How to Celebrate Christmas in New York

The Big Apple is to die for over the Christmas holidays. People
come from around the world to see the decorations. Allow time for the best of the best.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• City map
• Comfortable shoes

1. Up The Avenue. The department stores on Fifth Avenue such as Saks display not just clothes but holiday scenes, lights and decorations. Stop at Rockefeller Plaza to see the avenue of lights leading to the rink where you can watch the skaters.

2. Metropolitan Museum of Art. A Christmas Tree is trimmed with angels towers to the ceiling and around its base stands a nativity scene. This museum and almost every one in the city mounts special exhibits relevant to the holidays.

3. Radio City Music Hall. The Rockettes are world-famous and there's no show in the world quite like them. Get your tickets early!

4. A Christmas Service. Every church has a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Service from The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Riverside Heights to St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue and The Little Church Around The Corner on East 29th Street.

Tips & Warnings

• Boots, ear muffs and warm weather/rain gear are recommended.
• Loose bills to drop in the Salvation Army buckets.
• Streets are slippery and the wind is biting, so be wary about taking long walks.
• Women would be wise to wear their handbags crosswise bandolier-fashion across the chest to thwart pickpockets looking for tourists and Christmas shoppers.