New York City sparkles during the holiday season. Whether you’re a local or visiting on vacation, deciding which sites to see in New York City during the holidays, or any time of the year is a daunting task. Parks are turned into quaint Christmas villages, themed storefront windows transform into animated fairytales, and the city exudes the spirit of the season with thousands of twinkling lights and seasonal treats. Taking a trip to New York City during the Christmas season is a holiday tradition for me and my family. Here’s a roundup of my favorite 8 things to do in NYC for the holidays.

1. ROCKETTES RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

8 Things to do in New York City for the Holidays

Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular is a New York City institution dating back to 1932. Along with the world-famous Rockettes, a precision dance company. This winter wonderland show of song and dance will get even Scrooge in the mood for the holidays. A nativity scene complete with live animals, and of course, Santa himself, grace the stage for this world-famous show. Tickets can be found here.

2. NUTCRACKER BALLET

Lincoln Center is the world’s leading performing arts center. The best in music, dance, opera, and theater can be found at this majestic venue. During the holidays, a performance of the Nutcracker Ballet by the New York City Ballet is not to be missed. As the clock chimes midnight, a brave young girl turns the tide in a battle between toy soldiers and mischievous mice, and a blizzard of ballerinas reveals a wonderful world of confection. The ballet is adapted from E.T.A. Hoffman’s story, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” Attendees experience the magnificence of the performers as well as the one-ton Christmas tree that grows from a height of 12 feet to 41 feet and the flutter of crystal-shaped snowflakes.

3. CHRISTMAS CAROL Performances

There are two fabulous shows featuring A Christmas Carol. A Christmas Carol at Merchant’s House Museum transports viewers back 150 years with 19th-century-holiday decorations, flickering candles, and richly appointed period furnishings the timeless Christmas tale is told in the elegant intact Greek Revival double parlor of the landmark 1832 Merchant’s House Museum.

A Christmas Carol, Broadway, a limited engagement for 8 weeks only, welcomes theatergoers of all ages into an immersive experience that’s brimming with Christmas spirit. 

4. NYC HOLIDAY MARKETS

There are four popular holiday markets that grace the city. The Winter Village at Bryant Park is a winter wonderland with holiday shops, a food hall, and the sparkling Bryant Park Christmas tree. It’s also home to New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink. Be sure to also visit the Union Square Holiday Market, Columbus Circle Holiday Market, and the indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair, all festive places to get in the holiday spirit and pick up gifts for everyone on your shopping list.

5. ROCKEFELLER CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE & ICE SKATING RINK

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the ice skating rink are worldwide symbols of the holidays and a must-visit site. Each year, thousands crowd the sidewalks to see the sparkling tree and skate on the rink. The tree, lit and on display, is on the plaza between West 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

6. NYC HOLIDAY WINDOW DISPLAYS

There’s nothing better than holiday window displays at Bloomingdales, Barneys, and Bergdorf Goodman. Their glittery, enchanting department store windows will get any shopper in a festive mood. Walk from Central Park on Fifth Avenue towards Herald Square. Check out this special deal to attend the Radio City Holiday show, a visit to Rockefeller center, and a holiday window display tour.

7. CENTRAL PARK

Winter is a beautiful and peaceful time of year to explore Central Park. You can also go ice skating at Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink throughout the season. When covered in snow, it’s a great place to enjoy sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

8. TAVERN ON THE GREEN

Decked out with festive lights and décor, Tavern on the Green restaurant is a perfect place to enjoy a festive meal and enjoy a little downtime, but be sure to make a reservation. Nestled in Central Park, it’s an iconic landmark, originally designed as a sheepfold in the 1880s to house the 700 Southdown sheep that grazed Central Park’s, Sheep Meadow. In 1934 it was turned into a restaurant with a seasonal menu.

9. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year including Christmas Day! Lit up in a festive green and red glow for the holiday season, this 102 story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan provides views of Manhattan showcasing the beauty of the city’s skyline. 2nd-floor exhibits take guests on a journey from the building’s construction to its place in culture today. Get your tickets here.

10. LOREY BEER GARDEN WINTER WONDERLAND

Festive cocktails can be enjoyed inside or while seated in the outdoor heated beer garden, (which is one of the largest in Manhattan.) Warm up with a delicious bourbon hot chocolate that is topped with torched marshmallows, spiced eggnog, or a gluhwein, which is the bar’s signature mulled wine.

New York City is magical any time of year, but during the holidays it’s truly special. Make the most of your trip with this list of 8 things to do in NYC. for the holidays. Be sure to read things to do in the Hudson Valley region of New York State for other fun things to do in the area.

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New York State is incredibly rich in natural resources. From serene lakes to exhilarating waterfalls and lush forests, here are 7 getaways to connect with nature while social distancing.

To encourage social distancing and help stop the spread of COVID-19, many areas have reduced parking by 50%. Other places require reservations. Therefore, be sure to check the website in advance of your visit.

Letchworth State Park

Called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is one of the most scenic areas in the eastern U.S. Gorges, three major waterfalls, and towering cliffs, (some as high as 600 feet) are the highlights. The lush green forests and 66 miles of hiking trails provide visitors with plenty of room to social distance while enjoying nature.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge provides lovely nature trails alongside marshes, forested wetlands, and grasslands. Overlooks and photography blinds allow visitors to observe diverse wildlife such as eagles and nesting osprey in their natural habitats.

The Wild Center

The Wild Center’s elevated walkway provides stunning vistas of the Adirondack Forest and surrounding nature. Reservations are required.

St. Regis Canoe Area

The 18,400-acre Saint Regis Canoe Area has a plethora of lakes and ponds. With remote kayaking and canoeing opportunities are an ideal place to social distance. Also, be sure to take a hike to Saint Regis Mountain, a popular spot with its signature fire tower.

Walkway Over the Hudson

Visit the world’s longest elevated pedestrian footbridge, Walkway Over the Hudson. At more than two kilometers long it provides a magnificent scenic walk over the majestic Hudson River. In addition, at either end, there are miles of trails, parks, historic districts, shops, and restaurants all within reach by foot or bike.

Lander’s River Trips

Spectacular kayaking and canoeing can be found on the Delaware Rivers. Lander’s River Trips, known as the best Delaware River Outfitter in New York, offers eight different riverside locations for rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.

MidMountain Zipline Adventure

Fly like a bird above the treetops by zipline. Traverse 4 rope and plank suspension bridges and rappel 65-foot down. MidMountain Zipline Adventure is a fun way to spend the day amidst the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains.

New York State offers a variety of ways to connect with nature while social distancing. Whether you favor a relaxing kayak trip in a serene lake or an adrenaline-pumping zipline over the treetops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. However, just be sure to social distance and wear a mask, please.

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Whether you’re a local or visiting on vacation, figuring out where to start your trip to NYC is a daunting task. There’s no better way to get into the spirit of the season than by visiting the city that never sleeps. Here’s a roundup of my favorite 10 things to do in NYC for the holidays.

ROCKETTES RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

10 Things to do in NYC for the Holidays

Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular is a New York City institution dating back to 1932. Along with the world-famous Rockettes, this winter wonderland show of song and dance will get even Scrooge in the mood for the holidays. A nativity scene complete with live animals, and of course, Santa himself, grace the stage for this world-famous show. Tickets can be found here.

NUTCRACKER BALLET

10 Things to do in NYC for the Holidays

Performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Centre the Nutcracker Ballet is not to be missed. As the clock chimes midnight, a brave young girl turns the tide in a battle between toy soldiers and mischievous mice, and a blizzard of ballerinas reveals a wonderful world of confection.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

10 Things to do in NYC for the Holidays

There are two fabulous shows featuring A Christmas Carol. A Christmas Carol at Merchant’s House Museum transports viewers back 150 years with 19th-century-holiday decorations, flickering candles, and richly appointed period furnishings. A Christmas Carol, Broadway, a limited engagement for 8 weeks only, welcomes theatergoers of all ages into an immersive experience that’s brimming with Christmas spirit. 

NYC HOLIDAY MARKETS

10 Things to do in NYC for the Holidays

There are four popular holiday markets that grace the city. The Winter Village at Bryant Park is a winter wonderland with holiday shops, a food hall and the sparkling Bryant Park Christmas tree. It’s also home to New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink. Be sure to also visit the Union Square Holiday Market, Columbus Circle Holiday Market, and the indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair, all festive places to get in the holiday spirit and pick up gifts for those on your shopping list.

ROCKEFELLER CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE

10 Things to do in NYC for the Holidays

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a world-wide symbol of the holidays and a must-visit site. The 2019 tree will be lit for the first time on Wednesday, December 4 at Rockefeller Plaza. Each year, thousands crowd the sidewalks for the event and millions watch the live broadcast. The tree will remain lit and on display on the plaza between West 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues through Friday, January 17, 2020.

NYC HOLIDAY WINDOW DISPLAYS

10 Things to do in NYC for the Holidays

There’s nothing better than holiday window displays at Bloomingdales, Barneys, and Bergdorf Goodman. Their glittery, enchanting department store windows will get any shopper in a festive mood. Check out this special deal to attend the Radio City Holiday show, a visit to Rockefeller center, and a holiday window display tour.

CENTRAL PARK

10 Things to do in NYC for the Holidays

Winter is a beautiful and peaceful time of year to explore Central Park. When covered in snow, it’s a great place to enjoy sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. You can also go ice skating at Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink throughout the season.

TAVERN ON THE GREEN

10 Things to do in NYC for the Holidays

Decked out with festive lights and décor, Tavern on the Green is a perfect place to enjoy a festive meal and enjoy a little downtime, but be sure to make a reservation.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

10 Things to do in NYC for the Holidays

The Empire State Building is newly renovated and open 365 days a year including Christmas Day! Lit up in a festive green and red glow for the holiday season, new 2nd-floor exhibits take guests on a journey from the building’s construction to its place in culture today. Get your tickets here.

NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDENS HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW

10 Things to do in NYC for the Holidays

An enchanting indoor winter wonderland of model trains, the New York Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show will certainly mesmerize visitors. This year the trains travel through a miniature landscape showcasing Central Park. Crafts, carolers, and seasonal treats help visitors make lasting holiday memories.

BRONX ZOO HOLIDAY LIGHTS

10 Things to do in NYC for the Holidays

Discover the holiday season at the Bronx Zoo with colorful lights and magical animal sculptures that guide your way throughout the park.

How do you get in the spirit of the holiday? Share with me your favorite things to do in NYC during the holiday season and I’ll add them to this list. Happy Holidays everyone!

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14 Best Things to do in Putnam & Dutchess Counties

Whether it’s spring break or summer vacation, the warm weather provides opportunities for many to explore the surrounding counties in which we live. Here are 14 things to do for spring and summer travel in Putnam and Dutchess county. I hear a road trip calling.

Bannerman Castle Tour, Beacon

Visit the famous Bannerman Castle ruins, enjoy a guided walking tour of the island, and take a mini hike to the summit on Bannerman Island. www.bannermancastle.org

Green Chimneys Farm & Wildlife Center, Brewster

Visitors can experience the farm featuring over 200 animals including horses, birds of prey, and camels. http://www.greenchimneys.org/farm/tours/

Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, Carmel  

This 14,086-acre park boasts hiking trails, a beautiful beach, picnic areas, scenic campground, and abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, and birding.  Tour Canopus Lake by rowboat, available for rental at the park. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/133/hunting.aspx

Chuang Yen Monestary, Carmel Hamlet

This monastery is home to the largest indoor statue of Buddha in the Western Hemisphere. Tours and classes are available. https://www.baus.org/en/

Clinton Vineyards, Clinton Corners

At Clinton Vineyards, visitors can enjoy explore the gardens and vineyards and partake in an informational and delicious wine tasting.http://www.clintonvineyards.com

Hudson River Expeditions, Cold Spring

Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are available for rental and instruction. Tours are also available of the Hudson River, Constitution Marsh, and Annsville Creek. http://www.hudsonriverexpeditions.com/

Hudson Valley Renegades game, Dutchess Stadium, Fishkill

Catch a game with the Hudson Valley Renegades, a Class A, short-season minor league baseball team affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays. Contests and giveaways make for a fun time and a fireworks are displayed after Friday night games. https://www.milb.com/hudson-valley/tickets

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Hyde Park

Tour the Vanderbilt Mansion, an example of a gilded-age country place exemplifying the political, economic, and cultural changes that occurred as America industrialized in the years after the Civil War. www.nps.gov/vama/index.htm

Innisfree Garden, Millbrook

Based on principles of Chinese landscape design visitors can explore this150-acre garden dotted with streams, waterfalls, and terraces. www.innisfreegarden.org

Boscobel, Philipstown

Boscobel offers tours of the Neoclassical mansion and access to 68 acres of grounds, featuring lush gardens, a woodland trail, and stunning vistas of Constitution Marsh, Hudson River, and Bear Mountain. https://boscobel.org/

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Philipstown

Enjoy a performance under an open-air tent on the beautiful grounds of Boscobel. https://hvshakespeare.org/visit/boscobel-house-and-gardens/

MANITOGA/The Russel Wright Design, Philipstown

Manitoga was the estate and modernist home of industrial designer Russel Wright. A variety of tours are offered of his house, studio, and grounds. Inspirational, his vision integrates Japanese design and the juxtaposition of natural and synthetic materials. https://www.visitmanitoga.org/

Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie

The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, built in the late 19th century to link New York and New England to the coal beds of Pennsylvania and the West, is a marvel of Industrial Revolution engineering. For walkers, runners, bicyclists, and rollerbladers, it provides a stunning panorama and a connection to 27 miles of rail trails and riverfront parks on either side of the Hudson River. www.walkway.org

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Rhinebeck

Watch an exhilarating airshow or go for a ride over the Hudson River in the open cockpit of a 1929 New Standard D-25. Here visitors can enjoy one of the world’s largest collections of World War I and Golden Age aircraft and antique automobiles. http://www.oldrhinebeck.org

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