There never a bad time to visit New York City, but nothing beats the Holiday season for unadulterated magical joy. From a big-band parade to a bells-on performance, here’s how to add a little festive sparkle to your Holiday stay in NYC.
Attended by 3.5 million people, with a further 50 million tuning in at home, the 2.5-mile-long, 1924-established Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade heralds the unofficial start to the festive season. To nab a coveted front-row position, we recommend donning your fluffiest Moncler and arriving early (6am-ish) to line the route from Central Park West (the west side of 75th St), or Sixth Avenue (between Central Park S and 38th St) for the best views of more than 1,500 dancers, 1,000 clowns, 30 floats and countless inflatable characters.
Or if standing in the cold is not your cup of cocoa, get moving instead with a few rounds of the ice rink at magical Bryant Park Winter Village. The 17,000-sq-ft skate park boasts a fabulously boozy rinkside retreat for that all-important stiffener, plus a second-floor observation deck with board games and calorific snacks like waffles, dumplings, crepes and doughnuts. Après-skate, browse some 125 global artisan ‘jewel box’ kiosks, hawking everything from sisal-woven bowls from Rwanda to homegrown artworks, jewellery, and children’s toys.
Although lacking the retail drawcard of Bryant Park, the city’s most established on-ice experience is to be found at The Rink At Rockefeller Center. Set in a sunken plaza, at the foot of the sparkliest tree you ever did see, this Insta-perfect ice rink has been pulling locals and visitors alike for nigh on 80 years. Opt for the ‘VIP Igloo’ ticket to whoosh past the long queues with complimentary skate rental, private access and cute add-ons like fresh-baked cookies and free-flow hot chocolate.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… so hurry your sleigh to the Radio City Music Hall for the beloved tradition that is The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. This bouncy, glitter-spangled dance troupe takes on a magical medley of feel-good classics like The 12 Days of Christmas, The Nutcracker, and their perfectly synchronised signature, The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. High kick!
Whether you’re NYC-bound for the Holidays or beyond…
