My relationship with New York City goes back to December 2018. I was only there for three days, but in that short window, I managed to see the Rockettes, the Rockefeller tree, Top of the Rock, two Broadway shows, Bryant Park, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Central Park, tea at The Plaza, and eat some of the best Italian food and ramen of my life (so far).
It was also one of the brightest spots in an otherwise heavy year. My dad had passed away earlier that February, and I remember feeling this urgent pull to see more of the world — to remind myself there was still beauty, movement, and joy out there. New York did that for me. Big time.
I’ve been back twice since then — once in the winter, once in the summer — and every trip has only deepened my love for the city. I love the energy, the grit, learning the subway system, and overhearing snippets of conversations on the street. It’s chaotic and expensive and overwhelming, yes — but it’s also alive in a way few places are.
For years, going back just wasn’t realistic financially. But once Buffalo entered the picture, New York suddenly felt closer — literally and figuratively.
The flight from Buffalo to NYC is about 90 minutes (even less on a good day), compared to the four-hour haul from Austin. You can also take the train, which I fully plan to do someday — just not for a one-day trip.
This year, I wasn’t even thinking about going until a promotional email popped up about the Rockettes. It’s their 100-year anniversary, and when I saw them back in 2018, I remember tears of pure joy welling up in my eyes — glittery, festive, unapologetic fun.
So I bought myself a ticket. Then I realized: I could actually do this in a single day.
And so I did.
I took a 7am flight out of Buffalo and landed at JFK, which I know isn’t everyone’s favorite airport — but I like that you can take the AirTrain straight to the subway and head right into Manhattan.
First stop: Rockefeller Center.
The tree was stunning this year, and seeing it in person never gets old.
I ran through FAO Schwarz (my first time!) and was immediately reminded why December in NYC feels like a movie set — magical, crowded, and wildly overstimulating all at once.
From there, I walked to Bryant Park — my favorite spot in the city. The Winter Village was in full swing, and I lingered longer than planned: loaded fries, a hot chocolate topped with a giant toffee marshmallow, ice skaters circling the rink, and stalls full of handmade goods.
I picked up the cutest notebooks, stickers, cards, and bookmarks from a local artist — my favorite kind of souvenir.
Then it was time for the main event: Radio City Music Hall.
They open the doors an hour before showtime, which meant plenty of time to admire the iconic chandelier (I will never get over it) and soak in the atmosphere.
The Christmas Spectacular runs about 90 minutes, and while much of it stays consistent year to year, my favorite number remains “Christmas in New York” — the red and green sparkly dresses, the precision, the joy. It still hits every time.
After the show, I headed downtown toward the Strand Bookstore, passing through Midtown and into what felt like a calmer, less tourist-packed part of Manhattan — the Flatiron/Union Square area.
I don’t spend much time down there usually, but it’s beautiful and feels more livable, more local. The Strand absolutely lived up to the hype. I bought a book from the New York table and another small gift from a local artist, and then… it was already time to turn around.
December in NYC is no joke — tens of millions of people visit the city during the holiday season each year, and everything takes longer. Lines for skating, observation decks, stores — you could easily spend an entire week just waiting if you wanted to do it all.
The only reason I could pull off a one-day trip was because I’d already done so much on previous visits. Plus, I wasn’t quite ready to leave Blanche overnight in our new apartment yet — she’d be fine, but I wasn’t ready. No hotel, no luggage, just my purse felt like a gift in itself.
On the subway back to JFK (about an hour), I had a moment of doubt: Was this worth it?
Yes. Unequivocally yes.
I’m fully on board with doing things that bring joy during hard seasons — especially when the holidays can feel heavy, lonely, or undefined. I’m single, without long-standing family traditions, and I’m actively figuring out what this time of year looks like for me. Creating moments of delight feels not just indulgent, but necessary.
By the time I cleared security at JFK, I had just enough time to grab a sandwich, use the restroom, and board my flight home. We landed in Buffalo around 8pm. It had snowed all day while I was gone.
As the plane descended, I woke up to a view of snow-covered houses dotted with warm lights underneath — quiet, glowing, peaceful. It was one of those moments where you feel incredibly grateful to be exactly where you are.
I was tired. My feet hurt. The day was a lot. But I came home to Blanche, to my cozy studio, to the snow, and to the comforting knowledge that I can still choose joy — even if it’s just for one day.
NYC at Christmas is chaotic and expensive and crowded. But I truly believe it’s something everyone should see at least once.
And I’m really glad I went back — even if just for a day.
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