TOP 5 HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES IN NYC

If there’s one thing I absolutely love about NYC, it’s that the city lights up during the holidays! I always try to stay here during this time of year because it’s a magical experience. Despite the cold and the crowds, I still make it a priority to go outside and explore all of the amazing activities. As a native New Yorker, I have compiled the best 5 holiday activities to do in NYC this winter!

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR AT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL:

The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall is an iconic and must do activity if you’re visiting or living in NYC during the holidays. There are tons of advertisements about this show especially on the city tour buses, but there’s a reason! There is so much history with the Rockettes and it’s an experience like no other. I personally have watched the performance twice with this year being my second and I only wished I started to make this a tradition earlier on. I dont’ want to give too much away, but just know that if you get tickets, you’ll be glad that you did and the production and choreography lives up to the spectacular name. The last show is on January 5th so make sure you put this on your list now! The best part is that this is literally walking distance to the Rockefeller Center tree and the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, so you can make this an afternoon or evening of Christmas spirit!

CLASSIC HARBOR LINE HOLIDAY CRUISES:

I discovered Classic Harbor Line this year and I’m so glad I did! This is a perfect way to spend the holidays because there’s nothing more magical than cruising on a ship with your friends and family and enjoying some music, food and beautiful views of NYC. There are a number of holiday events that Classic Harbor Line throws throughout the year but for the holidays, there are several to choose from, some of which include Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise, Holiday Jazz Cruise, Holiday Statue and Skyline Cruise and my personal recommendation, Holiday Brunch Cruise aboard Yacht Manhattan. The yacht is decorated beautifully with holiday vibes that will sure get you in the holiday spirit once you step foot on the ship. You can expect a delicious holiday themed buffet with tons of food including spice glazed ham harvest-mix salad, stuffed quiches, gluten-free waffle station with all the fixings, turkey sausage, spicy Bloody Marys, Mimosas, juices, coffee and tea. If you are looking for a great, relaxing and fun thing to do during the holidays, then this activity is perfect for you!

WINTERN LATERN FESTIVAL

If you are looking for a holiday activity that is suitable for all ages and is perfect for families and kids, then you must attend the The Wintern Latern Festival! The Staten Island’s Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is transformed into a whimsical world of light with eight acres of light, entertainment, cultural shows, exhibits and more. Since this festival happens at night, you will be mesmerized by the lanterns as they are all hand painted by artisans and carefully designed with frames and silk cloths. This festival is open to the public until the 31st so make sure you check it out before it’s over!

VISIT 230 FIFTH ROOFTOP

If you are looking for a rooftop to have some drinks or dinner at, then definitely head to 230 Fifth, the largest outdoor rooftop garden in NYC. This is a place I go regularly with my girls and we always have a great time. During the winter, there is an igloo bar, which is essentially what it sounds like. Guests can reserve these igloos, which are lit up and give off an intimate, cozy vibe. Each igloo can accomodate up to 12 guests and is usually offered on a first come first serve basis, so you may be spending it with other people. They are all heated and transparent which allow for a spectacular view of the Empire State Building!

HOLDAY MARKETS

This goes without saying, but attending the holiday markets in NYC is a must do! There are many to choose from including Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, Union Square Holiday Market, Grand Central Holiday Fair and, Strasbourg-Alsace Christmas Market.I love browsing through the different shops and vendors because you will usually end up finding a really cool gift for someone on your list. There are also hot chocolate offered so it’s a perfect way to warm up while still being outdoors.

I have already done all of these five holiday activities and will continue to embrace everything that the city has to offer at this time of year! I highly encourage you all to take advantage of these activities since these are mostly seasonal and there’s no better way to get into the holiday cheer and spirit than to actually throw yourself into all that’s happening in the city right now!