New York Weekend Preview: Holiday Season Starts In NYC

The holiday season has swept through city streets. With window dressings filled and halls decked with boughs of holly, it really is the most wonderful time of the year to be in New York. The pre-holiday events for the city are bound to keep everyone’s schedule packed, but here are a few of our recommendations on what to do in between shopping for everyone’s presents.

See The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

This week the tree was lit at 30 Rock, giving the whole neighborhood a warm glow of holiday cheer. The 75-foot Norway Spruce is located just between the doors of 30 Rockefeller Center and the ice skating rink, making it a winter wonderland for New Yorkers—if you can wiggle your way between the crowds! While there, be sure to chef out the windows around Bergdorf Goodman!

Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza

The Union Square Holiday Market Is Back!

For everyone still unsure what to get for that co-worker, crazy aunt, or cute dog in their life, the Union Square Holiday Market has returned to the southern side of the park with stands selling everything from wooden toy ornaments to cider and hot cocoa. While the market does get crowded in the evenings, it’s a great way to feel the spirit of the season in the air without having to deal with the Midtown mayhem of the tree lighting.

Location: Union Square Southern Side

Visit The Butterfly Conservatory

With the winter weather creeping through city streets, its also a great time to stay inside where its warm. The Museum of Natural History is a great place for those looking for a warm respite, with their exhibit of butterflies. The creatures area a sampling of the 18,000 known species of butterfly, and offer a range in colors as they flutter around the vivarium in the museum. The exhibit is open now through this May.

Location: Central Park West & 79th Street