Every year, sections of New York City are transformed into a winter wonderland during the month of December. Tourists and residents all look forward to the annual tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, the magical window displays, holidays shows and the festival atmosphere that infuses the city. Whether you are visiting for the day or planning an extended vacation, NYC in December offers a variety of seasonal activities to enjoy.
The Channel Gardens, which run along the outdoor promenade at Rockefeller Center, are decorated with eight-foot angels that lead the way to the twinkling lights of the giant Christmas tree. Rockefeller Center is the epitome of the holiday spirit, offering the opportunity to show off your skating skills at its famous rink, and more than 100 stores for some last minute Christmas shopping.
Stroll along the streets of New York and admire the elaborate, entertaining window displays featured every holiday season at several major department stores. Most of the stores--Henri Bendel, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue--are located within a few blocks of each other between 56th and 61st streets and between Madison Ave. and Fifth Ave. However, two of the most well-known departments stores are a little further downtown: Macy's Herald Square is on Broadway between 34th and 35th streets, and Lord & Taylor is located at 39th St. and Fifth Ave.
The New York City Ballet's annual production of George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker" is a holiday tradition beloved by many. The elaborate ballet is set to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's iconic score. It features choreography by Balanchine and includes more than 150 NYC Ballet dancers and musicians, as well as rotating casts of children from the School of American Ballet. Children, and most adults, are enchanted by the magical Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 40 feet, captivated by the intricate battle between the Nutcracker and the Rat King, and enthralled by the beauty of the dancing snowflakes.
While there may also be elegant black-tie galas and hip nightclub parties, there is nothing like joining one million new friends in Times Square on December 31 to welcome in the New Year. The energy of the city is contagious during this famous annual event, as millions of people around the world join in to watch the NYC celebration on their television screens. Of course, in the "city that never sleeps," the party often continues well after the ball has dropped.
