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- Learn to say 'no' to the good so you can say 'yes' to the best. John C. Maxwell
Visit New York City at Christmas Time!
It’s Christmastime in the city! And what better way to celebrate the festive season than by checking out all the ways the Big Apple is marking the holiday.
Here are 10 ways for tourists and New Yorkers alike to celebrate Christmas in the city that never sleeps:
Rockefeller Center Tree Sighting
One of the most iconic Christmas-themed destinations in New York is Rockefeller Center, which is home to an 80-foot-tall tree that’s decorated with more than 30,000 multicolored lights. The tree will remain lit until 8 p.m. EST on Jan. 7, 2015.
(Location: In the plaza center, at 50th Street and Fifth Avenue)
Ice Skating in Bryant Park
Grab a friend, a pair of rental skates and hit Bryant Park’s 170-by-100 foot rink. While admission is free, patrons must pay for skate rentals, locks and bag check.
(Location: Between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
Bryant Park Holiday Shops
Take a break from showing off on the ice to stroll through Bryant Park’s Winter Village. It features more than 125 boutique-style shops located throughout the tree-lined park.
(Location: Between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
Fifth Avenue Window Shopping
You’ll feel like you’re walking in a winter wonderland when you pass the festively decorated stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Lord & Taylor, Saks and Tiffany.
(Location: Fifth Avenue between 39th and 60th Streets)
Radio City Music Hall
Nothing says Christmastime like 36 Rockettes performing high kicks! While in New York, it’s a must to attend the annual musical holiday stage show, a fixture since 1933.
(Location: Sixth Avenue and 50th Street)
Sixth Avenue Decorations
Give your eyes an early Christmas treat by checking out the holiday decorations on the Avenue of the Americas. From festive, oversize tree ornaments to jumbo, colored lights, you’ll be aesthetically pleased every which way you turn!
(Location: Sixth Avenue between 34th and 59th Streets)
Empire State Building
While taking a tour of New York, don’t forget to look up! The skyscraper will be decorated in festive Christmas colors, sporting green and red lights at the very top.
(Located: Fifth Avenue at 34th Street)
Chelsea Market
The 6,000-square-foot indoor market has something for everyone. From a smorgasbord of delicious food options (our personal favorite is Cull & Pistol) to a variety of stores, Chelsea Market just might become your favorite New York destination -- especially during the holidays. Make sure to glance around at the brilliantly decorated space.
(Location: 75 Ninth Ave., at 15th Street)
Lincoln Center
If you’re looking to be dazzled this holiday season, then George Balanchine’s ballet of Tchaikovsky's “The Nutcracker” is your best bet. You'll leave the show with the Sugar Plum Fairy dancing in your head -- and maybe a nutcracker ornament from the gift shop.
(Location: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
FAO Schwarz
What’s Christmas without toys? At the legendary FAO Schwarz you can let your inner child play among the life-size stuffed animals, dolls and high-end toys. And did we mention the wall-to-wall candy store?
(Location: Fifth Avenue and 59th Street)