When you think of someplace magical at Christmas, New York City is certainly on the list.
It holds a magical & special place in my heart. In elementary school we went a few times. One time in particular (it may have been a birthday trip for me) we saw the Radio City Rockettes. While I vaguely remember it, I do remember loving it.
Years later during high school and college every December my dad had business in NYC. So we made a long family weekend out of it. Lots of sightseeing and shopping during the days, plays and dinners and taking in the lights at night.
I had not been back in over 10 years for Christmas.
Ryan and I did celebrate our 1 year dating anniversary back in 2011, which happens to be New Years Eve in Times Square. We lucked out that it was very warm that year but we were so far from the ball drop you couldn’t even see it LOL. We have no plans to ever do that again but that is the last time we were in the city around Christmas and that was for 24 hours.
We were such baby faces back then….
We tried to recreate one of our pictures from 2011 sitting by the angels behind the tree in front of Saks 5th Avenue display. It was so crowded this year (2023) so its not exact but close enough.
What a year last year was for our family
If you follow me on IG or FB then you probably know last year my mom battled kidney cancer. It has been a long road for her. Post chemo, post kidney removal surgery and post immuno-health treatments her energy has been a constant struggle. In May we didn’t think she would have the energy or stamina for NYC let alone at Christmas.
At the end of October she called and asked if I would like to celebrate my 40th in NYC together. I asked her if she was up for it and she was. So not only was it so special to celebrate my 40th ( how am I 40 already)in NYC at Christmas time, I got to do it alongside my parents and Ryan.
It brought back all those old NYC memories but after everything mom went through this year, it made this trip that much more special. Seeing mom walk around, smiling, laughing, loving the ROCKETTES show, the lights, window displays and just the Christmas Spirit, made all of us love it even more.
Blessed & Grateful For These Memories Together
Inside Radio City Music Hall (we were not allowed to take pics during the show)
Dad & Mom outside one of the Saks window displays
Views from the top of the tour bus
9-11 Memorial
Views from Top of The Rock (we didn’t but I wish I did the beam ride inside)
Gatsby Landing – Dinner one night
Toys R Us at the top of Macys ( of course I had to take a pic with the pink Barbie display)
So here are some things we did and others i’ve saved from watching others experience NYC this season. Even if you don’t make it at Christmas time, NYC is always a great place to visit.
Sights to see:
- Bryant Park Village (shops and food)
- Top of the Rock ( wish we did the new BEAM ride inside it does cost extra)
- Rockefeller Center (skating rink)
- Radio City Music Hall
- Rockettes
- Broadway and Off Broadway Plays/Musicals
- Big Bus Tour– cheaper on the app
- Twin Tower Memorial
- Century 21 Shopping
- Macys & Saks Window Displays (Christmas)
- Balloon Factory (those with kids said it was a hit)
- Ice Cream Museum (bus driver said it was fun)
FOOD:
- Juniors ( we ate there for breakfast one morning)
- Moms Kitchen (hipster off the beaten path breakfast)
- By The Way bakery (two locations GF & DF & Kosher)
- Gatsby- great dinner
- Carbone – famous italian restaurant
- Carlos Bakery Time Square (Cake Boss)
- Patsy’s Pizza ( a friend recommended)
- Tea at the Plaza
Transportation:
- Taxi ( easier to get when leaving hotel for train station)
- Uber
- Metro (quicker and cheaper than Uber we used a few times)
- Black Lane Car Service
- Amtrak (we traveled from MD to NYC)
Share your favorite food joints or things to do and see below!!!!
Day 1 Highlights
Day 2 Highlights
Can’t believe I got my parents to do a fun reel with us!!!!
40th Birthday Workout before our train to NYC
We made it to one of the By The Way Bakery locations before heading home
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