In this edition of “YGC Global Encounters,” we will introduce the Christmas of Manhattan, New York.
Manhattan is a city that likes to brag about being the best at everything. (And why shouldn’t it? It’s got the best bagels you will ever eat!) It has some of the best schools, the best food, and opportunities for anything you could possibly imagine. But amongst all these attractions, Christmas in New York is the most iconic. So it isn’t surprising that New York has claimed this holiday for itself, and it isn’t surprising that New York claims to be the best at celebrating it.
Every other day of the year, New Yorkers hustle onto the Green 4, 5, or 6 trains (never take the F train, that unorganized mess is always late), or carry their Long Island Railroad plastic covered commuter passes dangling from a lanyard around their necks, trying to pick up a regular coffee (Be careful! “Regular” at Dunkin Donuts translates to: add cream and a pound of sugar) before arriving at work. If you can speed-walk while carrying two cups of hot regular coffee and make it to work on time without one spill (or getting hit by a taxi), I congratulate you for officially becoming a real New Yorker. The hustle doesn’t stop during the Christmas season, but there is a shift in the chilled air.
No one is “too busy” to be a part of Christmas in New York, because it can be celebrated anywhere. Walking in the snow towards your train station, it’s impossible to miss the Macy’s window displays beaming with color and festive automations. The entire city lights up into a winter wonderland, and even though you really want to catch that 8:51pm no-transfer express train, it’s impossible not to slow down ever so slightly, just to take in all the glistening lights. If you are into more traditional festivities, you should head over to Lincoln Center to watch the New York City Ballet perform “The Nutcracker”. If Broadway is more appealing to you, “A Christmas Carol” is a classic performance full of witty humor and wholesome characters. Afterwards, you could eat dinner in the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art after stopping by the Medieval Hall to admire the huge Christmas tree display.
If you’re more inclined towards outdoor activities, then you may want to check out an even bigger tree display underneath Rockefeller Center. This dazzling display stands before a huge ice-skating rink where you can glide across the ice with a rented pair of skates. Then, if you’re a little cold after skating or wandering Fifth Avenue buying gifts, you could stop by Serendipity 3 for a warm cup of rich hot chocolate, Magnolia Bakery for a snowman cupcake, or Milk Bar on Fifth Avenue for a unique assortment of cookies. Good luck sticking to a diet with bakeries like Chip City West Village, the Donut Project, and Posh Pop Bakeshop just around the corner.
Finally, once you make it to New Year’s Eve, you can celebrate with everyone in Times Square, either right in the middle of the Square, or at the top of the Knickerbocker Hotel in a private sky box.
We hope some of these recommendations inspire you to take a trip over to New York for at least one holiday season. We guarantee it will be one of the best winter holiday experiences you will ever have!
If you want to learn more about studying abroad, make an appointment with one of YGC’s advisors by calling 03-3379-7771.
