christmas in new york

For years, I’ve been fortunate to visit New York during the Christmas season. It’s been a self professed tradition since my college years, if not before. While I don’t make it to Rockefeller Center every year, I’ve come pretty close. However, 2019 was my first visit since 2016–the last 2 years having been outside the norm for me from a Christmas celebration perspective.

But my annual tradition was reinstated over the course of the last several days and I had the added pleasure of spending the night rather than making a day trip. To top it off, I was accompanied by one of my closest friends and 2 of her children, who had never been to NYC–what an honor! The weather was less than cooperative—it rained the entire time–but we were all troopers and made the most of the visit–it was awesome! And we saw so much more than the tree, so I thought I’d share some of the highlights that you too may want to check out in 2020.

Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular Featuring the world famous Rockettes, the show is absolutely amazing. Not just for the dancing but for the stories told throughout. Where else but this show will you see a nativity scene that features 2 live camels and multiple sheep–real sheep! Only in New York.

The New York Public Library Iconic and beautiful–and not just at Christmas. The architecture throughout the building is breathtaking, demonstrated in particular on the 3rd floor in the Rose Main Reading Room. You stand in awe of the murals painted on the ceilings and the carved marble throughout. Coupled with the exhibits, it’s both museum and library and would take a day, or more, to fully experience its grandeur.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral Built in 1878, you don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate this religious institution. All are welcome and while I, myself, am not Catholic, I always stop in to say a prayer and admire the beauty of the religious monuments, stained glass windows, and the feeling of peace and serenity. True reflection on the reason for the season comes over you when you take a moment to reflect.

We were able to see and do a lot in the short time we were there, including a stroll through Times Square, a quick visit to Byrant Park, a divine dinner at Lexington Brass, (get the mushroom spaghetti and potato chip crusted calamari–trust me!), and who would’ve thought you could have a classic diner experience in Midtown at Tick Tock.

It was a wonderful couple of days and I am so glad to have experienced it with friends, who are truly more like family. Happy Holidays!