I’m in the crunch now – my suitcase is packed and I’m doing all of the little last-minute things around my apartment to make sure I’m good to bust out of here Tuesday morning!
When I booked my flight for New York, I didn’t do much thinking. The flight price was good, the dates and times looked good (read: I wouldn’t be missing any of my blog class lectures), so I booked it. I honestly didn’t consider the holiday season as an additional perk to my trip.
But I know some magic is in store for me over the coming week. It usually takes me a little while to step into the holiday spirit, but I’m hoping one glance at the Rockefeller Christmas tree will change that this year. Here are a few “holiday” activities on my NYC itinerary:
Store Window Walking Tour
One of my favorite episodes of “Will & Grace” is when Jack gets asked to design a Christmas window at Barney’s. His efforts to work with Karen on a “Naughty Santa” theme fail tremendously, leaving his boss pissed. That night, Jack prays to Santa (yes, you read that right) for help. Grace overhears his prayer, and she somehow creates a holiday Barney’s window that pleases his boss.
Although this will be my first time in New York, I know the big department stores there don’t take holiday windows lightly. Which is why I’m taking a self-guided walking tour of all the major holiday windows, including Macy’s, Lord and Taylor, and Sak’s, among many others.
Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center
For as long as I’ve lived in my own apartment (11 years), I’ve put up a Christmas tree – even if I was going to be the only one to see it. I have always made a little evening out of decorating my tree, almost always watching the official tree lighting at Rockefeller Center.
I recorded it this year, as I want my first visual of the tree to be in-person. I’ll watch it when I get home and put up my tree (I cannot trust Blanche home alone with my tree).
This year was the 86th year of the tree lighting, and this year’s tree features a Swarovski Star that includes 3 million Swarovski crystals adorned across 70 triangular spikes. The 9-foot-4-inch topper is backlit by LEDs. A 9-foot tree topper! That’s as tall as my entire tree! I cannot wait to see it.
Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes
I’m not entirely sure what to expect for this show, but I know it’s an iconic New York experience, and I love that sort of thing. I’ve read that there is usually snow involved, live animals, 3D glasses, and of course, the infamous toy soldier lineup performed by the Rockettes! I’ve heard so many great things about this show!
Union Square Holiday Market
I definitely want to do some shopping while I’m in town and this seems to be the place for affordable, festive, and unique goods! I love a holiday market and I’m excited to see what this one has to offer. I’ve read that there’s handmade jewelry, blown-glass items, and even hot cider! Count me in!
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
I’m spending almost an entire day in Brooklyn, and when I heard about Dyker Heights, I knew I couldn’t resist! Dyker Heights is an affluent residential neighborhood in the southwest corner of the borough of Brooklyn in New York City, US.
Every year, the residents of Dyker Heights have been known to go ALL out when it comes to Christmas decorations and lights. So much so, tours of the neighborhood sell out! We’ll see what this year has in store!
And there you have it! I’ll have one more “New York” post next week, but I hope you’ll follow me on Instagram (@Orangejulius7) to “join” me on my trip! I’ll be posting pictures and stories as often as necessary 🙂
The Bitter Lemon 