My Favorite things to do in NYC: Winter Edition
The Big Apple at Christmastime
Growing up in NJ, my family and I rode the train into New York City all the time. To be honest, I took being so close to the city for granted and since moving away I try to make it a priority to visit often! My favorite time to visit the city is during Christmastime. There’s something truly magical about the big city all decorated for the holiday; it brings me so much joy!
Here are some of my favorite things!
Musicals on Broadway
In 2021, I saw the musical Aladdin! It was such a fun and upbeat show with great music! I really enjoyed the costumes and details put into the props, especially the Genie’s outfit.
In 2022, I saw the musical Moulin Rouge! I enjoyed this one as well, although I will say that I was a bit disappointed by the song choices. Instead of using the classic songs from the movie, they modernized it by choosing songs from this era. I thought they tried a little too hard to appeal to the younger generations with this choice. However, the acting, costumes, and decor were great!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET)
The MET is huge, the largest art museum in America, so it kept me very entertained for a few hours! The museum is full of different art forms including sculptures, artifacts, architecture, instruments, costumes, and weapons. And of course I had to get a picture on the steps of the MET (Gossip Girl fan anyone?).
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an observation deck over 90 floors up that gives you stunning views of the city. There are floor to ceiling windows all around and even a glass floor, for a full aerial view. I did this in 2021 with my friend from high school and her husband (Rachel and Ralston). This was something that none of us had done before, so we were excited! This was one of my favorite things from my trip in 2021. It’s a great way to see the city!
Rockefeller Christmas Tree & Ice Skating
This is a classic must do around Christmastime in NYC. I visit the Christmas tree every time I go to the city during the holidays (it never gets old!). And you can even go ice-skating around the tree! I did this in 2021 and it was actually really nice because NYC was still doing crowd control because of COVID. In 2022, just visiting the tree was VERY chaotic.
Be sure to check out the holiday light show that Saks on 5th puts on every 10 minutes during the evenings. It’s right across from the Rockefeller Tree (enjoy this selfie from 2015).
Central Park
I love Central Park! There’s just something about being able to retreat into nature by walking through the park while being in a huge city. Although it was December the last two times I visited the city, the first year, the trees still had some leaves on them, so it felt like fall. Something I miss the most about New Jersey is the changing of seasons, so seeing the leaves change in the park made me so happy.
NYC Little Island Floating Park
Little Island is a free public pier right across from the Chelsea Market on the Hudson River. It is a uniquely designed park with greenery, viewpoints, and walking paths throughout. It even includes performance areas where events and concerts are hosted. This island recently opened, so I visited it for the first time in 2022 with my friends from high school Janine and Eric. The design is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before and was fun to walk through. Besides the frigid temperature, we thoroughly enjoyed this pier.
*Picture taken from The New York Times article
Exploring the City
One of my favorite things to do is roam the city. I love warming up in different cafes, trying different foods, and eating true NY pizza! In 2021 I walked through the Bryant Park Holiday Market, watched the ice skaters, and got a delicious mini pie with ice cream (it’s never too cold for ice cream). I love seeing the architecture of different buildings throughout the city and doing touristy things like visiting Time Square.
