New York City during the Christmas season is a spectacle of lights, decorations, and holiday cheer that attracts millions of visitors each year. In 2018, the city's iconic landmarks and hidden gems alike were adorned with festive decor that captured the spirit of the season. Here are five must-see NYC Christmas decorations from 2018 that made the city sparkle like never before.
The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall
While technically not a static decoration, the annual Christmas Spectacular show featuring the Radio City Rockettes is a quintessential New York Christmas tradition. The Rockettes’ precision dance routines, backed by a lavish set, tell the story of Christmas through dance, creating a vibrant visual spectacle that encapsulates the festive spirit:
- The grand Christmas Tree in the lobby of Radio City Music Hall.
- The awe-inspiring Santas who line the red-carpeted hallway leading to the theater.
- The elaborate Nativity Scene outside the theater, which glows with the warmth of the season.
The Windows at Macy’s
Macy’s Herald Square windows are a tradition for many, where each year a new theme captures the imagination of both children and adults. In 2018, the windows celebrated:
- A breathtaking display titled “The Snowman and The Snowdog,” featuring animated characters from the beloved storybook and film.
- Interactive Augmented Reality (AR) elements that allowed visitors to interact with the displays using their smartphones.
- Handcrafted models and decorations, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of the Macy’s window team.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is perhaps the most iconic Christmas decoration in New York City. In 2018, the 85-foot Norway Spruce from Vestal, New York, was adorned with:
- 50,000 LED lights in pure white, offering a sleek, modern look.
- A Swarovski crystal star, handcrafted in Italy, weighing 900 pounds with 25,000 crystals.
- The surrounding Gold Angled Ears statues, illuminated in golden light, creating an enchanting backdrop.
Dyker Heights Holiday Lights
In the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, Christmas lights and decorations reached epic proportions:
- Homes adorned with thousands of lights, creating entire streets that look like festival grounds.
- Elaborate moving displays, animatronic Santas, reindeer, and even entire scenes from Christmas carols.
- A tradition of extravagant displays that rivals professional light shows, with some homes even employing engineers for their setups.
Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show in 2018 showcased:
- Over 1,000 buildings, created from botanical materials, mimicking iconic structures from the Hudson River Valley to New York City.
- Model trains winding through miniature landscapes, illuminating the beauty of the garden’s conservatory in a new light.
- Special displays featuring landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty, all meticulously crafted.
By highlighting these diverse and enchanting holiday displays, the charm of New York City during Christmas is not only evident but also palpable. Each decoration, whether grand or intimate, added to the city's festive atmosphere, offering moments of wonder, nostalgia, and pure Christmas magic. The essence of the holidays in NYC was captured through the intricate work of artists, the vision of decorators, and the sheer joy of the residents and visitors who came to partake in the spectacle.
🔔 Note: While these displays were specific to 2018, many of these iconic decorations continue to be a tradition each holiday season in New York City.
What was unique about the Macy’s windows in 2018?
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The Macy’s windows in 2018 featured the theme “The Snowman and The Snowdog,” where visitors could interact with the animated characters through augmented reality.
Can I visit these decorations in other years?
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Yes, while the themes and designs might change, the tradition of decorating for Christmas in New York City continues each year with many returning attractions.
What makes the Rockefeller Center Tree special?
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The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is an iconic symbol of the holiday season in NYC, known for its massive size, the number of lights, and its unique Swarovski crystal star.
