Christmas lights and the Christmas Spectacular
 

During our weekend in NYC we are planning on spending one evening looking at the shop window Christmas displays(having read loads about this on Fodors) and the other evening at the Radio City Christmas spectacular- there are still tickets. From what I can see it doesnt matter which evening we do which as the shops are open till eleven on Sat and ten on Sunday so it will be busy - I am just wondering however if the Sunday would nevertheless be less of a scrum for the windows or not? I thought that the show would be the nice way to finish our weekend, but am trying to optimize what we get out of the visit so would be pleased to hear views!

Anytime after 12 Noon, no matter what time of day, there will be lines to see the windows. The stores keep the lights on the window displays 24/7. They don't go dark.

It's better to visit the windows when the stores are closed.

It really is Spectacular and not to be missed. But, you might want to get tickets forthwith for better seats and a better selection of times.

When we did this in 2001, we ended the evening with drinks and appetizers at the Rainbow Grill--spectacular views of ESB. Unfortunately, the view also included the neon lights from the work being done at Ground Zero. We went to NYC in order to spend money and support the workers. It was a magical evening--most especially because my husband, although he was dressed in black, head to toe, looks like Santa and people just smiled when they saw him. He took the time to speak to two little girls, so their dad treated "Santa" to a scotch!

If you want to see the show at Radio City (its's really special) check the Theatermania website, they are offering $70 seats for $49 for certain dates. You can go to the Theatermania website or Call 212-307-4100 and mention code MANIA. If you have the time I would call - you can discuss and select your seats with a live person.

TrvlMavin, why were the lights from the Trade Center site bothersome? I've also spent time at the Rainbow Grill and never gave the lights a second thought. They were far enough downtown they didn't interfere with any other views.

I don't think TrvlMaven was describing the lights at Ground Zero as bothersome, rather very, very sad.

We were in NYC three weeks following 9/11 (a trip planned early that year) and went on the Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise. Those lights were all over Ground Zero and very, very bright, so that rescue and recovery workers could work all night long, night after night.

Hurry and get your tickets. It's a sold-out show and prices will rise as show date nears. You can go as low as $79 at Broadwaybox.com/shows/radio_city_-_christmas_spectacular_nyc_tickets.aspx