New York During Christmas

[LovinTheAtx]

We are going to New York early-mid December for the Holiday Season. We are planning to stay 3-4 days right now. I’ve never been, but trying to put together a list of things to do. We are planning on going to a showing of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at least.

What are some other things we must do while in NYC for the holidays? Also, what is a good hotel to stay at that is close to a lot of the action?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

I took a similar trip a couple years ago.

Central Park in the winter was pretty dead (as in the nature)... but still very beautiful. People ice-skate on one of the lakes and it is very picturesque.

I visited a lot of museums. There are some pretty bad-*** niche museums there. I visited a contemporary art museum that was in an old renovated school. It was called whatever the old school was called - Public School # or something like that. It was awesome. There was also a great photography museum I visited. Wish I could remember the names.

You obviously also have to visit Rockefeller Square to see more ice-skating... and the big christmas tree.

Manhatten in general is very decorated for christmas. You see lights and gigantic ornaments everywhere. One building ties a huge red bow on itself. There is plenty to photograph...

 

[LovinTheAtx]

Thanks for the help.

I have to go see the big Christimas tree for sure in Rockefeller Center and go the the skating rink.

I have some time to plan, but I can not wait. I love Christmas time!

Thanks again.

 

[marghorn]

I highly recommend walking by the store windows. Some really are amazing.

Lord & Taylor is always my favorite, followed by Macy's, Saks and Bloomingdales.

The origami Christmas Tree at the museum of Natural History and the Angel Tree at the Met are worth seeing as well.

I was working in NYC in December and stayed at the Palace, which I would highly recommend with the caveat that it is extremely pricey. If you don't stay there, you should at least walk by the courtyard and see the Christmas Tree and maybe walk through the lobby. I think they had like 25 Christmas trees. Last December, you could get a crappy hotel room in the city for $500 or an amazing one for $750-$800. Prices were absolutely insane. I think the Sheraton in Hoboken was like $450 a night. I am not sure if it is like that if you book early now.

 

[LovinTheAtx]

Marg, thanks for the info. I didn't even think to look at the store windows, but that is a great suggestion. I love all the decorations so will def. take note of the ones you mentioned.

I don’t think it is going to matter how far in advance we book the hotel as it looks though. Prices aren’t too cheap right now.

 

[Dusty]

In addition to the above, go wherever fate takes you. Black cashmere glove shopping at Bloomingdales, Frrrozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3 & skating at Wollman Rink. Definitely look for Holiday only performances. Boutiques on Madison step it up for the holidays. Get a night photo of your party with the top of the Empire State building in the background. The Frick Museum should be elegantly decorated. Ask your lodging’s concierge for tips.

My new favorite hotel is the Times Square Hilton. Secured street level entry with a sky lobby on the 22rd floor. Oversized rooms in a “relaxing after a day in Manhattan” decor.

Don’t forget “must do’s” like authentic pizza at Lombardis.

 

[Roger]

The Marriott Marquis (right in times square) often times has a winter special with rates as low as $225 per night. You should plan on going to at least one or two broadway shows. At christmas time there will extra matinees, get your tickets for half price for most of the shows (the hottest won't be available here) which currently is misplaced underneath the Marriott marquis and will eventually move back to times square. Shopping and Window shopping on 5th Ave is great that time of the year...FAO Schwarz used to be awesome but the Toys R Us in Times Square is currently better in my opinion.

If you want to try and get a better deal on a hotel look out to Long Island and get a weekly train pass on the LIRR. Personally I think its not worth the savings but its not that bad, as I've done when visiting family on the Island.

 

[SA_Town_Horn]

for the hotel, I'd advise using priceline.com. I was just in NYC this weekend and I stayed at the 4-Star Hyatt for $125 a night (its originally $400 plus a night).