New York is magical and a must-visit on the lead-up to Christmas, with enchanting Christmas light displays, delicious chocolate, entertaining festive performances, and much more! Here are some of my favourite places to visit, things to experience, and must-do activities while visiting New York on the lead-up to Christmas.
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES NOT TO MISS IN NEW YORK
Getting To New York
We flew with British Airways from Edinburgh connecting via London Heathrow and arriving into JFK (John F Kennedy Airport). Then jumped in a bright yellow New York Taxi to the hotel. There are other airlines departing from various airports and alternative transport options available from each airport but a taxi was the easiest for us to get to our hotel and not waste any sightseeing time.
Staying In New York
We booked a city break package with British Airways including the flights and accommodation at the traditional, luxurious, warm, and charming Waldorf Astoria centrally located in Midtown Manhattan on Park Avenue. The historic hotel first opened its doors in 1931, closing in 2017 to undergo an extensive restoration helmed by architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and renowned interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon with a much-anticipated spring 2025 opening. Did you know that every U.S. president has stayed there since Herbert Hoover (31st U.S. president 1929 - 1933). The hotel can also be seen in many movies including Scent of a Women, Coming to America, and Maid in Manhattan.
Another firm favourite hotel that we have stayed in twice, is The New Yorker Wyndham Hotel. The charming Art-Deco hotel is a little run-down in places, but the bedrooms are cozy and comfortable, and the adjoining Tick Tock Diner restaurant is a must-visit! With scrumptious pancake stacks and more. The hotel has welcomed many a familiar name from Nikola Tesla, John F. Kennedy, Muhammad Ali, and Joan Crawford. You can also now stay in the same room as Nikola Tesla number 3327! It is also easy to reach, being ideally located across from Penn Station, and centrally located in midtown.
Pre-Bookable Must-Do Activities
New York is a busy and popular city break no matter the time of year. Don't leave booking the must-do activities to chance! Once you have your itinerary planned and pre-booked all the must-do activities, you can relax knowing that you are going to enjoy your trip to New York with all the fun things you have planned (no stress of getting tickets/waiting in lines/or being disappointed you are unable to do the things you would have loved to do).
New York City Pass
No trip to New York would be complete without visiting the incredible sights. Did you know you can remove the stress of visiting 5 iconic New York attractions including the Empire State Building Observatory, American Museum of Natural History, plus three more of your choice from Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Ferry Access to the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Intrepid Museum, and the Guggenheim Museum with the New York CityPass. Save on time and money, then reserve your entry time stress-free with the App. As a CityPass holder, you can also save on not-to-be-missed Broadway shows!
Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
The 90-minute Christmas Spectacular non-stop show is a fun-filled family entertainment show, headlining the talented Radio City Rockettes. Highly recommend!
Radio City Music Hall Tour
Get to see the behind-the-scenes of Radio City with the 60-minute Radio City Music Hall Tour and meet one of the talented Radio City Rockettes. The guided tour was so much fun, informative, and interesting!
A Slice of Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour
Travel by bus on The Original Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights (3.5 hours) to see the elaborate Christmas light displays in Brooklyn. These have to be seen to be believed! Thousands of lights in every colour, with Christmas inflatables including spiderman and more. A fun evening learning about the local residents and meeting some, how long it takes to put up all the Christmas decorations, and how passionate they are about Christmas and sharing it with others. Don't go with the rest, go with the best - A Slice of Brooklyn Tours. Highly recommend!
The Ride - Holiday Edition
One of the most entertaining bus trips we have ever taken! The Ride is a state-of-the-art bus with large glass windows, and seats across different levels so you won't miss the incredible surprise performances on the 75-minute trip. An unforgettable experience and one we will definitely do again!
Christmas Dinner Evening Cruise - Statue of Liberty by Night
The New York Christmas City Lights Dinner Cruise (2.5 hours) was everything we had hoped, with a fun holiday atmosphere, festive tunes, delicious food, and seeing the bright city lights from the Hudson River.
Brooklyn Chocolate Tour
If you love chocolate, this is definitely one for you! A Slice of Brooklyn Chocolate Tour (4.5 hours) takes you to a few different chocolate stops from bar to bean, luxury handmade, one of the oldest chocolatiers, and more. All were delicious. Don't miss this incredible chocolate bus tour in Brooklyn. Now it also visits Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.
What To Pack
It can be very cold, sunny, windy, and wet plus you may be lucky to enjoy some wintery snow showers. Wrap up warm, good waterproof walking shoes/boots, and take a flexible day bag for a water bottle, and any shopping.
I hope you have enjoyed reading Christmas Activities Not To Be Missed In New York and are feeling inspired to visit. It really is an incredible city, one of my most favourite places to visit. As always, I love to hear from you with any comments/questions you may have. You can get in touch in the usual ways.
Until next time...Happy travels, Michelle x
Thank you to British Airways Holidays, NYC & Company, A Slice of Brooklyn Tours, City Experiences, The Ride, and Radio City Music Hall.
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