The year’s nearly over, which means that winter’s upon us. If you’re looking for something exciting to do this winter, then why not visit New York? New York is one of the world’s premier tourist destinations, for good reason. The city is rich in culture, history, and things to do. New York has it all.
If you’re planning a trip to New York by the end of this year, then here are the most exciting activities for you to enjoy:
Rockefeller Centre
Every year, the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree is turned on. This is an event that’s enjoyed annually by thousands of people. If you’re visiting New York in December, then it’s not something that you’ll want to miss. The atmosphere around the tree is electric, with people laughing and enjoying themselves. After Christmas was canceled last year, people are expecting this years’ celebrations to be fantastic. In addition to visiting the tree, you can wander around the Rockefeller Centre, where you’ll find lots of street vendors, stalls with small businesses, and Christmas-themed activities. Whether you’re traveling alone, with a partner, or with your family, it’s an event that you can’t afford to miss.
Mafia Tour
If you’re interested in learning about New York’s historic dark side, then you could consider attending one of its many mafia tours. You’ll be able to explore New York’s criminal heritage and learn about organized crime in the city. Depending on the tour that you attend, you’ll be taken to infamous sites, including social clubs and bars formerly owned by members of New York’s mafia elite. New York’s former mayor Rudi Giuliani decimated organized crime in the city. While they’re now mostly defunct, their legacy continues.
Ball Drop
If you’re in New York on New Year’s Eve, then there’s nowhere better to be than in Times Square. Residents of the city and surrounding townships visit Times Square each year to watch the ball drop and the clock strike midnight. New Year’s Eve in Times Square is broadcasted around the world to millions of people, in nearly every country. It’s an event that you must see at least once in your life. If you’re lucky enough to be spending your New Year’s in New York, then you have no excuse not to go. Afterward [or before] you can attend one of the area’s many bars or restaurants, which typically offer discounts in the run-up to New Year’s Day.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Every single year in the run-up to Christmas, the Winter Village at Bryant Park returns. The village hosts over 50 artisanal shops and food stalls, in addition to lots of Christmas-themed events – such as an opportunity to meet Santa! In addition to visiting the village’s shops and Christmas-themed attractions, you have to go and visit the ice rink. Bryant Park’s winter ice-rink is known throughout the world, because of its sheer size. The rink is over 17,000 square feet. Above it, there is a café called ‘The Lodge’ where you can watch people skating and enjoy the festivities.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year begins in February, so, unfortunately, it’s not something you can see unless you stay in New York until the start of next year. Even so, it’s an event that’s always worth mentioning, because it’s one of a kind. New York’s Chinatown hosts street fairs, parades, and firework displays to celebrate Chinese New Year. Many of the restaurants in Chinatown also offer promotional discounts to customers, who eat with them on the holiday.
Grand Central Fair
There’s nothing that’s quite enjoyable in the run-up to Christmas than a holiday-themed fair. Every single year, from November well into December, the Grand Central Holiday Fair takes place in the Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal. The fair gives people an opportunity to buy artisanal products, delicious food, and meet other people. It’s the sort of thing that you’ll want to attend with a friend, partner, or with your family. It’s also a great place to go to take photographs, considering that the event’s held in the historic Grand Central Terminal, which is instantly recognizable and known all around the world.
Christmas Lights
Since 1976, the Empire State Building has used lights to commemorate special events and holidays. Since 2012, LED lights have been used, which display more than 16 million colors. This Christmas, it’s expected that there will be an incredible light show, which will light up the building. If you’re around to see it, it’s not something you’ll want to miss.
If you’re planning a trip to New York this year, there’s not a shortage of things to do. As this article shows, New York has lots of fun activities for you to do this winter. There’s nowhere better to be than in New York on Christmas, it’s a fact.
