One of my favorite things to do at this time of year is to simply walk the neighborhoods of Manhattan checking out all of the incredible decorations and window displays around the city. New York seems a bit nicer at this time of year, its tough edges softened a bit. There is a warm glow around the city and even though the rush and crush of people reaches an all time high (tourists, tourists and more tourists!), New Yorkers themselves seem to have a higher patience level and are more apt to be generous in giving and spirit. We also know exactly what areas of the city to stay away from and when. Macy’s on Black Friday? No way!! Midtown on Saturday during the day? Not a chance. And the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center? Looks just as good at a healthy distance.
See?
A gingerbread Flatiron building at Citarella on the UWS.
Last night Ron and I secured a sitter and our date night consisted of an evening to simply walk the city and see the sights. We hopped on the subway and made our way downtown to the Canal Street stop on the N/R train. From there we continued through Soho up into NYU territory and Washington Sq. Park.
Washington Sq. Park
5th Avenue heading uptown
Love all the festive doorways
Beautifully decorated brownstones
We also stopped for a little liquid cheer at a pub called “Half Pint”. Hey, it was cold outside and we needed to keep our energy up 😉 And, the beer in the NYU neighborhood is pretty darn cheap, by NYC standards. We continued to Union Square checking out the holiday pop-up stores.
Beautiful gift ideas for everyone at the holiday stores- go see for yourself!
Leaving Union Square we continued walking up towards the Madison Square Park area, the beauty of the Empire State Building lit in honor of Nelson Mandela, seemed to be guiding our way.
The Mighty Empire seen from the Flatiron Building
We honor you Mandiba!
After another pause for a quick drink we continued on our way and headed into the Herald Square area to see the window display at Macy’s. They are really magical this year. My advice- go later in the evening, we arrived around 9:30 and the crowds were definitely manageable.
Macy’s
Believe
One of the best areas in NYC at any time of the year is Bryant Park. It really is incredibly festive around the holidays. Shhh… don’t tell anyone, but I actually like the Christmas tree here better than the one at Rockefeller Center. I find myself being a bit mesmerized by the skaters dancing around on the ice in the shadow of the beautiful public library.
Skating at Bryant Park
The beautiful tree at Bryant Park
Selfie!
Always look up 😉
The Empire State Building looking over the library
After Bryant Park we walked up Fifth Avenue and took in the annual light display. It never disappoints. Saks Fifth Avenue department store always has such interesting and unique windows. I love the Yeti!
At this point in our adventure the wind was starting to pick up and well, we were getting cold… But we had to continue up to see the Tiffany Star.
Cartier
Fendi
Decorated street cart
Swarovski
St. Regis Hotel
The Peninsula Hotel
Harry Winston
Bulgari
Tiffany & Co.
The Tiffany Star
After checking out the star, we hailed a nice warm heated cab and headed home with hearts full of the Christmas spirit. So much so that we went out this morning and picked out our Christmas tree. She is a beauty!
Hello Santa!
BRRRR!
Making the decision…
Getting into the spirit =)
Taking it home, NYC style!
The whole apartment is filled with the wonderful smell of the tree and the fake fireplace is on the t.v. It may be cold outside but it is warm and cozy in here. Â Feeling grateful for time with family and for this city. Have a wonderful Sunday, hope it is filled with warmth, happiness and a bit of holiday cheer!
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