For many in New York, Christmas is the best time of year in the city. The season begins with the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree after Thanksgiving. This kicks off the famous Shopping Week, where tourism increases and hotel prices rise. Once Shopping Week ends, prices return to normal levels. On Christmas Day, most shops and attractions close as New Yorkers celebrate at home with their families.

1. Merry Christmas
In
NEW YORK

2. For many people the best time of year in New York is
Christmas. By this time, the city becomes the capital
of this celebration. Customs have global recognition,
and events like the "Radio City Christmas
Spectacular“, stunningly decorated stores, the
"Shopping Week", the huge "Rockefeller Center
Tree" or the “End of the year at Times Square“ are
globally known.

3. The Christmas season in Manhattan begins earlier
than in other boroughs. Although Christmas starts with
the lighting of the "Tree of the Rockefeller Center",
Christmas decorations in stores are ready right after
"Thanksgiving Day".

4. Then, Christmas shopping starts with the famous
"Shopping Week“ that concurs with the lighting of the
"Tree of the Rockefeller Center“. New York gets
flooded with mostly domestic tourists, so hotel rates
go up in price. Once the "Shopping Week“ ends, the
prices go back to normal and shopping centers begin
to offer other discounts and deals.

5. The first Wednesday after Thanksgiving Day,
Christmas celebrations officially begins with
the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Tree
at the Rockefeller Center (Rockefeller Center
Tree Lighting Ceremony) by the governor of
New York. This tree, which is the largest in
the world, is chosen by the director of
Rockefeller Center complex gardening. It is a
Picea abies always exceeding a half-centuryold and 20 meters in height.

6. December 25th is Christmas Day and New
York is deserted. The shops, museums and
entertainment venues close their doors, and
New Yorkers celebrate with their families at
home; in many cases, out of town. The
arrival of Santa Claus (Father Christmas)
on Christmas Eve brings gifts under fully
decorated trees and homes with joy,
especially among children.

7. Melanie Ruiz
Carolina Mancheno