December is a time in New York City when the store windows come alive, the air gets crisp and cold and people think about their blessings and the future of a new year. December is also a great time to dress up in warm clothing and get out and see all of the extraordinary events that Gotham has to offer which traditionally help to fill New Yorkers with the joy of the holiday season. Here are five of New York City’s yearly traditional holiday events that are sure to give you some great ideas on what to do for the last month of the year.
A Neighborhood Tradition
# 1. – Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights Holliday Lights
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Show every year is one of the World’s most famous neighborhood holiday light displays. An estimated 100,000 visitors come to see the annual extravaganza of color, tradition, and cheer. The sight is one of Brooklyn’s iconic legacies that are not to be believed until actually seen in person.
It will be guaranteed that there will be giant inflated Santa’s, Frosty the Snowmen, and over-the-top Holiday Spirit like you’ve never seen before in your life, especially if it’s your first time at the huge Brooklyn attraction. Make sure to dress warm, as walking around the neighborhood on foot is the best way to enjoy the light show without the drama of a ridiculously high volume of bumper to bumper traffic and mutual holiday sightseers.
Although homeowners tend to start to set-up lights after Thanksgiving, Mid-December to New Year’s Eve is when homeowners have their best lights and outrageous holiday paraphernalia fully set-up for the full hordes of this season‘s New York City holiday revelers. Make sure to get there at dusk because many of the neighborhood houses shut off their light displays at around 9:00 pm. Bus tours of the iconic Brooklyn neighborhood’s holiday light show are also available but don’t delay because tickets always sell out quickly.
Dinner and a Show
# 2. – Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular for 2017 is an incredible spectacle of the ultimate American Christmas Spirit. Flying Santa and Rockettes in classic Wooden Soldier uniforms will bring the best x-mass cheer into every heart this holiday season.
The show is continuing all December until January 1, of 2018. Radio City Music Hall hosts the event at 1260 6th Ave at Rockefeller Center. Tickets are available at the official website, the Radio City Music Hall Box-office, or through Ticketmaster by calling 8666-858-0007. Ticket prices range from $49 for 3rd mezzanine seats to $250 for the orchestra seats.
There is nothing greater than adding a nice dinner to a Radio City Music Hall show, especially with someone special. Here are two notable and respected restaurants located nearby Radio City Music Hall, which are categorized into two different price ranges.
French/Seafood
Three Star Michelin Rating
Price Range: $70 – $330
Whether you live in New York City or are just visiting, the 3-star Michelin rated French culinary excellence of Le Bernardin is something that eventually must be experienced. What better way to enjoy that elegant experience than before or after the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. This is sure to be a Happy Holiday memory that you and whoever you take with you will certainly never soon forget.
Since 1986, Le Bernardin has remained formal with white tablecloths, an impeccable décor, incredible service, plus, of course, simply remarkably delicious and expertly done French cuisine. Jackets are required in the main dining room so this is not a place to just show up in casual attire without a reservation and expect to be seated. The bar offers delicious and more affordable appetizers in the $16 to $20 range for those who just want to have a drink, snack, and soak in the pleasant ambiance.
Address: 155 W 51st St, New York City. The cross street is between Sixth and Seventh Aves.
Hours: Mon to Thu 12:00pm to 2:30pm, 5:15 to 10:30pm; Fri – 12:00pm to 2:30pm, 5:15 to 11pm; Sat 5:15pm to 11pm
Steakhouse/American Fare
No Michelin Rating
Price Range: $30 – $70
For those of you who don’t want to have to fight for reservations at a Three Star New York City restaurant, knowing what that might entail, the Del Frisco’s Grille in Rockefeller Center offers a great selection of prime steaks plus many other great seafood dishes and classic American fare. They don’t have the stars or culinary prestige of Le Bernardin, but, they do have a good reputation and affordable quality food and service with a spectacular Rockefeller center setting.
The restaurant offers an array of 16 oz. stakes for around $40 bucks. Specialty drinks are around $16.00. With the restaurant sharing space with NBC Universal, News Corp, and other well-known media entities, the atmosphere is casual and friendly.
Address: 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. The cross Street is between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Hours are from 11 am to 11 pm daily.
New York City Holiday Shopping Traditions
# 3. – Winter Village Holiday Market
The Bank of America Winter Village Holiday Market is once again going strong with holiday gifts and goods, plus local food vendors selling delicious treats. The open-air style New York City market has a European feel and is located along Bryant Park’s alleys, plazas, and terraces with line after line of open kiosk vendors.
Hours: December 2017 through January 2, 2018, Monday through Friday, 11am-8pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am-8pm.
# 4. – Union Square Holiday Market
One hundred and fifty local and national vendors have come together once more in this year’s Union Square Holiday Market. Handcrafted gifts, jewelry, artwork, and also, of course, great food vendors are there to create the ultimate holiday shopping experience which is sure to provide all sorts of gift ideas, opportunities, and great finds for that hard to shop for person. The event is going on until the 24th of December, so don’t wait, go see what you find.
Hours: Until December 24th – 11:00am to 8:00pm – Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 8:00pm on Saturdays, 11:00am to 7:00pm on Sundays – Closed at 4pm on Christmas Eve.
New Year’s Eve at 30 Rockefeller Plaza
# 5. – The Rainbow Room for New Year’s Eve
The infamous 30 Rock is viewing the New Year from 65 stories up at the Rainbow Room. The event is named New Year’s Eve: On Top of the World and it is an upscale event in which jackets are required. There is dancing, a live band and DJ, and a champagne and caviar open bar along with complimentary canapés. The actual address is 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th floor, New York City. The cross street is between 49th and 50th Streets.
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