Fun Things to Do in NYC in December

December is a great time to go ice skating in New York City. There are many places for you and your family to skate and enjoy the seasonal decorations that most ice rinks put up. Ice skating at the Rockefeller Center is the most popular choice for many locals as well as the numerous tourists who flock to the city. You can rent skates, take lessons, and enjoy food and drinks at the concessions stands. The Rockefeller rink has a massive Christmas tree erected in the middle of the plaza each year. This holiday tradition has made the Rockefeller Center rink an icon of the city. In fact, this famous ice rink has been featured in many movies and travel brochures over the years. There are some other options as well. The American Museum of Natural History has an ice rink on the Upper West Side. You can also visit the Wollman rink or the Lasker rink in Central Park. Skating lessons and rentals are available. This is a fun winter activity for families or couples. Finish off the skating session with a cup of hot chocolate from the vendors at either of the rinks in Central Park.

Another New York City tradition in December is the Fifth Avenue holiday window displays. This famous avenue is home to some of the most popular shops in all of New York. The biggest department stores in Manhattan put up a number of spectacular window displays to celebrate the spirit of the holidays. For example, Macy's has displays of the Miracle on 34th Street. Saks Fifth Avenue also puts up displays based on books for children such as Snowpeople and Santakid. Each year the store changes the theme. Bloomingdale's is another major department store with attractive holiday displays. Examples of past displays include depictions of holiday traditions from around the world, scenes from fairytales like Cinderella, and display scenes from Phantom of the Opera and songs by Tony Bennett. Many families make a trip to Fifth Avenue to take in the holiday atmosphere and do a little shopping during the month of December.

New York City has the most famous New Years Eve celebration in the World. You are guaranteed to find a huge crowd in Times Square on December 31st. In fact, the average New Year crowd at Times Square has more than a million people. Many tourists plan their vacations specifically to be in town on New Years Eve in order to experience the energy and the atmosphere of Times Square as the ball drops at midnight. The ball is raised as the countdown begins. The crowd counts down together with anticipation as the jumbo-screens located around the plaza show the exact time and give multiangle shots of the crowd. One ton of confetti is released high above as the ball drops and the clock strikes midnight. Best of all, this event is free. All you have to do is show up, but make sure to get there early if you want to stand anywhere close to the clock and the ball.