I second that emotion
But if you go after the tree lighting, and still see all the magic, be prepared to be awed. We went 2 years ago, crossing one wish off my Bucket List. Ate dinner at Sea Watch right on the ice rink, took lots of wonderful pictures, saw the Rockettes show, window shopped, etc. NYC at Christmas is wonderful.
To see the ceremony itself in person requires that you arrive many hours early and stand in place (if you move someone will take it) right against the railing around the sunken rink. If you are more than 2 or 3 people back you will see the tree BEING lit- but won;t see much, if any, of the performances that would see on TV. And you can go back anytime - although it will be crowded except for the hours from about 11 pm to 6 am - to see the lit up tree, the angels, all th other decorations and visit St Pat's - across the street.
Doing it in person is not for young children, people who have trouble standing for hours or those who are bothered by the cold (usually).
As to where to stay - how many of you are there and what is your budget? (This is the most expensive time of year in NYC and hotels won't be offering many bargains.)
As for what to do - again, who are you? What are your interests? How long will you be in the city? Without knowing more it's impossible to know whether to reco the Nutcracker or a visit to the Intrepid.
Doing it in person is not for young children, people who have trouble standing for hours or those who are bothered by the cold (usually).
As to where to stay - how many of you are there and what is your budget? (This is the most expensive time of year in NYC and hotels won't be offering many bargains.)
As for what to do - again, who are you? What are your interests? How long will you be in the city? Without knowing more it's impossible to know whether to reco the Nutcracker or a visit to the Intrepid.
Thank you Nytraveler! You actually responded to my other topic on staying at the Millenium Broadway. I got a rate of 412.00 w out taxes for 3 of us. This is pricey but I guess for the time of year its not too bad. Would you recommend somewhere else to stay? Will this loction be too noisy? I figure if we are going to NYC we ought to be in the thick of things. We will be there from Thurs. 12/3 - to that Sunday. Its my wife, me and 9 year old daughter. We just decided to blow off the actual tree lighting based upon the advice here and go the next day. Good idea? We really want to see the city at Christmas time so that is why we picked this time. Thanks again for the advice..look forwrd to your reply.
Seeing the tree the next day is a good idea. Consider walking down Fifth Avenue from about 38th Street (Lord and Taylor) to at least 57th Street. The decorations are amazing. Also try Radio City Music Hall. I heard about, but have not tried, a website www.radiotcitychristmas.com. Maybe that will help w/tickets. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (which should not be missed) also has a tree.
December is a great time to be in NYC.
December is a great time to be in NYC.
Cringo- that would be walking UP Fifth Ave. Going from lower numbers to higher is always up.
Also check out the decoration son park Ave and near Bloomies. the Met has a Neapolitan tree and creche that are gorgeous and the Mus Nat'l Hist has an origami tree. I would also try to get tickets for the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center - which is always fantastic.
Also check out the decoration son park Ave and near Bloomies. the Met has a Neapolitan tree and creche that are gorgeous and the Mus Nat'l Hist has an origami tree. I would also try to get tickets for the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center - which is always fantastic.
The area remains crowded-crowded to the point where it is difficult to walk around even after the lighting of the tree- Especially the day after.
But it is still worth seeing, I go almost every year to see the tree. I also like the light show at Saks and as someone suggested you can start at the tree and walk south towards L&T then to Macys to see the other windows.
Or, you can start at Bloomingdales (59th & 3rd), then walk to Barneys (Madison & 61st), then on to Bergdorfs (5th & 58th), walk up 5th ave to Saks (5th & 49th), stop at the tree enjoy the sights, take a rest at Rock ctr for food, then continue on to Lord & Taylor (5th & 39th) and end at Macys (Broadway & 34th).
This is off the beaten path but still nice: the decorated palm trees in the World Financial Center's Winter Garden are nice and there are usually free concerts there on the weekends.
The holiday market in Union Square is fun to walk around as well.
Grand Central has a laser light show
There is also caroling in the West Village that is free
http://www.westvillagechorale.org/wv...s.htm#caroling
If there are kids visiting FAO Schwartz might be worth a stop on the tour
Ice skating in Bryant Park or central park is fun. There is ice skating near the tree, but the wait can be long.
The Museum of Natural History also has a beautiful tree during the season.
There will be a lot more events, but it may be a little early to know the schedule.
But it is still worth seeing, I go almost every year to see the tree. I also like the light show at Saks and as someone suggested you can start at the tree and walk south towards L&T then to Macys to see the other windows.
Or, you can start at Bloomingdales (59th & 3rd), then walk to Barneys (Madison & 61st), then on to Bergdorfs (5th & 58th), walk up 5th ave to Saks (5th & 49th), stop at the tree enjoy the sights, take a rest at Rock ctr for food, then continue on to Lord & Taylor (5th & 39th) and end at Macys (Broadway & 34th).
This is off the beaten path but still nice: the decorated palm trees in the World Financial Center's Winter Garden are nice and there are usually free concerts there on the weekends.
The holiday market in Union Square is fun to walk around as well.
Grand Central has a laser light show
There is also caroling in the West Village that is free
http://www.westvillagechorale.org/wv...s.htm#caroling
If there are kids visiting FAO Schwartz might be worth a stop on the tour
Ice skating in Bryant Park or central park is fun. There is ice skating near the tree, but the wait can be long.
The Museum of Natural History also has a beautiful tree during the season.
There will be a lot more events, but it may be a little early to know the schedule.
