New York City during Christmas is a spectacular sight, and the city's festive decorations are a major part of its holiday charm. From dazzling window displays to majestic Christmas trees, NYC transforms into a winter wonderland. In this post, we'll dive into when these decorations went up in 2018, what they entailed, and how they enhance the holiday spirit.
Pre-Christmas Setup
New York City’s preparation for Christmas begins well before the holiday season officially kicks off. Here’s a timeline of when decorations started to appear in 2018:
- Early November: While some stores begin setting up their holiday displays around Halloween, full decorations typically don’t go up until after Election Day.
- Mid-November: Department stores like Macy’s, Saks, and Bergdorf Goodman begin unveiling their extravagant window displays.
- Late November:
- Thanksgiving: This day signals the official start of the holiday season. Decorations in Rockefeller Center, including the famous Christmas tree, are installed.
- Black Friday: Marks the beginning of the festive shopping period, with many street decorations and store windows fully revealed.
📌 Note: Weather conditions can influence the exact timing of when decorations are installed, with earlier setup in mild weather.
Highlighting Iconic Locations
The real magic happens in the iconic locations that become landmarks of NYC Christmas:
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony, which has been a tradition since 1931, is one of the most anticipated events:
- Installation began in late November, with the tree being selected and transported to the Rockefeller Plaza.
- The lighting ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.
- The tree stood tall at 72 feet and was adorned with over 50,000 LED lights.
5th Avenue’s Festive Windows
The window displays along 5th Avenue are eagerly awaited each year:
- Macy’s: The first windows appeared around mid-November, with additional themes introduced weekly.
- Saks Fifth Avenue: Their animated windows went up in late November.
- Bergdorf Goodman: Their elaborate and artistic windows were unveiled just before Thanksgiving.
Other Noteworthy Spots
- Bryant Park had its Christmas Village and tree set up starting mid-November.
- Dyker Heights started its extravagant home decorations in early December.
Impact on Holiday Tourism
The display of Christmas decorations significantly boosts tourism in NYC:
- The sight of lights and decorations brings millions of visitors to the city, boosting local businesses.
- Hotels, restaurants, and retail stores see an increase in sales due to the festive atmosphere.
- Events like the tree lighting ceremony create a unique opportunity for tourists to experience NYC’s holiday spirit.
The twinkling lights and festive displays create a magical setting that extends beyond the traditional tourist areas, making NYC a dream destination for holiday shoppers, lovers, and families alike.
Conclusion: NYC’s Holiday Magic
In 2018, NYC did not disappoint in transforming itself into a Christmas wonderland. From the first decorations appearing in early November to the culmination of holiday festivities, the city’s commitment to bringing joy and festive cheer was evident. This annual metamorphosis not only delights locals and tourists but also encapsulates the spirit of the holidays. The careful timing, attention to detail, and the sheer volume of decorations ensure that anyone visiting New York City during the Christmas season will be enveloped in an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
When is the best time to see NYC Christmas decorations?
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The best time to see NYC Christmas decorations is from late November through early January, with mid-December offering the full experience as all major displays are up and running.
Do stores keep their Christmas decorations up until New Year’s?
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Yes, many stores in NYC keep their Christmas decorations up through New Year’s Day. However, some start taking them down shortly after Christmas, especially if they’re preparing for post-holiday sales.
Are there any special events in NYC during the Christmas season?
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Apart from the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, there are events like the Christmas window displays, ice skating at various rinks, holiday markets, and festive shows like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
How long does it take to set up the Rockefeller Christmas Tree?
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The setup of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree can take several weeks, from selecting the tree to lighting it during the televised ceremony on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.
