NYC at Christmastime

New York City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The tree at Rockefeller Center and window displays at Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue are just a few of the special sites during winter in the city.

“There’s nothing like New York around this time. It’s magical,” said Sarah Giustino, a college student who’s family owns an apartment in Manhattan. She spends as much time in the city as she can in December because there is so much to do during the holidays.

The holiday spirit in NYC is unlike any other city. Simply walking through Grand Central station, you will feel as if you just got off the train to the North Pole. The station’s ceiling is covered in wonderland images and the beautiful Holiday Laser Light Show that officially kicked off the holiday season on November 30th. The light show is presented every half hour, between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM all the way through December 31st.

Take the subway to see the Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo where there are lighted paths through the zoo and over 140 illuminated animal and holiday sculptures, live reindeer, music, storytelling, ice-carving, the Holiday Express Train and the Polar Bear Express Experience, create a winter wonderland. Adult tickets are only $10.

If you are visiting NYC with a date, spend an hour skating at Rockefeller Center while admiring the tree. You could also take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through Central park, one of my favorite things to do when I am in the city. The ride takes about 40 minutes, just enough time before you get too cold and a perfect amount of time to see the snow-covered Central Park. The driver will give you the warmest, softest blanket you have ever touched and it a ride to remember.

The world famous department store holiday decorated windows are one of Manhattan’s most sought out activities during the holidays. This year Macy’s had a very intriquette display of Letters to Santa, where children could see the process their letters go through in order to arrive at the North Pole before Christmas. NYC in the holidays would not be complete without a visit to these windows decorated for the holidays.

"New York has something to offer everyone," said Giustino. "No matter what you are interested in doing, New York will have it."

TOP 10 Things to do in NYC at Christmastime

1. "Radio City Christmas Spectacular" (go to Tickets to get ½ off a lot of shows!)

2. Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride through Central Park

3. New York City "Holiday Lights"Tour

4. Ice-Skating at Rockefeller Center

5. Window Shopping on 5th Avenue

6. Visiting Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in the world

7. New York City "Hop-On Hop-Off" Double-Decker Bus Tour, great for visitors who have never experienced NYC.

8. Empire State Building Observatory where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of NYC’s winter wonderland

9. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

10. Strolling through the MET