Calling all New Yorkers (those familar with the city)

debo_2006

14 years ago

DH and I are looking to get away over the Christmas holiday for a few days. We were thinking of the Caribbean for a week but with high season, everything is marked up 40% including airfare. Since we'll taking several vacations in 2012, we want to do this on a budget. We're only a 2 hour drive from NYC but have never gone up there over the holidays. Can anyone tell me what's open on Christmas Day? FYI, we're not interested in seeing the Rockettes at Radio City.

BTW, I did a web search on Xmas day in the city and didn't find too much. So, if you're familiar with what there is to do on Christmas Day in the city, let me know.

I figured we'd take the subway to Ground Zero to see how it's coming along since it was a hole last time we check it out. I read there are some great flea markets in the fab Bryant Park, and we'll check out the decorated store windows that are suppose to be magnificiant, along with the infamous tree display. Anything I'm missing besides finding a great place to eat a good meal Xmas day.

I already reserved a hotel few blocks from Times Square at a reasonable rate considering the holiday.

Thanks.

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Comments (12)

maire_cate
14 years ago
I'd check with the hotel concierge but I just tried googling "what's open Christmas day in New York City" and got several links to what was open in previous years. That might give you some ideas. Many movie theaters are open - I wonder if you might find a grand old fashioned cinema - the ones with gilded balconies.

I tried one Broadway show (Phantom of the Opera) for tickets and unless there was a computer glitch it showed tickets for Dec. 25.

I like this web site for things to do in the city. But it's not good for long range planning. However it's great for current events or those about to occur.

Here is a link that might be useful: Time Out
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
14 years ago
Broadway will be very quiet on Xmas Eve, but I think you'll find quite a bit of shows open for Xmas. You'll find that some of the museums will be closed on the 24th, while others on the 25th, as well. You won't have any problem finding movie theaters and restaurants, trust me.

If you direct your searches properly, you'll find that NYC does not close down on December 25.
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mandy
14 years ago
Hi,
There are lots of things to do on Christmas day. NewYorkology (http://www.newyorkology.com/archives/2010/11/open_on_christm_1.php ) puts out a list later in the fall. The link takes you to last year's list, which gives you something to think about until the current list is posted.

The Holiday SHops at Bryant Park open in late October and run through the holidays. Not sure what the schedule is for this year, but I don't think its open on !2/25.

Taking the subway, runs on a holiday schedule, to the WTR site is a great idea, as is seeing the decorated windows. Lord and Taylor on Fifth Avenue has the best one! Walking thru Rockefeller Center and seeing the tree is great fun.

What kind of dinner are you thinking of? Booking early is a good idea if you want something special.
debo_2006
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks. The link is helpful and I'll keep my eye on the revised 2011 holiday Yorkology. There's some good ideas listed, but I'm hoping there's more this year.

We have no plans for dinner yet, but are easy to please...steak...chicken...seafood. I'll find someplace nice and make a reservation ahead of time. I didn't even think of that. If all else fails, we have a frig and microwave in our room (LOL).
glenda_al
14 years ago
Rockette's show is fabulous.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
14 years ago
Restaurants will be OPEN! Xmas is a huge tourist season!

Be sure to investigate the visitation to the WTC Memorial. I believe that you have to have tickets in advance now that it is open to the public.

You know, you could probably call the concierge desk at your hotel and get lots of good information.
mandy
14 years ago
How long will you be in NYC? I will see what else i can think. I live near where you are staying.
lynn_d
14 years ago
Just an FYI, if you want to visit the 911 Memorial you need to make reservations now. The tickets are free but December is a hugely popular time in the city. I just booked some clients and we had to rearrange schedules to get to the memorial. I did a quick look at Christmas Day and the day after, there are still some times available. One word of warning, December 26 is really busy day in the city, tho it is also exhilarating!!!
bre_ct
14 years ago
We absolutely LOVED doing the High Line walking trail/park! It's a former elevated railway track turned park and walking trail on the city's lower West Side.
debo_2006
Original Author
14 years ago
Mandy, we're driving up Xmas morning, hoping for an early check in, and will be there for 2N/3D. Just a short get-away for the holiday.
debo_2006
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks bre_ct....we're big on hiking and walking trails so we'll have to check that out.

I just ordered the 911 Memorial tickets for Saturday.

Any more ideas, just let me know....as well as a good place to eat Xmas dinner that isn't too spendy.
mandy
14 years ago
NewYorkology just posted a list of what's going on this Christmas - http://www.newyorkology.com/archives...ewYorkology%29

Calling all New Yorkers (those familar with the city)

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