6 Reasons The Holidays Are Best in NYC

There’s a reason why the holidays in NYC are the most wonderful time of the year. Well, actually – there’s a list of reasons why New York City hosts the holidays like no other city in the world. From decor to local shops to festivities in every neighborhood, New York is full of spirit during the Christmas season. Here’s why NYC does the holidays best.

1. The decorations are jaw-dropping.

NYC is already beautifully lit at night, but businesses put up twinkle lights before Thanksgiving, adding some extra glitz to the Big Apple. Once December hits, you’ll see holiday wreaths, sky-high Christmas trees, over-sized menorahs, and much more all over New York. When you’re walking through the city, you can’t help but feel the holiday spirit.

2. Everyone celebrates.

No matter which holiday you celebrate, you’ll find businesses, restaurants, and locals celebrating your holiday too, and that’s one of the many reasons NYC’s diversity is extraordinary.

3. Photo-worthy window displays.

If a department store is going to make an event out of unveiling their window displays, they’d better be photo-worthy displays. Fortunately for us, they always are – whether it’s the Yes, Virginia-inspired displays at Macy’s or the bejeweled landscapes at Bergdorf Goodman, the holiday windows keep us looking forward to the season each year.

4. The “big holiday events” are national icons.

And that’s really, really cool. Who hasn’t grown up seeing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Or the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, or watch the Rockettes perform on national TV? Even if you don’t partake in these while you’re living in NYC, knowing that you’re in the same city as these iconic events is a great feeling.

5. New Yorkers take the time to give back.

Whether it’s donating an hour to collecting donations for the Salvation Army or helping out at a soup kitchen, there’s an uptick in volunteerism during this time of year. There are so many worthwhile organizations that need volunteers, like The Bowery Mission and the Food Bank For New York City, and NYC makes it easy to help during the holidays.

6. You can feel the holiday spirit everywhere.

Lights and flashy decorations aside, you can feel the holiday spirit wherever you go in NYC. People are friendlier, and the city feels optimistic. You can see that New York City loves the holidays because the city is celebrating everyone who lives here and passes through. Even though your day of celebration might be a few weeks off, you’ll feel the holiday spirit way before, and way, way after.

What do you love most about the holidays in NYC?

Also, Christmas in my New York apartment, and festive Christmas movies set in New York.

Posted on November 21, 2016