December is almost here, we’ve already had our first snow flurries of the season, and the weather is getting colder – all these things tell us that Christmas, and the holiday season, have definitely come to New York. New York at Christmas is a special time, familiar even to those who haven’t been here. There are plenty of classic Christmas street scenes in NYC made famous by Hollywood hits such as Home Alone II, Miracle on 34th Street, When Harry Met Sally, Elf, and many more.But there are plenty of less well known treats, as well. New York International would like to share some of our favorites.
New York International Specials
Grand Central Holiday FairMonday-Saturday 10am-8pmSundays 11am-7pmGrand Central Terminal, Vandrbilt Hall89 E. 42nd Street, New YorkNew York’s only indoor holiday market, this seasonal fair is always a great place to browse for gifts or something for yourself. More than seventy vendors sell their wares ranging from hand-made hats and scarves to unique New York art pieces. The fair is only open for six weeks each year, so be sure to check it out while it’s there!Brooklyn Flea Weekends, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.1 Hanson Place, Brooklyn, NYRecently started in 2008, Brooklyn Flea has become one of the biggest attractions in the city. A bustling market which is open every weekend, there’s always a great find to be had. The market moves indoors for the winter, so you don’t have to freeze to get great deals. Plus, on weekends through December 23, the Gifted Holiday Market brings an extra special feeling. Find some of the most original gifts you’re likely to give, explore the stalls, appreciate the holiday decorations and enjoy what’s sure to become a firm New York Christmas favorite.St Patrick’s Cathedral460 Madison Avenue, New York, NYAlready a destination on many tourist maps, St Pat’s is still worth a visit during its less crowded moments. The building is beautiful, and the church is active throughout the holiday season. There’s an active music scene, and, of course, the church remains open for those who wish to pray or hear mass. On Christmas Eve a vigil mass is held at 5:30, and a midnight mass brings in Christmas day.Holiday Train Show2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458The Holiday Train show at The New York Botanical Gardens is an annual event beloved by many New Yorkers. A miniature world, lovingly crafted from natural materials, the show is a wonderland of New York landmarks and imagination. Tiny, handmade models surrounded by the already stunning botanical gardens? How could you not want to go?International ShopsNew York City is the melting pot of cultures, and you can get some amazing international goods without even leaving the city. How about The Japan Society Shop? Or, for a more Nordic twist, The Shop @ Scandinavia House offers jewelry, accessories, textiles, tableware and more. You can also find seasonal British treats at Myers of Keswick which will make you less homesick over the holidays.
Things to See
The large stores on and around Fifth Avenue have made a tradition of making their storefront decorations worth the trip even if you’re not planning on shopping. The holiday creations are often animated, and many are themed around stories; they draw crowds of curious New Yorkers each year eager to see which store has outdone the others. Bloomingdale’s, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Lord and Taylor and Macy’s are all within about two miles of each other. It might be chilly on the sidewalk, but you can always pop in to the comfort of the shops themselves.Bryant ParkBryant Park, New York, NY 10018 Less crowded and, frankly, much nicer than Rockefeller Plaza, the ice skating rink and Christmas market at Bryant Park offers handmade crafts, art, food and drink, designer names and all manner of goods, among festively decorated trees and the beauty of the park. With breathtaking vistas of midtown Manhattan, skating in the rink is a magical experience. The DJ will play the most romantic Christmas tunes and if you bring your own ice skates, the rink is entirely free – take your own padlock and you don’t even need to pay for a locker. Magic.Union SquareThe Holiday Market at Union Square is a fantastic – and beautiful – way to spend an evening. The stalls are smaller than those in Bryant Park, but the layout is more European and very festive indeed. Hand-made art, clothes, and food, as well as gifts ranging from specialty teas to graffiti art, are on sale, while the Empire State Building lights up the sky in the background. We especially recommend hunting down the French chocolate truffles! Gingerbread Lane at The New York Hall of Science47-01 111th Street, Queens, NY 11368Quite literally, a gingerbread wonderland. Marshmallows, gum drops, candy canes, and 1,900 pounds of icing decorate this sprawling village. This awesome display took about a year to make and is a contender for the Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread exhibit.
The Classics
45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NYCrowded, noisy, expensive, and even time consuming if you want to stand in line for the ice rink, the giant tree in Rockefeller Plaza is nevertheless one of the most enduring symbols of Christmas in New York City. It’s also great fun, if you don’t mind the cold. This year’s tree has more than 30,000 LED lights and the whole area is a fantastic place to take those holiday snaps and really get into the festive mood.Central ParkCentral Park, in Manhattan, has plenty going on throughout the year, but December brings a special feeling to the place. Horse drawn carriage rides through frost covered trees, with the city’s skyline in the background? Classic. Skating in Wollman Rink, is less expensive and less crowded than Rockefeller Center and just as fun for the whole family. The Central Park Zoo and Beldevere Castle both hold craft days and special Christmas events, so all ages can join in the fun. Plus, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, open through December, offers a European-style collection of festive stalls and treats.The NutcrackerPerformances of Tchaikovsky’s great Christmas ballet have become a staple of New York holiday celebrations. Many performances are available throughout the city, each with a different choreographer and a different take on the classic ballet. The one thing that unites them is the brilliant story and true Christmas feel.