Where life is greatWhere life is greatWhere life is greatWhere life is great
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
    • Tips & stories
    • Adventures
  • Destinations
  • Contact Me
  • Presets Bundle
  • new-york-city
230 5th rooftop bar

New York City winter bucketlist

By Marta | North America | 11 comments | 17 January, 2017 | 1
Share8
Tweet
Pin2.3K
2.3K Shares

Who doesn’t dream of seeing New York City on Christmas? The big apple has been featured in a countless number of Christmas movies and songs, starting with the most popular Home Alone 2, through classics like When Harry Met Sally.

Personally, the moment I watched Home Alone 2 I have decided that one day I will see the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and experience a bit of Christmas magic just like Kevin did. This New Year’s Eve I finally made it happen! And you know what? It was exactly like in the movie – snow falling on my head, music from Home Alone 2 playing in the background (Saks store plays it during its holiday display shows) and the majestic tree in front of my eyes. I was so excited that I even didn’t notice thousands of other people experiencing the same magical moment ;).

Wanna get in the spirit too? Here is what you need to do on your winter trip to New York City:

Contents

  • 1 //1// Visit Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Centre
  • 2 //2// Ice skate in Central Park
  • 3 //3// Watch Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes
  • 4 //4// Check out shop displays on the 5th Avenue
  • 5 //5// Experience gospel in Harlem
  • 6 //6// Take part in New Year's Eve on Times Square
  • 7 //7// Drink warm apple cider in the coolest igloo rooftop bar ever
  • 8 //8// Take pictures of house decorations in Dyker Heights
  • 9 //9// Chase the Christmas trees around the city
  • 10 //10// Check out the decorations in Rolf's Restaurant
  • 11 //11// Go shopping! - Sales!
  • 12 //12// Check out the famous movie locations
  • 13 //13// Take part in Santacon
  • 14 PIN IT

//1// Visit Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Centre

Christmas tree in NYC

Seeing Christmas Tree at RockefellerCentre was one of the reasons I went to New York City in the first place. I have visited the city twice in the summer time, but I always wanted to go there in winter. In the end, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? (If you sang it in your head, we could be friends forever 😉

THE Christmas tree, as I like to call it, definitely doesn’t disappoint. Sure it is crowded and cold, but just a look at that majestic tree with 45 000 LED lights compensates you all. When I was there, it just started to snow, and the music from Home Alone 2 was playing in the background (thanks to Saks store). Magical!

//2// Ice skate in Central Park

ice-skating-in-wollman-park

The most classic winter activity in New York City is ice skating. While I don’t recommend ice skating at Rockefeller Centre (unless you don’t mind standing in 2h long line and paying 40$ for the entrance to the rink), I suggest Wollman Rink in Central Park. It is bigger, cheaper and more fun!

//3// Watch Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes

Christmas spectacular by Radio City Rockettes

The Christmas Spectacular is an annual musical show played in Radio City during Christmas time. Within 90 minutes, you will experience music, dance and singing of 140 performers, more than 1100 costumes and even live camels on stage. The show is so popular that during Christmas time, the Rockettes perform five times a day, seven days a week!

Booking.com

//4// Check out shop displays on the 5th Avenue

saks

For the short time of the year, store displays turn into magical wonderlands. Some shops start the preparation of Christmas displays already in January. That is almost 12 months! No wonder, they are impressive. Saks performs not only a light show with music from Home Alone 2 on its facade but also decorates all the windows with moving figures.

Walk on the 5th Avenue from Rockefeller Centre towards Central Park to see the decorated displays.

//5// Experience gospel in Harlem

gospel-nyc

One of the finest musical experiences to have in New York City is to go to gospel service. For me, it was a unique activity as before I have only seen it in the movies. Gospel is still a traditional part of Sunday mass in many churches around Harlem, and recently it became popular among tourists too. To see gospel, head over to Bethel Gospel Assembly, Abyssinian Baptist Church or First Corinthian Baptist Church, but get there early because you might be left with empty hands.

Ok, it is not such a big deal – in Harlem, there is a church on almost every corner! I was rejected in 5 churches (as there were too many ppl everywhere), but I decided not to give up, and after a short walk around the district, I finally got into one. Warning: entire service can last even up to 3 hours!

//6// Take part in New Year's Eve on Times Square

nye-nyc

Each year around 100 000 spectators attends New Year’s Eve at Times Square. Live music performances by famous musicians, tonnes of colourful confetti, fireworks and the Ball descending 43 meters in 60 sec to announce the arrival of New Year. Now a small disappointment: to participate you need to get there early in the morning and wait for about 12 hours without food, drink nor toilet. Is it worth it? I think it is an experience to have once in your life. Of course, if you are perseverant enough.

//7// Drink warm apple cider in the coolest igloo rooftop bar ever

230 5th rooftop bar

230 5th Rooftop Bar has just become one of my favourite winter bars. All because of their ultra cool igloos built for cold months. At the entrance, you receive a robe to make you feel warm. Each igloo has around ten chairs and two heaters. The coolest thing about them is that there is very low key inside and people feel obliged to talk to each other. So, not only you can drink a hot apple cider in a cosy igloo with a view of Empire State Building, but also you are making new friends!

//8// Take pictures of house decorations in Dyker Heights

Dyker Hights

If you haven’t noticed yet, Christmas decorations are taken very seriously in America. Head over to a Brooklyn neighbourhood – Dyker Heights to witness houses flooded with Christmas lights, carols playing from the loudspeakers and all that Santa madness!

Go between dusk and 9 pm as many houses turn off the lights after 9 pm. You’ll see breathtaking light displays from 11th to 13th Avenues from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights. See how impressive vs. crazy it might get!

//9// Chase the Christmas trees around the city

radio-city-nyc
wall-street

If you are still not fed up with the Christmas theme, go for a walk to see some more decorations around the city. I particularly liked the Christmas tree on Wall Street and the one in Plaza Hotel. Also, check the oversized Christmas ornaments in front of Radio City and oversized Christmas lights on 6th Avenue. Big tree… big ornaments!

Booking.com

//10// Check out the decorations in Rolf's Restaurant

rolfs-restaurant

80 000 lamps and countless decorations – nothing puts you so much in a Christmas spirit like the decorations at Rolf’s Restaurant. Fun fact: you can see them until April!

//11// Go shopping! - Sales!

5th Avenue

If you visit New York City after holidays, you have chosen the best time for shopping, with sales up to 70%. Head to Macy’s for one of the biggest shoe collection in the World!

//12// Check out the famous movie locations

homealone2

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, New York City has been a star of many holiday movies, to name a few: Home Alone 2, Serendipity, Miracle on 34th Street, Trading Places, Elf, Scrooge, The Family Man, and When Harry Met Sally. Watch them before coming, and not only you will feel excited seeing the same places in reality but also you will understand why there is a 2-hour line to Katz’s Deli (featured in When Harry Met Sally) or Serendipity Chocolate shop (featured in Serendipity).

//13// Take part in Santacon

santacon in nyc
Picture by Huffington Post

According to Santacon website, Santacon is a charitable, non-commercial, non-political, nonsensical Santa Claus convention that happens once a year to spread absurdist joy. Everybody in Santa Claus costume can buy beer for half the price.

PIN IT

Who doesn’t dream of seeing New York City on Christmas? The big apple has been featured in a countless number of Christmas movies and songs, starting with the most popular Home Alone 2, through classics like When Harry Met Sally. Here is the ultimate winter bucket list for New York City.
Share8
Tweet
Pin2.3K
2.3K Shares
nyc, usa

Marta

Marta is the author of Where Life is Great - travel blog featuring unique adventures around the globe, travel tips, funny travel stories & one of a kind flight hacking course. She teaches how to live a life full of travels and how to find the sweetest deals for flight tickets.

More posts by Marta

Related Post

  • full moon night routine

    This easy night routine guarantees early morning success

    By Marta | 0 comment

    In the last blog post, I shared with you my morning routine and the benefits of waking up at 5 am. It is important to mention that waking up so early wouldn’t be possible ifRead more

  • Inside the Volcano in Iceland

    By Marta | 1 comment

    Have you ever wondered how the volcano looks like from the inside? Look no further! Here is the answer to all your questions. Contents1 Inside the Volcano? How is it even possible?1.0.1 Ok but isRead more

  • Gili Islands

    A complete guide to the Gili Islands

    By Marta | 11 comments

    Ah, Gili Islands… If you have ever looked for Bali on Pinterest or Instagram, you probably got haunted by the sunset image of a swing hanging in the middle of the ocean, just like thisRead more

  • menorca

    Postcards from Menorca

    By Marta | 1 comment

    I have just spent one of the most relaxing and exciting weekends ever in Spain and I still can’t get over it! At the beginning of August, we have decided that we need some shortRead more

  • Weekend in Bucharest

    Weekend in Bucharest – Top things to do

    By Marta | 3 comments

    Contents1 What to do in Bucharest:1.1 //1// Pamper yourself in Therme Bucuresti1.2 //2// Visit Palace of Parlament1.3 //3// Join the free walking tour1.4 //4// Go to a market and buy handicrafts1.5 //5// Hunt for vampiresRead more

  • bran castle

    Hunting for Vampires in Dracula Castle

    By Marta | 0 comment

    Fast! What is your first thought when you hear Romania? Is it Dracula? Surprise, I can now read your mind! Hahahhahahah (maniacal laughter) !!! But seriously, to hear Romania and think Dracula, is just inevitable!Read more

  • Bali-places-to-go

    Best places to visit in Bali + my favorite restaurants!

    By Marta | 2 comments

    A friend of mine has recently asked me a question: What is it like to travel to Bali? What are the places to visit in Bali? He was confused to see so many hipster places,Read more

  • things-to-do-in-Bali-3

    10 incredible experiences to have in Bali

    By Marta | 7 comments

    Except for rich cultural landmarks, beautiful landscapes, and natural wonders, Bali is a small island full of surprises and unique adventures that could fill your bucket list in express time. Have you ever wanted toRead more

  • skydive-dubai-main

    Skydive Dubai – OMG, I just jumped out of the plane!

    By Marta | 2 comments

    I am not gonna lie to you, skydiving has never been on my bucket list. For some reason, jumping out of an airplane at 13 000 feet with a man strapped to my back didn’tRead more

Flight hacker, adventurer, camera addict.
Leave your comfort zone far behind,
I will show you how!

ABOUT ME
World Map Placeholder
World Map

Categories

Adventures Asia Blogging tips Europe Flight hacking Inspiration Instagram Lifestyle New North America Outfits

wherelifeisgreat

Marta Ostoja | Travel Blogger
Tropic like it is hot 😅 New picture from our lo Tropic like it is hot 😅 New picture from our lovely stay at @junglelodgetikal best place to chill after the day of sightseeing Tikal ruins in full ☀️
We made it to Tikal - Mayan ruins in the middle of We made it to Tikal - Mayan ruins in the middle of Guatemalan jungle 🐒 There is no better place to stay in Tikal than @junglelodgetikal - it is right in the jungle just a few steps from the temples 😍 it is truly an unforgettable experience - when we first heard monkeys in the middle of the night we thought it’s pumas or jaguars 😱 (video to follow). You really get close connection to the surrounding rainforest! Best part - you can just walk around the ruins any time you want as you get a pass for the whole day. Our room is specious with outdoors shower and  private outdoors jacuzzi to relax after whole day of discovering Mayan ruins 😍 Bottomline sleeping in @junglelodgetikal in Tikal is a bucket list experience!
Thank you for love everyday ❤️ Thank you for love everyday ❤️
Days like this should last forever 😍 Is Guatema Days like this should last forever 😍 Is Guatemala on your travel list for 2022? @lafortunaatitlan
Hard to put into words exactly how much I love thi Hard to put into words exactly how much I love this hotel. Truly a special place 😍 The moment you arrive you are just in awe and the whole stress just melts off. 

Hidden and secluded which is what I like, eco friendly,  with great eye for design, perfect spot for sunset and with 3 cute dogs running around 🐕😍

Just sipping a glass of wine on the porch, listening to the sounds of the night or playing a game of cards or reading in the upstairs loft... it is just a couple of examples of memories that will stick with me for a long time. 😍 @lafortunaatitlan
Welcome to Lake Atitlan - a deep, cobalt lake surr Welcome to Lake Atitlan - a deep, cobalt lake surrounded by dozens of tiny villages and looming volcanoes 🌋

There are so many beautiful places to stay around the Lake Atitlan in Guatemala but if you are looking for a true paradise, look no further than @lafortunaatitlan 😍

@lafortunaatitlan is only accessible by boat and it’s a true oasis from busy city life. Everywhere you look, you see greenery, palm trees and flowers 🌺 

It’s a true pleasure to get off grid for a while and surround yourself in nature and wellness 😍 #lafortuna #guatemala #lakeatitlan
Hello from Guatemala 👋🏻 On the 1st of Januar Hello from Guatemala 👋🏻 On the 1st of January we jumped on the plane to Guatemala and have been here since then. 
🇬🇹
I am completely in awe with this country, it’s beautiful landscapes and friendly locals. So much that we decided to stay here at least for upcoming weeks- can’t wait to share with you what life is like in Guate ☺️ and hopefully inspire you to visit 🤞🏻
Another year around the sun! Happy Birthday to me Another year around the sun! Happy Birthday to me 🥳 @discoversoneva #sonevajani #soneva25 #discoversoneva #maldives #maldivesislands #birthdaygirl
Watch out - pilot Marta is flying this seaplane 😜
We took advantage of snapping these pictures while we were picking up other guests from @discoversoneva resort 😍 Which one is your favorite?
#discoversoneva #experiencesoneva #sonevajani
First thing that came to my mind when I arrived at First thing that came to my mind when I arrived at @discoversoneva was “I want to live here” 😅😍 Seriously, there are so many cool design solutions & creative ideas everywhere in the villa, that make you wonder “how could I live without that my entire life?” For example, a button that opens the roof so that you can watch the stars ✨ from the comfort of your bed 🤩 #mindblown 
P.S. Video with all cool design solutions from #sonevajani coming at you next 🙌
#discoversoneva #experiencesoneva #soneva25
My serious dream place 🥰 Thanks Maldives for g My serious dream place 🥰 
Thanks Maldives for giving me a feeling of being in paradise 😇

@boutiquebeachdhigurah @bbdivedhigurah 

#maldives #maldives_ig #maldivesislands #maldiveslovers #maldivesinsider #beautifuldestinations #travelphotography #travelblogger  #theglobewanderer #globetrotter #welltraveled #iamatraveler #travelgirl #wildernessculture #palmtree #awesomeglobe #mytinyatlas #suitcasetravels #beautifulmatters #passionpassport #travelworld #wearetravelgirls #sidewalkerdaily #dametraveler
Major bucket list experience ticked - traveling on Major bucket list experience ticked - traveling on a seaplane with @discoversoneva 😍 
The plane itself fits about 9 people, the cockpit is open so that you can see the pilots flying the plane barefoot 🤭 and the views are just OH MY WOOOOW!

Traveling to Maldives, this is definitely one of the experiences you shouldn’t miss! 🛩

A huge shoutout to @Stronger - if you are always on the go like me then you will love their outfits. You can wear them to the gym, at home or while traveling just like I did 😊 It is so comfortable, colorful and looks sexy (my long haul flight outfit was also from @stronger - check out my story highlights). Use “Ostoja20” on your next order for 20% off 😊

#discoversoneva   #experiencesoneva  #soneva25  #sonevajani #stronger #strongerthelabel
Follow @wherelifeisgreat on Instagram
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
    • Tips & stories
    • Adventures
  • Destinations
  • Contact Me
  • Presets Bundle

Recent Posts

  • Myzythis beach from drone
    25 January, 2022
    0

    15 fun things to do in Zante

  • one-day-in-budapest
    12 October, 2021
    0

    How to spend one day in Budapest – The Ultimate Itinerary

  • Floating breakfast in Meandros, Zakynthos
    10 September, 2021
    0

    Where to stay in Zakynthos: Meandros Boutique Hotel & Spa review

wherelifeisgreat

Marta Ostoja | Travel Blogger
Tropic like it is hot 😅 New picture from our lo Tropic like it is hot 😅 New picture from our lovely stay at @junglelodgetikal best place to chill after the day of sightseeing Tikal ruins in full ☀️
We made it to Tikal - Mayan ruins in the middle of We made it to Tikal - Mayan ruins in the middle of Guatemalan jungle 🐒 There is no better place to stay in Tikal than @junglelodgetikal - it is right in the jungle just a few steps from the temples 😍 it is truly an unforgettable experience - when we first heard monkeys in the middle of the night we thought it’s pumas or jaguars 😱 (video to follow). You really get close connection to the surrounding rainforest! Best part - you can just walk around the ruins any time you want as you get a pass for the whole day. Our room is specious with outdoors shower and  private outdoors jacuzzi to relax after whole day of discovering Mayan ruins 😍 Bottomline sleeping in @junglelodgetikal in Tikal is a bucket list experience!
Thank you for love everyday ❤️ Thank you for love everyday ❤️
Days like this should last forever 😍 Is Guatema Days like this should last forever 😍 Is Guatemala on your travel list for 2022? @lafortunaatitlan
Hard to put into words exactly how much I love thi Hard to put into words exactly how much I love this hotel. Truly a special place 😍 The moment you arrive you are just in awe and the whole stress just melts off. 

Hidden and secluded which is what I like, eco friendly,  with great eye for design, perfect spot for sunset and with 3 cute dogs running around 🐕😍

Just sipping a glass of wine on the porch, listening to the sounds of the night or playing a game of cards or reading in the upstairs loft... it is just a couple of examples of memories that will stick with me for a long time. 😍 @lafortunaatitlan
Welcome to Lake Atitlan - a deep, cobalt lake surr Welcome to Lake Atitlan - a deep, cobalt lake surrounded by dozens of tiny villages and looming volcanoes 🌋

There are so many beautiful places to stay around the Lake Atitlan in Guatemala but if you are looking for a true paradise, look no further than @lafortunaatitlan 😍

@lafortunaatitlan is only accessible by boat and it’s a true oasis from busy city life. Everywhere you look, you see greenery, palm trees and flowers 🌺 

It’s a true pleasure to get off grid for a while and surround yourself in nature and wellness 😍 #lafortuna #guatemala #lakeatitlan
Hello from Guatemala 👋🏻 On the 1st of Januar Hello from Guatemala 👋🏻 On the 1st of January we jumped on the plane to Guatemala and have been here since then. 
🇬🇹
I am completely in awe with this country, it’s beautiful landscapes and friendly locals. So much that we decided to stay here at least for upcoming weeks- can’t wait to share with you what life is like in Guate ☺️ and hopefully inspire you to visit 🤞🏻
Another year around the sun! Happy Birthday to me Another year around the sun! Happy Birthday to me 🥳 @discoversoneva #sonevajani #soneva25 #discoversoneva #maldives #maldivesislands #birthdaygirl
Watch out - pilot Marta is flying this seaplane 😜
We took advantage of snapping these pictures while we were picking up other guests from @discoversoneva resort 😍 Which one is your favorite?
#discoversoneva #experiencesoneva #sonevajani
Copyright 2016 Ⓒ Where Life is Great | All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
    • Tips & stories
    • Adventures
  • Destinations
  • Contact Me
  • Presets Bundle
Where life is great