NYC at Christmas time is quite magical. I think a proposal while looking at the tree at Rockefeller Center would be perfect. I'd be too nervous at the top of the Rock due to my fear of heights, but I'm sure you know whether your girlfriend would enjoy that sort of thing.

I'd recommend a horse drawn carriage ride, strolling up 5th Avenue and seeing the window displays (also the Saks 5th Avenue Christmas Lights Show which is a projection show on the side of the building) and seeing the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.

This is a pretty good list:

http://www.christmastraveler.com/newyorkcity.html

I don't recall the lights on the tree turning off late at night, but this article states that they turn off at 11:30 p.m. during December.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/trav...articles/76359

If you want to be sure, you could check on the Rockefeller Center website as the time draws near. Also, I'd make sure the ring box isn't so "boxy" that it will be obvious in your coat pocket. If it is extremely cold, it'd be nice to be able to offer her your coat without her noticing the ring and spoiling the surprise.

That's assuming the norse cabs will still be there. Their removal is under consideration at the moment due to cruelty to the animas. Not sure how it will end up - there are strong feelings on both sides - esp after a couple of horses were injured in traffic.

Im waiting until December to propose because I want to make it special. Yes I've decided that she is the one and we are very happy together but I want to make it special and where better than at xmas time in nyc? I can wait because nothing really changes from me point of view, we live together and we love each other so that doesn't change.

I want to make it special not just do it randomly in the small town where we live, she deserves more.

Everyones suggestions are great, please keep them coming guys. I do appreciate it

In front of Tiffany's windows is another idea. A few windows are located on the side, and off 5th ave. Short stroll to Rockefeller.

If you should decide on Tiffany's windows, before your trip, watch the old movie, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" staring Audrey Hepburn, with your girlfriend.

There is always a huge and beautiful Christmas tree at Bryant Park, and a nice Christmas market as well. There is an ice rink there, too, but you aren't really looking for one of those.

I think Christmas in NYC is wonderful. Love the decorations, lights, packed and decorated stores.

One year we went to the Morgan Library, which has Dicken's original manuscript for A Christmas Carol on display every year. It is a beautiful small museum and both the casual and formal dining rooms are very nice.

The Washington Square tree lighting/viewing may be a bit more intimate for a proposal:

http://www.washingtonsquarenyc.org/t...tree-lighting/

Would a proposal in front of a Tiffany's window be kind of overkill if you then pull out a ring NOT from Tiffany's and place it on her finger? Just a thought. What do you say when she said "Wow. My ring is from Tiffany's?"

grahamduncan1986, good on you for wanting it to be special. Most women feel the same way. I've been married 28 years and mine was as unspecial as it gets - I have no story to tell about our engagement where the listener can respond with "Awwww, how romantic!"

I love the Washington Square idea.

Neo, I thought the same thing! Getting engaged in front of a store that now exists in every mall in the world is perhaps not the kick it used to be... especially if your ring isn't from there, which honestly, it shouldn't be!

I don't think I will be there in time for the Washington Tree lighting. We are there for the first week in December. Been speaking to the gf this week, dropping very very tiny hints and I think the rockerfeller tree is going to be a bit too busy so might need a plan b haha.

She doesn't want crowds or that much fuss whenever the time comes for me to do it so maybe thinking Central Park???

"Been speaking to the gf this week, dropping very very tiny hints..."

I think it's a very very big mistake to be dropping hints about a possible engagement in January that you don't plan to do until almost a year later.

I think you're setting yourself up for problems that have nothing to do with a location in NYC.

OK, I'll get personal here. I consider myself a real romantic. Three years ago, I braced myself to propose to my partner at the time. Yes, we knew we were meant for each other, I had moved from Florida to New Jersey to live with him nearly a year earlier, and things were quite definite. Still, on Christmas Eve in our living room over cocktails before going out for a very special romantic dinner (I didn't want to do it there), I got down on one knee and thought I was doing a very dramatic official proposal of marriage. The response (from a guy I also thought was a real romantic)? Sort of "Huh? Well, of course. I thought we already knew that! Sure we're planning on getting married! Etc. Etc." I was still very happy, but I have to admit much of the romance went out the window with his obvious response that this was not a new idea.

So be careful or you may be let down by what YOU think is a great proposal if you've both long decided that you're going to get married anyway. And especially if you give too many hints that it's coming.

PS, we couldn't be more happily married than we are now -- getting ready for our second year anniversary in Jamaica Feb. 16.

Starrs im not really sure what your issue is?!?! Im not asking for relationship advice, just advice on what areas are good for new York. We have been talking about engagement for a while now and she is really looking forward for coming to nyc. I haven't been saying, 'oh how would like to be asked', ' what don't you like' etc. She has no idea im going to ask and I am going to ask in December

People on here seem to be giving me more advice on my relationship and how to ask my gf when and how to ask her. I simply came on here to ask you about different areas in nyc. To those of you who have suggested and have helped, thank you very much. I have taken a lot of notes and will plan it all to hopefully make her say yes

Im not going to come on here again as I really cant be assed to read about mistakes im making and I should do it next week and I shouldn't plan.

Thank you again to those who have helped

Welcome to Fodors. Never ask a question that you don't want additional advice on.

Welcome to Fordors Graham. Perhaps it's a good thing the Lounge is closed?

Whatever you decide to do, I am sure she will love it.

Fodors. LOL - NeoP - Great minds....

Tis very true.

Someone upthread asked about waiting a full year before proposing - and you responded. I don't remember who it was but I agreed at the time that I wouldn't like that. Maybe your gf would. I hope that's the case but I think MOST women would tire of "tiny hints" starting in January. If you think it's best to make her wait for the tree in December, that's your call.

Wishing you the best.