As the holiday season approaches, New York City transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with Christmas decorations that sparkle in the chilly air. If you're eager to soak in the festive spirit before the official start of the season, NYC offers numerous spots where you can catch an early glimpse of Christmas charm. Here are five of the best places to see Christmas decorations early in NYC:
1. The Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park kicks off its holiday season with the Winter Village right after Halloween, featuring a festive shopping market, food kiosks, and an ice-skating rink. The park is adorned with twinkling lights, oversized ornaments, and seasonal activities that kick off as early as late October:
- Visit the Bank of America Winter Village for a dazzling display of lights.
- Enjoy the iconic ice-skating rink under festive decor.
- Shop for unique gifts at the holiday market, which opens early November.
🎄 Note: Ice-skating sessions fill up quickly, so it's advisable to book in advance if you plan to glide among the glittering holiday lights.
2. The Union Square Holiday Market
The Union Square Holiday Market, another gem for early Christmas decor enthusiasts, sets up shop around the same time. Here, you can wander through beautifully decorated stalls, filled with handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and a plethora of festive decorations:
- Explore a vast selection of artisan crafts, perfect for unique Christmas gifts.
- Immerse yourself in the holiday ambiance with light installations.
3. The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show
For an indoor treat, the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show starts before Thanksgiving, offering an enchanting display:
- Gaze at miniature replicas of NYC landmarks made entirely from plants.
- Experience the magic of model trains chugging through a beautifully lit world.
- Enjoy special holiday light installations in the Garden.
🌟 Note: Advance ticket purchase is recommended as this event is quite popular.
4. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Center’s iconic Christmas tree isn’t up until early December, but you can catch the preparations weeks earlier:
- Watch the tree arrive and be adorned with thousands of lights and Swarovski crystals.
- Take in the progress of this monumental event before it officially lights up.
5. The Shops at Columbus Circle
Columbus Circle’s Time Warner Center transforms into a holiday haven with the Shops at Columbus Circle:
- Behold the grand atrium filled with overhanging decorations and festive decor.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Central Park from the Winter Garden’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
Soaking up the early holiday cheer in NYC is not just about seeing the decorations, but also about immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere these locations foster. From Bryant Park’s Winter Village to the Rockefeller Center's early preparations, these spots offer a sneak peek into the holiday season, allowing you to indulge in the magic before the crowds fully descend upon the city. Whether you’re looking to skate under the stars, sip hot cocoa, or just take in the dazzling light displays, these five places provide an early taste of the holiday magic New York City is famous for.
When do holiday decorations start appearing in NYC?
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Holiday decorations start appearing in NYC as early as late October, with places like Bryant Park and Union Square Holiday Market setting up right after Halloween.
Is it possible to skate at Bryant Park’s Winter Village during Thanksgiving?
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Yes, Bryant Park’s Winter Village typically opens its ice-skating rink right after Halloween, so skating is available during Thanksgiving.
Can you visit the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show early?
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Yes, the Holiday Train Show opens before Thanksgiving, allowing visitors to enjoy it before the official start of the holiday season.
