Adventures for Anyone: One Place That Should Always be Discussed at Christmas...New York City!

It's one of the most iconic Christmas shots in the world. The Christmas display at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Been there, done that. Never have any regrets for visiting. I promise that.

I've seen the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. I've perused the windows of Saks 5th Avenue. I've lighted a candle at St. Patrick's Cathedral. It's great. In other news, I've taken a carriage through Central Park and even played on the giant piano from the movie, "Big" in the old FAO Schwarz. I love New York City at Christmas. I love a red and green Empire State Building. I don't love trying to do anything at Macy's, but I've tried.

Now, let's discuss something different than the norm that makes a tourist stand out like a sore thumb. My first thoughts turn to the Winter Village in Bryant Park. This is a midtown wonder with ice skating, lots of shopping and food. This is a laid back way to spend a Christmas Season day without going entirely crazy. It sits butted up against the main branch of the New York City Library, where you can find even more amazing Christmas displays and beautiful architecture. Another perk of this one is that it's only a two block walk from Grand Central. I love to take the train into the city and hop over to Bryant Park to get out and have a little festive time that's highly reminiscent of European holiday markets.

There are many other holiday markets in NYC. There's one on 6th Avenue between Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center. There's one in the Financial District not far from 1 WTC. There's one right in Grand Central. There's one at Union Square. There are many. Visit one. It's good for the soul.

Now, do you hate crowds and want something a little different? I've got some trees for you and some other ideas. Do you like art?

Man have they got a tree in the Met. The perk of going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is that you get the Met experience along with one of the most unusual and beautiful Christmas Trees you'll see anywhere in town. The entire museum is decorated for the season and is festive from start to finish.

Washington Square also sits in a fun neighborhood that not only includes New York University, but the Ice Cream Museum. It's beautiful this time of year and the entire neighborhood is lit up for the holidays.

Here's one that most people visiting the city would probably not think of. The Financial District. This is a hidden gem all year long, but it's a bright one come holiday season. The New York Stock Exchange has one of the most beautiful trees in the city! Not joking. Trinity Church also leaves the lights on to make the most of all the stained glass windows. Several, I don't mean one here and there, but several of the buildings are illuminated in red and green flood lights. Some nights there's live music right on the street. As I mentioned, there's a Holiday Market not far as well. It's a beautiful neighborhood to visit and way lower key than the rush at Rockefeller Center.

This year, I do have something new and fascinating to discuss. This one has been brewing over the last few years, and it flew under a lot of people's radar due to pesky things like pandemics. New Yorkers have quickly taken to and highlighted Hudson Yards.

20 Hudson Yards is the home of shops and restaurants. It's a high end mall for sure, but the view is amazing. If you really want a view, Peak is your food venue. It has a great view of Hudson Yards and the river. If you're wondering, Hudson Yards is built not far from the High Line Park along the Hudson River in Midtown Manhattan. It's called Hudson Yards because it's built directly over a train yard serving the city. Everything about it is luxury.

The Vessel is the iconic landmark of Hudson Yards. The walk isn't difficult, no matter what it looks like. The view is amazing. Bring a friend. You can't go into the Vessel alone. If you really want to know why, there's about a hundred articles on the subject, but I don't want to ruin the Christmas vibe. It will cost you $10 to get in. It's worth it.

The lights display at 20 Hudson Yards is amazing. One of the best parts is that it's inside. Most of the lights on display are in the mall. You're welcome. I know how cold it can feel outside along the Hudson River. If you like the outdoors, Hudson Yards has fabulous light displays along its walks as well.

Is Christmas only for kids? Not At Hudson Yards! Check out Santa's Secret. This is just for adults. Welcome to an old fashioned speak easy where you can party with your friends while watching shows designed for the over 21 crowd. Open Thursday through Sunday during the holiday season with showtimes on the website. Tickets are available online. This is one of those hidden gems thrown back to a time where lots of things were hidden.

Next to the Vessel is another basically for the adults thing. Art. I know my child never wanted to go to an art exhibit, but the Shed sits right next to the Vessel and is a space for exhibiting art. But, don't think that the art is the only thing to look at. The building itself is a work of art. It moves. I'm not joking. You can make the building larger or smaller by moving one side of it on tracks. I'd never seen anything like that.

Then, there's the Edge. 30 Hudson Yards is one of the more interesting buildings in the city. It's full of offices and expensive residences. It's also home to two of the most amazing experiences in town, or in the world. The Edge is the highest open air observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. Tickets start at $33 and there are a lot of different experiences to choose from when visiting the Edge. The view is amazing. If you're scared of heights, probably stick with the mall next door.

Then, there's the creme de la creme of all the experiences you can have at Hudson Yards. It's called the City Climb. The top of 30 Hudson Yards looks like someone cut off a piece. If you look real close, there's steps up part of that wedge. There's a tiny platform sticking out from the point of that wedge at the top of the building. For $185 dollars, you can climb those steps in climbing gear and hang off that platform over the city. That's City Climb, and it's only for the fearless. It's the highest experience of it's kind in the world.

So, Hudson Yards is my new gem any time of year, but particularly around Christmas. There's a lot to do. There's a lot to see. There's over 2,000,000 lights. It's an easy ride on the 7 subway to the last stop. It's also just off the south end of the High Line elevated park, if you'd like to combine experiences. The High Line is also beautiful during the holidays.

With that said, New York City never disappoints. It really never disappoints during the holiday season. So, for my money, take the time to do something besides the standards and check out some other affairs across Manhattan. Check out a winter market, some great lights, or a daring climb you'll never forget. Make memories this holiday season in Manhattan and enjoy!

https://www.edgenyc.com/en

https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/discover/vessel

https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/food-drink

https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2022/christmas-tree

https://vossevents.com/santas-secret/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtICdBhCLARIsALUBFcGErAa5VJGP0vxCC6ykh_USU2Ji8zqVdlSbUmXbnYJwv-ZMfIHSKRAaAtkEEALw_wcB

https://www.rockefellercenter.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtICdBhCLARIsALUBFcExcZ5c1chKUu0iiV36jfZsybyFy9Mz3U7ENBol6_66Xcy57NdkC0gaAtEHEALw_wcB

https://www.rockefellercenter.com/holidays/radio-city-music-hall/

https://saintpatrickscathedral.org/

https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/holiday-windows-in-new-york-city

https://loving-newyork.com/holiday-windows-in-new-york/

https://freetoursbyfoot.com/nyc-christmas-window-displays/

https://bryantpark.org/activities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at-bryant-park