New York City becomes an enchanted, winter wonderland during Christmas. The holidays seem to bring an old world, nostalgic feeling to the City. If you choose to visit the Big Apple this winter, stick to outdoor activities ranging from holiday pop-up markets to festive window displays. With the Covid-19 pandemic still underway, touring outdoor attractions may be a better choice. Dress for cold weather, avoid overcrowded areas, wear a mask, and be sure to social distance. Follow my suggested walking route and experience an unforgettable trip to New York City this Christmas.
Bryant Park Holiday Market
After arriving at Penn Station by train or by bus, I like to begin my route at Bryant Park. It’s a wonderful city gem that you are sure to enjoy. So, head up 7th Avenue, turn right on W. 34th Street, and then left onto 6th for a 12-minute walk past Macy’s Herald Square. Featured in the movie “Miracle on 34th Street,” Macy’s is hosting six, holiday windows centered around the theme “Give, Love, Believe.” While each window shows a different aspect of New York, children in your group will be wowed by the second and third windows. These magical storefronts portray Santa’s elves writing “thank you” across the City in appreciation of all first responders and essential workers.
Continue north on Sixth Avenue. It may be chilly, so warm up with a beverage at Pret A Manger or Starbucks before continuing onto the Park. With over 1,000 free annual events, you’re sure to observe jugglers, watch ice skaters, or receive a park tour before heading over to the Holiday Shops. The Bank of America Winter Village features local and global artisan vendors who sell their unique items in jewel-like kiosks. Next time I visit, I plan to treat myself to glass items at Artisans of New York (W2), or knitwear at Himalayan Artwear (W3). The Shops are open daily until 4pm through January 3rd.
Important: Quarantine mandates and recommendations are in effect for the State of New York. As of this writing, there is a 14-day quarantine in place for travelers coming to the City from high-risk states. (Travelers from states that are contiguous with New York are exempt from the travel advisory.) Out-of-state travelers must complete a state Department of Health travel form upon entering New York. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges all Americans to exercise the safety precautions in public. Use caution and travel at your own risk.
Fifth Avenue: Holiday Window Shopping and St. Patrick’s Cathedral
From the Park, head north to gaze at the window displays along Fifth Avenue. Tourists and townies usually flock to see the designs of the city’s retailers. In 2020, the visions may seem a little different in an attempt to address congestion, but you can still find several to admire. Saks, about a 10-minute walk from the park and between 49th and 50th streets, is hosting an “Only in New York” storefront. The spectacle displays important landmarks around the Big Apple.
After Saks, take just a few steps up Fifth to admire the neo-gothic facade of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. When the structure was completed in 1879, newspapers hailed the seat of NY’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese as “the noblest temple ever raised in any land to the memory of Saint Patrick.” If open, you may want to step into the Cathedral to warm up and view the beautiful High Altar and Baldachino. Walk north on Fifth from the Cathedral for about 8 minutes, before stopping at the windows of Bergdorf Goodman (between 57th and 58th streets). The retailer’s windows are usually among the most grand and glorious in the City!
Central Park and Columbus Circle
Central Park is always the high point of my visit to New York. If time is limited, decide between a number of interesting activities on the southern end of the park. I suggest the following:
- Hallett Nature Sanctuary – The hidden gem is accessible via natural, manicured paths and provides a quiet place to rest and watch small wildlife play
- Visitor Center – From here, pick up an adventure Discovery Kit for the kids, plan for a self-guided tour, or book a tour with an expert tour guide
- Central Park Zoo – When open, your family may enjoy watching sea lions, penguins, seals, and snow leopards
Columbus Circle, which lies at the southwest corner of Central Park, is considered the gateway to Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Of course, it’s a traffic circle, but it also houses shops, restaurants, and the towering Time Warner Center. Why not check out the following nearby?
- Marble Statue of Christopher Columbus – A piece of the city’s 1892 commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ landing in the Americas
- USS Maine National Monument – A large monument built to honor the crew members aboard the ill-fated battleship
- Horse and Carriage Ride – Splurge and enjoy a unique New York experience. It may be costly, but also charming and adventurous
Carnegie Hall and Rockefeller Center
Walk for about 6 minutes as you head west on 59th Street, and then turn right on 7th Avenue. Stop before the historic Carnegie Hall at #881. It was here in 1890, that Mrs. Andrew Carnegie laid the cornerstone of the Italian Renaissance–style building. Today, you can gaze up and remember the larger than life figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Maria Callas, the Beatles, and Bob Dylan, who have graced the halls over the years. Carry on though, to your final destination: Rockefeller Center, a cluster of buildings on 22 acres between 48th Street and 51st Street.
How many times have you seen a photo of the glittering Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center? Today you have the opportunity to view the giant Norway spruce in person. Weighing in at 900 pounds, last year’s tree featured a newly redesigned star covered in 3 million crystals! While you are visiting, don’t forget to watch the talented skaters dancing around the infamous skating ring. Or, why not take a spin yourself? If you must take shelter, use caution and check out the myriad of shops dotted about, or book a tour of the impressive, art deco masterpiece.
Hopefully, you have experienced a thrilling day. From here, it is just under a 25-minute walk back to Penn Station, where you began your journey. You have walked approximately 6.5 miles. Happy Holidays!
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Covid 19-How to Protect Yourself & Others
Central Park Conservancy: View from the Park
Footwear News: Inside Saks Fifth Avenue’s Holiday Plans
NYC: Coronavirus Travel Advisory
NYC Go: Coronavirus Information and Resources for Travelers
Rockerfeller Center: Plan Your Visit
St. Patrick’s Cathedral: History & Heritage
Timeout: Take a Sneak Peek at the 2020 Macy’s Holiday Windows Coming to Herald Square
Today: The 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has Been Chosen
World News: Where to See the Best NYC Holiday Windows in 2020
Resources
NYC Tourist: Hotels/Restaurants
The Washington Post: What Tourists Need to Know About Visiting New York City During the Pandemic
About the Author
True Hunter is a pseudonym for Kathy Rusch. Kathy adoped the name in honor of her maternal, British grandmother. For several years, True (a.k.a Kathy) wrote travel and career articles for Demand Studios. You can still find a few published on the AZ Central, Careertrend, Gone Outdoors, and USA Today web sites.
Photo Credits
Lily Polcini Amella
Christopher Dillon
Kathy Rusch
Thanks for the info.
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