The Christmas season is arguably the best time to visit New York City. No matter what your religious background may be, the holiday buzz about Manhattan is impossible to ignore. Each year, Rockefeller Center fills with throngs of festive tourists and frustrated businessmen shuffling by on their way to work.
Tucked into a crowded corner of Midtown Manhattan, New York’s take on the European square spruces itself up around the holidays with a large, outdoor ice-skating rink and an illuminated, 84-foot-tall spruce. This year, New York Habitat has plenty of accommodation choices for travelers wanting to get a glimpse of the city’s towering Christmas tree.
The annual tree lighting ceremony took place on November 28th complete with live music and ice-skating performances. The ice-skating rink is open to anyone brave enough to stumble across the ice as tourists look on (many of them do) from the promenade above. Unlike in Paris where the ice rinks are a great place to people watch, the ice rink at
Rockefeller Center puts the skaters on display, for better or worse. The Art Deco tower at 30 Rockefeller Plaza anchors Rock Center and the glassed-in top floor offers some of Manhattan’s best views.
Available for the holidays is this elegant two-bedroom rental apartment in Midtown East (NY-12498), just a few blocks from the festivities at Rockefeller Center. Those in need of a respite from the holiday hubbub can hide out in this expansive loft-style one-bedroom rental in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-8169).
Rockefeller Center during December and January encapsulates the holiday season in New York:hectic, cold, overcrowded and brimming with an intoxicating spirit.
If you make it to the Rockefeller ice skating rink send us your comments on the experience.
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
- Christmas in Paris: the City of Lights
- Christmas markets are a must-see tradition in the South of France
- New Years Eve in New York City 2008
- Celebrate the Fourth of July in New York City
- Ode to Fashion At New York’s International Center of Photography








December 17th, 2007 at 11:35 am
I went to the Rockfeller ice skating rink this week end and it was so much fun. New York is definitely wonderfull during Christmas season. For the ice skating lovers, try also the rinks in Central park or in Bryan park.
December 17th, 2007 at 11:58 am
I visited new york city last december and it was beautiful. This year i think of renting an apartment in Paris for the christmas vacations. I will try the ice skating rink of the Hotel de ville instead of the one of Rockfeller center
December 29th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
My favorite Christmas tree, is the one in Bryant Park it is not as big as the one in Rockefeller Center but for me its the best!! The Bryant park has such a special atmosphere, like a fairy tale.