Christmas in New York City

I've been fortunate enough to spend Christmases past in several different countries and they've all been enjoyable experiences, but I think my favorite place for its Christmas spirit will always be New York. For me, New York City is a fabulous place at any time of year, but in December it becomes even more magical.
 

Here are a few of my favorite sights in mid-town Manhattan:

Grand Central Terminal with its beautiful interior enhanced with wreaths, garlands and lights. 

It is also home to the NY Transit Museum and the annual Holiday Train Show which, even if you're not a train enthusiast, is still worth a look. 

A few blocks west of Grand Central is Bryant Park. Earlier in the year I blogged about what a fun place this is to hang out on warm days. It's equally as fun in the winter when it is turned into a Winter Village with over a hundred market stalls and a restaurant, Celsius, where you can enjoy views of the park from the glass enclosed lounge or the heated outdoor terrace. 

For the more active, there is an ice-rink, a chance to skate right in the middle of one of the largest cities in the world - and for free if you have your own skates!

The windows of the large department stores are always fun to look at. Each adopts a theme which is usually a closely guarded secret until they are unveiled.   

Saks Fifth Avenue goes for elegance with all white displays

This is not a real store but a window display at Lord & Taylor!

Macy's celebrates 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

No mention of the Christmas decorations in New York City would be complete without a mention of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This year I haven't actually seen it lit up at night yet, but here's what it looks like in the daytime:

Personally, I preferred the smaller trees lining the pedestrian mall leading up to the Rockefeller tree:

Wherever you are, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.