My sister and I are going to be in New York City the 20-23 of December. What are the best things to do in the city at that time of the year? We are not big into shows.

See the store windows, the tree at Rock Center, and the elegantly decorated tree at the Met Museum.

The Museum of Natural History usually has a wonderful tree, too -- and it's indoors!

See the huge crowds of tourists blocking the sidewalk.

We are all about being outdoors, being from Chicago, the cold doesn't really bother us!

Go ice skating in Central Park. Go see the human Xmas tree at the South STreet Seaport. http://nymag.com/guides/holidays/

Agree to walk Fifth AVe and see all the store windows as well as Rock Center and St. Pats. Top of the Rock. Definitely ice skating - in Central Park if the weather is decent. Staten Island Ferry (free) for views of the harbor, the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline coming back.

The city will be mobbed - so be prepared.

do you have a hotel yet? Ifno - get one now!

You might check out New York City Ballet... they should be doing the Nutcracker (at Lincoln Center.) Tickets go fast.

Also try to eat in areas than midtown. The restaurants are insane at that time.

As NYTraveler pointed out, there will be times of the day when the streets around Rock Center become inpassable.

I would also grab a cup of hot chocolate at City Bakery or Jacques Torres...or both!

Let's not forget the windows of Barney's on Madison, sweetie darling. An absolute must for those of us who can discern a Jimmy Choo from a Louboutin at 50 paces.

You could hang out in the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis. (For the over-35 set)

Thin

If you enjoy a walking tour of the city and lights, check out
An Insider's Tour of New York City: travelmaven.wordpress.com/insiders-holiday-tour-of-new-york-city.

Enjoy!

The Finger Lakes Travel Maven