One word to sum up Christmas in New York? Magical! For the end of year celebrations, New York is transformed and you will discover a completely different city from the rest of the year. Here’s what you absolutely must see and do:
1/ Check out the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
- Every year, Rockefeller Center hosts the largest Christmas tree in New York. The very first Christmas tree was installed in 1931 by workers working at the Rockefeller Center construction site. Since then the tradition has continued!
- Rockefeller Center has made it a point of honor to stand out: the giant is lit up every night until the beginning of January. Since 2004, the Christmas tree has even been adorned with an imposing star made up of a myriad of small Swarovski crystals. Something to shine even more!
2/ Admire the windows and Christmas decorations
- New York department stores compete in creativity for their holiday windows. I particularly recommend Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue department stores, veritable Santa Claus workshops. Even the Saks Fifth Avenue department store offers a magnificent play of light across its entire facade. Meet right in front of Rockefeller Center.
- And to make sure you don’t miss any of New York’s illuminations, take our guided tour of the Midtown neighborhood. Our team of English-speaking guides will introduce you to the main sights to see in this iconic Manhattan neighborhood, from Times Square to the Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center. On the occasion of the end-of-year celebrations, the accent is obviously placed on the illuminations! More info and reservations through our page dedicated to the guided tour of the center of New York in French.
3/ Attend the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall
- During the holiday season, Radio City Music Hall in New York hosts the “Christmas Spectacular”, the famous Rockettes Christmas show. Since 1933, this group of dancers has been offering an absolutely magical show.
- Be careful because the tickets are going very fast! You can reserve your tickets on our CNEWYORK website via the dedicated ticket page for the Rockettes show at Radio City Music Hall.
4/ Visit Santa’s neighborhood in Brooklyn
- In the far south of Brooklyn, the Dyker Heights neighborhood stands out every year for its amazingly decorated houses. Residents are turning Dyker Heights into a real Santa neighborhood!
- To discover the neighborhood, follow our team of French-speaking guides! Go to the page dedicated to the guided tour of the Dyker Heights neighborhood in French. The guided tour first saves you time as we take you to Dyker Heights by van one way. You will also avoid missing out or missing out on the must-see houses, because our guides have obviously singled out the most beautiful places to see this year. Last but not least, you will benefit from all the explanations about this tradition and surprises await you to get you in the mood… A magical visit!
5/ Explore the Christmas markets
- To find gift ideas or just enjoy the atmosphere, wander around the Christmas markets! I particularly recommend the “Winter Village” of Bryant Park, with its ice rink topped by the spire of the Empire State Building. We also fell in love with the Union Square Christmas Market, with its warm atmosphere.
- For more information go to the page dedicated to the Christmas markets in New York.
6/ Decorate your biscuits with our pastry shop
- Do you have a Top Chef soul? Take part in our pastry workshop in New York! Our chef will introduce you to the “Cookie icing” technique, an American specialty for decorating cakes. A translator will be present to help you understand the chef and ask your questions.
- Obviously you will leave with your gourmet creations! More info and reservations on the page dedicated to the pastry shop in New York.
7/ Discover the magic of Christmas at Legoland New York
- Since May 2021, New York has its own Legoland park! An amusement park entirely dedicated to the famous Danish brand and its emblematic colored bricks. Legoland is obviously entering the Christmas season with special decorations and animations.
- How to get to Legoland New York? You can book your tickets on our CNEWYORK website and add an option that includes round-trip bus travel, departing from Manhattan. Practice ! Go to the page dedicated to Legoland New York.
