A Big City Christmas

Photos and Itinerary by Sarah John Afana

Words by Susie Reese

One the best places to go for Christmas is New York City. Just ask our marketing specialist, Sarah John Afana. This past week, Sarah explored The Big City in search of holiday merriment, and here is her Grand Itinerary, great for natives of New York and guests here for the winter break. And for those budget-conscious travelers, all activities but food and drink are free!

Start out at 5th Avenue and 59th Street at Grand Army Plaza, across the street from the Plaza and near FAO Schwarz for the World’s Largest Menorah! Lightings generally take place at 5:30 p.m., so you can actually see the candles set ablaze. It’s only lit through Dec. 23 (the end of Hanukkah), so consider taking an early stroll.

Then head over FAO Schwarz, a kids’ and adults’ wonderland. Decked with falalalala coming out its front door, it’s pretty hard to get inside, especially during the evening hours. So if this is a morning stroll, sneak inside for a peak, but if it’s in the evening, then just enjoy the outside grandeur. If you’re with the kids, you might want to skip all together, or you won’t escape without buying at least one more present.

Unicef Snowflake & Tiffany's-IMG_6541

Twinkle, twinkle, HUGE star!

This area is also great for seeing the UNICEF Snowflake, which first debuted in 1984, and twinkles with Baccarat crystals. It’s the largest outdoor chandelier in the world and definitely the prettiest.

Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows 2014

Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows 2014

Next, swing by Bergdorf Goodman’s Holiday Windows on 5th Avenue and 58th Street. This year, the window theme is “inspired” and was designed by David Hoey, though more than a 100 artists and display artisans contributed to the products, which show various statue-esque images.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, December 2014

As you come down Fifth Avenue, you’ll see the Harry Winston New York Salon, a French-style building frosted with elegant Christmas lights. Then, stop by Saint Patrick’s Cathedral between 50th and 51st Streets with its wreaths and holiday majesty before reaching Saks Fifth Avenue.

Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Lights Display

The Saks Fifth Avenue Holidays Light Display starts…

You’ve heard of that lovely place, right? Well, the Saks Fifth Avenue windows are holiday legends and have included everything from snowflakes and bubbles to yetis and now fairytale characters, and every thirty minutes in the evening, a two-minute show is projected onto the façade of the building. Quite the spectacular!

Rockefeller Christmas Tree New York City

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!

Once you’ve seen the windows and show, turn around. Right there is the one and only Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, framed by the glowing angels. Visit the tree. Listen to the fantastic holiday music. See the amazing spectacle with toy soldiers and the ice skating rink, and even the LEGO Store. Hungry from your walk or just need to warm up? You can grab a bite to eat at the Rock Center Café, which is at ice-rink level, and afterwards, stop by NBC. You can see right into the Today studio.

If you haven’t had your fill of Christmas trees and Deckin’ the Halls, then head over the Bryant Park on 6th Avenue and 42nd Street with its own magical display, an ice skating rink, and even a pop-up winter village.

Macy's Herald Square Holiday Windows New York City

Macy’s Holiday Windows encourage you to believe, even on other planets!

If your legs haven’t given out yet, then end your holiday stroll at Macy’s Herald Square, the world’s largest department store and the company’s flagship one. The windows there are another treasure to behold and showcase the tale of a young boy discovering Christmas on other planets as well as select scenes from Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.

 

Though this ends our New York City holiday walking tour, you can also enjoy the windows at Bloomingdale’s (59th and Central Park); Barneys on 61st; Henri Bendel, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany and Co., also on Fifth Avenue. And on Christmas Eve, come back here and read Sarah’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” Twitter-style.