Christmas in NYC . . .

Is where I spent most of last week on a 5-day tour, really only 3 days in the city as the first and last days were travel days. This was a solo trip (Patrick declined) and my travel mates were fellow members of the Hudson (NH) Senior Center and other travellers from states including Arkansas, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Ohio. 

The trip titled Discover Spotlight on NYC Holiday was once again through Collette Tours. It started with a Delta Airlines flight from Logan Airport, Boston, to LaGuardia Airport, NY. A snowfall last Sunday cancelled the original flight, but within 2 hours myself and fellow travelers were rebooked on another flight. 

New York City did not disappoint in providing glitz and glitter for the holiday season. While, I wasn't able to see many 5th Avenue window displays, those that were seen (mostly from the tour bus) were amazing and to say that some were over the top would not be an understatement. 

Some NYC holiday window displays 

There was free time on the tour, but the few hours allotted would have spent getting to and from stores with limited time for ooh-ing and aah-ing over the displays, not to mention getting through bustling shoppers. 

Macy's Herald Square, NYC (Internet image)

I was disappointed to not have visited Macy's Herald Square store, famously known as the world's largest store and recognized as the largest U.S. department store with 11 floors over 2.5 million square feet. Macy's holds this title by popular claim and record for a traditional department store, maybe another holiday season this visit will be possible.

Santa on a bicycle at Bryant Square holiday Market

Without aa doubt, midtown NYC is crowded most any day and season, but at holiday time it's multiplied several times over. People hurrying to and from jobs, delivery folks, construction workers, and visitors all competing for sidewalk space. Crossing signals seemed merely a suggestion as crowds would walk en masse whenever there was a break in traffic. There was also a lot of horns being honked.

Exterior, lobby photos, commemorative ornament; photography prohibited at showtime

There were several tour highlights including the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Also known simply as Radio City, this landmark in Rockefeller Center has been dubbed The Showplace of the Nation. It's home to the world famous Rockettes dance troupe celebrating their 100 anniversary in 2025. The all female dancers are world-renowned for their signature Rockettes Precision Dance Technique™ combining elements of jazz, tap and ballet.

Radio City Music Hall, designed by Edward Durell Stone and Donald Deskey in the Art Deco style, opened on December 1932 seating 5,960. Back then, the four-tiered auditorium was the world's largest. Initially intended for stage shows, within a year it became a movie palace. The classic holiday film, White Christmas, premiered here in October 1954. I attended a film and show with my parents years ago; now the venue only hosts concerts and the holiday show. In the 1970s, declining attendance almost led to bankruptcy. in 1978, Radio City was designated a NYC landmark and was restored and remained open; another extensive renovation was in 1999.

The 2025 Rockefeller Christmas Tree

A must-see when visiting NYC at the holidays is, of course, going to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which was a short walk from Radio City. The 2025 tree is a 75-foot tall, 11-ton, 75-year-old Norway Spruce from East Greenbush, NY. It arrived in Manhattan in early November and was lit in early December. It has over 500 LED lights and is topped with a 900-pound Swarovski star with 3 million crystals. The tree will remain on display until mid-January 2026. Chosen from a family yard, the  lumber will later donated to Habitat for Humanity to build homes.

One of 12 angels at Rockefeller Center

Towering 8-foot high angel figures, made from 75 pounds of wire each, stretch along the Channel Gardens annually at Rockefeller Center. The winged, robed and haloed angels each hold a 6-foot-long trumpet. Like the Christmas Tree, these 12 angels, created in 1955 by artist Valerie Clarebout, are an annual holiday earthly presence. Claremong used thousands of miniature lights to complete the celestial display.The angels face one another along the Channel Garden fountains which are turned off.

Another included tour item was the choice of a Broadway show. I attended a performance of The Great Gatsby, a musical play on Broadway for the first time at the Broadway Theatre. This jazzy adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel featured spectacular visuals, two motor cars, lavish costumes, stunning sets and powerful singing. The play starred Jeremy Jordan as Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire and recounted his tragic pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, who he loved for years. The show ran about 2-1/2 hours including intermission. Here's a spoiler alert should you ever go to a Broadway show, theatre seats are far more cramped than current movie theater seating and none recline.

NYC meet-up with fellow blogger Carol at Columbus Circle

Personally, the most wonderful highlight of my short NYC visit was a meet-up with fellow blogger, Carol, (Buttercup Counts Her Blessings). We spent a few hours at Columbus Circle visiting the Holiday Market, talking, then having dinner with a light show in the background. The lights changed color and played holiday music on the hour. This was a wonderful way to spend a free evening in NYC, thanks again, Carol.

There are more highlights to post about my NYC holiday visit, but I wanted to share some of the festive lights of best known places we visited. Blog reading (and posting) have taken a back seat due to travel and other things this time of year. Thanks, as always, for your blog visit and comments. I will be reading as many of your posts as possible the next several days. Thankfully, we're Home for the Holidays.

Your Turn — Are you traveling or celebrating at home?