New York Holiday Sights to See From a Historian
A Trip to See Christmas Places in New York
New York’s winter season transforms the region into a holiday wonderland, brimming with festive events and activities. Across the area there are various winter attractions to enjoy from ice skating to Christmas markets to beloved traditions. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here is a guide to what to see as the weather turns cold and the holiday lights come on. And for adults, don’t miss our famous walking tour that is only offered in December: New York Classic Cocktails and Christmas Lights Tour.
ICE SKATING IN PROSPECT PARK, BROOKLYN
If you are seeking a lot of ice time—more than can found on the crowded ice in Manhattan—just jump on the subway to Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Since the 1870s there has been skating on this lake, which was recently improved and renovated. The Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside offers ice skating, figure skating, curling, and hockey in the winter. There is both a covered rink and uncovered rink, providing lots of space on the ice. And have you ever tried anything as cool as ice bumper cars? The Bluestone Cafe provides light fare and beverages year-round.
HOLIDAY MARKET IN GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
Shopping sites are plentiful, but one holiday market stands out. All mass transit leads to the landmark Grand Central Terminal in the middle of Manhattan. The annual Grand Central Holiday Fair opens on Veterans Day and closes on Christmas Eve. It is located inside Vanderbilt Hall and has an Edwardian flair for the holidays. A bonus is being indoors. Highly selective about the artists chosen to participate, planners spend the year looking for unique vendors with a focus on American-made and handmade products with locally-sourced materials or a socially-conscious business model. The fair is open every day except Thanksgiving and has a cheery feel among the colorful booths and displays.
NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
Book tickets in advance to attend the annual display of plant-based buildings and model trains that fills the Haupt Conservatory. The New York Botanical Garden pulls out all the stops for this incredible journey of trains and plants. The scale models zoom around multiple rooms and levels, with landmark buildings made of wood and plants. Among the favorites are the Brooklyn Bridge, Teddy Roosevelt’s Birthplace, and a mini–Yankee Stadium. The waterfalls and greenery in the conservatory hold a Statue of Liberty, and look for the special trains running overhead. It is easily accessible by mass transit. The New York Botanical Garden is in The Bronx, nearby the Zoo.
THE MET ITALIAN NATIVITY SCENE
For anyone who has set up a Nativity scene underneath their Christmas tree, what the Metropolitan Museum of Art has on display will knock your (holiday) socks off. The Met has a longstanding holiday tradition with its giant Christmas tree. A magnificently lit, twenty-foot blue spruce, looms over a vivid eighteenth-century Neapolitan Nativity scene, surrounded by an abundant array of lifelike figures with silk-robed angels hovering above. In 1964, artist and lumber heiress Loretta Hines Howard generously presented to the Museum more than 140 Neapolitan crèche figures, dating from the second half of the eighteenth century. The display includes figures from a complete Neapolitan presepio: the Nativity, with angels, shepherds, and sheep; the procession of the three Magi, with their colorful retinue of attendants; and the varied and gay crowd thronging the inn of Bethlehem. Since Mrs. Howard’s gift, the Museum has recreated the Neapolitan Christmas crib scene, much to the delight of visitors during the holiday season.
CONEY ISLAND LUNA PARK FROST FEST
Luna Park first opened in Coney Island in 1903 and is the grand-daddy of all amusement parks today. It is a landmark destination on the boardwalk in Brooklyn. Recently, Luna Park has decided that summertime does not provide enough days to enjoy the multitude of attractions, and it is now open during the holidays for Frost Fest. Step into a winter wonderland filled with dazzling holiday lights, festive decorations, and exciting winter-themed activities. Celebrate the season with thrills and festive fun at Luna Park’s Frost Fest. Classic arcade games and 20 thrilling rides, including the famous Coney Island Cyclone. Holiday-themed treats are served, the Candy Cane Chute is open for thrills, and visit Santa’s Wonderland for photos with Santa himself.