Date: November 13 to mid-February 2020
Time: Monday through Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturdays - Sundays: 10am to 6pm
Central Station, during the Christmas season, besides the Christmas market, in its interior also has the Christmas Show train and has become one of the most popular attractions in New York. If you like the railway world you will enjoy a model, which is a replica of the central station itself in O scale. The rolling stock of the model corresponds to old trains belonging to the collection of the museum of transport in the city.
Also, you can see an interesting collection of railway posters published between 1920 - 1940, miniature cars, taxis, police cars, buses, gas station, King Kong on the Empire State Building, miniature boats, a barber shop , Hard Rock Cafe and replicas of buildings among others.
Our advice:
Bryant Park: November 28th to January 2nd
Columbus Circle: November 28th to December 24th
Union Square: November 19th to December 24th
Grand Central: November 14th to December 24th
Bryant Park: lt has more than 100 kiosks full of ornaments, gifts and decorative items with Christmas motifs, striking balls and Christmas trees are great works of art. Next to the kiosks you can find small stalls with all type of food. Link https://goo.gl/EmY2PA.
Columbus Circle Holiday: Is known internationally as one of the most elegant and beautiful places for holiday shopping. Located at the entrance of Central Park on 59th Street and Central Park West, visitors get lost in gleaming halls of art, jewelry, household items and delicious meals from local craftsmen and designers, link https://goo.gl/N0h2GO.
Union Square: its a Christmas market, one of the favorites in New York, attracts over 1 million visitors, located in the Union Square. This place is usual acquire natural Christmas trees to decorate home, plus crafts, candles, hats, scarves, food, among many other items. Link: https://goo.gl/U1wOmI.
Station Grand Central Christmas Market: located inside the legendary Grand Central Station train, so it's a perfect plan for a snow day or intense cold, you can find over 70 stalls where you can buy all kinds of Christmas souvenirs, link: https://goo.gl/XteQLJ.
Our advice:
Date: December 31st
Time: 11:59 p.m.
Location: Central Park
Distance: 4 miles (6.5 kilometers)
Thousands of spectators of all ages want to start the year with the right foot; celebrating at the Central Park from 10:30 pm until the clocks strikes midnight on December 31st, it starts with a costume party with a DJ, 15 minutes of fireworks will light up the sky with the light effects, there will be a champagne toasts, and then the starting signal is given; the participants and the public, in general, will have a great time, for four miles distance, participants will run in a costume if they want to wear it.
The registration for this event has a cost, and it can be made with a credit card, you can’t register with cash. The prizes are made by metal and in order to encourage participants there will be extra prizes.
Our advice:
Remember, the temperature can drop to 10 degrees below zero, so be prepared for it, in the middle and in the end of the race everyone make a champagne toast.
Try to arrive at 10:00 pm. Do not forget to donate your used clothing and shoes in good condition and placing them in Goodwill Association containers.
Date of ignition: Date is not confirmed yet, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Date shutdown: January , 2021 Date is not confirmed yet, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Start time: Every day from 5:30 in the morning
Until 11:30 at night
Christmas officially begins after the Thanksgiving and after turns on the Christmas Tree on the Rockellefer Center. It is decorated with 45,000 LED lights, drive for 8 kilometers of electric cables and topped with a Swarovski star.
For the special date there is always a programming gala that starts at 7 pm, on Christmas and New Year the tree is on the 24 hours.
Our advice:
Location: Times Square
Date: December 31st, 2019
Time: 9:00pm to 12:00am
New Year’s Eve in New York! The city offers many alternatives to farewell2016 and to welcome the new year with a lot of energy, for those who defy the cold, crowds and are fascinated with the lights, it’s ideal to visit Times Square. It has been the center of global attention on New Year’s eve, since the owners of Time Square started this celebration in 1904 on the roof to greet the New Year. The first celebration of the ball was made in 1907, and the tradition has been a universal symbol of welcoming the New Year.
In this link you can see the schedule: http://goo.gl/ja5kH
Our advice:
Among the free events taking place in New York on December 31st night, we can list:
Don't miss New Year's in New York city!
Schedule: 9:30 am to 8:30pm average time
With the Christmas arrival, it's time to enjoy the showcase of the most elegant stores that are on 5th Avenue. Start walking from 57th Street, discover a stunning snowflake made by Swarosky, at this corner you can find also stores like Tiffany, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton and Bergdorf Goodman where the decoration of their Christmas showcases its a different theme each year with extravagant designs.
The Saks stores comes alive with a spectacular light show projected on the building, all passers crossing by 5th Avenue are attracted to it. Bloomingdale's, the Christmas decoration at the store on Lexington Avenue always catches the eye of the people, Barney's stores, where in Christmas they have spectacular lights, animation and innovation for people crossing around, Lord & Taylor showcases offer scenes inspired by favorite memories of their clients.
Christmas in New York City has much to do from the Rockefeller Center, with its eternal Angeles Herald, the famous Christmas tree, the ice rink, and showcases decorated with love.
Location of some stores:
Bergdorf Goodman: 754 Fifth Avenue and 58th Street
Henri Bendel: 712 Fifth Avenue, and 56th Street
Tiffany & Co: 727 Fifth Avenue between 56th and 57th streets
Cartier: 653 Fifth Avenue at 52nd Street
Saks: 611 Fifth Avenue and 50th Street
Lord & Taylor: 424 Fifth Avenue and 38 Street
Our advice:
Date: From November 30th to January 3rd - 2020
The mot extravagant Christmas light display in New York is located in Diker Heights Brooklyn, between 11th and 13th Avenue and 83th and 86th street. This Italian-American neighborhood is where residents bring out their Christmas spirit, lighting their houses with brightly colored bulbs, decorating the houses with Santa Claus in different sizes, nativities, snowflakes that fall from rooftops creating an illusion that snow is falling from the sky, you can also enjoy animated reindeer, giant candy canes, that help create the Christmas Spirit in this magical neighborhood.
The video will show some houses in Dyker Heights and details how to make the tour on your own; However you can also take the tour that brings you from Manhattan to Brooklyn,
Tour: 5:45 pm - ROW NYC
6:15 pm - Pennsylvania Hotel
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx)
This holiday tour takes you to the residential neighborhoods of Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights, Italian-American sections of Brooklyn where you will find tree-lined streets and beautiful private residences decorated for the Christmas holidays.
You won't just see the lights; you'll walk through the neighborhoods with a guide to hear the stories behind this fun holiday event that brings thousands of people here each year. You may even meet some homeowners who are a proud part of this festive holiday.
On your way back to Manhattan, you'll see the spectacular New York skyline and some of the beautiful displays. Stop a Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center to see the iconic displays including the Christmas tree and ice skating rink. You'll be dropped off in Midtown to conclude your tour.
Buy tickets here.
Our advice:
Date: November 2019to January 2020
Hours: Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving Day - Christmas
For Christmas, the Botanical Garden in the Bronx presents a wonderful show called "HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW" "The Show of Christmas Train", Where you can see more than 20 scale model trains covering a wide variety of terrain and 150 miniature buildings of the five counties, with thousands of lights artfully designed, which occupy a quarter mile. Look up to see a new exhibition area of trains over height with the most famous bridges in New York. The monuments are made of natural materials such as bark, branches, stems, fruits and natural seeds.
The garden is located in Bronx River Parkway and Fordham Road, it has an easy access by car, metro, bus and Metro-North. Most of the garden consists of outdoor spaces with 250 acres of garden.
Our advice:
During the winter, New York prepares it's ice rinks for skating fans in different parts of the city.
Bryant Park: During the winter season, the ice rink is opened, which is known as "The Pond". It is a classic, located in the heart of Manhattan it's the only free track for those who bring their own skates. You can also rent skates. It has lockers to store belongings, if you want, you can bring a padlock and you wont have to pay for this service.
Hours: Daily: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm. Free entrance
Central Park: The ice rink is called ''Wollman Rink'', located at the corner of Central Park South and Sixth Avenue this track is the largest of all but it isn't free, for those who want to see people skate, you will also have to pay.
Hours: Daily from 11am to 5pm. You have to pay an entry fee.
Central Park Lasker: It's a pool during the summer and ice skating rink during the winter, located in the middle of the park between 106th and 108th streets.
Hours: You can check the timetables by clicking here. You have to pay an entry fee.
Rockefeller Center: The most photographed and filmed Rink Ice in New York City. We have seen it in films and series, every year when the Christmas tree is shining, there are lots of cameras transmitting for all around the world from there. Located at the foot of the building Rockefeller Center. Only 150 skaters are allowed at a time. The best time to go is during business hours and in the morning.
Hours: You can check the timetables by clicking here. You have to pay an entry fee.
Chelsea Piers Sky Ring: Located at the docks on the Hudson River (Pier61) is an indoor track. The interesting thing about this track is that it is widely used for training equipment figure skating and hockey teams so you will see a different atmosphere comparing to others.
Hours: You can check the timetables by clicking here. You have to pay an entry fee.
Our advice:
Date: Date is not confirmed yet for, 2019
Time: 10:00am
Santa Claus on the streets is the annual event that some cities around the world celebrate, where thousands of people take the streets dressed as Santa Claus. Crowds gather at bars and restaurants, and circulate throughout the city with their Santa Claus costumes all day long. It’s an event for adults, with thousands of Santa Claus going from bar to bar.
Since 1902 "Santa Claus" parade takes place on 5th Avenue, and other areas of New York, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to share and help a good cause almost everywhere in the city; the ringing of the bells and many ho-ho-ho-ho will be heard in the city. The shops sell traditional Santa Claus costumes, where participants go to dressed up.
Our advice:
If you want to participate in this event, contribute with nonperishable food donation, at least two items. If you are drinking, be responsible. Choose a nice and unique custume of Santa or you would be “booed” at the parade. If you want to see the route of the event and meeting points, visit the link http://santacon.info/New_York-NY/
Christmas is a perfect time to be photographed with Santa Claus in different parts of New York and personally give him the wish list, the best places to find Santa are:
Macy´s:
It has the classic and popular Santaland option located on the 8th floor of the store, generally it attracts many people so you will find long lines to take a picture and spend time with Santa Claus, you will enjoy the decoration and the number of elves that will transport you to Santa´s world. Admission is free but the pictures have some cost but you can also use and take your own photos, Santaland is open daily from November 28th to December 24th until 9pm. Opening times might vary. 07 a.m. to 09 a.m. visitmacysnewyork.com
Bloomingdale:
Santa Claus also crosses through the eighth floor of the store. From November 28th to December 23rd, Santa Claus is there. The renowned Bloomingdales store is located on 3rd Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets. The pictures there are totally free: bloomingdales.com
ABC Carpet & Home
Carpet in Union Square has a different alternative to see Santa, between beautiful furniture and decorative items. It attracts less people and the wait can be lower than in other stores. From November 28th to December 23rd, but only on weekends Santa will be on ABC, located on Broadway between 18th and 19th Streets. Admission is free and you can take your own pictures : Abchome.com
New York City Fire Museum
The Fire Museum of New York offers a representation where Santa is stuck on the roof and firefighters come for his rescue, hot chocolate and music is offered at a party for families. You will have to buy a ticket for the entrance. Visit this page to know the time and schedule of the event. nycfiremuseum.org
Our advice:
The best time to visit is on weekdays in the morning, this will pretent you long waits, there are also other places like the Rockefeller Center where you can book breakfast with Santa Claus at the Sea Grill and Rock Center Cafe, also includes ice skating on the famous track, photo frame and gifts for children.
Chanukah: December, 2019Date is not confirmed yet!
When they turn on the first candle, the Jewish world began to celebrate the Chanukah or Feast of Luminaries, the religious and family holiday commemorating the victory of the Maccabees over the Hellenized Syrians 2,200 years ago. The celebrations are repeated all over the world, the Feast of Lights, begins on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, and lasts eight days. In the Gregorian calendar, it usually is in December.
The story tells how the Maccabees had a vessel with enough oil to light the temple for one night, but lasted eight nights - the amount of time that it took to make more oil. The celebration is realized turning on the candles in a Menoráh, the chandelier of nine arms. Eight candles are turned on every night of Hanukkah and the ninth candle (Shamash), located in a place of prominence in the center, is used to turn on the other candles.
Our Advice:
Location: Parker Meridian Hotel
119 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019
Date: First Sunday of December / 19
to first Sunday in January / 20
At Christmas time there is a custom in New York and other cities to manufacture with gingerbread reproductions thumbnail icons of the Big Apple, such as Cyclone at Coney Island, the Empire State Building and an underground station are just some of the landmarks designed by renowned local pastry chefs.
Visitors pay a dollar and vote to choose the most creative sweet year, among voters a stay of five nights at the Parker Palm Springs luxury raffle. You can also vote online on the website : http://www.cityharvest.org/
Our advice:
Rather than attend a decembrinas event it is to help a philanthropic organization that makes grants to people who lack food in the city.
All proceeds from the sale of entry is intended to City Harvest.
There is not allowed snacks !, viewers can enjoy hot white chocolate with gingerbread spices in Sota, espresso bar, or visit other participating venues around the city of gingerbread.
Departure Point: Pier 78
Departure time: 10:00 pm (shipment starts at 9:00pm)
Duration: 3 hours
Welcoming New Years on a cruise is the best way to celebrate this date. If you think that being in Times Square waiting for the famous ball drop, without available bathrooms, getting cold, standing for hours, waiting for the show that only lasts 10 seconds, it is nothing compared with the experience of being on a cruise with all the comforts and enjoying the great view and the splendor of the city.
Head to the meeting point at Pier 78 at 9:00pm to embark on the 150 passenger cruise and enjoy the fireworks on New Year's Eve. You will sail through New York Harbor for 3 hours and you will enjoy the wonderful views of the city.
Once on board, relax and talk with the people around or dance with the great live music. Enjoy free bar, coffee and dessert; You can also buy food if you want to. Enjoy the incomparable views of the city such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport and One World Trade Center.
At midnight, you will be celebrating the New Years with a glass of champagne, while you are enjoying the amazing fireworks that resonate with pride over New York City.
Tickets: You can see the price of the tickets and their availability by clicking here. You must print the entry and show it on the event day.
Our Advice:
• Passengers under 21 years old are not allowed. An ID document is required.
• If you plan to celebrate New Year at the cruise in New York City, we recommend you to book your tickets as soon as possible, because of their great popularity, their seats are sold out easily.
• It is a semi-casual cruise; It is recommended to wear fancy clothes.
Location: Radio City Music Hall
Date: From November 6 to January 3, 2021
Duration: 2 hours and 20 minutes
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular production of the 2018 festivities is held from November 11th to december 31th, 2018, it is the most famous Christmas work of the United States, starring the world famous Rockettes. The show, premiered in 1933 has become a true Christmas tradition of the city, don't miss it, its a spectacular experience.
The Rockettes: This Christmas The Rockettes takes Radio City Music Hall (considered by the experts the best equipped theater), only the largest indoor theater in the world can host the most spectacular Christmas celebration. Once you enter, you will be amazed by its classic beauty, at an emblematic place in New York City.
The show features dazzling costumes, dynamic dance numbers and stunning special effects!!! The huge stage lights up while The Rockettes perform their distinctive precision dance and a visually stunning staging.
Presence the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, for this act, The Rockettes dress like Wood soldiers and they fall on each other simulating dominoes chips. It is time for the truly special and unforgettable function!
Tickets: You can buy the tickets by clicking here, when you reserve it, you can access the documentation of your bonus, which you have to print. You can pick up your tickets at the theater box office the presentation day, one hour before the start. The bonus and your ID are required at the theater box office on the day of the performance to receive your ticket and your seat number.
Our Advice:
It is a wonderful show that is worth to enjoy with family. Every year the show brings something different, no matter if you've already seen it, you'll surely enjoy it again.
They have wheelchair seats available; go to the "Special requirements" area and ask for the wheelchair when you are making the payment
Keep in mind that the seats can not be chosen, they are determined by the organizers depending on the purchase order.
No changes or cancellations are allowed. Check carefully that you have correctly selected the day and time before you formalize your reservation.
Children under 2 years old do not pay entrance, however they can not occupy a seat, they must sit in the same place as their responsible parents or guardians.