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 virus still present, touring outdoor, budget 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.
Macy’s Windows and 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 elaborately decorated windows have been a must-see for tourists since 1874. While as of this writing, the display for 2022 has not yet been announced, the 2021 windows were a big hit with children and adults alike. The windows told the story of Tiptoe, a reindeer who dreamt of joining Santa and his sled team as they spread joy around the world. (Free.)
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. (Between 40th and 42nd streets behind the Public Library.) 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. In fact, bring your own skates and enjoy skating on NYC’s free 17,000-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink. (Tickets available to reserve after Oct. 21.)
Want to indulge in some holiday shopping? The Bank of America Winter Village Market features local and global artisan vendors who sell their unique items in jewel-like kiosks. If I visit, I plan to hit up Christina’s World Glass Ornaments and the Baked Cheese Haus. The Shops are open daily from October 28 through January 2, 2023. Hours: Monday – Friday: 11 am-8 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am-8pm (Free.)
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. Since 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, usually hosts a magnificent storefront and exciting, dazzling light show! (Free.)
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. (Free.) 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 grandest and most glorious in the City! (Free.)
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 exciting 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 (Free)
- 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 (Free)
- Central Park Zoo – When open, your family may enjoy watching sea lions, penguins, seals, and snow leopards (Adults: $19.95, Children:$14.95) Check for closing time.
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 (Free)
- USS Maine National Monument – A large monument built to honor the crew members aboard the ill-fated battleship (Free)
- Horse and Carriage Ride – Splurge and enjoy a unique New York experience. It may be costly, but also charming and adventurous ($120 for up to 30 minutes)
Carnegie Hall and Rockefeller Center
Walk for about 6 minutes as you head west on 59th Street. 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. (Free.)
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 spruce in person. Weighing in at 900 pounds, 2020’s tree featured a newly redesigned star covered in 3 million crystals! (Free.) The 2022 tree has not been announced as of this writing, but you may find it interesting to learn the origins of the tradition. In 1931, employees of the Center first put their money together to buy a large tree. The men decorated the 20-foot high balsam fir with handmade garlands made by their families. If you plan to visit this year, note that the lighting ceremony is usually held on on November 30 and features performances and classic Christmas songs. But while you’re visiting, don’t forget to watch the talented skaters dancing around the infamous skating ring. Also, check out the myriad of shops dotted about.
Hopefully, you have experienced an exciting 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
Macys.com: It’s Time to be Merry at Macy’s this Holiday Season
Rockefeller Center: Plan Your Visit
St. Patrick’s Cathedral: History & Heritage
Resources
Central Park Zoo: Plan Your Visit
About the Author
True Hunter is a pseudonym for Kathy Rusch. Kathy adopted 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 websites.
Photo Credits
Lily Polcini Amella
Christopher Dillon
Pexels