2010 Holiday Events in New York City

With the snow already falling in New York, the holiday spirit and winter season has already begun. There are several iconic and historic holiday events that you must check out this year. Here are a few of those events going on in the Big Apple that you won't want to miss.

New York Holiday Event #1: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Whether you have the privilege of viewing the parade in New York City on a chilly Thanksgiving Day or watch from your cozy couch with family nearby, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is truly an icon of the holidays. The two and a half mile stretch on the Manhattan streets means Thanksgiving to most. Many of us can only dream of being there Thanksgiving morning, so if you happen to be in New York City bright ant early on Thanksgiving Day try to catch a glimpse of this famous parade.

New York Holiday Event #2: Ice Skate at Rockefeller Center
The ice rink is located next to the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and is open from October to April each year. It has quite a history in New York since it's opening on Christmas Day in 1936. The skating rink is 122 feet long and 59 feet wide with accommodations of up to 150 people at once. It is such a well-known and fantastic ice rink and will be a very memorable experience. Each year, over a quarter million people experience the rink. Maybe this year, one of those people will be you!

New York Holiday Event #3: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The tree lighting will be taking place on a Tuesday this year on November 30, 2010, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Rockefeller Plaza between West 48^th and West 51^stStreet and 5^th and 6^th Avenues in Manhattan. The event will include live and taped performance watched by millions. After the tree lighting ceremony, the tree stays illuminated from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day, 24 hours on Christmas Day, and 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The tree itself is a Norway Spruce and must be a minimum of 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide each year.

New York Holiday Event #4: Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Radio City Music Hall, located at 1260 6^th Avenue in New York City, is one place you would want to visit regardless of the time of year. At Christmastime Radio City Music Hall can truly immerse you in the holiday experience. The Rockettes perform a new rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas. The show includes a flying LED screen and the famous kick line. This magical event takes places from November 7 through December 30.

New York Holiday Event #5: 5^th Avenue Window Displays
On the New York See the Holiday Lights Tour, you must see all the window displays along 5^th Avenue. The stores to see include Lord & Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, Bloomingdales, and Macy's. These window displays will fascinate you and put you in the holiday spirit for weeks. Enjoy what New York City has to offer during the holidays!

Sources:
www.nyctourist.com
www.onboardnewyorktours.com