It's that special time of year when family comes together to bring cheer and best wishes. New York is the place Marta calls home, now she will reflect on that special place...The "Big Apple!"
Marta Bota enjoys Christmas in New York
I just returned from my 2014 holiday visit to my hometown and favorite city! Visiting family and friends did add to my excitement! I will share some of my favorite holiday things to do when I visit the Empire State during this magical time of year!
It wouldn’t feel like Christmas time without a stroll down 5th Avenue! The main concentration of holiday buzz is in the heart of Rockefeller Center, between 48th and 51st streets and Fifth Avenue! Viewing the natural tree above the Rockefeller ice Rink is a sight for sore eyes! The sight of the tree surrounded by skyscrapers and some of the worlds most exclusive shops will jolt you into the holiday spirit! The Norway Spruce stands at 80 feet tall and is decorated with thousands of lights!
Directly across the street from the famous tree is the Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store! There is a beautiful light show that is projected onto the building of the department store and it takes place throughout the day! Saks Fifth Avenue is famous for their beautiful holiday window displays and people wait in line to see them each year! Throughout the city and, especially on Fifth Avenue, you can see many beautifully decorated holiday window displays! Be sure to check out Bergdorf Goodman and Macy’s department stores too!
Not far from the tree is Radio City Music Hall where you can see the world famous Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular! The glitz and glamour of New York City during the holidays is truly displayed in this iconic show! The beautiful Rockettes in their sparkle costumes dancing to holiday favorites is sure to warm the hearts of kids of all ages!
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on 5th Avenue between 50th and 51st streets is a beautiful Catholic Cathedral and is open for all to visit. People of all religious backgrounds stop in to visit this church, to see it’s beautiful architecture and stone work. It is truly a masterpiece and has a lovely Nativity scene throughout the Christmas season!
I love being a tourist in New York this time of year! Another fun thing to do is to take a carriage ride through central Park! It is beautiful at night and you can stop and skate at the ice rink in the park! New York City has no shortage of beautiful ice rinks! If ice skating is your thing check out the Winter Village Ice rink at Bryant Park on 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues! There are kiosks set up for shopping with local vendors! Grab a hot chocolate and enjoy the holiday atmosphere!
New York city is always full of hustle and bustle, but there is no better time to enjoy the city than at Christmas time! The sights, sounds, and smells of the city this time of year will awaken your senses and put you into the holiday spirit for sure! The jingle bells of the Salvation army collectors, the scent of chestnuts roasting on the street corners, and the magnificent bright lights of holiday decor warm my heart and bring me back to my childhood days of Christmas! City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, it’s Christmas time in New York City! Happy Holidays to all!
~Copa
~Copa