During the holidays, New York gets even livelier than it already is! People enjoy the lights lined up along the streets, holiday deals at New York’s finest shopping establishments, and decorations around every corner.

But what makes the city truly unique are all the things to do during the holiday in New York. If you’re planning to spend your holidays in NYC, here are a number of events and things to do during the winter season.

World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorahs

Grand Army Plaza (Manhattan) and Grand Army Plaza Memorial Arch (Brooklyn)

December 26, 2016 – January 1, 2017

The Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods host competitors who aim to create the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah. Those closer to Manhattan can see the 32 foot high, 4,000 pound steel icon across from The Plaza Hotel. If you’re in Brooklyn, the neighborhood menorah can be seen at the top of Prospect Park. Brooklyn makes a big event out of the competition, with a concert prior to the first night’s lighting, and potato pancakes!

Book Parking for Grand Army Plaza (Manhattan)

Book Parking for Grand Army Plaza (Brooklyn)

Santa and the City

Museum of the City of New York (Manhattan)

December 6, 2016 – January 8, 2017

If you enjoy a day out at a museum, you’ll really enjoy the Santa and the City exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York. In this exhibition, guests will be treated to historical images of jolly old St. Nick from the Museum’s collection. It’s the perfect seasonal way to appreciate art!

Book Parking Nearby

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

David H. Koch Theater (Manhattan)

November 29 – December 31, 2016

Make your holiday season both fancy and festivNutce with a ticket to George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. An impressive 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 32 stagehands and 2 casts of 50 young students come together to make this production possible.

Book Parking Nearby

Kwanzaa Celebrations

Apollo Theater (Manhattan)

December 26, 2016 – January 1, 2017

This celebration of African-American heritage takes place every year, from 12/26 – 1/1, and ends with a feast and gift-giving. Of course, if you’re looking for New York City’s largest Kwanzaa celebration, check out the American Museum of Natural History to start. Look forward to African dance, traditional crafts, spoken word, and live musical performances.

Book Parking Nearby

23 Days of Flatiron Cheer

Flatiron Building (Flatiron)

December 1, 2016 – December 23, 2016

23 Days of Flatiron Cheer is the perfect holiday celebration for someone who can’t get enough of the Christmas season. In the fifth year of this annual event around the Flatiron building, you’ll find many interactive installations, performances from local groups, and giveaways from local businesses.

Book Parking Nearby

A Christmas Carol

Queens Theater (Queens)

December 9, 2016 – December 22, 2016 (Except December 12, 13, 19)

You’re probably familiar with A Christmas Carol, but have you ever seen it as a live action theatrical performance? Come to Queens Theater for your opportunity to witness this holiday classic come to life. Yes, it’s a musical interpretation, but you’ll be pleased to know that the story remains unchanged!

Winter Solstice Celebration & Holiday Marketplace

Queens Botanical Garden (Queens)

December 18, 2016

If you’re brave enough to come out for a few hours during the winter cold, you’ll benefit from music, food, nature, and shopping at Queens Botanical Garden, which will be hosting a holiday marketplace on December 18th. Attendees will be celebrating Winter Solstice, and the event is open to all ages (with special activities for kids).

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Rockefeller Center (Manhattan)

November 30, 2016 – January 7, 2017

Is it even Christmas in New York City without the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree? It really is a sight to be seen, with an ice rink situated below it for the most incredible viewing experience.

Book Rockefeller Center Parking

Times Square Ball Drop

Times Square (Manhattan)

December 31, 2016

If you’re in New York City during New Year’s Eve, you can’t miss the Times Square Ball Drop! This is perhaps the most anticipated event of the year, and is televised so the rest of the world doesn’t have to miss it. Besides the famous ball drop, there’s also a number of live performances to look forward to.

Book Times Square Parking

Hopefully by now you have a full list of things to do during the holiday in New York. If there’s anything you’d add to this list, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a New York City tradition since 1924. People all over the US watch the parade chock full of floats and performers on TV, and about 3.5 million see it in person every year. Below are some tips for first-timers to make seeing the parade in real life easy.

Find a Place on the Sidewalk

Watching the parade is free, but people should get there early for the best view. Spectators start lining the streets at 6:00 a.m. and the parade starts at 9:00. Find a parking space early and don’t leave your viewing spot when you find it until the parade is over. Many of the performances happen near 34th Street, so those spaces usually fill up first, along with spots at the beginning and the end of the parade route. Other good places for watching the parade are:

• Central Park West. The viewing starts at 75th Street, two blocks away from the start of the parade. It’s only open on the West side, as the other side is closed for invite-only grandstand seating.

Book Central Park West Parking

• The Shops at Columbus Circle. These shops are open on Thanksgiving Day at 9:00 a.m.; shoppers can get a great view from the second and third floors of the mall.

Book Columbus Circle Parking

• Sixth Avenue between 38th Street and Central Park South. This long stretch has plenty of room for viewers who may be running a little late.

Book Sixth Avenue Parking

Note that from 38th Street to Macy’s department store, the street is closed for filming the parade. Keep in mind other street closures as well as you plan for travel, including the following:

Closed starting at 8 AM for the parade formation:

• West 77th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
• West 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
• Central Park West between West 77th and 86th Streets

Closed starting at 9 AM along the parade route:

• South on Central Park West to Columbus Circle
• South through E/S Columbus Circle to 59th Street
• East on 59th Street to 6th Avenue
• South on 6th Avenue to 34th Street
• West on 34th Street to 7th Avenue -(dispersal area)

For additional closures, visit http://nyc.gov

Get Grandstand Tickets

Grandstand tickets to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are for the friends and family of parade participants, employees and volunteers. Macy’s doesn’t sell them, but individuals often sell them online. Some people may also have a friend with an extra ticket.

Book a Room with a View

Several hotels offer Thanksgiving parade packages with great views, including the JW Marriot’s Parade-View Room Package and the Residence Inn’s Prime View Package.

Make Reservations at a Nearby Restaurant

At some restaurants, people can watch the parade while they eat. However, most establishments require reservations for Thanksgiving since it’s such a busy day. The only restrooms available on the parade route are in restaurants as well.

Who will you be watching the parade with? Let us know in the comments below.

It’s almost that time of year again, time for holiday shopping! As people are making their lists and figuring out the right gifts for everyone on it, they should also be sure to map out the places to go to find the best presents.

Here are some of the best shopping spots in NYC:

• Herald Square. Macy’s in Herald Square, what a place to be during the holidays! Since 1902, this Macy’s has been more of a cultural icon than a shopping destination. In addition, the surrounding area is home to one of the few indoor malls in New York City. There are plenty of well-known retailers and small boutiques; it’s the perfect place to get Black Friday deals.

Book Parking Near Herald Square

• Soho. Soho is another wonderful shopping district in NYC. It’s one of the oldest, most famous districts in the city, full of high-end fashion houses. Shoppers can find Prada, Armani Exchange, Stella McCartney, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren and Chanel to name a few. There are also a number of designer lighting and furnishings shops.

Book Parking in Soho

• Bergdorf Goodman. The ultra luxurious Bergdorf Goodman is a must-shop destination on Black Friday. The deals here are spectacular, and the gifts can’t be beat!

Book Parking Near Bergdorf Goodman

• Union Square. The Union Square Holiday Market takes place in Union Square each year. This internationally renowned market is located right in the heart of the city. Millions of people visit the market each year to browse handmade gifts created by local artisans. This is a unique ‘can’t miss’ experience.

Book Parking Near Union Square

• 59th and Lexington. The 59th and Lexington area is a 20-block stretch of small shops of all types. Most are local boutiques, rather than well-known retailers, so shoppers can really find some unique gifts.

Book Parking Near 59th and Lexington

• Grand Central. There is another holiday market in the Grand Central area of New York City. The Grand Central Holiday Fair takes place every year in the historic Grand Central Station. There are plenty of cool vendors and a train show, so kids will actually enjoy this shopping day.

Book Parking Near Grand Central

No matter where shoppers venture this holiday season, there are great deals to be found. Let us know where you’ll be shopping this holiday season!