New York City During the Holidays

New York City is not only one of America's largest and most active cities, but, with its diverse mix of cultures and traditions, it is one of the best places to take in all the holidays have to offer. With so much to see and do during the holiday season, a trip to New York City should be planned well in advance, as many shows become sold out, or parade routes will need to mapped out to get the best viewing spot you can hope for and a chance to possibly be on television.

For people who are Jewish, interested in Jewish culture, or those who are just plain interested in records, the world's largest menorah is located in Grand Army Plaza (59th and 5th Avenue). It is lit every night of Chanukah, which lasts for eight nights. Another option for seeing lights is the Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights (Bronx River Parkway and Fordham Road). The Bronx Zoo has over 140 lighted sculptures, and over 10 miles of lights.

If a lighted Christmas tree is what you are after, New York City has some of the finest around. The most famous is located at Rockefeller Center (30 Rockefeller Center Plaza and 49th Street). This tree has over five miles of Christmas lights on it, which account for over 30,000 individual bulbs. The Christmas tree allows for a perfect setting for ice skating, which is also at Rockefeller Center. Skating times vary, but admission covers and hour and a half. For those that do not know how to ice skate, lessons are offered. The Christmas tree is on display until early January.

While Rockefeller Center is possibly the most famous Christmas tree in New York, other sites have trees on display. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (5th Avenue at 82nd Street), has a themed Christmas tree on display, which represents a chosen period in art. The tree is twenty feet tall and lit every Friday and Saturday night in a ceremony that begins at 7pm. Some other trees to be found are a bit out of the ordinary. The American Museum of Natural History (W. 80th Street and Central Park West) has an origami tree that has origami ornaments in the shape of the museum's collection of artifacts. For those that love musicals, the Broadway Holiday Tree (Duffy Square, Broadway at 46th) has ornaments on display depicting all of the Broadway shows that have played over time. A Peace Tree, featuring over 1,000 crane ornaments is on display presented by the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (110th St. and Amsterdam Avenue).

While there are other trees on display around the city, one of the best holiday interactive activities for the senses occurs at the Chorus Tree at South Seaport (South Street Seaport and Fulton Street). This tree is stands in at over fifty feet tall and comes alive with songs presented by the Big Apple Chorus. If you wish to visit, performances are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only, and last for 45 minutes. Be sure to come early, as this is one of the most popular events in New York City. Another popular musical event occurs at Radio City Music Hall (6th Street between 50 and 51st Streets). The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is held every year and features the famous Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. Tickets for the event can be purchased online at Ticketmaster, so if you plan ahead, you will not have to worry about the event being sold out. For a performance of a different kind, the New York City Ballet presents an annual Nutcracker Ballet performance throughout the holiday season.

Finally, holiday shopping is perfect in New York City, as the different cultures present their wares in a traditional, open air venue. Christmas in Little Italy (Mulberry Street between Canal and Broome) is one of the most popular outdoor shopping events. The site is transformed into an Italian village from yesteryear complete with vendors, carolers, and other performers. Another great cultural gathering occurs in Bryant Park (6th Avenue at 42nd Street). French culture is represented in this art marketplace and over 80 artists have holiday gifts available to take home.

Last but not least, should you decide to stay in New York long enough, don't forget about attending America's biggest block party in Times Square. Ring in the New Year and watch the ball drop at the stroke of midnight. Due to the size, location, and number of holiday events presented, whatever length of time you can visit New York, you will have a great time during your visit.