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Thousands gather in New York City during the holiday season to admire fluorescent Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city. From small holiday markets in Union Square to the 100-foot Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center, New York City provides diverse attractions that encapsulate the holiday spirit.
The largest attraction is the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which is wrapped in 45,000 LED lights, shining with assorted colors, according to lonelyplanet.com.
“My family and I always get into the Christmas spirit by making fig cookies and then going into the city to see the Rockefeller tree,” junior Lauren Capolongo said.
People of all ages can admire the iconic tree while also ice skating in the Rink of Rockefeller Center. The rink only allows 150 people to skate at a time.
Also located in Rockefeller Center are the Christmas Angels in the Channel Gardens. Starting in 1954, these twelve wired angels hold long brass trumpets which are faced in the direction of the aformentioned world famous tree, according to rockefellercenter.com.
Close to Rockefeller Center is fifth avenue, where stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Bergdorf Goodman provide Christmas window displays. These windows are decorated elaborately, showcasing new items, including gift ideas, from the stores winter fashion lines.
“I love walking down Fifth Avenue around Christmas time and seeing all the store displays. My mom and I always make sure to look at the windows at Bergdorf Goodman. You can’t miss it,” junior Cate Kulowiec said.
Many other stores throughout the City such as Macy’s, Express, and American Eagle decorate their store with Christmas ornaments and lights for customers to soak up the Christmas spirit.
Another Christmas attraction in Rockefeller Center is the world famous Radio City Music Hall. The iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular features a renowned performance by the Rockettes.
Beginning in 1925 in Saint Louis Missouri, the now famous Rockettes were originally known as the Missouri Rockettes, according to danceadts.com. At Radio City Music Hall’s opening night in 1932, the soon to be Rockettes performed and captivated their audience. The Rockettes are known for their iconic costumes and elaborate dance numbers.
Another famous show that is very popular during the holiday season is George Balanchine’s ballet of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Hundreds gather in Lincoln Center to enjoy this classical performance that has been running since 1954.
Bryant Park also has an iceskating rink that attracts throngs of skaters during Christmas time. People also visit the surrounding small holiday shops that sell many gifts for people to give to their loved ones for Christmas.
Another tourist attraction is the Empire State Building. During the Christmas season, the tip of the tower changes its lights to red and green, lighting up the sky at night.
Outside of Manhattan is the Botanical Gardens, which is most famous for its Holiday Train Show during the winter. Located in the Bronx, this 23-year old show models New York City trademarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The sumptuous lights and decorations in New York City attract thousands of people from all across the world, calling them to embrace the holiday spirit and experience the Christmas traditions of New York City. 
-Kathryn Allyn and Juliette Guice, Staff Writers