There’s something magical about the holidays in New York City..I mean, Elf, Home Alone 2, or Miracle on 34th Street…you know what I’m talking about. In fact, it has always been dream of mine to visit New York City during the holidays.
What you might not know (and what I definitely did not know), is that the holiday itself is deeply rooted in NYC’s culture with landmarks dating back to the early nineteenth century.
Fun facts:
- Did you know the Chelsea neighbourhood was developed by the poet who wrote “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” Clement Clarke Moore?
- Or that Santa Claus’ iconic look is credited to Thomas Nast, a New York cartoonist after drawing Santa in his iconic red and white suit bringing gifts to troops fighting in the American Civil War for Harper’s Weekly in 1863?
Here is the history of some of the Big Apple’s most iconic holiday traditions and how you can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year:
ROCKIN’ AROUND THE ROCKEFELLER TREE
Every year since the early 1930s, Rockefeller Center has installed a Christmas Tree that towers over the Rink. While the trees now are expected to be at least 75 FEET TALL, the first tree was a 20-foot-high balsam fir that was put up by Rockefeller Center workers who pooled their money together and decorated it with handmade garlands made by their families.
This year’s 79-foot-tall Christmas Tree was placed on November 13th with the Lighting Ceremony for its 50,000+ lights taking place on December 1, and will stand until January 16, 2022. This holiday beacon for locals and visitors alike is a quintessential NYC experience and a perfect Insta-worthy backdrop. Surrounded with incredible shopping, dining, attractions, and events, checking out the Rockefeller Tree is just the beginning of your festive outing.
1931: The First Rockefeller Christmas Tree, put up by construction workers (Credit: Tishman Speyer)
Credit: Julienne Schaer / NYC & Company
Right next to the legendary Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the world’s most famous, can’t-miss ice skating — the Rink at Rockefeller Center. Travelers from near and far gather to skate hand-in-hand with loved ones and indulge in the festivities that surrounds them from every corner of NYC.
The Rink, originally known as the “skating pond,” officially opened on Christmas Day in 1936 and was supposed to be a temporary exhibit. Luckily, it became so popular that they had to make it permanent – what would Rockefeller Center be like without a skating rink? Especially around the holidays? I can’t even bear the thought!
Opening day on the skating pond (Credit: Rockefeller Group Inc/Rockefeller Center Archives)
Rink at Rockefeller Center (Credit: Will Steacy / NYC & Company)
IT’S NOT CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THE ROCKETTES!
The famous troupe The Rockettes was founded in 1925 and has been a source of entertainment since then, and no less during the holidays! The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes is a New York Christmas traditional and legendary holiday show that was first brought to stages in 1933 with over a million visitors every year.
Combining Christmas classics with new numbers and cutting-edge digital projections that turn the theater into a canvas, you’ll be sure to get on your feet and give the Rockettes a standing ovation by the end! Running from now until January 2, 2022, offering group prices and VIP options, the Christmas Spectacular is a show that you won’t want to miss.
BONUS: If you’ve always dreamed of being part of the Rockettes (which I have), one of the VIP experiences is a meet-and-greet with Santa and the Rockettes or a dance class where you get to learn choreography from the show.
Credit: NYC & Company
New York City is the ultimate shopping destination no matter the time of year, so is it really a surprise that Christmas shopping in NYC is imperative for the most magical holiday trip? Not only is NYC known for their retail pleasures but for their Holiday window set ups and decorations.
From the iconic and most famous Macy’s Herald Square to the vendor booths at Holiday Shops at Winter Village at Bryant Park – Christmas shopping in NYC is its own wonderland! Did you know that Macy’s started that tradition of holiday window displays in 1874? Imagine being the trendsetter for something that still happens annually almost 150 years later!
Insider Tip: While most NYC retailers take Christmas Day off to relax after an eventful season, many of the 170 participating vendors at Bryant Park’s Holiday Shops will stay open making it a perfect spot for last-minute Christmas shopping. You’re welcome 😉
1900s: Small children gazing through Macy’s toy window (Credit: Library of Congress)
2020: Macy’s honors NYC’s essential workers with holiday window displays (Credit: CNN)
Holiday Shops at Bryant Park (Credit: Brittany Petronella / NYC & Company)
New York City is so much more than bright lights, great shopping, and amazing holiday decorations. With culture and history running through its streets, NYC is a destination that always inspires and excites first-time and return travellers.