What's the first thing you think of when it comes to the holidays in New York City?
The Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The tree at Rockefeller Center?
The Radio City Christmas show?
The New Year's Eve ball in Times Square?
To me, the holidays in New York City generally bring to mind
too many people on the sidewalks...and traffic!
too many people on the sidewalks...and traffic!
Bah Humbug!
Don't get me wrong, the holidays in New York City are magical,
but I like to admire everything early, before it gets too crazy.
A couple of weeks ago, I saw a Groupon ad for discounted tickets
to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and I thought it would be fun to go.
I don't remember ever going before,
but my sister said my parents took us when we were kids.
I asked her if she wanted to go with me...
"OK, I'm in."
I headed into the city early to meet a friend/former co-worker for lunch,
and then, had a few hours to kill, so I walked around, enjoying the sights,
pretending to be a tourist, and taking lots of pictures, to share with you.
The first stop is Bryant Park on 6th Ave and 42nd Street.
Bryant Park is fabulous no matter what the season,
and it's particularly festive in winter.
The pop-up holiday shops offer lots of unique items...
...But the ice skating rink takes center stage.
Remember what this area looks like in summer?
Watching all of these ice-skaters is making me want to burn off some energy.
I think I'll go shopping.
It's legitimate exercise...I call it "interval shopping:"
clothing, shoes, clothing, jewelry, clothing.
See what I mean?
Lord and Taylor's is close by...and IMHO, they do the best holiday decorations
of all the department stores.
Plus...they're having a huge sale :)
Before I know it, it's almost time for the Rockettes.
"Where are you?"
"I'm in Lord and Taylor...I just found this incredible leather jacket
and it's on-sale on-sale on-sale, and 50% off that.'
"I'll meet you at Radio City. Hurry!"
"Wait...I'm texting you the jacket - do you like it?"
I bought it, by the way :)
In order to get to Radio City on time, I have to race up 5th Avenue...
stopping to take a picture of Saks Fifth Avenue along the way (that's St. Patrick's Cathedral to it's left)...
and the tree at Rockefeller Center still in its scaffolding.
But I make it with time to spare.
The last time I was in the lobby was when we had our company Christmas party here (cough-cough) years ago.
Time to turn off our cell phones. I wait for them to make a "no photos" announcement, but they don't, so I snap away.
No talking during the show.
House lights on, and we're out.
The show was entertaining...and there were some really enjoyable parts.
It was very, very wholesome and sugary-sweet...
so much so that I'm craving something salty, now.
No low-sodium soy sauce for my sushi tonight...
I need it full strength.
Some of the best holiday decorations in the city are right across from Radio City...
Like this giant string of bulbs in front of the McGraw Hill Building...
And these Super-sized Christmas ornaments outside the Exxon building.
I hope you enjoyed touring around New York City with me...
If only we could do it for real.
to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and I thought it would be fun to go.
I don't remember ever going before,
but my sister said my parents took us when we were kids.
I asked her if she wanted to go with me...
actually, I had to bribe her...she wasn't that interested.
"Kinky Boots, Book of Mormon, Motown...ok, but the Rockettes???
No thanks, I'm planning on being nauseous that night."
"Kinky Boots, Book of Mormon, Motown...ok, but the Rockettes???
No thanks, I'm planning on being nauseous that night."
"Tickets are on me."
"Naaah, I don't think so."
"Sushi at Haru?"
"Naaah, I don't think so."
"Sushi at Haru?"
"OK, I'm in."
I headed into the city early to meet a friend/former co-worker for lunch,
and then, had a few hours to kill, so I walked around, enjoying the sights,
pretending to be a tourist, and taking lots of pictures, to share with you.
The first stop is Bryant Park on 6th Ave and 42nd Street.
Bryant Park is fabulous no matter what the season,
and it's particularly festive in winter.
The pop-up holiday shops offer lots of unique items...
...But the ice skating rink takes center stage.
Remember what this area looks like in summer?
Watching all of these ice-skaters is making me want to burn off some energy.
I think I'll go shopping.
It's legitimate exercise...I call it "interval shopping:"
clothing, shoes, clothing, jewelry, clothing.
See what I mean?
Lord and Taylor's is close by...and IMHO, they do the best holiday decorations
of all the department stores.
Plus...they're having a huge sale :)
Before I know it, it's almost time for the Rockettes.
"Where are you?"
"I'm in Lord and Taylor...I just found this incredible leather jacket
and it's on-sale on-sale on-sale, and 50% off that.'
"I'll meet you at Radio City. Hurry!"
"Wait...I'm texting you the jacket - do you like it?"
I bought it, by the way :)
In order to get to Radio City on time, I have to race up 5th Avenue...
stopping to take a picture of Saks Fifth Avenue along the way (that's St. Patrick's Cathedral to it's left)...
and the tree at Rockefeller Center still in its scaffolding.
But I make it with time to spare.
The last time I was in the lobby was when we had our company Christmas party here (cough-cough) years ago.
Time to turn off our cell phones. I wait for them to make a "no photos" announcement, but they don't, so I snap away.
No talking during the show.
House lights on, and we're out.
It was very, very wholesome and sugary-sweet...
so much so that I'm craving something salty, now.
No low-sodium soy sauce for my sushi tonight...
I need it full strength.
Some of the best holiday decorations in the city are right across from Radio City...
Like this giant string of bulbs in front of the McGraw Hill Building...
And these Super-sized Christmas ornaments outside the Exxon building.
If only we could do it for real.
Linking With:
Fun night! Thanks for bribing me to go!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful night, Amy. Glad you bribed your sister to go..and that you could play "tourist" for a bit. Great photos~ xo Diana
ReplyDeleteMagical! Would love to see this in person.
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to do that for real!! Looks amazing and sounds like you had a wonderful time. Love the jacket!!!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to tour the big city with an old pro like you Amy - that's why I love these posts you write. I have to tell you that I'm quite intimidated with the thought of just heading for the big city from rural NY. Years ago my mom, sister, and I took a bus trip there for the day. It was in November so we got to get a taste of Christmas in NY and we had a great time. Thanks for sharing! The show looks awesome too :)
ReplyDeleteMakes me want to be there again for Christmas! We did it about 10 years ago and there was a huge blizzard...remember that? Anyways, I don't remember much of it....have to go for a refresher! Great post!
ReplyDeleteIt's fantastic! Thanks for the tour. I love NYC and have always wanted to go during the holidays. I (almost) feel like I've been now.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to NYC during the holiday season for way too long! Your photos and stories made me vow to visit next year for sure! The Rockettes are so special. My mom grew up in Connecticut and every year my grandparents took her to the city to see the Christmas show. Years later my sister and I surprised my mom with a trip to NYC including a behind the scenes tour of Radio City Music Hall and the chance to meet a Rockette in person. Such a special memory!
ReplyDeleteI really liked spending some time in New York with you, going shopping with you... and I was a good girl, I didn't spend a dime!
ReplyDeleteWhat a awesome post and thanks for taking us on a virtual tour of NYC during the Holidays! It's such a treat, not to mention a nice change of pace & breath of fresh air from all the craft projects and 'How to Farmhouse' everything in your home that is out there in Blogland. Happy Hanukkah to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteI loved going to NYC with you. I've never been and have heard how beautiful it is at Christmas. I bet the Rockettes were fun to watch. I'm not a fan of large crowds and traffic either so it was nice to tour it while sitting in my home in front of the computer! LOL!
ReplyDeleteWe get into New Your a few times each year and always go right before the Christmas tree is lit since I use a cane and canes and crowds in midtown are not a good match.. My dad grew up in Manhattan so it is always fun to return and remember all the fun things we did when I was a child. We continued the tradition with our own kids and hopefully some day with our grandkids.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see the goings on and decoration in NY, thanks.
ReplyDeleteLoved this! I lived all my life in Brooklyn, NY, until two years ago when my husband and I moved to Colorado to be close to grandchildren and our children. It was the best decision we ever made, but I do miss a lot about the Big Apple and the Christmas there! I loved all your photos! Yes--you were very wise to visit before the crazy crowds start to accumulate the week or so before Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely magical! Thank you for sharing ... it would be so fun to walk through NYC this time of year.
ReplyDeleteLovely christmas decorations and the christmas atmosphere. Happy Tuesday
ReplyDeleteFun and festive shots!
ReplyDeleteAmazing & wonderful images! Please drop by and share at http://www.image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-holiday-recipe-for-you.html
ReplyDeleteI definitely enjoyed it. The decors are grand, show was marvelous. I also don't like getting caught up with the crazy bustle during the peak of the season although I like the festive feeling it brings.
ReplyDeleteI just did it for real. We got back last night. We saw the tree, and the giant ornaments and the giant Christmas lights. We did that Saturday and would you believe it rained ALL day on us? I had the most wonderful time. My son is adjusting well -saved me from getting killed by a taxi. We stayed in Little Italy and had the best cheese cake. Look for my post soon.
ReplyDeleteI wish now we had done the Rockettes. I haven't done that since I was a kid. Thanks for taking me back.
I got a little choked up flying in and seeing the city lights. I love N.Y.
Oh my that looks so fabulous and Fun Amy! I have never been to NYC around Christmas time and I sure would love to someday.
ReplyDeleteDear Amy, I did enjoy it. and the sights! Thank you for the tour. BTW the jacket is really nice and looks great. I am glad you bought it. xo Catherine
ReplyDeleteI've never been to NY during the holidays. Thanks for taking me there today! Hope to see you again Thursday at The weekend Social, 9:00 PM EST. Pinned!
ReplyDeleteAmy, I can't wait to go back in December!!! I hope you don't mind - I'm linking this up to my NYC trip post!
ReplyDeleteMind? I'm honored, Deb! Thank you!
DeleteThis makes me sad I won't be in NYC for Christmas this year ... Dallas just isn't the same! Lord & Taylor always has my favorite windows, too. Hopefully, you'll get some photos of this year's decorations so I can live vicariously through you! ;)
ReplyDelete