If
you are celebrating or thinking of celebrating Christmas in New York
City but want to make sure there are plenty of fun family activities,
you have no need to worry. In fact there is too much to do and it would
be impossible to take part in all the Christmas celebrations. Events and
activities discussed here include many of
New York’s Christmas celebrations
that are known around the world and some other lesser known family
activities that may not be famous but don’t come up short when it comes
to Christmas cheer.
The Christmas season
gets started with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller
Square. The tree is lit at an event on November 29th, this is not only
one of New York’s most famous Christmas celebrations it is one of the
United States’. Each year the event attracts popular performers and it
televised live on TV. To top it all off there is an appearance by the
renowned Rockettes and ice skating displays in the Rockefeller ice rink.
Going ice
skating in Rockefeller Square has long been a
New
York Christmas celebration and it is a great family activity. The
Rockefeller ice rink has been open since 1936 when it made its grand
opening on Christmas day. It is possible to rent skates at the rink and
even though the prices are at their highest during the holiday season,
but it is a fun special holiday treat for your family.
No New York Christmas celebration is complete without experiencing a
truly magical performance of the
Nutcracker by the New York Ballet. This classic ballet is a much
loved favourite that brings people back year after year and brings a
little Christmas magic to someone new each year. The Nutcracker is
always one of the New York Ballet’s featured performances that is sure
to dazzle you and your children. Once the moment the curtain goes up you
will be transported to a wondrous place full of sparkly snowflakes, a
glittering Christmas tree, troublemaking mice and far away lands. The
music and dancing is always beautiful making this one of New York’s best
Christmas celebrations.
Another must see and famous New York Christmas celebration is the
Christmas Spectacular at Radio City
Music Hall. This show features the world famous Rockettes, its
regular show favourites such as the “Parade of Wooden Soldiers” amongst
many new and dazzling affects. There are 200 performances during the
holiday season with over 2 million people seeing the show. This is one
of the best family events happing in New York during the Christmas
season.
To soak up the Christmas atmosphere walking around New York’s shopping
district touring the window displays of the city’s famous department
stores is a good way to get the family in the Christmas spirit. Each
store has a different theme to its display. Saks is always family
orientated, Lord & Taylor has a classic touch, Bergdorf Goodman uses
sophistication and antiques, Barneys is modern and stylish,
Bloomingdale’s is time
orientated and Macy’s has a different theme each year along with scenes
from Miracle on 34th Street.
New York has plenty of smaller, less glitzy celebrations that create a
lovely family feeling. On December 3 you can experience a good
old-fashioned Christmas celebration at
Carl Schurz Park, located on
the Upper East Side. This celebration is free and includes carolling,
cookies and hot cider. The highlight is the lighting of the park’s
Christmas tree. If you don’t make it to the Carl Schurz Park lighting
you can go to the South Cove Holiday lighting on December 9th. This is
another traditional feel event with hot chocolate, cider, cookies and a
visit from Santa where he gives a progress report on the toy making and
makes sure he has everyone’s Christmas list up to date.
You can go back in time at the
Staten
Island Zoo Christmas celebration on December 9th. This event, called
Dickens of a Christmas has an old fashioned theme that includes singing,
a tree lighting, reindeer visits and a visit from Santa.
You can open up your children to the traditional Christmas celebrations
of Sweden at the Swedish Christmas Workshop held by Scandinavia House.
The workshop is set up to be both fun and educational, helping children
learn about Sweden’s most important holiday. The day revolves around a
traditional Christmas decoration party call julpyntsfest. There is
storytelling and ornament making. Children will have the chance to learn
about and how to make some traditional Christmas decorations including
paper stars and medallions.
These are just a few of the hundreds of family orientated Christmas
celebrations happening in New York. A little bit of research will
uncover many wonderful opportunities for you and your family to enjoy.
- Conversion Van Rental Camping