Nothing beats the magic of New York at Christmas. Incredible lighting displays illuminate each street corner, and alluring scents and sights emanate from the entrance to every shop. Glittering frost covers the city each morning, or even a smooth blanket of snow, and there’s endless delicacies to sample as you explore.
Beyond this sensory overload, there are many special attractions that are unique to New York at Christmas. Some, such as the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree, you will have seen in the movies. But believe us when we say that it doesn’t come close to how impressive they are in person.
Planning your Christmas trip
Organise your flights
To find the best fares and travel times, organise your flights well in advance. Journeys are usually released around a year in advance, with the price climbing as the plane fills up with passengers.
You can fly direct to New York from several airports across the UK including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester as well as London Heathrow.
Book airport parking
As with flights, airport parking increases in price as availability diminishes. If you’re based in the north of England, you can find cheap Manchester airport car parking for your holiday by booking your space well ahead of time. Get organised and reserve your space when you buy your flights.
Make sure to use a reputable provider to safeguard your car against damage or theft while you’re away.
Pack the right clothes
Unlike the UK where weather can be mixed throughout the year, it is certain that New York is cold in the winter. The average maximum daily temperature in New York in December is 6.7°C, with around five hours of sunshine. There is also the likelihood of at least three snowy days during the month.
It is therefore important to wrap up warm! Take lots of layers so that you can seamlessly transition from cold high street to warm coffee shop. A winter coat is essential, as is a pair of sturdy boots or trainers that are comfortable to walk in. A scarf, gloves, and a warm hat will also come in handy.
Book major attractions
Predictably, the most popular things to see in New York at Christmas time sell out quickly. It is therefore vital to book major attractions in advance if you want them to feature in your itinerary.
There is still plenty to do if you want a more flexible holiday, however. Examples include ice-skating at the enormous outdoor rink in Central Park and visiting the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree. This tree is the pride and joy of New York during the festive season, wrapped in over 50,000 lights and topped with a staggering Swarovski star.
Other ways to soak up the festivities in the Big Apple include:
- The Radio City Rockettes ‘Christmas Spectacular’
- Fifth Avenue shop window displays
- The famous holiday markets
- Winter Village at Bryant Park
- The New York Botanical Garden GLOW
By following the tips above on planning your trip, the next thing to do is enjoy your festive experience in New York City, taking in the sights as you marvel at the Christmas decorations!
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
