Monthly Archives: December 2023

New York City Tours

The Windows at Bloomingdale’s

Macy’s is not the only New York City department store to go all out on their holiday windows.

Bloomingdale’s is also a yearly must-see. 

This year’s windows were made in collaboration with the new Warner Brothers “Wonka” movie, with sculptures of Willy Wonka, giant candies and chocolates and much more.   

A major highlight is the collection of candies and lollipops made of handblown glass and covered with Swarovski crystals by renowned artist Abby Modell.   

Book a holiday tour and see New York’s department store windows and everything else that makes New York such a magical place during the holiday season.   Email brendan@nyctoursthenandnow.us or message us here for more information 

New York City Tours, Uncategorized

Department Store Windows

New York City department store windows are always a must-see for visitors and locals. 

The first department store to decorate their windows for the holidays was Macy’s. They have  been decorating their windows since 1874!  

This year’s windows have a wonderful interactive element to them as well.  You can sing Christmas carols, take pictures and lots more.   They feature Tiptoe the Reindeer, ( a Macy’s character) .

And her friends Polar Bear and Penguin.

Book a holiday tour and see all of the best holiday displays.   Private tours are available 7 days a week.  

Email brendan@nyctoursthenandnow.us or message us here for more information. 

New York City Sites, New York City Tours

Chanukah!

This year, the Jewish Festival of lights began at sundown on December 8th. Chanukah decorations are everywhere. 

Giant dreidels on the sidewalks…

Menorahs of all sizes…

Even the Empire State building is lit up in blue. 

Book a holiday lights tour, and we will make sure you see a wide selection of the seasonal decorations that New York City has to offer.  Email brendan@nyctoursthenandnow.is or message us here for more information 

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The Tree at Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is probably the most famous part of Christmas in New York City. It all began in 1931 when construction workers at Rockefeller Center pooled their money and purchased a 20 foot tree.  

Two years later in 1933, the first formal tree lighting occurred with a 50 foot tree and 700 lights.  During World War II, instead of one large tree, they opted for 3 smaller trees decorated with red, white and blue lights as a show of patriotism.  The trees were not lit because of blackout requirements during World War II. 

Today, the trees range in height from 80 to 100 feet.   They are decorated with about 50,000 lights and topped with a star made of Swarovski crystals.  

Book a holiday lights tour and learn more about the many other cherished holiday traditions in New York City.   Email brendan@nycstoursthenandnow.us or message us here for more information.   

New York City Tours, Uncategorized

Christmas Tree Bragging Rights 2023

Everyone has heard of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

(For the record, this year’s tree is an 80-foot-tall Norway Spruce from Vestal, NY.)

While it may be the most famous Christmas tree in New York City or anywhere else, the Rockefeller Center tree does not hold the distinction of being the tallest — at least this year. 

That honor goes to the tree in front of the New York Stock Exchange, which is an 81 foot tall Norway spruce from Poughkeepsie, NY.

Book a holiday lights tour and you can see both of these trees along with many other spectacular holiday decorations. Private tours can be booked 7 days a week. Email brendan@nyctoursthenandnow.us or message us here tor more information.