New York City in December

[Antonia]

Who has been to NYC in December? We may have a chance to go. Thought it would fun to see the big tree at Rockerfeller Center, etc. Do some shopping, see some sights.
Is this a bad time to go? We would be first time visitors.
How is the weather in NYC in December? Could a Southern girl stand it?
Where are the most tourist friendly places to stay? Best areas of the city for hotel etc.

 

[jennyanydots]

NYC gets very crowded in december.

the weather tends to be cold, but not brutal. the temps hover around the mid 30's, maybe the low 40's. it's unusual for us to have significant snowfall until january -- though occasionally it does happen.

check out www.nyctourist.com for ideas.

if you want to see the Rockettes Christmas show, book early, the tickets for choice shows sell out fast. I think the tickets may have gone on sale already.

I think I'd want to stay in the Times Square area.

 

[Pooh67_68]

Can't help with the hotels, but it will be COLD. It is a good time to visit though and I do believe you will enjoy it.
And yes as the poster above me has stated the tickets are on sale now for the Christmas show. Great show I recommend seeing it.

 

[Disney Doll]

NYC is crowded and cold in December. A nice time to go though, because it is beautifully decorated. Weekends are more crowded.

 

[Antonia]

I was thinking of the Times Square area for a hotel. Possibly the Casablanca Hotel. It's a little pricey, but the pictures look cozy. Anyone have any other suggestions?

I cannot believe DH has agreed to FLY! And visit a big city!

 

[Meeko's Mom]

DH and I went to NYC between Christmas and New Year's last year. It was very crowded. We stayed at the Westin Times Square, which was very nice. Despite the crowds, we still had a great time.

 

[poohtown]

one year for Christmas my husband took me to New York - it was so great. A lot had to do with the fact is was all about me - we did all stuff he usually doesn't like, but he even enjoyed himself. We went to Macy's to see Santa , window shopping on 5th avenue ( a little too crowded for even me), Christmas Carol show (which he usually doesn't like musicals)and the Rockettes show(if you get tickets get there early also, it took forever to get in), the tree was beautiful (but again really crowded). It was cold but I'm used to it. Make sure you bring some really warm gloves and hat (don't worry about looking stupid, everyone does) Don't forget to buy some roasted chestnuts on the street. You'll have fun no matter how cold and crowded it is.

 

[shortbun]

Wow! Am I ever jealous of you! I've done the NYC in December
thing twice and loved it. Hords of people on the sidewalks, great
atmosphere! Get tickets to Rockefeller Christmas show asap
if you want to go. Moma, Guggenheim, toys, chestnuts roasting-
cold toes and no taxis available. Be ready to walk, walk, walk.
Hotels are tough to get at a good rate, reserve right away and
then keep checking. Try the Paramount,Library,W, Omni's, Royalton, theatre district is within walk of Times Square. I prefer to be closer to the shopping-5th ave, central park south but it's just plain fun!

 

[Antonia]

This sounds exciting! I have never been to a city as large as NYC!

 

[MikeB63]

Antonia,

If you have the chance to go, do it. You will not regret it. I can't say anything more than the other posters, but I agree with all of them. Just prepare for the cold weather and enjoy!

 

[lulugirl]

NYC is lovely in December! Yes, it gets quite cold, but just bundle up and enjoy the sights. I am a former Long Islander, every Dec. Dh and I would spend a weekend in the city, go Christmas shopping and see a show. We really miss it!
We alwys stayed at the Marriot Marqui (spelling?) and enjoyed it very much.

 

[dg39]

We're always in NYC. December is a great time to go. Just be prepared to deal with CROWDS of people and cold weather. Look into the Marriott Marquie Hotel right in the heart of Times Square. Its a bit pricey, but its super clean, very large, great restaurants, wonderful views and helpful staff. Its clean, super safe and right in the center of everything. You go outside the hotel and are right in the center of all the action. Walk up to 5th Ave.(with lots of $$) and you'll be surrounded by some of the best shopping in the world. St. Pats Cathedral is on 57th & 5th. That gets very crowded also. Walking along the city streets at night is a beautiful sight. All the lights are breathtaking. There's load of venders on the streets, where you can buy lots of bags, watches,hats,t'shirts,sweatshirts for really cheap. There's more restaurants in the city than you can imagine and there's every type of food possible. Don't forget to look at all the store windows decorated for the holidays. Macy's has a great window display every year, usually tells a Christmas Story. Bergdoff Goodmans has a great window display also, its a bit edgy, but wonderful. You'll have a great time. Just bring $$$, because the better places in NYC aren't cheap, but worth every penny.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I second the Marriot Marquis. Right in the middle of it all.
Please be sure to read a tour guide which includes safe travel in big cities if you are not used to that type of thing. If you can afford taxis, great. If not, take some time to familiarize yourself with the subway system (it is in most tour books on NYC) and have an idea of how it works before you venture out. I like to jot down in a small notebook where I want to go and what subway will get me there, what stop I want, etc. This way I don't have to haul out the map and put the "tourist target" on my back.

 

[yourtravelpro]

New York City in December. Very romantic!!!

 

[LJC1861]

St. Patricks Cathedral is on 50th and 5th Ave. It is right across from Rockefeller Center which is fantastic at Christmas time. For outdoor ice skating however, I recommend wollman Rink in Central Park.

As for restaurants...venture out if the tourist areas. Head down to the West Village, or up to the Upper West Side for fantastic restaurants without tourist prices.

I agree with the above poster.....familiarize yourself with subway and bus routes. At best, purchase a small map. It makes it less obvious that you are looking for directions. Also, if you need help...ask a police officer or transit worker. One other tidbit--if you have a map out and are in fact looking for directions....don't be afraid if a friendly New Yorker asks you if you need help. I ask people all the time if they need help and more often than not I get told "NO!!" as if I am going to hurt them. We New Yorkers know our way around and can be of big help. If someone offers assistance with directions....take it!

As for holiday windows....check out Saks which is right across the street from St. Pats. Also the New World of Disney on 55th and 5th will be open at Christmas. Just up the street from there is Tiffany and there is a possiblity that the new FAO Schwarz may be open then. Down the street from St. Pat's is the American Girl Doll store and just up from St. Pat's is the NBA store. There is shopping on 5th Ave to please anybody.

If you are interested in the theater, check out the TKTS booth at 47th and Broadway. You have to stand on a long line and pay with cash or travelers check but you get a 50 % discount. For bargain tickets without standing on line check out www.HitShowClub.com or www.Playbill.com for ticket offers that you can purchase in advance. Also check out the Times Square Visitor Center just across the street from TKTS.

I hope this helps and if you have any more questions, feel free to e-mail or pm me. I live here and would be glad to help.

Linda

 

[Antonia]

Thanks for so much advice and suggestions. I am so used to planning trips to Florida that this should be very fun!
DH is excited but he won't admit it. He's afraid to fly.

The flights I have looked at fly into Kennedy - stopping over in DC - but then the return flight in non-stop flying out of LaGuardia.

Today I'm going to get some maps, etc. as some have suggested so that I can start to familiarize myself with NYC!!!

 

[LJC1861]

Antonia,

Where in SC are you from? My partner's family is from Irmo, just outside Columbia.

Don't stress about the different airports. JFK is now easily accessible via the new airtrain or a fixed price cab ride, and LGA is not too expensive by cab or there is a bus you can take as well

Linda

 

[TLinden16]

I just got home from a weekend in New York. Stayed at the Doubletree Guest Suites one night (free with my Hilton points), and the Sheraton New York and Towers the second night ($144 including tax and fees on Priceline). Both are great hotels. The New York Hilton on Sixth Ave. is also very nice. As is the Rennissance on 7th.

New York is very crowded in December. I went a few years back, and the crowds were all over the place--not just in Times Square like they usually are. But it is still worth going in December, as the decorations are awesome, the windows at Macy' are fun, and the tree at Rockefeller Center is beautiful.

Karen

 

[Kimberle]

I don't think it is generally *cold* in December.

Last year was an unusually cold winter, but normally, December is in the 40-50's.

It does, however, get extremely crowded. We always to in for the Christmas show. There is just nothing like NYC at Christmas time. Nothing at all......

 

[danacara]

I work in Rockefeller Center. My advice: bring an umbrella and a really large purse full of heavy stuff. You're going to need both, plus your elbows, to battle your way through the crowds. Ha. Show no mercy.