Top 10 Christmas Celebration Places in New York City and Best Bronx Hotels to Stay
New York City is known globally for its over-the-top holiday spirit. From twinkling lights to dazzling window displays, NYC has become a Christmas wonderland every December. Whether you are looking forward to seeing a winter wonderland in Central Park or doing your holiday shopping at one of the city’s renowned holiday markets, there’s something for everyone. So, are you ready to go on a Christmas holiday trip to the Big Apple? Well, this is the most comprehensive guide for the top 10 celebrations of Christmas in New York City, and the best hotels in the Bronx to stay in, to be fantastic about the holiday experience.
1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Arguably New York City’s most iconic Christmas attraction is Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree, synonymous today with the season. Standing at an impressive 75 feet tall, and donning thousands of LED lights, it is a sight to behold for any Christmas enthusiast. The lighting ceremony itself is more of an event as thousands of people throng the area to witness millions more around the world.
But even after the ceremony is all done, it remains a showstopper holiday spectacle. Ice-skate below at the rink to make it a great Christmas photo opportunity. Whether you skate or look up at the lights, the magic of the Rockefeller Center tree is one of NYC’s greatest holiday traditions.
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
When to Visit: Late November through early January
2. Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park is one of the other jewels that blooms at Christmas time. Bryant Park Winter Village has a magical ice-skating rink and is surrounded by holiday kiosks offering handmade items, gourmet food, and seasonal sweets. The skyscrapers in the background and the festive lights make it one of the best places to visit with family or friends during this holiday season. Here you can also ice skate or even just pass through and feel the festivity of the holiday at this perfect place.
Besides ice skating, Winter Village also includes seasonal activities with curling and a holiday market of unique gifts and handmade crafts. The market is a great place to find some special thing while warming up with hot cocoa or mulled wine.
Location: Bryant Park, 6th Avenue & 42nd Street, New York, NY
When to Go: November to early January
3. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn
For a distinctly local and festive feel, head out to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. The residential neighborhood is so popular for its great Christmas light shows that it somehow attracts some international tourists. Its residents have made it worth even the most optimistic of wishes for towering Santas, reindeer, elaborate scenes, and dazzling light shows.
The best view of these light shows is to take a walking tour or jump on a bus tour of the most over-the-top homes. The lights are actually on from dusk until 10:00 pm nightly during the holiday season, so you’ve got loads of time to enjoy the sparkling extravaganza.
Location: Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY
When to Go: Late November up until Dec. 25th
4. Central Park's Winter Wonderland
Beautiful as Central Park is in all seasons, it is actually a genuine winter wonderland at Christmas. From the snow-clad trees to the holly and ivy lining the ways of the park, Central Park is magical at Christmas time. Have Christmas in Central Park aboard a horse-drawn carriage wrapped up in blankets while you take in Christmas lights.
The ice skating rinks, Wollman Rink in the park, to be sure, one will visit to skate across the ice amidst the nature and the view of the city. Take some good holiday shots with bridges covered in snow and bridges framed within the view of the beautiful sceneries.
Location: Central Park, New York, NY
Ideal time to visit: Last week of November till January
5. Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Probably the most famous holiday tradition is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular- featuring the famous Rockettes. It’s an energetic performance, full of music and dance, combined with some special effects, telling a perfect story on Christmas. The precision dance routines by the Rockettes, most particularly “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “Living Nativity,” make the show unforgettable.
The show has been a New York Christmas staple for nearly 90 years and remains to this day one of the city’s staple Christmas productions. If you travel to NYC over the holiday season, then observing Radio City Christmas Spectacular is simply something you must do for the simple entertainment you will get.
Radio City Music Hall
1260 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY
Visit: Nov through early Jan
6. Holiday Windows on Fifth Avenue
Another quintessentially New York City Christmas experience is viewing the elaborate holiday windows along Fifth Avenue. While Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Bergdorf Goodman are but a few emporiums to be on the lookout for, these stores, like many other retailers, will have designed extraordinary windows, attracting thousands of visitors each holiday season. Often whimsical, the windows tell creative holiday stories using themes with intricate detail, beautiful lighting, and sometimes even movement.
While the windows themselves are free to view, Saks Fifth Avenue also offers a spectacular light show that is paired with Christmas music. As you wander down Fifth Avenue, these holiday window scenarios will transport you into a festive wonderland.
Address: Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
Time to Visit: Late November to January
7. The New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
To that end, in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden yearly draws in over 800,000 visitors for its annual Holiday Train Show, one of the quintessential New York City traditions. In the show, tiny trains wind through life-size replicas of New York landmarks, built from plant materials. The architecture is historical, yet it has this holiday touch to it.
The train show is in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and quite a magical and family-friendly activity of the holiday season. This is where you should go if you want to see less crowed, as you can spend some time outdoors. It’s fun for kids and grown-ups.
Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY
Open from: Late November to early January
8. South Street Seaport Christmas Tree and Ice Skating
For a holiday bash along the East River, try South Street Seaport. It sports a ginormous Christmas tree and an ice-skating rink. A beautiful view of the Brooklyn Bridge adds to the festive atmosphere, while a quaint Christmas market scattered with different vendors selling one-of-a-kind gifts, food, and crafts awaits visitors there.
A tree, skating rink, and a winter atmosphere lined the waterfront make South Street Seaport a perfect holiday destination.
Address: 19 Fulton Street, New York, NY
Date: Late November to December
9. Union Square and Columbus Circle Holiday Markets
Holiday shopping in New York City is a shopper’s delight, but among the overly ostentatious markets scattered about, the two stand out best at Union Square and Columbus Circle. Wooden stalls abound with beautiful architecture, and festive decorations along with various artisanal gift-ware, holiday sweets, and local products make it a really thrilling time to visit. Unique jewelry or handmade home goods-well, you name it.
The Union Square Market is a very festive one, with organic chocolates and handmade scarves by the local vendors, whereas Columbus Circle’s has a mystical quality about it due to its central position near Central Park.
Location: Union Square Park & Columbus Circle, New York, NY
When: November to December
10. Winter Solstice at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Want to spend a winter solstice in an intimate and tranquil experience? Then the Cathedral of St. John the Divine does it all to remember. This great cathedral has performances constructed from music, dance, and fantastic light effects. Winter solstice is just one of the longest nights in a year, and this event celebrates the turning of the season in peace and calm.
Address: 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY
Date: Winter Solstice, December 21st
Now that you know where to celebrate Christmas in New York City, it’s time to figure out where to stay. While Manhattan offers plenty of options, staying in the Bronx is an affordable and convenient choice. Here are the best Bronx hotels to make your holiday experience even better.
Ramada Bronx: Your Ideal Holiday Stay
Ramada Bronx promises to provide comfort, affordability, and convenience for the ideal holiday stay within the bustling part of New York City. It will make getting around New York, the Bronx, and Manhattan relatively easy for guests. For those in need of the best world, that is: the convenience of staying close to attractions in Manhattan and the affordability of a Bronx hotel, it is the best hotel in the Bronx.
Comfortable rooms in all inclusions you need:
Clean, comfortable rooms are what one finds at the Ramada Bronx, complete with all the needs and amenities to make your stay comfortable and relaxing. Free Wi-Fi keeps you in touch and planning your Christmas agenda, and the flat-screen cable channels keep the festivities going late into the night after a hectic day of holiday sightseeing. Modern designs with large open rooms and extremely cozy beds are great for getting away from a crazy day of searching around.
Convenience and Accessibility
And another plus, its location. There is the Baychester Avenue subway station nearby, which will give you easy access to Manhattan’s holiday attractions such as Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and holiday markets. After coming back from shopping or a Broadway show, the Ramada Bronx also offers a quiet retreat amidst the city’s busy schedule.
Affordable Holiday Option
Ramada Bronx costs much cheaper than booking a stay in Manhattan’s luxury hotels on holidays. That sure would save those who want to have savings for holiday purchase and visitation. Plus, the hotel also offers free breakfast so you won’t have to scour around for a place to dine before starting your day.
Location: 1000 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY
Best time to visit: December to January
Other Great Hotels in the Bronx
There are other hotels, other than Ramada Bronx that are at a very high standard. They include;
Opera House Hotel-this is a very beautiful historic hotel with modern amenities. It is suitable for clients who wish to stay near Yankee Stadium among other great attracting sites in the Bronx.
Residence Inn by Marriott The Bronx-this is an accommodation ideal for extended stay. It offers spacious suites with kitchenettes to offer comfort to guests.
Comfort Inn & Suites near Stadium–Ideal for those whom the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to be out of their places and catch some of the events at Yankee Stadium.
Conclusion: Book Your Stay Now
Wonderful holidays: whether you’re into the bright lights and attractions of Manhattan, or the tranquil beauty of the New York Botanical Garden, you cannot help but be a little wowed by this city at Christmas-time. And yet, to save on the cost of accommodation, why not stay in the Bronx? Its proximity to Manhattan makes it ideal for visiting all the magical sites. End.
So come on down and book your stay at the Ramada Bronx, experience the holiday magic of New York City without all the hassle of staying in the heart of Manhattan. Come and spend Christmas as it is never experienced before. Create memories for a lifetime.
- Designed by Ash Patel Digital
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