No Place Like NYC for the Holidays

Sleigh rides, snow, and New York City! It’s never too early to start planning your holiday travel. New York City tops the list of fabulous holiday destinations for groups- especially students. The Big Apple is always humming with activity but has a singular energy fueled by anticipation as the holidays approach. The weather is crisp, the people move briskly and the stage is set for wonder. There’s really no place like NYC for the holidays!

Holiday Windows

One of the best holiday traditions in New York City is also FREE! The holiday windows at retailers throughout the city never disappoint with their creativity and style. They beckon shoppers to explore wares within the stores using artistic and often mind-boggling displays.

Most windows are usually revealed right around Thanksgiving and typically remain on display through the new year. A truly dedicated window shopper may want to consider a holiday windows walking tour.

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

Break out the disinfectant and strap on those rental skates for another time-honored tradition- ice skating at Rockefeller Center. Situated in the heart of Midtown, the Rink at Rockefeller Center opens in October and remains open through the spring.

General admission skating is first-come, first served, and everyone in your party must wait in line together. Admission ranges from $25-$32, depending on the time of year. There are opportunities to reserve ice time, but it can get pricey.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit sometime in November and remains a shining beacon through the first week in January 2023. Take in this glorious evergreen while gliding gracefully on the ice- or clinging to the rail as the case may be!

Top of the Rock

Head off the ice and up to the Top of the Rock for spectacular, sweeping views of midtown Manhattan and Central Park. Everyone will love the birds-eye view of the city as it sparkles and shines- there’s really nothing quite like it!

Christmas Spectacular

Kick off the holidays with style (that’s right, I went there!) with the iconic Radio City Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular. The show runs from November 18, 2022, through January 2, 2023, and embodies the holiday spirit like nothing else!

The Rockettes perform extraordinary moves in gorgeous costumes, amid breathtaking backdrops and inspiring music.

If you are traveling with students, check out the Radio City Stage Door Tour for an insider’s look at Radio City Music Hall. It’s a guided tour through hallowed halls, where secrets of the stage are revealed and you can even meet a Rockette®!

NYBG Glow

The New York Botanical Garden glows with a dazzling 1.5-mile illuminated light tour.  Whimsical displays sparkle throughout the gardens with lots of spots for holiday selfies!

The next stop is the Holiday Train Show^® where you’ll find one of the city’s favorite traditions.  Watch the trains skim the rails through more than 190 replicas of New York City landmarks – all recreated using natural materials.

No Place like NYC for the Holidays

While the calendar may soon say 2023, the spirit is singing that there’s still time to enjoy this festive season. Gather your group for a merry little visit to the Big Apple – there really is no place like NYC for the holidays!

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*Post Updated December 2022