New York City is a spectacular site during the holiday season, the city becomes a winter wonderland and everything appears to shimmer and sparkle in magic. Across the five boroughs, ice-skating, tree lightings and events like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular provide a plethora of festive offerings that last through the New Year.
Every year millions of people can’t resist NYC charms, and this year approximately five million people are expected to visit the city during the holiday season.
Celebrations started in November, with both time-honoured and new events bringing the vibrant destination alive with holiday cheer. If you’re heading to NYC for the holiday season or if you’re in NYC and need some inspiration, then you won’t want to miss our roundup of the following hidden gems.
Manhattan
The famous Radio City Music Hall’s Radio City Christmas Spectacular will you. This year’s show includes a new scene that will turn the stage into a glistening winter wonderland.
Le Parker Meridien will host their fifth annual Gingerbread Extravaganza from until January 6 with the theme “Quintessential New York.” Local bakeries and restaurants will create the gingerbread masterpieces, and you can vote for your favourite by purchasing one ticket at the hotel’s concierge for $1 or eight tickets for $5. Proceeds will go to City Harvest.
The Bronx
Family visitors will love the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show, which features model trains traveling through more than 100 scaled replicas of NYC landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge and Yankee Stadium, made from natural materials such as bark, twig and seeds. The show is on display from now until January 12.
Brooklyn
Thousands of visitors travel from all over to behold the borough’s famed Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. Each year, the neighbourhood goes all out with spectacular lighting exhibits, complete with 30-foot toy soldiers and nativity scenes. For a guided experience, check out A Slice of Brooklyn’s Christmas Lights & Cannoli Tour, which also offers festive holiday music and old-time Christmas television variety specials on the bus, topped off with a taste of Brooklyn’s best cannoli and hot chocolate. Tours are running from now until December 31.
Queens
Take a tour of the decorated Queens County Farm Museum during the Holiday Open House from December 26 to 28. Visitors can sip on mulled cider while children partake in winter craft activities. For more information, visit queensfarm.org.
Staten Island
Historic Richmond Town will hold its annual holiday favourite, Candlelight Tours, on December 14. The town will be ablaze with the light provided by candles, oil lamps and flickering fireplaces. You can also expect a wassail bowl reception in the Courthouse. Prepaid reservations are required. For tour times and reservations, visit historicrichmondtown.org.
Images courtesy of Nycgo
