By Mary Ann Treger
By Mary Ann Treger
New York has the uncanny ability to feel new every time you visit. Few easy-to-reach getaways offer romantic experiences for two as well as fun adventures for the entire family. And there’s never a more beautiful time to visit the Big Apple than during the holiday season.
It’s the energy of the city that strikes you first. Everyone is hustling and bustling to get somewhere fast. Whether arriving by auto, plane or train (Amtrak has great service from Baltimore), once you arrive, the umph in the Big Apple becomes contagious.
Begin with a stroll along Fifth Avenue oohing and aahing at the world-famous holiday store window decorating. The centerpiece is a synchronized music and light show that transforms the exterior of Saks Fifth Avenue into a massive winter wonderland, making even the grumpiest Scrooge smile.
Be a part of a picture-perfect holiday scene and ice-skate at the most famous rink in the world. There’s nothing quite like taking a spin on the ice at Rockefeller Center, with immense skyscrapers, the massive holiday tree and the golden statue of Prometheus as a backdrop.
A few steps away, warm up indoors at Radio City Music Hall and see the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular holiday show, a beloved New York tradition. Precision choreography and synchronized dancing wows couples, families and the young at heart.
Need an adrenaline rush? Two new experiences at Top of the Rock are taking visitors to new heights (literally). Head to the observation deck on the 69th floor at 30 Rockefeller Plaza and recreate the famous 1932 photograph “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper,” depicting 11 ironworkers perched on a steel beam. After you’re strapped in, the beam lifts 12 feet above the platform, then rotates 180 degrees, providing spectacular views of NYC.
More exhilaration awaits visitors looking to stand shoulder to shoulder with skyscrapers at the new Top of the Rock Skylift on the 70th floor. This gravity-defying thrill ride lifts you three stories above the uppermost rooftop terrace in an open-air platform. As it rises, Skylift revolves 360 degrees, giving guests the only unobstructed fully panoramic view of New York City.
Sure, it may be chilly, but after experiencing the city’s newest alfresco wonders, warm up with a piping hot cocoa (or hot toddy) in dozens of atmospheric cafés.
Even the city’s old favorites have a new twist: King Kong scaled it. Romance movies were filmed here. If you haven’t visited the most recognizable and visited structure in the world since 2019, when a massive renovation of the Observatory Experience took place, it’s time to head back to the Empire State Building.
A new 80th floor interactive multi-gallery museum, as well as the iconic 86th Floor Observatory and 102nd Floor Observatory, have been redesigned. On a clear day, floor-to-ceiling windows enable visitors to see six states. Take note: The outdoor platform on the 86th floor is a romantic spot for a holiday proposal or first kiss. Outdoor heaters make wintertime visits more comfortable.
Attention techies: There’s a new museum in town: Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology. The promise is to reimagine art and technology. The museum poses one question to its viewers, “Are we in the Future?” It showcases fifteen exhibition spaces, interactive multisensory experiences, 4D sound listening encounters, installations featuring LED-mirrored infinity rooms and 8K projections.
An attraction at Grand Central Station both kids and adults love is downstairs, at the Whispering Gallery, where you’ll find Grand Central’s quiet little secret. Four arched entryways stand in a square formation. If you whisper something into the arch and someone else stands with their ear to the arch diagonal from yours, about 30 feet away, they’ll be able to clearly hear what you said—despite the distance and the noise that’s common to Grand Central.
That other person probably wouldn’t have been able to hear your words if they’d been standing just a few feet from you, but thanks to the power of the whispering gallery, they can hear you, loud and clear. Note: There are whispering galleries all over the world. Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London has one, as does the Mormon Tabernacle in Utah.
Don’t leave town without sipping hot cocoa at the festive outdoor holiday markets at Union Square, Columbus Circle or the Winter Village at Bryant Park, featuring hundreds of vendors selling locally crafted treasures. Or, stay warm at the famous indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair.
Shop
Two unique favorites: Teuscher Chocolates at Rockefeller Center has delicious stocking stuffers: Champagne truffles.
For an unusual (quirky?) choice, visit the Fantastic World of The Portuguese Sardine in Times Square. The entire store—from floor to ceiling—is packed with imaginative, exquisite tins of artisanal sardines and other canned fish. Cans are dated by year. A fun stocking stuffer is a colorful can with the birth year of the recipient on top.
Dine
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Ellen’s Stardust Diner, a retro 1950s-themed restaurant at 1650 Broadway, home of the singing waitstaff, is a blast from the past. Retro-themed memorabilia grace the walls, a “drive-in theater” screen showcases performances from the 1950s and the staff sings as they serve hearty and delicious fare. Featured in dozens of movies including a film starring Sarah Jessica Parker, it was also featured on “American Idol” — a former employee became a contestant on the show. Many staff members have starred in Broadway and major off-Broadway musicals.
Oyster Bar – Grand Central Station
Grand Central Oyster Bar has been around since 1913. The restaurant is divided into two sections—a formal dining room with tables and a long winding bar. Grab a stool at the latter, and one of the bartenders will help you navigate the enormous menu of raw, fried and roasted seafood. Oysters and martinis are hard to beat.
Stay
Warwick New York
For a comfortable, no-stress (and well-priced) midtown hotel, head to Warwick New York, within walking distance of Broadway, Fifth Avenue and dozens of attractions. With a touch of glamour and romance, it welcomes couples or families. Rooms and suites are well-appointed with comfortable contemporary furnishings and exquisite marble bathrooms with luxurious bath amenities. Some suites have spacious private terraces with city views overlooking Midtown Manhattan.
Before You Go
The Skylift, The Beam, the Empire State Building and the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular require advance ticketing. Skating at Rockefeller Center has several ticket options ranging from general admission to VIP skating plus rink-side chalets. Take a lesson and return home, wowing friends with a double axel or two. Check individual websites for prices, availability and tickets for all attractions.
