01 Dec 5 Magical Holiday Traditions in New York City 

Posted at 09:42h in Blog, New York City, student groups, walking tour by

Imagine it. The twinkle of lights, the scrumptious scent of roasting chestnuts on street corners, and the hustle-and-bustle of people with packages just waiting to be wrapped in colorful paper with bows and ribbons. Add in some holiday music and you have the recipe for an idyllic holiday visit to New York City. 

The holiday season is a magical time for children and adults alike and New York City, withits colorful decorations, Broadway shows, and active city ambiance can set the scene for the most fantastic holiday trip to kick off the holiday season right. 

Let’s take a look at five NYC traditions sure to put you in the holiday mood and mark the beginning of your celebrations. 

#1 The Rockefeller Christmas Tree 

By far, one of the most stunning sights in NYC during the holidays is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center Plaza on 49th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. 

You will want to see it all lit up so plan to visit during the appropriate hours. Starting December 1, 2022, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. On Christmas Day, the tree is lit for 24 hours, and on New Year’s Eve, it is lit from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In addition to taking in the lights on the tree, there are many activities right in the Plaza that your group may want to partake in including skating, having winter drinks in a nearby restaurant, or shopping at one of the local holiday shops. 

#2 Radio City Music Hall Performance of the Rockettes

The dazzling Christmas Spectacular starring the high-kicking Rockettes is a must-see for groups trying to take in the holiday activities in NYC. 

The show stars not only the Rockette’s precision dance team but wooden soldiers, and Santa himself makes an arrival just in time to spread holiday cheer! 

The shows run from November 18th through January 2, 2023. Get your tickets here or have Wolfe Tours plan your trip entirely. 

#3 The Winter Village at Bryant Park 

Every winter, Bryant Park turns into a winter wonderland filled with holiday shopping options, an ice skating rink, twinkling lights, and of course, amazing restaurants. 

Visit over 60 shopping kiosks with handmade and original gifts for the season, many of them having an NYC theme to them. Get your fill of good food and cocktails and then work it off with a few spoons around the ice rink. 

#4 Visit Holiday Fairs & Markets

New York City parks and streets transform every holiday season when small temporary kiosks pop up selling unique holiday items that are sure to cross off many items on your Christmas gift list. 

Check out the Union Square Holiday Market through December 24th, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Here you can find over 160 artisans and vendors selling holiday gifts. 

#5 Holiday Window Displays 

Sometimes the best thing about NYC is walking around and enjoying the sights and sounds. You won’t want to miss the window displays on 5th Avenue where you can enjoy holiday-decorated windows in a theater-like fashion from the end of November through the New Year. 

Spending the holidays in New York City can get even the biggest Scrooge in the mood for the holidays, doing it with a group of friends or family can make it even more special. Check out Wolfe Tours and Adventures options for touring with your group today.