10 "MUST SEE" HOLIDAY SIGHTS IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN

Have you visited New York City during the holiday season?

I can give you 10 reasons not to..........

                                                    1. The traffic.
                                                    2. It's cold!

                                                    3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: The crowds.

That said, I can think of 10 reasons why you should travel to Manhattan 
around the holidays which far outweigh the negatives. 

In this case, all of those reasons are in midtown. 

Sure, there's a gazillion more holiday sights to see all over town,

but these are the highlights that most tourists might want to see.

It's an easily walk-able route that takes you 
north on Sixth Avenue (also known as Avenue Of The Americas)
from W. 48th Street to Central Park South;
then, south on Fifth Avenue to W. 42nd Street;
and ending at Bryant Park (on W. 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue).

I've lost you, haven't I?
The map below should help to clarify things.

The entire route totals about two miles.
Although you can walk it in under an hour
(and in 20 minutes if you're a New Yorker 😂),
you'll want to allow two to three hours........even longer.......
depending on how much you linger at the different stops.
It can easily fill an afternoon or evening, especially if you stop for a snack, or three. 

Too much walking?
Look for my shortcut under Holiday Stop #3!

Or, save Holiday Stop #10 for a different day.


Last week, I donned my thermal undies and earmuffs
and set out to walk the walk.
I started on Sixth Avenue and 48th street;
however, you can start and end the loop at any point you want to.

Although the sights are lovely in both daytime and evening,
I think they are most dazzling at night.
You'll see that I have pictures from both times of day........
that's because I doubled back to see some sights
a second time, once the sun went down.  

 Holiday Stop #1: Giant Christmas Bulbs
1221 Avenue Of The Americas (between W.48th and W.49th Streets)


How would you like to try and hang these on your tree?
This string of lights takes up almost a full city block. 

Christmas lights are always prettier at night, aren't they?

 Holiday Stop #2: Giant Christmas Ornaments
1251 Avenue Of The Americas (between W. 49th and W. 50th Streets)

The humongous ornaments display has always been my favorite.
If you're looking for a perfect backdrop for your holiday cards,
this is it, folks.  

 Holiday Stop #3: Radio City Music Hall
1260 Avenue Of The Americas at W. 50th Street 

  Did you spot Radio City Music Hall in between the gigantic Christmas ornaments?
It's right across the street.
Iconic Radio City is synonymous with the holiday season,
as it is home to the NYC Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular.
I went to see the show a few years ago........
it was fun in a sugary hurts-your-teeth kind of way.
Those salted soft pretzels on the corner?
They're the post-show antidote.
Surely, I jest.......it's a lovely, enjoyable show!
Click here to read about that. 

***SHORTCUT ALERT***
If you don't want to stroll much further,
but still want to see the main highlights,
walk east up W. 50th Street (along the right side of Radio City Music Hall)
and you will come to Rockefeller Center (Holiday Stop #9).
Continue walking straight through Rockefeller Plaza to Fifth Avenue, 
and it will take you to right to Saks Fifth Avenue (Holiday Stop #8).


Who's still with me on the longer walking tour?
Let's continue on.


Holiday Stop #4: Giant Toy Soldiers
1285 Avenue Of The Americas between W. 52nd and W. 53rd Streets

 "Here they come, Here they come
Wooden soldiers on parade......."
Marching their way down 6th Avenue........

 Do you feel like you're in Land Of The Giants, yet?

Holiday Stop #5: World's Largest Menorah     
1 Grand Army Plaza: Fifth Avenue between W. 58th Street and Central Park South

 What can I say?
New York likes to do things in a BIG way.
At 32 feet high, and 4000 pounds, 
this menorah has been certified in the 
Guinness Book Of World Records as the largest on earth.

Candle lightings are held during each of 
the eight days of Hanukkah in this picture-perfect setting 
between the Plaza Hotel and Central Park. 

Holiday Stop #6: Various Fifth Avenue Storefronts and Hotels
All along Fifth Avenue between 42nd and 57th Streets

 There are far too many shops and hotels to list
 that are decked out in grand holiday style.
Part of the fun is discovering them as you stroll down Fifth Ave.
But I do have my faves.........

6A: Tiffany & Co.  (727 Fifth Avenue at E. 57th Street)

 

6B: St. Regis Hotel (2 E. 55th Street at Fifth Avenue)

6C: Coach and Tommy Hilfiger (Fifth Avenue between E. 53rd and 54th Streets)

6D: Salvatore Ferragamo (655 Fifth Avenue at E. 52nd Street) and 7: Cartier (see below)

Holiday Stop #7: Cartier Jewelers
10 E. 52nd Street at Fifth Avenue

 The Cartier Mansion has been wrapping itself up as a giant 

jewelry box for as long as I can remember.

Wouldn't you like to see that box under your tree? 

Holiday Stop #8: Saks Fifth Avenue
  611 Fifth Avenue between E. 49th and 50th Streets 

When your neighbor is Rockefeller Center,
you've got to do something to keep up with the Joneses.
The holiday light show on the facade of Saks Fifth Avenue is spectacular! 
I know I said all the other stops were "don't miss"
but I super-size mean it about this one. 

Holiday Stop #9: Rockefeller Center Tree & Skating Rink
45 Rockefeller Plaza: Fifth Avenue between E. 49th and 50th Streets


The Christmas tree is undoubtably NYC's main holiday event!
You can approach it from many directions, but
do not miss the grand entrance through the Channel Gardens 
 directly across from Saks on Fifth Ave.
Here is where the angels will greet you.......
Hands down, it is the most beautiful vantage point for seeing the tree.

Of course, you'll want to get up close and personal, too.

It's best to make reservations in advance if you want to ice skate at Rock Center........
Otherwise, be prepared for a long wait!
Have I made my point yet about the crowds? 
Psssst......that building (below) on the left with the lights on
is the Today show's studio. 

One last look before we go from another angle.......

Holiday Stop #10: Bryant Park Holiday Market & Skating Rink
  1060 Avenue Of The Americas between W. 40th and 42nd Streets) 


I used to work across the street from Bryant Park,
and enjoyed walking through the Holiday Market during my lunch hour.
But........visiting at night is a magical experience!

There are 170+ shops, and several places to eat,
including the rink-side indoor food hall, 
and even an outdoor beer garden.
You may freeze your fuzz off, but hey, 
it's something cool to tell your friends. 

If you bring your own skates, admission is free!
Otherwise, skate rentals are available.

There are plenty of seats scattered around the park,

if you want to take a load off, and people-watch. 

So, what do you think?
Are you ready to brave the traffic, the crowds, the cold?
You've got to do it at least once, if you ask me!

Happy Holidays to all!

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A Holly Jolly Tour Of NYC, The Rockettes and Shopping!

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