1. Union Square Holiday Market
The Union Square Holiday Market is a market full of vendors who have crafted and designed unique clothing, jewelry, and even Christmas ornaments. If you are looking for a place to do your Christmas shopping, this is the perfect place to purchase a gift that is one of a kind. While walking through the market, enjoy sounds of live music and visit the small food stands that are sure to excite your taste palette.
2. The Holiday Nostalgia Train
Take a journey to the past with the New York Transit Museum as they bring out a vintage model of the trains once used in New York City! Complete with Christmas decor, the Nostalgia Train will be making its way through the F and Q train stations. The train will run along the F line between 2nd Ave and Lexington Avenue / 63rd Street and the Q line between Lexington Avenue / 63rd Street and 96th Street on the Upper East Side. Catch the train when it’s running December 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th. The train departs from the 2nd Ave subway station on the F line at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm and from the 96th Street subway station on the Q line at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm. Don’t miss your chance to experience what it was like to ride the subways in the 1930s.
3. Saks Fifth Light Show
The Saks Fifth Avenue light show is simply a must-do event during the holidays in NYC. Saks Fifth Avenue has been one of the leading companies to create a truly enthralling light show. Located on 5th Avenue, between 49th and 50th Street, stand and watch as the lights come to life and dance to the sounds of Christmas music. In addition, witness the captivating holiday window displays that Saks Fifth Ave has awed viewers with for 90-plus years.
4. The Rockefeller Center
Another one of New York’s biggest holiday attractions is at The Rockefeller Center. It is quite a sight to see the 94 foot high Christmas tree sitting in the middle of The Rockefeller Center, as seen on the classic Christmas Movie “Home Alone”. Lights cover the massive tree and the top is illuminated with a star. You can admire the beautiful angels and life sized toy soldiers that surround the Christmas tree. As if the scenery isn’t already enough, you can take the experience further with ice skating right under the tree.
5. Rockettes: Radio City Christmas Spectacular
“Glamour” and “flair” are two of the many words used to describe the Rockettes: Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Originally founded in the 1920s, the Rockettes have been blazing the stage with high kicks and smiles for centuries. 36 women take to the stage to perform a series of choreographed routines to some of your favorite Christmas songs. Watch as the Rockettes perform numbers dressed as Santa’s reindeer, toy soldiers, and in their signature candy cane costumes. You might even be visited by the big man himself! It is magical night that you don’t want to miss.
6. Santaland Macy’s Herald Square
If you are in search of the North Pole, all roads lead to Herald Square. The Macy’s in Herald Square has used the 8th floor to recreate The North Pole! This is a perfect attraction for families with kids. You are able to walk through this 13,000 sq ft Winter Wonderland to see reindeer, carolling snowman and let’s not forget Jolly Old Saint Nick himself! That’s right, kids get to sit in Santa’s lap and tell him all their Christmas wishes. The attraction is also free for all to experience, and is open during Macy’s regular business hours up until Christmas Eve.
7. Bryant Park Winter Village
Grab your coats and scarves and make your way over to the Bryant Park Winter Village this holiday season. You will find that there is an endless amount of things to do. Walk around and visit vendors who sell handmade items such as Christmas decor and jewelry. When you’re ready to take a break from shopping, enjoy the large variety of food stands that sell both savory and sweet delicacies! And if that isn’t enough to get you excited, strap up your ice skates and glide across the ice skating rink. Bryant Park Winter Village also has special events that take place all through December including a Scavenger Hunt, Winter Carnival, and Santa’s Corner!
8. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
If you want to see some of the most extravagant lighting decorations that Christmas has to offer, then you must take a trip to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn! You have not seen a house decorated in lights until you have taken a stroll through this neighborhood to see the thousands of lights that illuminate the houses.There are multiple blocks of houses that have over-the-top lighting fixtures that you can walk around for hours and enjoy the sights. You can go to 11th-13th Avenues from 83rd-86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn to go see these breathtaking decorations.
9. New York City Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Nothing says “happy holidays!” more than the classic ballet, The Nutcracker. The ballet is based off the story that was published in 1816 by author E.T.A. Hoffman. The New York City Ballet performs George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker every year. Experience the whimsical story of a young girl whose toy nutcracker comes to life and defeats the evil Mouse King in battle. The classic story is heightened through the enchanting choreography of the company. This traditional piece is a great show for families to watch and will have everyone leaving with a smile. The New York City Ballet will have performances at various times up until New Year’s Eve.
10. Escape Room Madness
Last but most certainly not least, if you want to to find a family fun activity for the holidays, Escape Room Madness is the place for you!! Our team is all about bringing families together to bond through the entertainment of an escape room. With 3 rooms to choose from, come laugh, play, and work together to solve creative puzzles. The Escape Room Madness team is also all about spreading the holiday cheer. After your game you have the opportunity to win prizes such as free tickets, small bags of candy, and other small gifts. The great thing about these giveaways is that EVERYONE wins something, because we want to see you smile this holiday season!
Whether you’re walking through a Winter Wonderland, gazing at the lights or trying to find your way out of an escape room, The Escape Room Madness team hopes that your holidays are filled with fun, family and cheer. Happy Holidays!!!
