6 iconic New York City holiday events that are always festive

New York City during the holiday season is a magical time. These six iconic New York City holiday events never go out of style.

During the holiday season, New York City is a little magical. Even if you have never visited the Big Apple, a few iconic holiday events can instantly come to mind. From ice skating at Rockefeller Center to the magical holiday store windows, New York City holiday events are a fantastical winter wonderland that shouldn’t be missed.

Holiday Store Windows

While more people might be shopping online, New York City’s holiday store windows are part of the holiday season in New York City. Every year many of the famous New York City stores create whimsical, magical themes in the store windows. People line the street to get a glimpse of the holiday scenes.

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Some of the most popular holiday store windows are from Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York and Macy’s. Each year the holiday store windows themes change. This year Macy’s celebrates “The Perfect Gift Brings People Together”. For fans who always look for the perennial favorite, “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus,” that window continues its 10-year run.

The majority of holiday store windows will be running through Jan. 1.

(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

With the Rockefeller Christmas Tree standing overhead, the Rink at Rockefeller Center is always a popular New York City holiday event. Located in the heart of midtown, the ice skating rink is an iconic part of pop culture. From movies to even the occasional Today Show segment, everyone knows about the Rink at Rockefeller Center.

During the holiday season, the rink can become quite busy. Everyone wants their opportunity for the perfect holiday skating selfie. Since the rink is limited to 150 skaters at a time, there is still space but it’s definitely not an empty rink. If you don’t want to wait in long holiday lines, an advanced reservation system is available.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center is located at Fifth Avenue, in between 49th and 50th Streets in Midtown Manhattan.

(Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center

While some people may not be huge ballet fans, The Nutcracker is a ballet that many people see at least once. Every year the New York City Ballet performs the classic holiday ballet. This year, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker runs through Dec. 31 at Lincoln Center.

This classic Christmas performance is simply stunning. This Sugar Plum Fairy dances on stage, not just in your head during the holiday season. The magical performance can even melt the heart of the non-ballet fan. When the Christmas tree grows from 12 to 40 feet, the audience, even those people who have seen the performance, are captivated by the holiday spirit.

New York City Ballet’s performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker runs through December 31. Tickets are $35-$290.

(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes

Do you know what an eye-high kick is? Probably not, but everyone knows that The Rockettes make those infamous kicks look effortless. The annual Christmas Spectacular features The Rockettes and more holiday favorites.

With numerous performances throughout the holiday season, the famous Radio City Music Hall is filled with holiday cheer. In addition to The Rockettes’ kick-line, the holiday show features a Living Nativity, live animals and Santa. One of the world’s most well-known performance halls is the center of Christmas cheer. Just leave the eye-high kicks to the professionals. No one wants a pulled hamstring for Christmas and miss out on all the New York City holiday events.

The Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes runs through Jan. 1. Ticket prices start at $49.

(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Empire State Building

Considered by some as the World’s Most Famous Building, the Empire State Building is a New York City icon. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the art deco building has been featured in many pop culture moments. Who hasn’t dreamt of meeting a true love on the top of the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building has a couple of areas to visit. The most popular is the open air observatory on the 86th floor. From the observatory, guests can see 360 views of the whole city.

Since the Empire State Building is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. till 2 a.m., the location is a perfect spot to see all the holiday splendor. Wait until after dusk for some amazing views of all the New York City lights.

Several different ticket packages are available for the Empire State Building. Advance tickets are available for purchase.

(Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

World’s Largest Menorah

The holiday season isn’t just about Santa and a Christmas tree. Hanukkah is an eight day celebration, which is sometimes referred to as the celebration of lights. Each evening a candle is lit on the menorah.

In Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza, there is a 32-foot tall menorah. Each night of Hanukkah, the Chabad of Brooklyn lights the candle and celebrates. Each evening there is live music and free latkes for everyone.

If you don’t want to venture out to Brooklyn, Central Park’s Grand Army Plaza has a 4,000 pound, 32-foot tall menorah. It’s debatable which menorah is truly the largest. Why argue during the holidays? Can’t we all just enjoy these New York City holiday events?

(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden

Trains and Christmas seem to be eternally linked. Maybe it’s the popularity of The Polar Express. The annual Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a miniature holiday wonderland. Featuring hundreds of New York City landmarks, all the creations are made from natural material. With all the attention to detail, a visitor could spend hours starring in wonder.

For train fans, the exhibit features G-scale model trains and trolleys. More than 25 of these models transverse the miniature city. Lights twinkle as the trains pass each New York City landmark. Some trains are even running above you.

The Holiday Train Show runs through Jan. 15. Advance tickets are recommended. Ticket prices vary depending on the day.

Have you been to New York City during the holidays? What are your favorite New York City holiday events?

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