In chronological order, your first New York holiday event is the parade. Visit Macy's official Thanksgiving Day Parade website (see resources below) to find tips for getting a great view of the parade. If you're planning to see the parade from a hotel window, a year ahead of time isn't too early to book your reservations. And to enhance that experience, gather the whole family around the TV for a viewing of "Miracle on 34th Street" before you go. For a close-up and personal look at the preparation, the public is allowed to view the inflating of the balloons the day before the parade; see the website for details.
After taking in the parade, you might consider a tree tour. Of course you'll want to see the famous and fabulously decorated tree at Rockefeller Center---and have a skate while you're there---but there are dozens of other trees available for public viewing around the city. These include the "Seaport Chorus Tree" at the South Street Seaport with performances by the Big Apple Chorus, the tree at Bryant Park where a holiday market is held, and the tree at the New York Botanical Garden where you can also see a gingerbread house display. Both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History display decorated trees during the holiday season.
Consider the following 2-mile walk from south to north to view some of the more spectacular holiday windows. You'll basically be sticking to Fifth Avenue but veering over to hit a few of the stops. See resources below for a map to keep you on track. Take in the windows at Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's and Barneys. And when you make it up to 59th Street, you can also see the world's largest Hanukkah menorah. If you get your timing just right, you can stop into Grand Central Station midway on your walk for its holiday kaleidoscope light show; while you're there, take a look at the miniature trains decorated for Christmas at the Transit Museum Annex and stop in the food court for all kinds of special holiday treats.
At the end of a day of window shopping, relax by taking in a show. Of course, the bright lights of Broadway can be considered a holiday treat in themselves, but most seasons you will be able to find shows on or off Broadway produced just for the holidays. The most famous holiday performance in New York City is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the high-stepping Rockettes in a dazzling variety of costumes along with a variety show that includes something for everyone. Another classic performance is the New York City Ballet's annual presentation of "The Nutcracker." Tickets for both events should be purchased well in advance.
And if you find yourself in New York City on New Year's Eve, why not put yourself in the only spot to be: Times Square. Everyone should get the chance to see that ball drop in person at least once in his lifetime. Plan to arrive at Times Square late in the afternoon, and keep in mind that there will be no public restrooms available and no food or drink will be sold in Times Square, but you'll find restaurants nearby. Go to the Times Square official website for detailed information on where you will be able to enter the area and what trains will be running during that time (see resources below).
