New York's Top 10 Festive Diversions

Manhattan skyline, viewed from Williamsburg1

Spending the holidays in New York City is an opportunity to bask in the warm glow of twinkling lights and seasonal festivities, while absorbing the unrivaled cultural sights. The festive season is typically launched by Thanksgiving, culminating with the spectacle known as the Times Square New Year's Eve countdown and ball drop. With all the city has to offer, it's challenging to choose an itinerary, but the following top ten seasonal activities are enduringly popular for visitors and locals alike.

THE MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE: VIBRANT MAGICAL FLOATS

The Macy's Parade is televised to millions of viewers worldwide and the balloon floats bounce and jiggle into the Manhattan skyline every November. Throngs of families flock to Midtown, eager to catch a glimpse of the astounding creations and celebrities. Several hotels near the parade route offer package deals, including the Novotel New York in Times Square and the storied Roosevelt Hotel.

	Turning leaves en route to the Dia Beacon2

BLAZING LEAVES UPSTATE: THE DIA BEACON

The turning leaves of Upstate New York require a drive or perhaps a train ride out of the city, with a stop at the Dia Museum. Along the Hudson River, the blaze of autumn colors provides a striking visual reminder of the start of the holidays and the large scale installations at the museum are among the most notable exhibits in contemporary art. The Orchestra of St. Lukes stages seasonal concerts at the museum each autumn, filling the space with the sounds of Handel and other classical greats.

CHRISTMAS AT THE ROCK

The lighting of the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is an enduring and magical holiday tradition taking place in late November and the crowds gather early to catch a glimpse of the ceremony. The skating rink at Rockefeller Center is one of the most romantic spots in New York City. Magical music broadcasts from the speakers and the crowds gather in the upper galleries of the square, watching skaters twirl and spin on the pristine white ice. The Sea Grill restaurant offers ground level views of the action and a cosmopolitan menu. A short ride to the Top of the Rock observation deck affords spectacular views of the city lights, including the Empire State Building, which glows brilliantly with green and red lights during the holidays.

Children enjoy the rink at Rockefeller Center3

LEGGY PAGEANTRY WITH THE ROCKETTES

Not to be missed, Radio City Music Hall stages a spectacular Christmas Pageant featuring the Rockettes each year, with a guest appearance by non other than Santa Claus. Widely considered a city landmark, the concert hall is rich in history and tours of the storied building are readily available. Nearby in the theater district, the French bistro Un Deux Trois is one of the most regal dining rooms in the city, with an elegant menu and exceptional service.

MEET ME AT THE MET

Featured in countless romantic films and boasting one of the world's most exhaustive art collections, the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosts live performances of classical Christmas music throughout November and December in the glorious lobby and the rich music of harps mingles with the uplifting voices of operatic sopranos. An exhibit of Christmas trees from around the world is offered throughout the season, and traditionally clad carolers may be glimpsed strolling through the museum, adding to the magical atmosphere. A few steps out the front entrance, Central Park beckons with its glittering rows of Christmas lights and romantic horse-drawn carriages. Walking tours of the park can be booked through its website.

THE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: ORIGAMI AMID THE DINOSAURS

Located on museum row, the Museum of Natural History celebrates the season with a massive fir tree decorated with bouncing origami ornaments. The tree is typically raised in late November and remains in all its glory until the first week in January. While at the museum, be sure to visit the butterfly garden and the wealth of dinosaur replicas.

CHOIRS & CANDLES AT ST. PATRICK'S

The majesty of St. Patrick's Cathedral is spellbinding. As the largest Gothic cathedral in the U.S. it's an impressive structure inside and out. Just inside the regal front entrance, the hushed chapel beckons visitors with row upon row of glowing candles. Guests are encouraged to light a candle and to explore the vast beauty of the church and its glorious stained glass windows. Various seasonal events are held in the church, including the ever popular A City Singing at Christmas, held each November with a full choir.

SAK'S & SNOWFLAKES

The window displays at Sak's Fifth Avenue are legendary. Families stroll along, gesturing at the whimsical depictions of toy trains and beautifully painted nutcrackers, while the children's eyes light up with the magical atmosphere. The side of the famed building glows with the spectacular display, featuring brilliant snowflakes and festive music throughout the season. The city of New York suspends several enormous, glittering snowflakes throughout Midtown, the largest being at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street. Embedded with 12,000 sparkling crystals and hand crafted in Germany, this notable snowflake is said to be priceless.

GRAND CENTRAL LASERS

Throughout the holidays, amid the frenzied hustle and bustle of Grand Central Station (GCS), a dazzling Christmas laser light show captivates the eye and creates an atmosphere of goodwill and cheer. The great hall is also home to the famed Oyster Bar, the ideal place to sample their broad range of vintages while observing the throngs from above. As one of New York's most utilized transportation hubs, GCS is a photographer's paradise, with marble columns, a domed ceiling, and a bank of windows that cast kind light on the crowds as they race for their trains.

TIMES SQUARE COUNTDOWN

A whopping one million people cram into Times Square annually to mark the end of another year. This New York tradition can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Hearty souls may camp out early, ensuring a spot from which to view the world class entertainment. The smell of roasted chesnuts fills the air, and street vendors hawk everything from souvenirs, to meat on a stick. Several of the hotels in the area have rooftop restaurants with exceptional views of the action below. Some brave souls attempt to get a glimpse of the action at the last minute. The city begins blocking off the area around ten pm, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. For those not lucky enough to gain access to the square itself, there is a bounty of entertainment to be found nearby, particularly in Hell's Kitchen, where several low key bars provide a refuge from the rowdiness in the streets.

Police patrol the entrace to Times Square on New Year's Eve4

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1. Roberta McDonald; Manhattan viewed from Williamsburg; Manhattan, NY, USA
2. Roberta McDonald; Turning Leaves en route to the Dia Beacon; Manhattan, NY, USA
3. Roberta McDonald; Children enjoying the rink at Rockefeller Center; Manhattan, NY,USA
4. Roberta McDonald; Police patrolling Times Square; Manhattan, NY, USA