“Tis the season to be jolly,” and if you live in the center of NYC, you’re in for the jolliest of seasons! With Radio City, Winter Village and more, it’s no wonder that so many visitors flock to the city, despite the chill, to gaze at the spectacles around the island. What wonders await, you ask? Well, buckle up Kevin McAllister, and jingle all the way through this year’s holiday adventure. The city is your oyster, there’s something for everyone! Here are just a few suggestions:


Holiday Lights

Nothing beats the festive lights that illuminate our childhood imaginations. As visions of icicles, snowmen, and gingerbread houses brighten up the season, you’ll be moved to explore any of these uniquely Manhattan holiday light traditions.

Start at the top with Holiday Under the Stars, a Columbus Circle specialty display of colorful flickers which dance to your favorite holiday songs. Then, take a stroll to Rockefeller Center and snap a photo in front of the incredible 75-foot tree, which shines with the light of tens of thousands of environmentally friendly LED bulbs. If you’re looking for more, head on down to Fifth Avenue and gaze at the remarkable holiday window displays of Manhattan’s most famous stores (Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Henri Bendel, and more). Continue your glowing journey on foot to Park Avenue, which has been lit up with a rich tradition of illuminating trees for 43 blocks since 1945 to commemorate our WWII soldiers and others who defended our country. If you’ve brought young ones with you, they will LOVE Macy’s Santaland. Experience this captivating model of wonderland joy as you and your children (or just you) frolic in the fake snow, make friends with elves, and visit with the keeper of toys, Mr. Clause himself.


Holiday Markets

Looking for a unique spin to your holiday gift shopping this year? Look no further. If you’re tired of department stores running the show, then Manhattan’s colorful holiday markets provide the perfect alternative.

Spend the day immersed in holiday cheer at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, where there’s something for everybody!  From ice skating to restaurants, a giant Christmas Tree and an assortment of kiosks to choose from, you won’t be bored.

If you’re looking to shop in secret, then the Columbus Circle and Union Square Holiday Markets might be the perfect alternative for you. According to Time Out, “These European-Style winter markets boast more than 150 local and national vendors hawking an impressive selection of handcrafted gifts, ranging from jewelry and accessories to leather goods and artwork.” Too cold to shop outside? Grand Central Holiday Fair has you covered with decorations, kiosks, goods, and more, all within walking distance of home!


Christmas Shows

“Because we need a little Christmas, right this very minute,” and it wouldn’t be NYC without a little bit of theater. If you haven’t seen it already, the world-famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Rockefeller Center is a sight to behold, changing every year to entice audiences from around the world. If you haven’t seen enough after this treat, then check out the New York City Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, featuring an onstage blizzard!

While everyone loves traditional holiday cheer, some want a little extra out of their theater experience. If you’re in the mood for something out of the ordinary, then Who’s Holiday and Company XIV: Nutcracker offer new and even lavish reimaginings of your favorite childhood Christmas stories. These may not be the best shows to take your children to, but they are sure to delight with opulent spectacles, circus acts and more. These barely scratch the surface when it comes to NYC theater viewing and we encourage everyone to support the local theater community. It is Broadway, after all!

The sights, sounds and surprises in the city that never sleeps are endless. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or any other magical holiday, we hope you find your favorite activities amongst the sea of light as you see your city from new perspectives. From everyone at Silverstein Properties, we truly wish you the happiest of holidays.

Silver Towers