Midtown’s busy sidewalks and shimmering decorations are trademarks of the holiday season in Manhattan. A special visit to Macy’s Santa, window-watching on Fifth Avenue and ice-skating beneath the Rockefeller Christmas tree are among the many holiday traditions enjoyed by children, grown-ups, and tourists alike.
According to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the total number of tourists in New York City for 2011 will likely reach 50 million. Last year there were 48.8 million tourists, and direct visitor spending was $31.5 billion.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which will come down on January 7, is illuminated from 5:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. daily, except on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. On Christmas, the tree is illuminated for 24 hours and on New Year’s Eve the lights go off at 9:00 p.m. The Christmas tree is typically a Norway Spruce and should be at least 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide. Over five miles of lights are used to decorate the tree every year. It is recycled and the 3 tons of mulch are donated to the Boy Scouts. Part of the trunk is given to an equestrian team in New Jersey to use as an obstacle jump.
Macy’s Windows
Every year, Macy’s, at 151 W. 34th Street, features two series of window displays; one set depicts scenes from the Christmas film “Miracle on 34th Street,” and a second set is new each year. The window displays are typically unveiled in early- to mid-November, and are always on view in time for Thanksgiving.
2011 “Make A Wish” Window Displays: This year Macy’s windows are inspired by a partnership with Make A Wish, a foundation that grants the wishes of children of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Through a touch screen, visitors can design their own ornaments, which can then be purchased.
Skating at Rockefeller Center
Saks Fifth Avenue’s Window Displays
This year’s windows at Saks Fifth Avenue, “Land of the Bubble Makers,” continue the storybook theme with Holly visiting the land of the bubble makers. Each window illustrates a scene from the story and features fashions as well.
Macy’s Santa
