Live an alternative Christmas in New York
LINCOLN CENTER TREE LIGHTING
We agree. the tree of Rockefeller Center , by dimensions and tradition, is second to none. But try to visit it during the holidays (or, even worse, the night that it is lit for the first time, December 4). The overwhelming procession of visitors will make you regret it.
One of its best alternatives is not far away, in the neighborhood of Upper Westside. Anticipating Rockefeller in two days, On December 2, Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Center is celebrated, which culminates with the lighting of its own tree, in Dante Park, in front of the New York Opera House.
Lincoln Center tree lighting
There is not only live music and other performances. On the Broadway stretch between Columbus Circle and 70th Street Unfold about thirty stalls where you can beat the cold with hot chocolate, steaming cups of soup and all kinds of food from local establishments. Furthermore, this year is even more special, if possible, because 20th anniversary is celebrated.
PIER 17 ICE RINK
Another classic to steal from Rockefeller Center is its skating rink. And opportunities are not lacking. Many New York neighborhoods set up their own rinks, including Central Park. But the new mall at the foot of the brooklyn bridge promises an elevated experience.
We say it in the literal sense because the track is on your terrace which serves as a concert hall during the summer and a center for Christmas activities in winter. Although smaller, the track offers incredible views of the bridge and financial district so you will have to concentrate not to give yourself a smack.
You can also take advantage of your visit to Pier 17 to stroll through the Seaport neighborhood , the old port center of the city, and see another of the great Christmas trees (this one is also lit on December 2) .
Origami tree at the Natural History Museum
CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM
Christmas decorations not only invade streets and shops. **Most of the museums in the city dress up for Christmas ** and offer another opportunity to enjoy these dates without so much commotion.
The Museum of Natural History offers one of the most original trees. In its 4 meters of height are distributed more than 800 origami objects, made entirely of paper by local artists and from all over the world. Are you good at working with colored sheets? Prove it right there craft workshop.
And although less participatory, it has nothing to envy the Metropolitan Museum of Art . Its imposing 6 meters high, full of angels and lights, are surrounded by the most representative figures of the nativity scene. But there is more. The set is in the museum Medieval Wing, Next to an old 18th century gate of the Valladolid Cathedral.
STATEN ISLAND FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
It is worth remembering that New York is much more than the island of Manhattan. The other four districts of the city have countless interesting points to visit.
One of them is the Winter Lantern Festival. This fair of light and color stood out in 2018 and, in a very short time, has become an essential point of these parties. And one of the most spectacular. We talk about more than 3 hectares of impressive luminous figures of Asian inspiration: dragons, lanterns, Lotus flowers, temples...
To enter this fantasy world you just have to take the free staten island ferry and, from there, go to the Snug Harbor Botanical Garden .
Christmas away from the clichés in New York? Yes, you can!
THE BOTANICAL GARDEN CHRISTMAS TRAIN
We jump to another district where another botanical garden (and the most popular of all) is located. Among its Christmas rituals is the Holiday Train Show, a beautiful recreation of New York in miniature.
You'll find 175 iconic monuments of the city handmade, from the Statue of Liberty to Rockefeller Center and the Brooklyn Bridge. Everything in the same space and without having to take a taxi to see them in one go. This year it has the addition that it includes Central Park and some of its most emblematic points such as Belvedere Castle and the Bethesda Terrace Fountain.
Connecting all these tourist destinations, more than 25 trains and trams wind through almost a kilometer of tracks.
UNION SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Despite the temptation of wanting to buy on Fifth Avenue, one of the best practices of these dates is liquidate the gifts for your relatives and friends in the middle of the street.
The christmas markets bloom all over the city as in Bryant Park , which surround your ice rink, or Columbus Circle , at the gates of Central Park.
If we have to choose one, we stay with the Union Square. There are dozens of stalls gift items from local creators so Santa Claus is hardly going to leave another one like it under the tree. Also, if you get cold you will find a warm rest room , with chargers for your mobile and hot chocolate as a gift. So you want to buy!
Christmas market in Union Square
CAROLS AT GRAMERCY PARK
One of the most beautiful and quiet parks in New York is private and it is closed to lime and song. Only the residents of the two dozen residential buildings that surround it and the tenants of the only hotel in the area can enter.
But Gramercy Park get carried away by the Christmas spirit and It opens to the general public for one hour and one day only, on Christmas Eve. The neighborhood association prepares, each year, a Christmas carol concert which you are invited to participate. You will only need a good coat and a flashlight (or a candle) to give more privacy to the evening.
THE LARGEST MENORAH IN THE WORLD
New York is full of Christmas but the city is also open to other religions. Whether you are Jewish or not, a good alternative plan is to participate in this other highlight of the festivities.
Each Hanukkah , the festival of lights that is celebrated for eight days and nights that change from year to year, In Manhattan, the world's largest menorah stands in Grand Army Plaza. , in the park where the Plaza hotel and the great Apple store on Fifth Avenue stand.
With their almost 10 meters high and its almost 2 tons of weight, This steel structure is the largest in the world and the central point of the Jewish holidays.