NYC at Christmas
 

I am traveling down to New York City in December and have heard so much about all the stores decorating for the holidays. Is there any must see places? Any and all recommendations on what to see and where to go in the city around Xmas would be greatly appreciated.

Saks, Lord and Taylor, and Macy's are the big three so far as I know. Of course Rockefeller Center is a must.

OOps, Patrick beat me to it.
Same suggestions plus Tavern on the Green for the setting.

Hi, we are usually able to get to NYC after Thanksgiving, but this year our trip will be a little earlier, will be in NYC Nov. 19 for 5 days - will the decorations be up yet?

Barney's did Christmas windows when they were on 7th Avenue. Do they still do them?

Margie, most of the stores seem to start earlier and earlier each year, so you might be able to see some, but not all. Macy's has begun, as they want to be ready for the Thanksgiving Parade. The tree in Rock Center may be up, but it won't be lit until I believe 12/3.

Walter,

Definitely check out the Saks, Lord & Taylor, and Macy's windows. Also check out Bergdof Goodman (men's and women's stores) on 5th and 58th. The men's store had the best window display last year. I also second the recommendation for Rockefeller center. Lastly, be sure and go to central park. The carraige rides at night are great, but it's lots of fun to just walk around the park during the day. :-)

Margie, I will be in NY for the first time Nov. 22-28. I too wanted to know about the christmas decorations. I called Saks and Lord & Taylor and both said the window decorations would go up the week before thanksgiving. So you should be able to see some of them.

FYI: Macy's has already started putting their decorations up inside.

Definitely Lord & Taylor's windows

Tree at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Rockefeller Center

Rob,
I don't know about Barney's on 17th St., but the Madison Avenue store has wonderful windows every year.

Walter-
Go to this thread:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...mp;tid=1332632

"One Traveler's Opinion: New York at Christmas"

The thread had lots of good info.

The Plaza Hotel becomes pretty special during the holidays. Great place for a drink, lunch, or tea and enjoy the decorations and atmosphere.

The city is at it's prettiest over the holidays IMHO, and just seems to shine. I think New Yorkers are also at their best over the holidays as well.

My favorite places to enjoy the decorations are:

Metropolitan Museum - to see the annual tree there, also there are ALOT of Concerts for the holidays there at the Temple of Dendur and in the Theatre there.

5th Ave and Madison Ave for all the window decorations.

Museum of Natural History for the origami tree.

South St. Seaport for the Singing Holiday Tree.

Bronx Zoo, for the over 1 Million holiday lights, and the caroling (I will be caroling there Wed Dec 17th and Friday Dec 19th).

Rock Center for the tree and skaters.

Central Park - Wolman Rink for skating.

Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center have holiday concerts and presentations for the season, check each website for more information.

Happy holidays and enjoy your time in the City.

Thank you everyone for your help. I am really looking forward to seeing the Christmas decorations, a great show on Broadway and a great NY dinner. Thanks again

There is nothing like a carriage ride in Midtown Manhattan during Christmas. The carriages are usually parked on Central Park South near 6th Avenue. Checking out the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center is a must. St Patrick's Cathedral should also be nicely decorated as well. During your time there I also would suggest taking a Grayline tour. You could buy a 48 hr. ticket good for all their tours (Lower and Upper Manhattan and Brooklyn). If you only want to take one, the Lower Manhattan one would be the best one.

http://graylinenewyork.com/

No one has mentioned the huge snowflake that is suspended over the intersection of 57th St. and Fifth Ave. Magnificant at night!