‘Tis the season to be merry, and more than any place in the world, New York City embodies the spirit of the holidays. The city’s winter markets, towering Christmas trees, breathtaking ice-skating rinks, and special events are pure magic. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade to the Times Square countdown to the New Year (and everything in between), read on for how to spend the holidays in NYC.
[A Very NYC Holiday Gift Guide]
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Whether you take in the pre-parade Balloon Inflation or wish to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade make its way down 34th Street just steps from The Manhattan Club, the magic that started 98 years ago is sure to leave you spellbound. One warning - watching from the television will never be the same again!
Go Shopping in Midtown this Black Friday
Midtown’s streets are lined with luxury department stores, multi-story retail centers, and independent boutiques - all within a scenic stroll of The Manhattan Club. Check out our Shopping in Midtown guide for the best stops to ensure a first-rate retail experience.
See the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center
No Christmas tree can beat that of Rockefeller Center. Located in the heart of Rockefeller Plaza, this must-see attraction is a beloved NYC spectacle, attracting people from all over the world to see its impressive stature, 50,000 multi-colored LED lights, and 900 lb. Swarovski star. This year’s tree hails from Queensbury, New York. The 85-90 year old Norway Spruce clocks in at 82-ft tall and 50-ft wide. Get tickets to skate at The Rink at the foot of the enormous tree to get up close for some enviable photographs.
Walk around Central Park
New York’s winter wonderland is another must-see attraction. Whether you want to ice skate on the picturesque Wollman Rink, walk along the Mall, or photograph the park’s snow-covered bridges, nowhere is as beautiful as Central Park in the winter. The Manhattan Club is within walking distance, so grab a coffee from our Private Club Lounge on your way there and stay warm!
Shop the Winter Village at Bryant Park
The small yet bright Winter Village at Bryant Park is your one-stop shop for pure holiday fun. A grand Christmas tree, NYC’s only free admission ice skating rink, holiday shops, rinkside eats and drinks, and regular holiday events and shows blanket the complex in ‘Manhattan’s Town Square’.
See ‘The Nutcracker’ at Lincoln Center
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker may be the be-all and end-all “list-worthy” entry, but this famed company always makes the trip to Lincoln Center worthwhile. The Nutcracker is playing Nov. 25 through Dec. 31.
Tour the New York Botanical Garden
It may seem like a warmer weather destination, but the New York Botanical Garden enchants visitors year-round. The centerpiece of their winter events, the annual Holiday Train Show, showcases more than 190 famed NYC landmarks, completely constructed out of natural materials from the garden such as pine cones, acorns, and seeds. The Holiday Train Show runs until Jan. 16, 2023. Also on the schedule, NYBG GLOW: An Outdoor Color & Light Experience which returns for its 3rd year. Discover the beauty of the garden’s illuminated landscape and historic buildings after dark on select dates through Jan. 14, 2023.
Check out the Best Holiday Window Displays in NYC
The city’s major department stores continue the tradition of going all-out during the holiday season. Their elaborate window displays are usually unveiled at the end of November and remain on display until after New Year’s Day. Walk along Fifth Avenue in Midtown for a glimpse and visit these stores to see the most illustrious displays of all:
- Macy's Herald Square (151 W 34th Street)
- Saks Fifth Avenue (611 5th Avenue)
- Bergdorf Goodman (754 5th Avenue)
- Tiffany & Co. (727 5th Avenue)
- Bloomingdale’s (1000 Third Avenue 59th Street and Lexington Avenue)
See The Radio City Rockettes ‘Christmas Spectacular’
Radio City Music Hall’s annual musical holiday stage show returns Nov. 18 for daily performances through the New Year. The 90-minute Christmas Spectacular has been a New York holiday tradition since 1933, featuring more than 140 performers from the women’s precision dance troupe the Rockettes.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve
If you're planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New York City, specifically in the heart of all the action in Times Square, countdown with our 10 tips to ensure your night is a fabulous one to remember. The Manhattan Club is located only blocks away from the biggest party of the year!
[Alternative Ways to Spend New Year's Eve in NYC]
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Located in the heart of Midtown, The Manhattan Club is your perfect home-base for spending the holidays in NYC. We're perfectly located in Midtown to provide convenience to Bryant Park, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, as well as a host of other NYC attractions. Choose from our best rates and special offers when you book direct.
Usher in the holidays with The Manhattan Club’s best deal of the year. Now for a limited time, save 35% off your nightly rate, plus get an Amazon gift card for holiday shopping and an Uber gift card to help get you around the city. Read more.
