Content by: Wendy Busse-Coleman
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
New York City in December? It's like jumping right into a snow globe. We spent two incredible days soaking up the festive vibes—twinkling lights, classic traditions, and that special holiday magic that sticks with you long after you leave.
✨ Rockefeller Center
You can’t visit NYC at Christmas without checking out the amazing Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Its lights are absolutely stunning, lighting up the night sky. Down below, you’ve got ice skaters—some nailing it, others hilariously trying to find their groove—which just makes the whole vibe even better.
🚌 Big Bus Evening Tour
As evening fell and the sun dipped below the skyline, we boarded the Big Bus to fully immerse ourselves in the city's breathtaking holiday decorations. From dazzling, sparkling storefronts to entire avenues beautifully draped in festive brilliance, the ride was an unforgettable, moving celebration of the holiday season. Truly, New York undergoes a magical transformation, becoming the most wonderful time of the year.
🚉 Grand Central Terminal & Holiday Market
Stepping into Grand Central Terminal was like walking into history itself, a place where the past and present seamlessly converge. Its iconic architecture and timeless beauty created an awe-inspiring backdrop for the bustling Holiday Market, a vibrant space where rows of dedicated vendors showcased unique treasures perfect for gifting to loved ones or cherishing for yourself.
💃 The Rockettes: 100 Years of Spectacular
The highlight of my trip was finally seeing the Radio City Rockettes' holiday spectacular the Radio City Music Hall. After 65 years of waiting, the moment the orchestra rose and began playing holiday classics brought tears to my eyes. The precision, energy, and sheer joy of the performance were everything I had dreamed of and more. Celebrating 100 years (1925-2025) of being spectacular, the Rockettes proved why they remain the heartbeat of New York's holiday season.
Bet you didn’t know they used to be called the "Missouri Rockets", huh? They got their start thanks to choreographer Russell Markert, who first brought them to life in St. Louis, Missouri. Markert had this big dream of creating a group oozing with precision, poise, and perfection. When they were in New York practicing for a Broadway show, S.L. "Roxy" Rothafel spotted them. After seeing them perform, Roxy was so impressed that he convinced Markert to keep the dancers in New York. By 1927, the crew had officially moved to the big city, and by 1932, they found their forever home at Radio City Music Hall. And that’s how they became the Rockettes.
🎁 Closing Reflection
Spending two days in New York City was more than just checking out the sights and sounds – it was a whirlwind of holiday magic I’ll never forget. From the iconic tree at Rockefeller Center to the incredible Rockettes, every moment felt like pure joy wrapped in tradition and wonder. Honestly, the wait for it all just made it that much more amazing.
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