New York in December is a great destination for those who like the cold. In December, the Rockefeller Christmas tree blazes brightly with thousands of lights. Ice skating venues, special holiday shows and decorated store windows make Manhattan the epicenter of New York December activities.
Holiday window displays are a New York Christmas staple. Macy's at 34th St. and Broadway offers traditional scenes from the classic movie "Miracle on 34th Street." Close to Macy's is Lord & Taylor's at 39th St. and Fifth Ave. Grouped from 56th to 61st streets are Henri Biddell, Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman, and Barney's. Take time to see the FAO Schwarz displays, then walk through the toy store at Fifth Avenue and 58th St. The entire place seems like a window display.
The Rockefeller Christmas tree's more than 30,000 lights start shining in early December and keep going through January 7. Regular lighted hours are 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Located in Rockefeller Center Plaza at 50th St. and Fifth Ave., the tree is usually 75 to 90 feet tall. Lighted angel figures line the walkway, and skaters on the ice rink glide around below the tree.
The Rockefeller Center Ice Rink and the Wollman Rink at 63rd St. and Central Park are featured in more than a few movies and television shows. Wollman provides more skating room than the Rockefeller Center rink, along with views of trees and the city. The Chelsea Piers at West 18th St. and 11th Ave. has two full-sized rinks. All of these sites offer skate rentals. Chelsea Piers also offers skating classes.
New York Christmas shows include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes and the New York City Ballet's performance of George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker." Radio City's holiday show dates from December 27, 1932. The ballet's "Nutcracker" performance began in 1954. Both shows run throughout December.
