Travel by the Calendar

Sometimes the cliches are true. New York is touristastic at any time but especially so at Christmas. Yes, it is expensive. Yes, it is crowded. But it is also magical. The lights of Times Square flash throughout the year, but in December every street dazzles with decorations. Fifth Avenue, one of the main shopping strips, is worth a visit for the Christmas lights alone. See the snowflakes on Saks 5th Avenue, or the red-ribbon wrapped Cartier. Turn the corner to the Rockefeller Center where the Christmas tree is so famous, it has books written about it. Ice skating may be popular at ground level, but don’t forget to look up, way up. The Top of the Rock is an observation deck spread over the 68th, 69th and 70th floors of the Rockefeller Center. For $US18 tourists are rewarded with dazzling 360 degree views over New York. A free alternative is to go to the Rainbow Room on the 65th floor for a view over South Manhattan. Be warned, although entry is free, it can rapidly become a pricier option than the Top of the Rock with $25 cocktails plus compulsory 20% tip.
Once the sun sets, it’s time to think about a Christmas show. The Nutcracker ballet at the Lincoln Center is a perennial favourite, while kids big and small will enjoy Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular. Tickets for this, and other Broadway shows can be purchased from the TKTS discount booth for up to 40% off. It sells tickets for same day performances only and there can be queues.
End the night with a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. With the snowflakes falling softly, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.