jgr22

My wife and I are headed to NYC for the holiday ( which is actually her birthday). We're very familiar with New York, from many prior visits--but wondering what special holiday events or activities we might try to fit in to our schedule to make this trip particularly festive. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

nytraveler

Check out:

The tree at Rock center with all the decorations and skating rink and St Pat's across the street (consider dinner at Sea Grille overlooking the rink - but not cheap)

Check out windows on Firth Ave Stores (lines except late at night) - L&T, Saks and also Bloomies furrher east

Check out some major trees - with Neapolitan creche at the Met and the origami tree at Nat'l Hist Museum

See the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center - glorious

MANY musical events - check out the web site of New York magazine to see many options

jgr22

Thanks NYTraveler----I'm certainly curious about the origami tree at the Nat'l Hist. museum.

HappyTrvlr

St. Thomas Church on 5th Ave offers wonderful concerts. Check to see if there are any scheduled during your visit.

jgr22

Thanks Happytrvlr----I'll look that up.

tuscanlifeedit

Bryant Park Christmas market; love it. They also have ice skating and a great tree.

Food specialty shops are over the top at this time. Zabars, Dean and Deluca, Eataly... Venieros for rum cake

Hot chocolate stops; I could use some recs myself.

SueNYC

Come caroling in Washington and Union Square on Christmas Eve.

http://thestarryeye.typepad.com/expl...on-square.html

Dukey1

The Radio City Christmas show

tuscanlifeedit

I just remembered: the Morgan Library shows Dicken's original manuscript of A Christmas Carol and there are coordinating events.

yarrl

Barge music at Fultons landing in Brooklyn is a treat. You are actually on a barge, with a music hall on top of it. The back part of the hall is windows and you can see the Manhattan skyline at night. The hall is small so you feel the music. We just went there for a Chopin nocturne piano concert and it was great. On Xmas they are playing Bach's Goldberg variations. On New years Bach Sonatas.
http://www.bargemusic.org/calendar.html#dec24

jgr22

Thank you all for these great ideas----We'll head to Bryant Park Maket for hot chocolate to drink while caroling at Union Square, just before hearing Bach on a Barge----

more ideas from anyone else?

mclaurie

Jazz at Dizzy's
http://jalc.instantencore.com/m2/app...arsalis-septet

SueNYC

Caroling at Washington Sq or Gramercy Park

IMDonehere

A hint-try to eat in restaurants in residential areas not in mid-town. In some areas the restaurants are quieter because people go away. You will save time, money, and in many cases have a better meal.

jgr22

Thanks IMDonehere---we have some favs on the upper West side when we visit friends--but what are yours?

and thanks SueNYC and mclaurie----We'll look into Jazz at Lincoln center, and of course caroling could be fun, if the timing is right.

We're trying to figure out what we need to bring for the weather--not used to East Coast winters ( coming from the SF Bay Area).

Fra_Diavolo

Can't really predict the weather. NYC is generally in the forties during December, but can be much colder. We sometimes get an unexpectedly balmy day too. I'd bring layers so you can adapt as needed, also shoes that can handle rain or snow, a scarf, gloves, and a hat.

nytraveler

Yesterday it was 19 when I woke up. But you could get the low 40s. And do be prepared for snow - we've already had a little.

SueNYC

This is probably too early for your visit but my 2nd favorite movie palace is showing my favorite holiday movie on Dec 14th. (Loews Jersey Miracle on 34th Street and there will be caroling).

http://thestarryeye.typepad.com/expl...-view-and.html

bonbon5

the very first reply you got mentions 5th avenue windows but didn't elaborate. And elaborate is what you'll see. As a former NYer myself, what I think of first and foremost when I think Christmas time and NYC are the fabulous window displays. Macy's wasn't mentioned. It's a traditional favorite. Don't miss seeing all the big name stores' windows. You'll oooh and aahhh at the great mechanically animated lavish displays. The tree and rink at Rock. Center as mentioned before. Those are the most tradional Xmas things to do/see. All the others sound great too.
One more suggestion....NY Chinatown has wonderful Chinese food. Different and better in some ways than S.F. (I've eaten there numerous times living in CA most of my life) Find best recs online. Especially try Cantonese style which is no served much in SF and is very delicately flavored. Simple chow mein (NOT lo mein) fried rice and especially egg rolls. Best in the U.S.
When I visit NYC I try to eat Chinese food daily, either lunch or dinner. Try a little bag of roasted chestnuts from the street venders.

CityMouse

Eat on the Lower East Side and in the East Village. Some neighborhood faves:. Cafe Katja on Orchard Street, Cafe Mogador on St. Marks, Lavagna on East 5th.