Christmas in New York: When the bustling city also turns into a fairy tale

The sparkling lights from the giant Rockefeller Christmas tree shine down on the square, along with thousands of small lights sparkling on the high-rise buildings, creating a beautiful picture. The passionate aroma of gingerbread and hot chocolate blends with the ringing church bells, bringing a warm, happy feeling. Let's explore with Vietravel how romantic Christmas in New York can be!

1. What is special about Christmas in New York?

Christmas is the most anticipated holiday in America (Photo source: Collected)

Christmas is one of the most important holidays of the year for Americans. This is the time when families get together, exchange gifts, enjoy a sumptuous dinner and participate in traditional activities. The Christmas tree, decorated with colorful balls, ribbons and sparkling stars, becomes the centerpiece of every home. After Christmas dinner, people often gather around the fireplace, sing carols and tell stories.

The holiday shopping culture in New York is also a highlight that attracts tourists from near and far. During this time, a series of stores, shopping centers and famous brands all launch big promotions. Shopping in New York during Christmas is a great experience when you can both hunt for attractive items and admire the splendidly decorated stores.

But what really sets Christmas in New York apart is the way the city transforms itself into a huge festive stage. A series of Christmas events and activities take place from late November through December, from art performances, Christmas concerts to spectacular light displays. The highlight of Christmas here is the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, one of the most famous Christmas symbols in America.

2. Famous Christmas places in New York

2.1. Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is the busiest shopping street in New York (Photo source: Collected)

Fifth Avenue is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in New York. But during the Christmas season, Fifth Avenue is not only home to high-end fashion stores, but also a street filled with sparkling lights and beautiful window displays.

Large stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue or Bergdorf Goodman invest heavily in window decoration, turning each window into a work of art, expressing the festive spirit. Visitors walking along this street will not only be satisfied with the trendy outfits but also be drawn into the fairy-tale space created by the stores. This is a place you should not miss when participating in Christmas in New York.

2.2. Rockefeller Center - The most famous pine tree in America

The moment of lighting the Christmas tree is also awaited by many people (Photo source: Collected)

You can't talk about Christmas in New York without mentioning the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. This is probably one of the most famous Christmas symbols not only in New York but also in the whole United States. The giant Christmas tree is lit up with thousands of sparkling LED lights, attracting millions of people from all over the world to admire.

The Rockefeller Center tree lighting event takes place at the end of November every year and marks the start of the holiday season. The atmosphere around Rockefeller Center becomes lively and exciting with Christmas music echoing throughout, and visitors can enjoy this festive atmosphere even just by walking by.

2.3. Union Square - Traditional Christmas Market

Going to the Christmas market is an indispensable activity (Photo source: Collected)

Union Square is not only a place to hold outdoor events but also an ideal destination for those who want to experience the atmosphere of a traditional New York Christmas market. The Union Square Christmas Market offers an ancient space, with stalls selling handicrafts, unique gifts and local specialties.
As you enter the market, you will immediately be drawn into the cozy atmosphere with the aroma of candies, cookies and hot drinks such as mulled wine. This is also the ideal place to find exquisite handmade Christmas gifts, imbued with local culture and art.

2.4. Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a favorite place for New Yorkers in winter (Photo source: Collected)

Bryant Park is one of the favorite places for New Yorkers in the winter. During Christmas, this park becomes a brilliant outdoor skating rink. The unique feature of Bryant Park is that it not only has an ice skating rink, but also a festive market with a series of beautifully decorated booths. Visitors can enjoy local foods, shop for gifts and participate in fun activities here.

Bryant Park is also a great place to take in the city's holiday scenery, with the surrounding skyscrapers adorned with millions of twinkling lights.

3. Christmas experiences in New York

3.1. Watch Broadway

Watching Broadway is a wonderful experience during the Christmas season (Photo source: Collected)

Broadway is home to famous plays and musicals, and every Christmas, theaters here perform classic works with a bustling Christmas atmosphere. Some plays such as The Radio City Christmas Spectacular or The Nutcracker are choices not to be missed when coming to attend Christmas in New York.

Seeing a Broadway musical is not only a unique cultural experience, but also a great way to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in a classy artistic space.

3.2. Watch the skaters in Central Park

Ice skating in Central Park (Photo source: Collected)

Central Park in winter has a peaceful and poetic beauty. On Christmas days in New York, you can see the image of happy ice skaters on the Wollman Rink. This is one of the most famous ice rinks in New York, located in the middle of a green park and surrounded by high-rise buildings.
Whether you want to join in the ice skating or simply watch from afar, the festive atmosphere here is enough to make you feel the specialness of Christmas in New York.

3.3. Stroll around Dyker Heights

Dyker Heights is a neighborhood known for its extravagant Christmas decorations. Homes here don’t shy away from investing in elaborate decorations, from hundreds of feet of LED lights to Santa Claus, reindeer, and other Christmas symbols.
Strolling around Dyker Heights at night feels like stepping into a fairytale world. Every house here is a work of Christmas art with colorful light displays.

3.4. Leisurely admire New York in the colors of Christmas

Walking around the streets is also a way to enjoy Christmas in New York (Photo source: Collected)

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, sometimes just a moment of leisurely walking around and admiring the city in Christmas colors is enough for you to feel the peace and warmth of the holiday season. New York at this time is not only a city of skyscrapers but also a place where magical moments converge, from sparkling lights to Christmas atmosphere everywhere.

You can choose to stroll down major streets like Fifth Avenue or Madison Avenue, admire the elaborately decorated shops and enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the cold winter air.

Christmas in New York is not just a festive season, but a magical journey that touches the heart of every visitor. From the sparkling streets to the traditional markets filled with gifts, every moment here is imbued with the warm spirit and excitement of the season. Let Christmas in New York be a part of your life journey, where every step brings joy and surprise!

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/giang-sinh-o-new-york-v15813.aspx