With new pop-up shops, ballets, concerts, operas, and sporting events, the Big Apple has a lot to offer tourists and locals during the holiday season.

1. Visit the Christmas Tree 

Every year, from Nov. 30 until the New Year, the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center draws in over 2.5 million people. The tree stands at 82 feet, attracting tourists and NYC residents due to its beautiful, towering nature. 

“Despite being Jewish, I usually visit the tree once a year,” Addison Klebanov said. “For me, it isn’t so much about the religious aspect, more so about the energy, the tree brings in. I mean, millions of people visit it a year, and there’s a reason for that— it’s mesmerizing and brings on the holiday spirit.”

2. The Classic Harbor Line Holiday Cruise

The Classic Harbor Line Holiday Cruise is a beautiful way to spend the holidays. While enjoying the 1920s-styled holiday decorations and music, sitting either on the outside or inside of the yacht, you can see 360 panoramic views of many major NYC attractions like Lady Liberty herself. Recently, the cruise line installed HEPA air filtration systems to alleviate fears of contracting sicknesses onboard.

3. Go to a Holiday Market 

Cannot get enough of holiday shopping? A beautiful place to do your holiday shopping is the Union Square Holiday Market. Being the biggest holiday market in all of NYC, expect to find many vendors and eager shoppers. Another great market is the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. Located by the southwest entrance of Central Park, the market features over a hundred holiday products ranging from mouth-watering eats, holiday decorations, homemade trinkets, trendy tote bags, and clothing- there is nothing this market does not have! Locals in NYC advise tourists to buy Nutella-filled churros, a known delicacy in the market. 

“If my family and I don’t go on vacation for the holidays, we visit the Columbus Circle Holiday Market,” Maya Ohebshalom said. “There is so much to do there. Each time I go, I come back with a full stomach and loads of presents. I definitely recommend going.”

4. Watch the Rockettes

Since the 30s, the Rockettes have been performing at the Radio City Music Hall. The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Show is great for children and adults. The Rockettes give an experience like no other, showcasing intricate flexibility and choreography skills.

5. Enjoy a Live Performance of the Nutcracker 

This winter, you must watch the Nutcracker live at Lincoln Center. Being the most popular Christmas show in New York, thousands buy tickets, so they sell out quickly, and you must get tickets in advance.

“I always watch the Nutcracker with my family during the holidays,” Ethan Shirazi said. “It has almost become a tradition in my household. I can’t imagine what it would be like to watch it in person— fingers crossed I go this year. I just know it would be the most surreal experience.” 

Even if you do not go on a tropical vacation this winter, there are still so many exciting things to do in NYC this season.