This time 2 years ago I was in New York for a New Year break! It was the last time I left the country! It’s hard to believe what’s happened since then, with a global pandemic scuppering all travel plans! Anyway, here are my top 5 festive things to do in the Big Apple. Let’s hope things return to ‘normal’ next year!

Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes

This show really is ‘spectacular’! Featuring more than 140 performers, it combines singing, dancing, humour and even live animals! Radio City Music Hall is within the Rockefeller Center and is the headquarters for the precision dance company – the Rockettes. This annual holiday show is a must.

Bryant Park Winter Village

Ice skating in New York is one of the quintessential festive activities. Whilst people may be most familiar with The Rink under the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or the Wollman Rink in Central Park, my personal favourite is the rink at Bryant Park. This is Manhattan’s winter wonderland consisting of a free admission skating rink surrounded by over 170 kiosks housing the Holiday Shops and eateries. There is also a covered après-themed area called The Lodge, where you can sample a festive cocktail whilst watching the skaters.

Cocoa & Carols Holiday Cruise

View the famous New York skyline from the water. Sights include the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. The holiday theme involves a live jazz band, carol sing along, cookies and spiked hot chocolate. I would highly recommend this to get you in the festive mood whilst gaining a close up of Lady Liberty. I booked with ‘Classic Harbour Line’.

Christmas Lights

Christmas time is definitely the most wonderful time of the year to visit New York. There are Christmas lights and decorations to be seen all over the city from the famous Rockerfeller Christmas Tree to the over-the-top decorations of the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Dyker Heights. Not forgetting the incredible shop window displays, the most famous of which is at Saks Fifth Avenue, where there is an annual theatrical light show accompanied by music.

Empire State Building

A trip to the top of the Empire State Building at dusk is another highlight. Empire State is a star in many movies, including my favourite Christmas film – Elf.