Holidays in NYC
In a city that never sleeps, there is always something to see or do during the holiday season! We at the Radisson Martinique Hotel picked a few of the most popular sights that are a must see while in New York.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Every performance of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular® presented by Capital One Bank is a glittering present full of fun and surprises for the whole family! Enjoy the flawless precision of the Radio City Rockettes ® in numbers like legendary "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and thrill as Santa takes you on a magical ride to his workshop at the North Pole, where playful ragdolls come to life. Everyone marvels at the stunning reenactment of the first Christmas in the "Living Nativity".
December 7, 2011- January 2, 2011
Rockefeller Center Tree
Since 1931 a Christmas tree has been lit in Rockefeller Center to bring the Christmas spirit to all. Seventy nine years later, a Norway Spruce ranging between 75 and 90 feet, is adorned with a 550 lb Swarovski star that can be seen for blocks. Although the tree has grown, the decorations have become more elaborate as time goes on. The tree at Rockefeller Center represents the holiday spirit of New York City.
December 1, 2010- December 31, 2010
New York City Holiday Lights Motorcoach Sightseeing Tour
On this guided and narrated tour, you'll hear stories about the rich history, tradition and pageantry of some of New York's finest holiday displays, as well as the multicultural festive flavor and atmosphere that fills the City from Thanksgiving to Three King's Day. The tour takes place in a climate controlled luxury motor coach, with frequent stops to get out and view the displays up close
November 24, 2011 through December 30, 2011 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6:30pm (No tours Dec. 24 or Dec. 25) Tour Length: Approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours
Christmas Holiday Walking Tour in NYC
On this 75-minute tour the noted Christmas Historian Sibyl McCormac Groff, who coined the word Gothamtide, will explain how Christmas became the most important holiday towards the end of the 19th century. Tour highlights include - The development of the Christmas tree, lights, cards, gifts and entertainment - Visiting holiday markets around the town - The history of the lighted trees in the midst of Park Avenue and in front of the Seagrams building - Holiday displays in and on hotels, department stores and boutiques - Christmas music written in New York - Strolling past Big Apple treasures like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Saks Fifth Avenue and Cartier’s - and finally, - The most famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center (not lit until the first week of December)!
November 25 through December 30, 2011 - Thursday through Sunday at 5:30pm. NOTE : December 24 tour begins at 4pm
Outdoor Holiday Markets
1) Bryant Park - This free holiday fair features more than 120 artisans and merchants from around the world. You'll find special promotions, including discounts and samples, throughout the holiday season. While you're there, take a shopping break for free ice skating at The Pond at Bryant Park.
Where: Bryant Park, 6th Ave. at 42nd St.; 866-221-5157 When: Daily from October 27, 2011 through January 8, 2012 Hours: Mon-Fri, 11am-8pm; Sat, 10am-9pm; Sun, 10am-6pm.
2) Union Square Park Holiday Market - Union Square Park becomes a winter shopping wonderland with an outdoor holiday market featuring 100+ artisans and vendors. Located in the south section of the park near 14th St., the Union Square holiday fair offers deals on goodies like jewelry, candles, pottery, and much more Where : Union Square Park at 14th St., 212-529-9262. When : November 17 through December 24, 2011 (closed Thanksgiving Day) Hours: Daily, 11am-8pm
3) Columbus Circle Holiday Fair - Shop for special gifts in Central Park at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. Organized by the same people behind the Union Square Holiday Market, the Columbus Circle shopping fair also features 100+ vendors and a wide selection of unique and handmade gifts
Where: Southwest entrance to Central Park at Central Park West and Central Park South; 212-529-9262. When: November 30 through December 24, 2011 Hours: Daily, 10am to 8pm
Notable Christmas/Christmas Eve Mass
St Patrick’s Cathedral – Christmas Eve: Vigil at 530pm. Midnight Mass by reservation only. Christmas: 7am, 8am, 9am, 10:15am, 12pm, 1230pm, 1pm, 530pm, 630pm. 14 E 51st St New York, 10022
Marble Collegiate Church – Christmas Eve: 4pm, 630pm, 830pm. Christmas Day: 11am 1 West 29th Street New York, NY 10001
The Riverside Church- Christmas Eve: 4PM, 8PM. Christmas Day: 1045am 490 Riverside Drive New York, 10027
St Francis of Assisi – Christmas Eve: 4pm, 5:15pm, 1130pm(midnight mass), Christmas Day: 8am, 930am, 11am, 1230pm. 135 W. 31st Street, New York, 10001