Christmas in New York City
After three long years and a 20 month Covid travel ban I finally got back to the USA with a long overdue shopping trip in the big apple. This was my fifth time visiting New York City but there is something about visiting during the holiday season that makes it so magical.
The first time I ever visited New York was at Christmas time and it was honestly one of my favourite trips I have ever taken. There is something about the city during the holidays that just brings the streets to life. Not only is it perfect for Christmas shopping but seeing the stores dripping with lights and decorations is so beautiful an unlike anything in any other city.
This trip started with an easy Virgin Atlantic flight into JFK and a short but sweet UBER ride into Midtown. As soon as check in was done it was time to head straight out into the cold and start exploring. First on my festive list of things to visit was the Winter Village at Bryant Park. The Winter Village is the closest thing to a traditional Christmas market in the city with small independent booths lining the square selling everything from one of a kind decorations to sweet treats. There is an ice-rink in the middle of the park and plenty of places to get mulled wine and hot chocolate. After a couple of hours at the Winter Village the cold and jet lag really started to get to me and it was time to head back to the hotel.
One of my favourite things to do when visiting New York is to catch a broadway show, however with it being Christmas and after binge watching the Disney+ series 'On Pointe' I was desperate to tick an item off my bucket list and go to the ballet. During the holiday season the New York Ballet put on their annual production of George Balanchine's 'The Nutcracker'. This was my first time ever seeing a ballet and it was breathtaking. The cast were incredible and the costumes were beautiful. The show was so festive and was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Christmas shopping in New York City is also a great way to start feeling festive as every shop is decorated beautifully with Christmas displays. Some of the best decorations can be found along fifth avenue with the creme de la creme being the full musical light show that plays every ten minutes on the store front of Saks. I will admit I stood on the sidewalk blocking passers by and danced to every song until it ended but it is a complete work of art and I have absolutely no shame.
After visiting all the major stores including Macy's, Saks and Bloomingdales and buying every festive scented product available in Bath and Body Works, I was well on my way to finishing my Christmas shopping and ready to visit some slightly more touristy places.
The last time I visited NYC was in 2018 and to say the City has changed would be a complete understatement, not only has the skyline evolved even more but there is an entire new district located on the west side on the banks of the Hudson River. Hudson Yards is a new development that houses an entire shopping complex, restaurants and the Vessel. This was the first time I had visited this part of the city and it certainly didn't disappoint, the shopping mall was dripping in Christmas lights and the new tourist attraction 'the edge' offered views of Manhattan that would normally only be possible in a helicopter.
My final festive must do in New York City is a crisp morning walk in Central Park. When visiting this time the weather was lovely and sunny but still chilly and crisp. I always love looking out over the bow bridge onto the skyline and seeing all the incredible colours . In normal times it would be a must to visit the Wollman Skating Rink but with Covid still lurking I decided against it this time!
Christmas time in New York is always amazing and this trip was a great reminder of why I love visiting the USA so much. Time to get booking the next trip!
