East River Ferry

Season: Summer

Visit three boroughs in one day by catching a ride on the East River Ferry. It will be the same price as purchasing a subway ticket. You can buy one at any ferry landing. The ferries operate frequently (I’d say around 3 times in an hour). Click here for the route and hours. They also sell refreshments on the boat in case you forget to bring a few snacks and drinks. There is also an option to stay indoors on the first level which is air conditioned or enjoy the breeze from the second level. You can catch this ferry from Hunters Point South, my favorite spot in Long Island City, and head down to DUMBO or Wall Street. There is so much to do at all three sights. You can take the ferry once every year and discover new things at all the spots. Take the ferry on a 80 degree sunny day. Take it during evening hours on a date night. Take it during the sunset. Go with children. Go alone.

Don't forget to check the gallery above , videos below, and add your feedback in the comments section! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

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Hudson Yards

Season: Any

Named for it’s location on the Hudson River, the Vessel is definitely something to see once in your life. Both day or evening hours are remarkable. Make sure you are dressed nicely for the obligatory photo shoot! But don’t bank on doing anything other than this. You can go shopping here as well (check here for the directory of stores and restaurants). But a better idea if you want to plan a longer day is to walk the adjacent High Line. However, the underdeveloped area around the Yards will continue to grow and I’m sure in years to come there will be many more dining options and entertainment for children.

CoolMess

Roslyn, NY

free parking lot

www.coolmess.com

A fantastic activity with kids any age or gender, this is both an ice cream shop and a diner in one! Whether you just want to buy some ice cream and chose from a variety of toppings including candy, chocolate and cereal. Or if you want to actually make your own and pay to sit a table and get an ice cream making machine. You can chose vanilla or chocolate ice cream as a base and three topping. This is super fun any season and a great space. They also have a birthday party room as well as a side room with some toys.

View the gallery above and videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page. 

Oculus

New York, NY

Free admission

www.wtc.com

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

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If you are visiting NYC for a short time, squeeze this in your itinerary.  If you live here and haven't seen this recently opened World Trade Center Transportation Hub, put it on the list of things you must see once in your lifetime.  This is truly one of the most unique structures I've ever seen (the inside is as breathtaking if not more than the outside).  Think Grand Central Terminal meets the 21st century.  Not only will you marvel at the architecture, you are also able to shop at boutique and specialty stores here, visit the Freedom Tower, and enjoy the rest of the beauty Downtown Manhattan has to offer.  

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

Nearby:

Battery Park

Staten Island Ferry

Brooklyn Bridge

South Street Seaport and The Circle Line

Chelsea Market

Chelsea, NY
 

Optimum Season:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

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See The High Line for more information.

Governor's Island

Governor's Island, NY

Ferry from Pier 6 in Brooklyn ($2 per adult, free for children under 12, $1 per senior citizen)

Ferry from Downtown Manhattan for free

Optimum Season:  Summer

www.govisland.com

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There is so much to see on this island sandwiched between Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Manhattan in New York Harbor.  Be prepared that the map in the guide book isn't really drawn to scale. Like you kind of gather the general direction to head to but it is probably best to follow the signs and your instinct.  Anyway, here is a list of things I did on the Island (four hours is more than enough!)  There are far more events and activities than I've noted below so it is best to go on the website and plan your day based on what you like as well.  I skipped on the bike rental, free kayaking and zip lining but this would be amazing with older kids or just with friends!

1) Slide Hill:  One of the slides is the tallest in all of NYC and is three stories high.  Make sure you bring a towel to put under your tush as the slide is metal and scorching hot in the summer.  

2)  Play Fountains:  I went here on an 80 degree sunny day.  I thought it was too cold for the beach or pool so I figured this would be perfect with the breeze of the Island.  I would have been more satisfied if it was a couple degrees cooler.  But for kids, this is warm enough to pack the bathing suits and towels so they can run around in the Play Fountains and cool off.  

3)  Hammock Grove Play Area:  I left my husband and sister in law here with my children for an hour as I explored the south and more historic side of the island.  The kids had a blast!  This is right across the Play Fountain area.  Don't be deceived by the map.  It is right there.  

4)  Castle Williams:  This is on the south side of the island.  Walk along the boardwalk and you'll pass by here.  You'll catch beautiful views of downtown Manhattan.  And lots of history!  The Manhtattan Ferry is on this side of the island so be sure not to go on the line headed home if you came from Brooklyn.  There are two different ferries people!  

5)  The Hills:  You can climb up the rocks or go up the ramp (via bike or stroller)....once you get to the top, you will have panoramic views of downtown Brooklyn, downtown Manhttan, Jersey City, Statues of Liberty, and the Verazzano Bridge.  Pretty neat view!!!  

Now for those catching the Brooklyn Ferry from Pier 6, note that the time on the website doesn't match the actual hours of operation (or at least on the day we went).  We were on line for exactly an hour before we got on.  It says half an hour on the site. Even those selling the ticket told us to go on the website and complain because it is misleading. And once we got on the ferry, no one checked the tickets we purchased (I don't know if this always happens. Try your luck if you have balls!)  You can go on the ferry with bikes and strollers as well.  But beware that the last ferry leaves Governor's Island at 7pm.  So if you want to catch the sunset on the island, you will have to find a water taxi back home.  

Also the food here is expensive and not so good.  Get your food from Brooklyn or Manhattan before you get on your ferry and bring a picnic blanket as well!!

Nearby:

Carroll Gardens

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6

DUMBO

Battery Park

Staten Island Ferry

This is an excerpt from The Best Things to do in New York about Governor's Island:  "More than two centuries after we gave Governors Island to the government to use as a military training ground, it was finally returned to us in 2003.  Since then, the city and the park service have been in the process of converting its grounds, historic structures (including two massive nineteenth-century fortifications), and waterfront promenade for public access.  Despite a flurry of amenities including outdoor art, mini-golf, bike rental, and water taxi beach, much of Governors Island feels exotically unexplored. The island is currently open for visitors during the warmer months and visiting hours are limited, but when you can get there (by ferry, a free ten minute ride from lower Manhattan), you'll be treated to striking views of the city all around you. The ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan.  For current visiting hours, call 212-825-3045 or visit www.nps.gov or www.govisland.com."

Check the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), videos below for a better idea, and add your feedback!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

CitySights Bus Tour Downtown Manhattan

Downtown and Midtown, NY

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

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Keep your eyes out on groupon here!  One of my friends had snapped her day on a double decker bus in the city and inspired me to go.  She told me she had found a deal on groupon for $66 for four people.  "Downtown Manhattan" here means everything south of Central Park down the middle of Manhattan. The day we went happened to be the Gay Pride Parade, and we had to take a detour around some of the landmark stops on 5th Avenue.  But any detour in Manhattan is worth a million dollars.  Not one block isn't worth seeing!  This detour happened to take us through the meatpacking district and down the West Side Highway....and it ended up perfect for us.  We wanted to go to Hudson River Park anyway and the bus driver was nice enough to make a stop for us!  

For those with toddler or babies, strollers fit on the first floor of the bus.  As long as you can fold them.  Also, for some reason the map shows that they pass by Central Park, but the map is dated from a year ago.  They changed the route since then.  My biggest regret is that we sat on the bottom of the bus and didn't get a good view of downtown Manhattan as the windows are screened.   

You have to print your groupon and get on the bus at 7th Avenue and 49th street.  The voucher shows you where.  As parking is impossible in that area, it's best to take mass transit.  We took the LIRR and walked over.  But on way back home, you can get off at any stop. The tour ends by 6pm as the night time tour picks up.  

The bus stops by Soho, Little Italy, Canal Street by Chinatown, Battery Park, Time Square, and 34th Street to name a few.  It passes by the United Nations and East Village on its loop back.  

Tips:  Bring a spritzer and fan on a hot day.  And lots of water.  And hats.  And wear sunblock!  And only sit on the top of the bus.  If there is no room, wait 20 to 30 minutes for the next bus to show up.  You can't see anything on the bottom as the windows are screened for some reason.  And in my case, our bus had no air conditioning!  

Click on the gallery above to view pictures (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the video below of Dunes Cafe in Ocean Grove, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.  

Hudson River Park Pier 25

Tribeca, NY

street parking and parking lots

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

www.hudsonriverpark.org

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Nothing is more charming than this place!  Located at Pier 25 on the West Side Highway, this park offers breathtaking views of downtown Manhattan and Jersey City across the Hudson.  For children, sprinklers, rock climbing, a playground, mini golf and sand boxes make it heaven on earth.  There is also beach volleyball, and a soccer field here (I don't know if any random person can use or you have to be a member).  They have concession stands as well. Try going later in the afternoon to catch the sunset (but then it might be too cold for sprinklers if you have young children!)

After you're done here, just walk the streets of downtown Manhattan.  There are some historic landmark buildings here adjacent to modern skyscrapers. Walk down Chambers street to the east side (remember, Manhattan is very narrow down here, it'll be a 20 minute walk) and you'll be by the entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian path and City Hall.  You'll pass Oculus on the way there too.  

Also, there are constant events at the different piers here.  I went when there was free painting for children.  Click on this link to see all the events lined up for the summer.  Free fishing is a must!  And so are Salsa Tuesdays on Pier 45. 

Nearby:

Battery Park

Staten Island Ferry

South Street Seaport

Oculus

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

South Street Seaport (Pier 17) and The Circle Line

New York, NY

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

www.circleline42.com

www.southstreetseaport.com
 

What a very magical place! With both Stone Street and Fulton Street (pedestrian cobblestone streets) just a couple blocks away! The South Street Seaport mall is still vacant aside from a few restaurants. But what a beautiful renovation! Best to go here during sunset and into evening hours to catch the mall illuminated blue! Also, this is a great place to watch the 4th of July Macy’s fireworks! Beautiful views of South Street Seaport can be found from DUMBO right across the East River.

Nearby:

East River Ferry

Oculus and Freedom Tower

Battery Park

Staten Island Ferry

Brooklyn Bridge

Boardwalk Towards Wall Street

Fulton Street

Fulton Street

Stone Street

F Train (Elevated in Brooklyn)

Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens

Subway (elevated in some parts of Brooklyn)

Metrocard

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

www.mta.info

A few stops into Brooklyn, the F train emerges from its tunnel into the picturesque neighborhood of Carroll Gardens, where it rises and runs elevated over Park Slope.  Get out at the beautifully renovated Smith-9th Street stop and enjoy the views across Brooklyn to Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty from the platform--the highest elevated point of New York's train system.

This subway also makes a stop at Prospect Park so if you don't have a car, don't feel like looking for parking, and live close enough to the F train in any of the aforementioned boroughs, definitely pay for a MetroCard and visit this park at least once in your life!  The last stop from Manhattan to Brooklyn is Coney Island.  How many cities in the world can you access a beach by a subway system? New York City offers it all!  

I grew up in Kew Gardens, Queens.  I grew up on the F train!  Unfortunately, living in a suburb on Long Island, my children don't get this experience that is so uniquely New York.   One day when we were in the city enjoying Central Park, I decided that it was the perfect day just to introduce my children to NYC's subway system!   Check the video below for the views of the Statue of Liberty when riding on the F train, and the excitement on my kids' faces!

Click on the gallery above to view pictures, the video below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

Sesame Street Live

Madison Square Garden, NY

Price Varies

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

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Mark your calendars!  The show runs every year in February and may or may not have a groupon deal.  It is just a delight for young children!  I was shocked that my anxious son was able to sit through the entire show when I went years ago.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  MSG is in the heart of Manhattan.  Just walk out of the building, and walk around with your children.  Madison Square Park has a playground for kids and Eataly is right across the street.  Bryant Park ice skating is around the corner!  Bowmar Times Square is blocks away!  Go to the top of the Empire State Building or 30 Rock!  There is so much to do with the children, you'll need more than one trip!

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San Gennaro Festival

Little Italy, NY

No admission fee

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

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"New York's older and biggest street festival.  Each fall, the streets of Little Italy host a lively eleven-day block party to salute the patron saint of Naples.  People of all ethnicities come to partake in the festivities, which include live concerts, servearl parades, religious processions, and the International Cannoli Eating Championship (the record in 2014: thirty-four cannolis in six minutes).  

For dates and a schedule of events, visit www.sangennaro.org

City Rooftops

New York, NY

No admission fee

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

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I stayed at Le Parker Meridien for my 5 year anniversary. This is a hotel located in the heart of Manhattan with an indoor pool on it's top floor.  The pool has panoramic views of Manhattan's East River, Central Park, and Hudson River.  It was an experience like no other.  

I was in the city another day with my mother in law and children and decided to rooftop hop from hotel to hotel.  In the gallery, I also have pics of boutique hotels' rooftops such as Ganseevort Meatpacking, Dream Downtown, Ganseevort Park Avenue, the NoMad, Trumo Soho, and the James Hotel.  Most of these have bars and all are worth seeing!  

I also recommend 230 5th Avenue rooftop (video below).  You can find images online of their heated igloos on their rooftop in the winter with breathtaking views of the Empire State Building! Highly recommend you bundle up, order a hot chocolate and snuggle in an igloo with friends!

And to get the best view of the city, and for the best price, visit the Observatory Deck at 30 Rock.  This cost $35 per adult and free for children under 6.  You get panoramic views of manhattan from smack in the middle of the city.  I'm sure Empire State Building and the Freedom Tower offer magnificent views as they are taller, but then who wants to see the city without a view of the iconic Empire State Building and Freedom Tower?

If you venture out of the city, you will get breathtaking views of the entire skyline. The single best view of all of NYC is by far and a way at the William Vale Hotel’s rooftop! Be prepared to pay a bit more for drinks, but well worth it!

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures! And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

Hello, World!

The Cloisters

New York, NY

Admission Fee, free parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

http://www.metmuseum.org/visit/met-cloisters

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I came here with friends in the fall during a school day when we were free of our children.  Admission here is not required as it is a museum, so you can give the suggested amount, or nothing at all.  But it's worth the charge.  This is a branch of the Met "dedicated to art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe."  Their website included more information on how and when they built this fortress on the Hudson River.  It is truly fascinating to read about and to witness.  And I suggest going the second week of November to get the magnificent views of the Palisades across the Hudson, and the foliage reflecting off the river.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Visit the neighboring Fort Tryon Park and it's famed Heather Garden, overlooking the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge.  If you have more energy left, Riverside Park is a ten minutes drive down the West Side Highway.  

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

Central Park Conservatory

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See Central Park

Central Park

Midtown, NY

No admission fee, free parking on street

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

www.centralparknyc.org

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There are not enough days in one's life to visit every corner of this oasis located smack in the middle of the concrete jungle.  I myself with and without the children, have visited the Shakespeare Garden, the Central Park Zoo, the Carousel, the Mall, the Reservoir, the Great Lawn, Loebs Boathouse, Strawberry Fields, Conservatory Water, and my very favorite (with an album all of its own)....The Central Park Conservatory.  Of all the famed gardens in NYC and its outer boroughs, THIS IS THE ONE TO SEE!  It is completely free, and walking the grounds you can't help but feel like royalty.  It is no where as big as NY Botanical Garden or Brooklyn Botanical Garden, but it is far more exquisite. I went here on Mother's Day with the entire family and we enjoyed every minute.  Tip:  Go the week Magnolia or Crabapple trees are in blossom.  Pay attention to those specific trees in your neighborhood so you have an idea of their bloom period before you go.  Also, there is a Maoz felafel stand right outside the garden in actual Central Park, perfect to feast on during a picnic!  And go to the park early (before 11am) if you are driving in or if you want to avoid long lines to rent a row boat by Loeb's Boathouse.  It costs $15 per hour and $5 per each additional hour per boat (not per person). Make sure you know how to row before you go!  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Or kill a billion birds with one stone.  There is prime real estate all over Central Park.  There is no going wrong with dining, shopping, or just walking around every block and enjoying the architecture! 5th Avenue, Madison Avenue and Park Avenue run parallel along the East Side and Columbus and Amsterdam run parallel along the West Side and showcase some of the most expensive residential building in the world as long as high end shopping.  Also, museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and the Jewish Museum line up the Museum Mile on 5th Avenue.  Central Park South has hotels such as The Plaza and Ritz Carlton.  The West Side has the Museum of Natural History, Time Warner Building, Columbus Circle, The Dakota Building, Lincoln Center a block over.  The North has Harlem and Columbia's campus.  There's no losing anywhere you turn!

For a list of other parks and gardens, click here.

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

The High Line

Chelsea, NY

Parking on street

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

www.thehighline.org

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I have been here five times.  Different seasons.  Different times of day.  With different groups of people.  Each time is better than the last!  This public park built on a historic elevated freight rail line runs above the streets of Manhattan's West Side from West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues, down to Ganseevort Street in the Meatpacking District.  It is mind boggling to think of how they converted a train track into a boardwalk with such unique landscaping and scenery.  Only in New York!  This is wonderful walk to do with children, on a date night, or for exercise.  There are lounge chairs south of 23rd street too lie down and elevators at 23rd and 34th street entrances (maybe more?)  This is very stroller friendly until you run into an exit with no elevator.  Then you can rely on a fellow New Yorker or tourist to help you bring the stroller up or down.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Explore the Meatpacking District, its shops, boutiques, restaurants, and hotels!  Ganseevort Meatpacking rooftop (with a pool accessible only to those who stay at the hotel) is a true favorite to go for drinks with friends or on a date.   Dream Downtown rooftop and their pool deck is just as unique and interesting, with breathtaking views of Manhattan!  Also, Chelsea Market is a very unique indoor shopping mall with lots of cute shops.  

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

Staten Island Ferry

Downtown, NY

Parking on street, Parking lot fee, No fee for ferry

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

www.siferry.com

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It is almost impossible to find street parking here so your best bet is to park in a lot.  Afterall, the Staten Island Ferry is a free ride, and it's about a twenty minute ride from the downtown to Staten Island.  Make sure it is over 80 degrees so you can stand on the outer deck and enjoy the wind on a scorching hot day.  Love the views of downtown Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, and the Freedom Tower.  I'm sure this is even more impressive at night.  The ferries run every half hour from each terminal and the schedule is online.   

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Battery Park is supposed to have a beautiful garden but I never had any luck finding it (even though it's on a map)!  Let me know if you do!  Also, there is a playground for the kids right outside the Terminal.  For dining, we found a Bravo Kosher Downtown that had delicious pizza and had outdoor seating on Trinity Street.  This is within walking distance from the terminal.  My friend had also suggested walking on Stone Street, a charming cobblestone street, but I never got around to it!  I will definitely go back to this area and visit Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty next time!  

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

Nearby:

Battery Park

Oculus and Freedom Tower

Brooklyn Bridge

Governor's Island

South Street Seaport and The Circle Line

Battery Park

Downtown, NY

Parking on street

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

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One boring Sunday in the winter, I round up the troops and decided to go to downtown Manhattan and explore Battery Park.  From the southern tip, we walked up about a half mile on the boardwalk until we hit a charming city playground and just sat on a bench and enjoyed the views of New Jersey's new and improved skyline! On our walk back to the car, every turn in every narrow street, we saw a beautiful angle of the newly built and architecturally beautiful Freedom Tower!  But beware, street parking here can be difficult and if you are with a stroller and you have to cross the bridge on West Street, it will be pretty annoying.  Try to find parking west of West Street so you don't run into this bump along the way.

Kill a few birds with one stone:  The Oculus hadn't been built when we went a couple years ago, but I understand it is definitely something to see if you are in the area.  Google it!  Also, Seaglass Carousel at the Battery Conservancy was completed in August 2015.  It is $5 per 3 minute ride.  Definitely something to do with the young children while you are there!  Particularly at night when it's illuminated.

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

Nearby:

Staten Island Ferry

Oculus and Freedom Tower

Brooklyn Bridge

South Street Seaport and The Circle Line

Christmas in New York City

NYC and outer boroughs

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

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There is nothing more magical than Christmas in New York City!   Start your day trip at the window display at Macy's Herald Square. Then walk up 6th Avenue to Bryant Park and purchase a hot chocolate, crepe, and go ice skating at their annual Holiday Shops at Winter Village!  Keep heading north all the way up to 59th street, turn right and head towards 5th Avenue along Central Park South. Start walking back down on 5th Avenue and make sure to pass by all the the high end department and boutique stores as well as Rockefeller Center!  Try and catch the amazing light show outside Saks Fifth Avenue that occur on the hour every hour after sundown. And remember, go inside all the department stores as well.  Their indoor decorations are just as beautiful!  

Downtown Manhattan is also a site to see during the holiday season. If you find yourself in the financial district, definitely check out the Oculus and enjoy high end shopping and ice skating on the Hudson River at the beautiful and recently opened Brookfield Place.

If you want the best of the best in Christmas lights, head over to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn.  Nothing says "anything you can do I can do better" quite like the homeowners in this neighborhood, with their ornate and outlandish front lawns!  But beware, there will be bumper to bumper traffic the whole week of Christmas leading up to New Year's day.  Google "Dyker Heights Christmas lights" and plan your trip wisely!

My very very favorite home is located in Jamaica Estates Queens on the corner of Chevy Chase and 80th Street.  I ran into this house purely by accident after having dinner on Union Turnpike.  My children, husband and I parked the car and decided to go outside to see what all the commotion was about.  There was a crowd of about 70 people lined up to see the display windows of this house (better than anything in any NYC department store...and much more impressive because this is someone's residence!)  When I went home, I discovered that indeed I had seen the most famous house in the tri-state area.  For those of other faiths, not to worry! The owner has got decorations covered for a whole range of observers. Please check the videos below to see what all the hype is about! (On December 15, 2019, my friend shared the tragic news that she passed the house and saw no lights. I told her she’s an idiot and to go to the exact corner. She said she did. I quickly went to their facebook page, because of course this house has a facebook page, and they had written in 2018 “Dear friends and neighbors, We just wanted to let you know that Christmas in Jamaica Estates will not be turning on our lights this year. We love doing it for our friends, fmaily and neighbors, and we hope t be back next year. We wish everyone from the bottom of our hearts a happy and safe holiday season! Best wishes, the Gurino Family”. I am sorry for all those who never got to experience this home! Hopefully, 2018 and 2019 were just bumps in the road and they will return in greater fashion once they get over the trauma of their annual electricity bill!!

If you live near Pelham Gardens in the Bronx, it’s worth a visit to the Garabedian Family’s Christmas House located at 1605 Pelham Parkway North at Westervelt Avenue. “Mixed in with a traditional nativity scene and plenty of corpulent angels are nearly 200 animated figures, all glammed up in old-school Hollywood-style gowns. Holiday music blares from multiple speakers and there’s a horse-drawn carriage from which a Cinderella-like mannequin elegantly exits.” www.mommypoppins.com. The neighborhood is no where as impressive as Dyker Heights, and the decorations here are not as impressive as those in front of any home in the Brooklyn neighborhood. No need to cross any bridge and pay a toll to visit this house. (I made a stop only because I was at nearby NY Botanical Garden for their annual and magnificent Holiday Train Show and figured I’d kill two birds with one stone. But I went too early in the season and the lights were not on yet. Just the mannequins were up. Take a look at the video below for a better idea!)

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions) and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!