Lyla Cody, Video/Podcast Editor
The weather is getting colder, which means it’s time to start planning holiday trips. A quick train ride into New York City, a winter wonderland with many possibilities, presents individuals with both affordable and fun things to do.
My favorite holiday activity is ice skating. New York City has a multitude of ice rinks for those interested in putting it on their agenda. One of the most well-known is According to Rockefeller Center website, the Rink at Rockefeller Center, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. General Skate tickets range from $22-$124 based on age, time of day, and whether or not you rent skates. After purchasing your ticket, enjoy a 60-minute session under the lights of the famous Rockefeller tree. Another good spot, just an 11-minute drive or a 14-minute walk away, is the Wollman Rink at Central Park. It is open every day, but hours vary. As noted on their website, on Friday and Saturday, the rink is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. An adult ticket costs $28. Heading over to Bryant Park Ice Rink, a 17-minute drive from Wollman Rink, offers a third great option for some holiday ice skating. According to Bryant Park platform, for regular ice skating, including skate rental, the cost ranges from $18 to $60 per person, depending on the time and day. However, admission is free without rental skates. Skaters get an hour and ten minutes of ice time.
Now that you’re at Bryant Park, check out all their holiday market opportunities. Don’t love the cold but want to experience the holiday atmosphere? Rent a warm igloo for your group. Although it’s pricey, it comes with a choice of shared beverages and food. Additionally, it’s designed for a group of four, so when you divide the cost equally among each person, it’s around $63.50. After skating for an hour or walking around through the different holiday shops, grab a bite to eat. Some options for those with a sweet tooth include Stawberro’s booth, where they serve social media viral Dubai chocolate-strawberries, or Wafels & Dinges, where you can pick up Belgian waffles. Want something savory? Check out Cheese Wheel Pasta, where they make the pasta right in front of you in a giant cheese wheel, or Burekas Box, where they serve savory pastries with many filling options.
Time for some retail therapy! Check out not only the holiday shops and stores set up in Bryant Park, but also the lights over on Fifth Avenue. Saks Fifth Avenue announced that this winter, its bringing back its annual holiday light show starting on November 24th. Before the light show starts, take a moment to admire the beautifully decorated windows, each filled with a different scene, or stop by to browse the holiday sales and pick up some Christmas or Hanukkah gifts for your loved ones.
Wow! What a trip! It’s definitely a well deserved after all of your hard work in the fall. Be sure to schedule your visit soon and explore all the magical spots in NYC this winter.
