new york at christmas

Our Guide – New York in December

Heading to New York for the holidays? Check out our for the best seasonal things to do in the city.

Whether you’re looking to admire show-stopping festive decorations, catch a vintage train show, or cozy up in a museum cafe, here are our fave things to do in New York at this time of the year.

Bustling festive markets. Streets enveloped with snow. Dazzling light displays. It’s true - New York City in December is the perfect winter wonderland! Whether you’re looking to browse the Christmas markets, go ice-skating at the Rockefeller, or party at the Times Square ball drop, the city promises a wide array of fun activities and exciting events for you and your loved ones. With so much to see, do and experience, one thing’s for sure – your trip won’t be boring! So, pack your best winter jacket and get ready to explore all that the city has to offer.

See the City

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Everyone knows about the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Plaza, but those looking for a captivating seasonal experience may be interested in making a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Combining history, religion, and design, this Neo-Gothic style Catholic cathedral is a total must-see for history lovers and architecture buffs alike. Come Christmas time, the church offers special holiday tours so that visitors may admire its heavy bronze doors, stunning stained-glass windows, and high ceilings.

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If you’re trying to avoid the cold, you might appreciate a day out at one of the city’s top cultural amenities. Situated on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the American Museum of Natural History seeks to cultivate curiosity in the natural world. Since its founding in 1869, the museum’s collections have grown to include a whopping 34 million specimens of plants, animals, human cultural artifacts, and much more. This total crowd-pleaser is sure to spark a sense of wonder and delight in anybody. A day at the museum is a day well spent in our books!

Whilst the seasonal markets and the snowy cityscape have their appeal, it’s understandable that you’ll be looking for some indoor activities to enjoy. Warm up by checking out some of the city’s highly revered cultural amenities for a fuss-free day out. One of our favorites is the Frick Collection, which features a wide array of Old Master paintings and European fine and decorative arts. The institute stands as one of the most popular spots for creative thought in the city, and we can easily see why.

Hit the Classics

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Those who are brave enough to brace the cold might enjoy the next item on our list. Open all throughout the month, The Rink under the Rockefeller Center offers a fun festive activity for you and your loved ones. The great thing about this place is that it offers skate rentals, so you just need to bundle up with a warm jacket and cozy scarf before taking a spin. To avoid waiting in line during the busy holiday season, make online reservations so you can skip the queues.

Looking for the quintessential winter in New York experience? Well, look no further! Since its premiere in 1933, Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular has been captivating and delighting audiences with its incredible visuals. Combining traditional thematics with special features, the beloved Christmas spectacle offers everything from tap dancers and an original music score to 3D projections and a flying Santa Claus. Perfect for those travelling with family, this magical experience is sure to satisfy everybody.

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We’ve seen it in all the movies: the spectacular New Year’s Ball Drop. Drawing in over a million spectators each year, the exhilarating event is known as one of the biggest New Year's Eve celebrations in the world. If you’re looking to grab a slice of the action, head down to Times Square for an experience you’ll remember for years to come. Though the main event is clearly the ball drop, we recommend showing up early enough to catch some fantastic musical performances and feel the world hold its breath.

Anybody looking for a relaxing way to see the city will enjoy our next suggestion. An absolute New York classic, the horse-drawn carriages at Central Park will take you through the idyllic landscape and provide fantastic views of some of the city’s most magnificent structures. On the way, your guide will explain the intriguing history behind the famous landmarks as you pass them by. As engaging as it is magical, this one is a total delight for those of all ages.

Soak up the Atmosphere

Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of December is checking out the Holiday Train Show. For thirty years running, New York Botanical Garden’s artful display of the city in miniature has captured the imagination of visitors and natives alike. Marvel at model trains whizzing through a dazzling exhibit constructed from natural materials, such as pinecones, acorns and twigs. Drawing in train enthusiasts and novices alike, this enchanting visual experience is not to be missed!

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Come December, the city becomes host to a wide array of fun and seasonal pop-up events. For some easy cold-weather exercise and festive shopping, head down to Bryant Park Winter Village. The famous holiday market is known for presenting over 170 kiosks selling gifts, decorations, crafts and more. Whilst browsing, you can cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate, enjoy delicious treats, or admire the gorgeous tree. With its lively atmosphere, this place is a great destination to spend time with friends and family.

Just because it's chilly doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors! During this time of the year, the city presents a wide variety of fun and festive activities that are well worth checking out. One of our absolute favorites is the annual NYC Winter Lantern Festival, which combines Christmastime decorations with the craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern making to present a magnificent immersive exhibition. Festivalgoers of all ages will be awed by the beautiful handmade silk structures, coming in almost every form imaginable. This total crowd-pleaser is sure to put a smile on anybody’s face.

New York is incredible to explore in December. The air is brisk, the city is buzzing with life, and you’ll be able to find countless fun activities popping up all over the place. Whether you’re looking to admire the beautiful interiors at St. Patrick’s church, catch a vintage train show, or cozy up in a museum cafe, you’ll find many reasons to love New York at this time of the year. Make the most out of your travel experience and create unforgettable memories with our All-inclusive pass and Explorer pass. To find out more, check us out on Instagram and Facebook.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Edge vs Empire State Building
Blog

Edge vs Empire State Building - Compare Observation Decks

Batman Vs. Superman. Freddie Vs. Jason. Kramer Vs. Kramer. It seems that, as a species, we have a fascination with face-offs. We even have a classic 1997 action thriller named after them! So, clearly, humans love a good head-to-head. In the spirit of healthy competition, let's pit two of New York's best attractions against one another and see which comes out top. The Edge Vs. the Empire State Building. Young blood versus the old guard. Youth Vs. Experience. Who will win? Does visiting both make you the real winner? Let's explore. Round 1. Fight! Edge Vs. Empire State Building: Backstories The Empire State Building likely needs no introduction. Once the proud owner of 'the world's tallest building' moniker, it has since been beaten by some ungodly tall creations in the past 50 years. Still, it's arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet. At nearly 1,500ft tall, it towers over the rest of Manhattan like a beacon of capitalist excess. Around 4 million people ascend its many floors to look out over the city every year. So it's probably going to win the popularity contest. Image courtesy of Mike Van Moonlight/Shutterstock The Edge, on the other hand, is the guitarist of U2. Wait, that's not right. Just going to check our notes. No, this Edge is, in fact, a massive observation platform found in the gentrified redevelopment of Hudson Yards. Surrounded by new builds and moderno architecture, its tower of sights is unmissable. As it's so new, there isn't much backstory to mention here. But, given the comparisons between its name and a certain stadium-rock guitarist, one could only imagine there is some crossover there. Just to be clear, there isn't. We had to say that for legal reasons. But one can imagine. Edge Vs. Empire State Building: Cinema stylings Image courtesy of Drop of Light/Shutterstock The Empire State Building has a rather storied history on celluloid. Who could forget King Kong climbing the tower's summit with damsel in hand while planes pepper them with gunfire? But that's just one of many. In fact, it's likely one of the most photographed landmarks in cinematic history. How does Edge measure up? Well, given its relative infancy, not so well. In fact, no matter how hard we looked, we couldn't find a single film that featured it. However, while it may not be in any movies, you can actually watch movies up there. Yes, the Edge has its own outdoor cinema thanks to a partnership with NY's Museum of Modern Art. Beat that, Empire State Building! What can you do at Edge When you arrive, you'll likely want to see the view from the top and discover what all the fuss is about. So, head inside and ride the elevator a might 100 stories up. Then, step out onto the open-air viewing platform and see for yourself. Oh, did we mention that platform has a glass floor? No? Well, if you're already up there, you'll learn the hard way. Once you're braving it, dare to sip some champagne and look out on the city's skyline in wonder. Take some snaps too, because a chance like this should not go begging. Then, when you're done soaking up the views, head down into Hudson Yards. You'll find plenty of places to eat, drink, and even shop in this new development, so go ham. What can you do at the Empire State Building While it may be tempting to head straight to the top of the Empire State Building, settle down. Take it slow and soak it all in. Start at the bottom, where you'll be greeted by the recently-restored Art Deco lobby, which boasts 24-karat gold and aluminum leaf ceiling murals. Enough opulence! Time to move on. Next, immerse yourself in the Empire State's interactive museum, which features a dozen galleries that explore the history of the building, from its conception and creation through to today. Selfies ahoy with the large King Kong statue on display. Then, head up to the 80th floor and wander the art exhibits that are all dedicated the icon of the NY skyline. Now, yes, it's finally time to make your way to the summit and experience the best views in the city. You'll get a 360-degree view of the city that is as Grammable as any other skyline. Come rain, shine, or freezing temperatures, your time in the summit will be aided by state-of-the-art heaters that will keep you warm and toasty during New York's most arctic months. How to get to Edge For starters, head towards Hudson Yards. You can get there on the subway by taking the Number 7 through Times Square to Penn Station. Bus-wise, the M34-SBS, M12, and M11 bus lines stop within a few minutes walk of the tower. You could even hop on two wheels and bike there. Cycle to the Hudson River Park along the West Side Highway and follow the trail down the Hudson Yards. Easy, peasy, and good for the ol' heart! How to get to Empire State Building If you're in New York City, you're halfway there. However, there's no need to live on a prayer, because it's pretty easy to see it with the eye test. Just look up from most places in the city, because you'll be able to orient yourself with no problem! If you're heading in from further outside the city center, the nearest metro stations are Herald Square and Penn Station. Or, if you're getting the train, disembark at Grand Central, and it's a short 10-minute walk from the station. We've even got a blog dedicated to the best times to visit the Empire State Building. So, if you're not sure when to head there, have a look and see what we suggest! Save on New York Activities and Attractions The battle is over. But who won? That's up to you to decide. No matter who reigns victorious in the Edge Vs. Empire State Building face-off, you should definitely check out both when you visit New York. And, when you're in the city that never sleeps, make sure your itinerary is loaded up for a full 24 hours with Go City. Thanks to our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see Edge, the Empire State Building, and New York's best of the rest at one low price!
Dom Bewley
Little girl on a traditional Easter egg hunt.
Blog

What to do on Easter Weekend in New York City

Easter is a great time to visit New York, as the east coast shakes off its winter chill and the city bursts into colorful, vibrant life with a riot of tulips, cherry blossom and forsythia. Then, of course, there’s the Big Apple's annual Easter Parade, when a flamboyant forest of the biggest, boldest (and downright wackiest) bonnets you’ve ever laid eyes on weaves its way through Midtown Manhattan. Egg hunts, too, make for a cracking Easter day out for kids aged three to 93 and, who knows, you might even get a chance to meet the Easter bunny herself. So, pack your spring layers, brace your sweet tooth for joy, and read on for our eggs-pert guide to all things Easter in NYC. The Big Apple in Bloom If flowers float your boat and plants set your heart aquiver, there may be no better time to visit New York than over the Easter weekend, when many of spring’s best-loved blooms will be out in force. Central Park is as good a place as any to start your olfactory odyssey. Hit up the Bridle Path at 90th Street, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and the aptly-named Cherry Hill at 72nd Street for your cherry blossom fix – the pretty pink blossoms opposite the fairytale folly that is the park’s Belvedere Castle make for some of the finest spring selfie opportunities in town. If the weather plays ball, rent a bike to explore all of the park’s hidden nooks, or take a rowboat out onto the tranquil lake. The brief but beautiful annual cherry blossom explosion continues over at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where 26 species ensure good coverage from March through May. Meanwhile, the New York Botanical Garden adds a fragrant themed display of thousands of blooming orchids to the 200-or-so flowering cherry trees within its 50-acre forest. Want more? Take a spring stroll along the High Line (with a tour guide, if you so wish), where colorful wildflowers meet hip outdoor art installations and picnic spots are alive with the sound of birdsong and chattering squirrels. You’ll spot pretty Lady Jane tulips, Sunburst witch hazel and Virginia bluebells along this elevated former railway line on Manhattan’s west side. Or tiptoe through the tulips on Park Avenue: tens of thousands of the colorful blighters burst into bloom along the boulevard every spring. New York Easter Parade Put a great big hat-shaped marker in your diary for Easter Sunday, the eggstraordinary pinnacle of Manhattan’s Easter calendar. For today is the day that New Yorkers from across the state converge at 49th Street to follow the short Easter Parade route along Fifth Avenue, clad in some of the most outlandish headgear you’ll see in this galaxy, or any other. Yes, we’re talking about the annual festival of Easter bonnets, in which you can expect to see people in everything from period costume (a hat-tip to the parade’s 19th-century origins) to iconic New York landmarks in hat form (you may well lose count of the Empire State Buildings and Statues of Liberty), flamboyant flower-festooned fashion statements, and – for the very brave – pyramids of carefully balanced (real) eggs pointing precariously skywards. There are no prizes to be won, just the fawning admiration of your peers as you strut your stuff along Fifth Avenue in your eggstravagant Sunday best. It’s free to join and you can spend all day mingling with behatted fellow revelers along the half-mile route, with somewhere in the region of 30,000 people expected to turn up most years, weather permitting. Easter Egg Hunts in NYC Whether you’ve got kids or not, there’s surely no better way to spend your Easter weekend than mingling with the Easter bunny, having your face painted in a rainbow of colors and, of course, getting your sticky paws on some sweet, sweet Easter candy. You’ll find plenty of events taking place in parks and playgrounds across the Big Apple over Easter weekend. Note that while there are dozens to choose from, NYC Easter egg hunts are extremely popular so book ticketed events well in advance and turn up early for free hunts to avoid disappointment. Hit up East Harlem for the admirably punny annual NYSoM Easter Eggstravaganza, a free event that includes timed egg hunts, plus egg painting, a street fair and photo opportunities with the Easter bunny and pals. Over on Governer’s Island, there are hunts tailored by age group, with a whopping 10,000 painted wooden eggs to be found across 120 acres. Expect magic shows and puppetry as well as arts and craft stalls and a beer garden for the grown-ups. You can even make it educational. CMoM (the Children’s Museum of Manhattan) runs a fun Easter Egg scavenger hunt that’s included with your admission ticket. Set your little bunnies loose to seek out the cute critters hiding in eggs around the museum. There are prizes for successfully completing the challenge and Miffy – a close relative of the Easter bunny – may also make a guest appearance on the day. Easter Brunch in NYC Brunching is practically a religion in New York so, if the above activities sound just a little too taxing for a relaxing Easter weekend break, feast your eyes on these beauties for some of the finest Easter brunches in town. And remember to book in advance! The Dutch NYC. This SoHo stalwart promises long boozy brunches fueled by some of the best pre-noon cocktails in Lower Manhattan. Pair heaving platefuls of cornmeal blueberry flapjacks and avocado toast with a reviving Matcha Sour, or a punchy Oaxacan Sunset, with tequila, mezcal, hibiscus, lime and cassis. Jacob’s Pickles. Hit the dive bars a little too hard last night? This Upper West Side diner has you covered, with comfort food classics including heart-stopping biscuit-and-egg breakfast sandwiches and fluffy pancakes with buttermilk fried chicken. Wash down with a Bloody BLT – vodka, bacon and a jalapeño-pickled egg. Balthazar. The Oyster Marys at SoHo’s Balthazar are worth the entry price alone, but stick around for the divine eggs florentine and uber-comforting corned beef hash. The Garden @ The Standard. This East Village garden lets you tuck into oysters, steaks and mimosas in your own private yurt. There’s even an adult Easter egg hunt, with prizes including an overnight stay at The Standard. Ideal if you’ve overindulged in cocktails and chocolate eggs. Wynwood. For a family friendly option complete with epic brunch buffet, egg hunt and Easter bunny photo opportunities, make for Wynwood on Staten Island. Grateful grown-ups get a mimosa or bellini on arrival. Save on things to do on Easter weekend in New York City Save on admission to NYC attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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