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TBP 0025 Holiday Season in New York City 2013

November 16, 2013

holidays in New York CIty 2013


The Holiday Season In New York City! Even when I was living in Los Angeles, I was watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV and looking forward to visiting the decorated windows on 5th Avenue when I came home for the holidays.


Here is my overview and advice about celebrating New York during the holidays. There are TONS of holiday related things to do… just be sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes and dress warmly!


For more advice and details, check out this week’s podcast TBP 0025!


PODCAST NOTES FOR TBP 0025 “Holiday Season in New York City 2013″

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – The kickoff of the holiday season in New York City!

It’s on NOVEMBER 28, 2013, Starting at 9am.


The parade Begins on 77th and Central Park West. The route is south on Central Park West until 57th Street, then continue south on 6th ave to Herald Square. I never knew this but the route is 2.5 miles. Seems shorter than that to me.


To view the parade (and get a good spot) get there early, wear VERY WARM clothes and comfortable shoes, and try to get near a public restroom or a coffee shop so that you can use the bathroom. Bring snacks and beverages (but not too many beverages). ;-)


Here are more tips for attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:

http://gonyc.about.com/od/tipsforvisitingnyc/tp/thanksgiving-parade-tips.htm

http://gonyc.about.com/od/thanksgiving/tp/2011-Macys-Thanksgiving-Day-Parade.htm


If you can’t deal with the crowds, go to the Balloon Inflation in Central Park(79th and Columbus) on November 27th.

http://gonyc.about.com/od/thanksgiving/p/Macys-Thanksgiving-Parade-Balloon-Inflation.htm




Windows on 5th Avenue:


http://gonyc.about.com/od/christmassights/tp/holiday_windows.htm

http://gonyc.about.com/od/christmassights/tp/christmaswindow.htm

http://gonyc.about.com/od/christmassights/l/bl_xmaswindows.htm (This is the link for the map of the Window Display Walking Tour)


Rockefeller Center – tree and ice skating – go late at night!

The Christmas Tree lighting will be on December 4, 2013 – ceremony 7-9pm

http://www.rockefellercenter.com/events/2013/11/01/2013-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting/


Ice Skating alternative – Wollman’s Rink in Central Park at 63rd street. They’re calling it Trump Rink now. You can pre-book to avoid lines or getting shut out.

http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/iceskating/5

http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com/


FAO Schwartz

Not on the windows walking tour, but always fun to visit at xmas, whether you are an adult or a kid.

http://www.fao.com/home/index.jsp



Bryant Park is a park behind the New York Public Library on 5th Avenue has ice skating, shopping (more than 125 outdoor shops) and the restaurant Celsius during the holiday season.

http://bryantpark.org/things-to-do/wintervillage.html


The Party and Ball Drop in Times Square finishes the season. Expect insanely crowded public transportation. Bring games and other things to do. Just like the parade – think bathroom breaks, dress warmth, food, water, comfortable shoes.

FYI, the ball is made out of Waterford Crystal (which is why it sparkles so nicely).

http://www.timessquarenyc.org/events/new-years-eve/nye-schedule/index.aspx#.UoZJsY0Z0tI

http://www.timessquarenyc.org/events/new-years-eve/index.aspx#.UoZJs40Z0tI

http://www.timessquarenyc.org/events/new-years-eve/index.aspx#.UoZKm40Z0tI

http://www.wikihow.com/Attend-the-New-Year%27s-Celebrations-in-Times-Square


This is the best page to read if you are deciding to go to Time Square on New Year’s Eve: http://www.timessquarenyc.org/events/new-years-eve/nye-faq/index.aspx#9


If you don’t want to hang out in Time Square on NYE, but want to get a close up look at the ball, you can go to the Time Square Visitor’s Center.


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