Rockefeller Center, Saks Fifth Ave, Bryant Park…walk with me and see all the best spots to celebrate Christmas in NYC!

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Brasserie opened October 2024 in classy Vanderbilt Hall. Seats 400 and offers classic French cuisine. Detailed article about the restaurant here.

NYC Pedicabs

They make drivers crazy, but the NYC pedicabs are hugely popular and an exciting way to see the city close up.

The New York Post did an expose this summer on the pedicab business and some of the wild west behavior. Since then there’s been a huge crackdown on the drivers.

Rockefeller Center

A great way to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree without getting caught in the crush is to visit Saks Fifth Avenue. The store gives a bird’s eye view of Fifth Avenue and the tree.

The limestone British Empire Building (at right) was built in 1933 as part of the International Complex. It looks rather plain from down here but has rooftop gardens and a 7th story penthouse.

The Palazzo d’Italia (1935) at 626 Fifth Ave was dedicated by Rockefeller Center founder John D. Rockefeller to his relationship with the Italian people.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Breaking a 20 year tradition, Saks cancelled its annual holiday light show for 2024. It was a real shocker, but a sign of the times. I prefer the subtle lighting against the beautiful limestone.

It’s great fun to watch the crowds gazing at the windows.

Bryant Park

It wouldn’t be Christmas without hitting Bryant Park, with it’s Winter Village, skating rink and Christmas tree. Today, however, I stayed on the outskirts.

Greeley Square

There’s never not a pigeon on poor Horace Greeley.

Midtown

Getting dark now.

Thank you for walking with me to see a real NYC Christmas. I hope you’ll subscribe and come back soon to see more of my NYC photos.

Sources:
Forbes – Saks Turns Down the Lights
Wiki – British Empire Building

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