This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
According to NYC & Company, responsible for marketing the destination, 6.5 million visitors are expected in the Big Apple from mid-November to January. Between the classics and the novelties, here are some avenues to explore.
There’s of course the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, which kicks off the festivities on November 24, and the giant Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, which has lit up Rockefeller Plaza for 80 years from late November to mid-January. But there are also the legendary shows, so numerous that a week wouldn’t be enough to see them all, the many events and traditions that make New York a particularly lively destination at this time of year.
Where to start ? Among the events that make visitors dream the most, the founder of the blog and the agency New York in FrenchAlexandre Vendé, mentions the dance performance of Rockettes. Since 1932, the dance troupe has performed at Radio City Music Hall. Price of a ticket for the show Christmas Spectacularwhich lasts 90 minutes: from $46.
All the boroughs sparkle in their own way during the holiday season. To get an overview, Brooklyn Bus Tour (in English) offers a “Christmas Lights Tour”. From Manhattan, visitors travel to Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. This is an opportunity to see residences that stand out for their spectacular character, but also to learn more about the history of the districts crossed.
New York in French offers a similar tour to Dyker Heights. “The houses are excessively decorated, with 4-meter-tall Santa Clauses, merry-go-rounds in the gardens, lights everywhere,” says Alexandre Vendé. It’s one of the things to see. »
Skating in Central Park or Byron Park is also among the activities he recommends, in addition to visiting the Christmas markets.
From botanical gardens to museums
From November, most attractions are already decked out in Christmas colours. At Brooklyn Botanic Garden, in Prospect Heights, an illuminated tunnel and a sea of lights appear on evenings from mid-November through January 8. In the Bronx, the landscape of the New York Botanical Garden also sparkles at nightfall thanks to NYBG GLOW, the largest outdoor holiday experience. In both cases, however, it takes a stroke of luck to get your hands on tickets.
On the side of Hudson Yards, a rapidly developing district located between Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen, The Shine Bright Experience celebrates Christmas with more than 2 million lights and the decoration of 725 trees.
L’American Museum of Natural History, which is celebrating its fiftieth birthday, concocts an origami Christmas tree. This year’s theme? Beautiful Bugs. Through the approximately 1,000 pieces of paper that will line it, some of which are inspired by the museum’s iconic exhibitions, Blue Whale et Tyrannisaurus Rex, butterflies, centipedes and ladybugs will creep in. Another way to shine!
The ideal time, according to Alexandre Vendé, to set sail for the Big Apple to enjoy the holiday atmosphere while avoiding the rush? “Around December 15-20. Trees are on sale in the streets and there are songs. The magic of Christmas is already here. It’s very cool. »
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.
