New York in December - Need Recommendations

[melnry]

I have been told, and I now agree, that I need to have the family to NYC during Christmas time. I have planned to go December 13-16 for 3-nights in the DoubleTree Jesey City (just across the Hudson for Skyline views). Me, DW, DS (14) and 2xDD(12). River Cruise on Hudson for sure if weather allows, but I need other suggestions to fill 2 days. I am calling on the DISers to offer some wisdom.

Last Orlando Trip: June 2012 - US/IOA , 3 day. KSC - 1 day.
Next Disney Trip : September 2013.

 

[Dopey420]

NYC is an easy city to walk. We like to split a 2 day trip into Uptown and Downtown. Uptown (for us) is north of Times Square. We like to walk from Times Square up to Strawberry Fields in Central Park, following a "walking tour" (easily found on the internet) and seeing the sights we see on TV. Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Broadway theater district, Plaza Hotel, Upper West Side, Central Park, even up to Harlem if you are an intrepid traveller. Harlem is being revitalized.

Downtown day goes through Greenwich VIllage, Chinatown, Little Italy, SOHO, WTC, Statue of Liberty, Wall Steet, Occupy Wall Street, Brooklyn Bridge (walk across it).

If you have the money, get on the double decker bus tour. It allows you to get on and off an unlimited number of times for 2 days.

Get some great pizza slices! Sal & carmine's on the Upper West Side, Original Patsy's in East Harlem, Pizza Box in Greenwich VIllage, Grimaldi's near Brooklyn Bridge.

Take cash!!! More and more businesses are going cash only, no credit cards, but the put an ATM with high fees in their store.

Have fun, it is the center of the universe!

 

[melnry]

Thanks Dopey. My bunch is not much for walking too far , but I guess if we break it up and take our time, it could work. The pizza recommends are crucial. Thank you.

 

[it's kelly]

Visit the South Street Seaport, Toys R Us in Time Square, M&M World. Rockafeller Center for ice skating and the Christmas Tree and looking at all the Christmas windows.

I'm sorry to say, NYC usually involves lots of walking.

 

[bstarprincess37]

I lived in NY for a few years while I was getting my masters. If this is your first time, I would suggest heading to the 42nd street area. You can start around Rockefeller center (47th-50th between 5th and 6th avenues I believe), see the Rockefeller Christmas tree and check out the sites there. You can walk up and down fifth avenue and see the famous Christmas decorations in the shops windows there.

You can then head west on 42nd street over to Bryant park to view the ice skating ring - they also have little Christmas shops set up around there that are nice to look around. You can grad some Christmas candy and hot chocolate around there too.

Then, I would head over to Times Square. Depending on what time it is, you can see what shows are being offered through the TKTS booth. They sell discounted broadway shows and discounted tickets to see The Radio City Christmas spectacular around Christmas time. One person in your group could wait in line while the rest of your family checks out the shops around there like the very big and famous, Toys R Us. You can also get same day greatly discounted general rush tickets to some broadway shows at individual box offices . If you google "broadway rush" you can find a playbill site - scroll down and it will give more specific info on what is offered currently.

After this you could head north up broadway to Columbus circle (at 59th). They have some nice shops and decorations there. Since central park is right there you could also head into the park, maybe catch a carriage ride if you don't mind horses.

Hope this helps . There is a lot to see around Christmas time but if you start around 42nd you can kind of hit a lot of sites at once - it might end up being a lot of walking but there is so much to see so you can also just stop and take breaks and enjoy the atmosphere. Feel free to PM if you have any more Q's. I love NY and would be glad to help.

 

[kiddisney]

macy's and santa claus

abc & nbc studios -