If you’re lucky enough to be in New York City during the holiday season, then you need to spend your time there like a local. While many of the holiday trappings in NYC are geared for tourists, there are plenty of fun things that locals like to take part in during that happy period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
In one of the most beautiful locations in New York City, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market sits at the southwest entrance of Central Park at 59th Street and Central Park West. It’s filled with the city’s finest vendors, artisans, and designers and soaks up the ambience that is New York at Christmastime. Get some of your Christmas shopping out of the way with handmade items like wooden children’s toys, jewelry, home accessories, and clothing for people of all ages. Warm up with hot chocolate and some tummy-warming street foods from local food vendors. Finish up your morning with delectable Artisan chocolates and truffles before you head back to your cozy quarters.
Catch Popular Holiday Shows
It might seem a bit cliche to go see some of NYC’s staple shows, but you won’t regret going for a minute, according to Timeout.com. Locals might not admit it, but they love seeing the Rockettes just as much as the next tourist does. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is one of the most beloved parts of a NYC Christmas. The Rockettes will get you in the holiday spirit with the flashy outfits and you’ll want to give every New Yorker a squeeze when you get all hopped up on those impressive leg kicks. If you love ballet, then seeing the New York City Ballet’s rendition of the Nutcracker is everything you need to send you right back to those childhood visions of a magical and romantic nutcracker. You’ll feel your heart swell with Christmas Peace with the Oratorio Society of New York’s rendition of Handel’s Messiah at Carnegie Hall.
Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show
You literally will not find anything like this anywhere else. Every year, the Botanical Gardens creates miniatures of New York City’s landmarks–all of which are crafted only from plant parts. You’ll see the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, and 150 other landmarks. Everything is made from seeks, leaves, bark, and twigs and the tracks run for a lengthy quarter of a mile in the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. As soon as the sun sets, the staff turns on thousands of twinkling lights that glitter magically underneath the expansive glass ceilings of the conservatory.
Take a Holiday Tour
According to the tour company, Hornblower Cruises, you can now take a country holiday bash on the waters of New York Harbor aboard their 210 foot Hornblower Infinity. This luxury yacht will keep you entertained with country stars as you set sail across one of the most beautiful spots in NYC. You’ll get unbeatable views of Manhattan’s skyline and an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty.
Let the locals guide you to the best places to hit in NYC this holiday season. You’re sure to be mesmerized by the magic that this busy city exudes during one of the best times of the year.