmas tradition here is the holiday tree at the Met Museum, and there is a lovely gift shop at the museum for unusual christmas gifts as well.

There are also 3 holiday fairs you might want to visit one, Grand Central Station, Bryant Park (42nd and 6th Ave) and Union Square,

Have a great time while you are here.

There are no carriage companies - just carriages with drivers. If you're doing it make sure the horse looks healthy and well-fed. And be aware that if it's too cold the horses don;t work. They will give you a 20-minute ride on the road in Central Park for $50 plus tip.

Be aware that at rush hour those roads also allow cars - making the ride totally unromantic. (I think the park roads are open to car traffic from 4 to 7pm - but you should check.)

Thanks for the replies and I'll be sure to ask the driver if she or he has feed their horse any beefaroni lately. The Grand Central Kaleidoscope Light Show looks interesting. Another question any suggestions on a restaurant in this vicinity besides Tavern on the Green? I can afford expensive but I am not wearing a suit or a tie on this trip. Thanks again..

Do Not reco TOG - the food is mediocre at best and the service both unprofessional and supercilious. There are a ton of great restaurants.

What cuisines do you like? And how casual will you be - jeans/boots or business casual?

The park is open to traffic 7-10am and then 3pm-7pm. I remember reading an article somewhere, the city did an inspection on the people who keep the horses - lots of violations - malnourished, living conditions, etc... So even if you "think" you see a well fed horse, maybe not.

There are a number of restaurants in the Time Warner building at Columbus Circle (sw end of the park) that are casual. Landmarc might be one idea. The Boat House in Central Park is another. Better food than TOTG and pretty setting during daylight.

Hey NYtraveler, any cuisine will do as long it is in the vicinity of central park or the Rockefeller center. As for the attire it will be more likely to be jeans and boots. I'm looking for the combination of dinner and a ride through central park if possible. The bus is picking us up at 8:30 pm at the Rockefeller center so we might have to catch an early dinner to squeeze everything in. BTW Mclaurie, thanks for Landmarc suggestion looks great!
Thanks again for all the replies and please keep the suggestions coming.