FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

8 Ways to Celebrate Big Apple Style

by Irvina Lew

Dec 16, 2019

Victoria Shmakova Ananchenko | Dreamstime.com

Destinations / North America

During the holiday season, Manhattan can feel like magic. The electricity in the air springs from the glittering lights and over-the-top decorations to school kids on the subway. What’s best are the smiles everywhere. Folks dressed in seasonal scarves and hats, carrying shopping bags or slinging them over stroller handles. The holiday season showcases annual favorites like The Nutcracker, The Christmas Carol and free local events.

 

Here are eight ways to celebrate in the Big Apple.

 

Stroll Fifth Avenue

The walk down Fifth Avenue to the Empire State Building, dressed in its festive red and green glow, is like none other. You’ll see horses and carriages on Central Park South and opulently decorated holiday window displays. At Rockefeller Center, stop to look at Prometheus and the famous Christmas tree.

 

Go Skating

Head to The Rink at Rockefeller Center and line up to rent skates and get on the ice — it’s a thrill. Tickets are sold in the Skate House and are first come, first served.

 

Cruise the Harbor 

The panoramic view from a fully glass-enclosed deck plying the waters of the Hudson and East Rivers features the iconic New York skyline: Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and One World Trade. Bateaux New York by Hornblower offers holiday-themed dining cruises with live music, even on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

 

Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, New York. Photo: Joe Sohm | Dreamstime.com

Watch the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall

The American precision dance company puts on an annual mini-performance during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but for the real deal — with glorious costume changes inside an inspired setting — get tickets to the “Christmas Spectacular.” The Rockettes have performed in New York since 1932, when the Art Deco, Edward Durell Stone architectural marvel Radio City Music Hall opened. Like the tree, they are intrinsic to the holiday season.

 

Attend an Opera

The Metropolitan Opera features the annual holiday English language adaptation of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, through Jan. 4, 2020. Julie Taymor, the visionary theatrical creator, entices youngsters with dancing bears and twirling birds. The classic fairytale tells the 100-minute story of a good prince’s dangerous quest to rescue the maiden. Saturday, Dec. 29, 1 p.m. ticket holders are invited to a complimentary, pre-performance open house.

 

Take The Ride

Discover New York’s dynamic Midtown (or downtown) on an interactive and entertaining bus tour. The 75-minute voyage includes an expert guide, comedic commentary, singers, dancers and instrumentalists and your family will be part of the Broadway cast!


Sail on the Staten Island Ferry

Take the free Staten Island Ferry (Whitehall Terminal in downtown Manhattan), which passes the Statue of Liberty, for fabulous photo opportunities. There’s a holiday schedule and ferries run every 30 minutes for Christmas.

 

Go Underground

When weather disappoints, head to Grand Central Terminal, an architectural landmark. Meet at the clock in the main concourse, walk under the iconic Zodiac ceiling and shop (60 shops), dine, (35 eateries) and visit an exceptional holiday fair in Vanderbilt Hall.

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Hotels
Nov 27, 2024

Save Big with Hard Rock Hotels’ Black Friday Deals

This Black Friday, Hard Rock hotels around the world go, well …, hard, giving family travelers unbeatable savings. How good are the deals, you ask?

Discover the Magic of East Crete: A Perfect Family Getaway

East Crete is a blend of stunning landscapes, history and charming towns, making it an ideal family destination. Far from the crowds of the west, the region offers pristine beaches, ancient sites and authentic Cretan villages.

Hotels
Nov 26, 2024

Hotel Xcaret Mexico to Expand Its Family Travel Experience

Hotel Xcaret Mexico has exciting news for family travelers. This all-inclusive property in Riviera Maya, Mexico, announced a massive $700 million investment, overhauling its multigenerational offerings. The expansion is slated to debut in summer 2025.

Cruises
Nov 26, 2024

Take the Family to Alaska on Holland America Line’s New Itinerary

Holland America Line just launched a brand-new voyage to Alaska, allowing family travelers to savor 18 days of adventure in Alaska. The new Great Bear Rainforest and Alaska Explorer journey brings guests through the rugged nature of the state, giving guests the chance to see the rare “Spirit Bear.”

Hotels
Nov 25, 2024

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa Debuts New Club Level for Adult Travelers

Leave the kiddos home on your next round of family travel and grab your partner, friends or adult children to check out Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa’s new Ultimate Adults Only Club, offering newly upgraded rooms and suites on the resort’s ninth and 10th floors for adult travelers. Guests also enjoy an open-air bar and lounge.

Hotels
Nov 25, 2024

A Country Christmas Begins Today at Gaylord Opryland

Gaylord Opryland welcomes family travelers to its 41st annual A Country Christmas, through Jan. 4, 2025. The entire resort transformed into a Christmas wonderland filled with holiday decorations, entertainment and attractions. This season, the resort features more than 5 million twinkling lights, themed Christmas trees, 15,000 poinsettias, 15 miles of garland and 10 miles of hand-tied ribbon.