This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Jason Tsoi. Find him on Instagram at @jason.tsoi. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With under a week until Christmas Day, New York City is bringing in the holiday spirit with spectacular lights and decorations. This generates a magical atmosphere that brings out the joy and excitement in people who celebrate the holiday. Are you planning on spending Christmas in the Big Apple and need ideas on things to do? Here are three must do Christmas activities in NYC.
Fifth Avenue
As we approach the last days until Christmas, it’s time to make those last-minute gift purchases. What’s better than going holiday shopping on Fifth Ave. — one of the busiest shopping streets in the world? The famous street is home to some of the most iconic landmarks of NYC, but it’s also where notable luxury brands are located, like Cartier and Louis Vuitton. To ring in the holidays, many of these companies traditionally decorate their stores with stunning window displays or have light shows. These displays feature captivating sculptures, bright lights and clothing that showcase a specific theme.
Bergdorf Goodman, located adjacent to the Plaza Hotel, is celebrating the holidays this year with multiple jaw dropping, color-coded displays. The theme of the department store’s displays is “Toast of the Town,” celebrating the avenue’s distinct features, such as its parks, landmarks, libraries and more.
While scrolling through TikTok, you may have come across viral videos of a giant stack of Louis Vuitton luggage. Your eyes are not deceiving you. This building is in fact real. Stationed across the street from Bergsdorf Goodman, Louis Vuitton transformed the exterior into a building-sized replica of the store’s luxurious products. In the spirit of the holidays, the luxury store puts on a projection show each night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. until Christmas Day.
If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of Saks Fifth Avenue’s LED light show, you’re out of luck. Financial concerns have led to the cancellation of the beloved show this year. But don’t fret, the department store is still continuing with its famous window displays. This year’s windows are filled with bright lights and clothing from luxury brands, like Valentino and Prada.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Located across Saks Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center is a popular holiday destination for its remarkable Christmas tree. The 92nd annual tree lighting ceremony took place on Dec. 4, featuring performers and thousands of spectators. This year’s tree was donated by the Albert family, arriving all the way from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The 70 year old tree sits on Rockefeller Plaza, standing at 74 feet tall, holding over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and hovering over the complex’s iconic ice skating rink.
The Rink, which is open until late March, is a popular attraction for visitors who enjoy the winter activity. The ice skating rink allows skaters to get an up close view of Paul Manship’s “Prometheus” sculpture while also taking in the views of the mesmerizing tree. For an hour skating session at the Rink, tickets range from $21 to $114. The Rink also offers a 90 minute session for $47 to $155. Rockefeller Center also features stores, like FAO Schwarz, LEGO and the Nintendo Store, where you can find the perfect gifts for your friends and family this Christmas.
The complex is also home to Radio City Music Hall, where the Radio City Rockettes perform their annual show, “Christmas Spectacular.” To witness the dancers’ incredible high kicks and choreography, get your tickets on their website before it’s sold out.
Since it’s close to the holidays, you should expect to see large crowds of people, especially at night. To avoid gridlocked crowds, visit the tree during the morning or afternoon when it’s less crowded. Rockefeller Center plans to dismantle the tree by mid-January.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village
Rockefeller Center is not the only busy public space in NYC that offers a decorated tree or ice-skating rink. Located between 40th and 42nd St. and Fifth and Sixth Ave., Bryant Park is another holiday hotspot in NYC. In comparison to other ice-skating rinks, you can skate at Bryant Park for free by bringing your own skates. But in order to skate, you will need to reserve a ticket on the park’s website. Besides its notable tree and ice rink, Bryant Park is mainly known for its Bank of America Winter Village, which features various eateries and shops.
Baked Cheese Haus is a popular food spot in Bryant Park’s Winter Village. The vendor is famous for their raclette sandwiches, which features salami, Alpine cheese, spring onions, baby gherkins and dijon mustard on a baguette. The melted cheese comes straight from the wheel, making it a great food item to combat the cold weather.
With the latest trend of Dubai chocolate on TikTok, this next viral spot is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. Known for their chocolate-covered strawberries, Strawberro combined the two ingredients together, forming their viral Dubai chocolate-covered strawberries. The delicious treat contains strawberries that are covered with pistachio chocolate cream and kataifi, which is a pastry.
Finally, to stay warm while visiting the Winter Village, grab a nice cup of hot chocolate at No Chewing Allowed! The name comes from the vendor’s famous truffles that instantly melt in your mouth. With a thick and smooth texture, the vendor uses ingredients from its truffles that make it such a flavorful hot chocolate. You also have the option to add a chocolate truffle on top of the drink to enhance the drink.
What is your favorite Christmas activity to do in NYC? Let us know in the comments.
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