Enjoying a Christmas Trip to New York City

While a Christmas at home with the family is the perfect Yuletide for many, more and more people are enjoying festive breaks abroad, particularly for the exciting shopping opportunities different countries can offer.

While some may enjoy the rich culture and unique atmosphere of cities such as Bombay and Dubai, many prefer the bustling metropolis offered by North America, with Boston and Chicago being perennial favourites of Christmas holidaymakers. However, it’s New York City that remains the preferred city of many embarking on United States holidays, with the city boasting unrivalled Christmas shopping and attractions.

Many shops in the US start great sales after Thanksgiving at the end of November, adding to the allure of a festive jaunt to New York. Whether you’re strolling down Fifth Avenue or visiting outlet malls, you’re bound to find everything on your Christmas list at a great price. New York has several individual districts that all offer something different for the consumer, including the Diamond District, where the latest jewellery fashions can be found; Herald Square, where fashion enthusiasts can get their fill of the latest trends from across the world at Macy’s, and Fifth Avenue, home to some of the most famous stores in the world, including Sak’s, Bergdorf Goodman and Versace.

Of course, Christmas isn’t just for the adults, and New York has a multitude of options for those looking for great gifts for the little ones in their life. FAO Schwarz is a veritable world of toys, from current favourites to classics and collectibles. The Warner Brothers Store also offers a variety of gifts for adults and kids alike and can be conveniently found in the Midtown area.

For those looking for a truly unique gift to take back home for a loved one, the SoHo area of New York is filled with specialty clothing stores, modern, original and retro household items and stores dedicated to a variety of hobbies and interests, truly offering something for everyone.

A trip to New York during the festive period shouldn’t just be about the shopping however. Areas like Times Square and Central Park burst with vibrancy during Christmas, with ice skating in Central Park being an incredibly popular family activity with both residents and visitors. The park features two huge ice rinks which are consistently packed, but there’s also plenty to do for those who don’t wish to skate. Just wandering around the beautiful 843 acre park in the winter and enjoying a hot chocolate from a nearby coffee shop is just as much fun as skating for many people.

It’s not hard to understand why so many people enjoy New York holidays prior to Christmas, with an incredible range of shopping opportunities on offer, great attractions and a vibrant, excited atmosphere engulfing the entire city.