Recently updated on January 22nd, 2020 at 07:26 pm
With its elaborate window displays, nostalgic Christmas markets and iconic seasonal events, New York is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to celebrate the festive season. While soaking up the spirit of the holidays, seek out these incredible Christmas and New Year experiences on a festive trip to the Big Apple.
Visit Rockefeller Centre to see the Christmas Tree
Lighting up Manhattan’s Rockefeller Centre, this giant Christmas tree is recognised worldwide as a symbol of the holiday season. And when the time comes to switch on the tree’s lights in 2016 – with thousands gathering on the streets for the occasion – it will mark this tradition’s glittering 84th year.
See the Window Displays on Fifth Avenue
The world-famous department stores of Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue are a sight to behold during the holidays, when they all compete to create the most elaborate and eye-catching window displays. Peer into the storefront of Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Saks, among others, to see what innovative Christmas scenes they’ve dreamt up for the 2016 festivities.
Soak up the Christmas Spirit in New Hampshire
With idyllic villages like Jackson, Intervale and Glen fully embracing the Christmas spirit – with the chance of some snow, too – it’s no wonder that so many people like to visit New Hampshire at this time of year. Take a nostalgic train ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad or hop aboard the festive Ho-Ho-Hobo Santa Express while you’re there, and to see more of the region’s snow, set out on a snowcat trip from Cranmore Mountain Resort.
Wander through the Opulent Newport Mansions
Over on Rhode Island, visitors can step across the threshold of the extravagant Newport Mansions, or ‘summer cottages’, of the famously opulent Gilded Age of America. Over Christmas, three of these National Historic Landmarks – The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House – are decked out in resplendent Christmas decorations.
Go for Gourmet Hot Chocolate at City Bakery
Having turned 25 in 2015, City Bakery has become one of the city’s most beloved neighbourhood bakeries. As well as having a loyal local following, this eatery has made a name for itself worldwide, and as a bakery, coffee bar, café and chocolate shop in-one, it is responsible for creating the exceptionally rich hot chocolate that entices patrons from miles around.
See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
As one of the most iconic events in New York’s seasonal calendar, Radio City Christmas Spectacular brings together singers, dancers and comedy acts, including the famous dance troupe, The Rockettes. Having been hosted each year since 1933, this show is now a well-established New York Christmas tradition.
Catch the Traditional Christmas Eve Concert at Carnegie Hall
Another of New York’s cherished holiday traditions is to spend Christmas Eve at the world famous Carnegie Hall. Locals and visitors alike come here to see the New York String Orchestra perform, with this year’s concert featuring an all-Mozart programme.
Shop at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Throughout the holidays, atmospheric Christmas markets pop up across New York. One of the most celebrated is the outdoor Columbus Circle Holiday Market, where shoppers can pick up artworks, handmade jewellery and artisanal foods in wintery Christmas surrounds.
Spend New Year’s Eve at the Ball Drop
With over a billion people watching from around the world, the Ball Drop in Times Square is arguably the biggest New Year celebration to experience in the city. Catch the mammoth event’s musical performances, watch spectacular light displays, and be amidst the celebrations as the clock strikes midnight.
Watch the Coney Island Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day
Over on Coney Island, there’s a New Year tradition of a different kind. It’s here that The Coney Island Polar Bear Club meet each Sunday, October through April, to swim in the Atlantic waters, attracting the most attention on their annual New Year’s Day swim. Those brave enough can join them for a dip on the big day, providing they’ve attended one other freezing winter swim.
Spend the festive season in New York and experience the magic of Christmas with Trafalgar.
Image credits: Cover photo © iStock / WGCPhotography. Central Park in the snow © iStock / Songquan Deng. Ice skating in New York © iStock / franckreporter. A Christmas display in New York © iStock / Nikada. A Christmas tree in New York © iStock / brytta. New Year in New York © Flickr / Anthony Quintano.