So far in my life, I’ve been to NYC twice around the holidays. Once was right before the decorations were out – a girl scout bus ride with my mother, sister and grandmother. It was actually the first time I stepped foot in the Gershwin Theatre (where Wicked plays) and I cried. A lot. The second time was in college. While I was in college, I was part of a group of students who received a particular scholarship and were able to spend time with our president, Tracy. My junior year, we went into NYC and were given free reign (well, mostly). We had a set amount of time but could go anywhere we wanted. Guys. This is a DREAM. NYC. At Christmas. AMAZING. So, even though that trip was more years ago then I care to mention, I thought I’d share a few of my must-see spots in the city + some tips for enjoying the Big Apple as they prepare for the big day!

My top three locations (in no order!):

1) Macy’s: It’s so cliché that I list Macy’s (and I’m well aware of that!) but I can’t imagine sending you up to the Big Apple at Christmas time and NOT telling you to go here! I was just in AWE of how beautiful the shop windows were and even the inside just FELT like Christmas. I picked up my Elf on the Shelf there + my own Macy’s ball ornament and every year, I feel as filled with Christmas when I look at them as I did when I bought them. To me, Macy’s shop is just the epitome of Christmas! The reds, the Santa letter station, everything just reminds you of the magic of this season. I hope one day to get to take my mother to see the store windows – I know it’s on her bucket list! 

2) Rockefeller Center: Skating under the tree in Rockefeller Center has to be one of the most amazing things to do. That being said, I cannot ice skate so I was perfectly content to simply watch the beautiful skaters. The tree was absolutely stunning – I mean, it almost brought me to tears, you guys. Obviously this is another quintessential spot for Christmas in New York! If you have time, go int into the NBC studio suite – it has the most spectacular view of the tree! 

3) Bryant Park: Funny story about Bryant Park… Sarah (the girl I buddied up with on this trip) and I really wanted to find a Christmas tree in NYC and somehow we got word Bryant Park would have one. Well, we thought Bryant park was a super shot hop, skip + jump from where we were … and it wasn’t. But, oh my goodness, was it worth the long walk! There’s another tree + skating rink – but it’s absolutely stunning. The year I went it was all lit up blue!! They have a cute little Christmas market set up and we found some DELICIOUS crepes – they made me think of Serbia! It was so, so worth it! 

Overall, I don’t think there’s anywhere you could go wrong when you visit NYC at Christmastime. The city is seriously a million more times beautiful than it already is during the rest of the year. Enjoy yourself, take too many pictures and let yourself feel like a kid again. Take the time to walk + really look around you. The whole city is always lit up but at Christmas? The lights just burn brighter. 

Happy holidays!

Kristina