No other place in the world puts quite a magical show of lights, celebrations, and events during Christmas Eve like NYC. While most of the other cities stay shut during the holidays, New York likes to enjoy the Christmas festivities in full swing. Thanksgiving (last Thursday of November) marks the beginning of the holiday season and New Yorkers begin decorating the city from the very first week of December.

Although there are countless ways for visitors to enjoy holidays in NYC, here are things you must not miss out on.

Visit the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Centre

A Christmas holiday in NYC would be incomplete without a visit to the famous Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Centre. The magical lightings of the Christmas tree and surrounding decorations draw a lot of travellers as well as locals. Apart from the tree, there are a lot of things to do here, such as Christmas shopping, dining, ice skating and plenty of other festive indulgences.

Go Ice Skating

One of the most Christmassy things to do in New York City is to go ice skating at any of the city’s several rinks. The one at Bryant Park has free admission, stays quite busy, and if you are not carrying your own skates, you can rent a pair for $20. The Wollman Ice Skating Rink in Central Park is a lot less busy and provides excellent backdrop of the New York skyline. The entry fee here is 12$ and 6$ for adults and kids respectively. Some other well known rinks are at Rockefeller Centre and Chelsea Piers.

Shopping at the Christmas Markets

NYC is a year round shopping destination; however, for a unique shopping experience, you can head to the several Christmas Markets this city hosts. You can shop for Christmas gifts, decorations, treats and more at these merrily decorated markets throughout the Christmas holiday season. Union Square Holiday Market, Columbus Circle Holiday Market, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, and Grand Central Holiday Fairs are a few of them where you would want to be for the best Christmas shopping experience.

Watch the Christmas Spectacular by The Rockettes at Radio City

A Christmas themed extravaganza by the performers of The Rockettes at the Radio City Music Hall has been a part of New York tradition since 1932. You would love to watch the amazing dance performance of high kicking ladies here known for synchronized choreography, striking costumes, and spectacular visual effects. Although there are several other Christmas themed shows to attend, this one is not to be missed.

Be amazed by the Christmas Decorations at Dyker Heights

A visit to the neighbourhood of Dyker Heights located in Brooklyn has been a part of Christmas celebrations for New Yorkers. The residents of the neighbourhood participate in an unspoken competition of decorating their homes elaborately. The best time to take a round of the neighbourhood is after mid December when almost all the houses dazzle with lights and decorations. This activity is famous among locals as well as tourists; one can also take a dedicated bus tour of Dyker Heights during the holiday season.

Billed as the global financial capital, New York City is an iconic travel destination of the United States. The city has had a kind of reverence about it that few can match all over the planet. Known by different names like ‘The Big Apple’, ‘The City that Never Sleeps’ and ‘Gotham’, New York excites with its interesting attractions and abundant engagements. Read on to know more:

Sightseeing

Be it tall skyscrapers, historical monuments or iconic landmarks, there is no dearth of sightseeing opportunities in New York City. Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Centre, Fifth Avenue, Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, The High Line and Chrysler Building are some of the most well-known attractions in the city. While most of these venues are accessible by public transport and are open from morning till late evening, a few of them require prior bookings and reservations. If you are a first time traveller, make sure you have a city guide with you as you get exploring.

Museums

New York is home to some of the most famous museums in the world. Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, National September 11 Memorial and Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and Morgan Library and Museum are among the most popular museums here. Exhibitions, live shows, interactive sessions and lectures are held at most of these places.

Restaurants

New York City is a delight for the food lovers. Some of the world’s most awarded and acclaimed restaurants are located here. Tavern on the Green, The Rainbow Room, Totonno’s, Katz’s Delicatessen and Peter Luger are some of the city’s most famed restaurants. When it comes to some of the staples that are most served in the city, Eggs Benedict, lobster Newberg, cheesecake, corned beef, baked pretzels, hot dogs, burgers, New York style bagel, Gefilte fish, Pasta primavera, Penne alla Vodka, Steak Diane, calzones, cuchifritos and churros can be enjoyed for a local experience.

Broadway Shows

Broadway has become an important component of entertainment in New York both for the travellers and locals. Be it musicals, comedy or drama, shows and performances of different genres are held here in the city.  A Chorus Line, A Delicate Balance, A Raisin in the Sun, A Streetcar named Desire, Ain’t Misbehavin’, All My Sons, Angels in America, Annie and Anything Goes are few of the classics performed here. Featuring modern themes and highlighting the contemporary culture are new shows like Hamilton, The Lion King, Wicked, The Phantom of Opera, The Book of Mormon, Cats and The Bronx Tale.

Shopping

Be it designer wear, leading fashion brands, vintage stuff, electronics, books or anything else under the sky, New York has it all when it comes to shopping. Scattered all over the city with major chunk of them found around the famous Times Square are popular posh boutiques, record stores, thrift shops ideal. Dover Street Market, Barneys New York Downtown, Chelsea Market, Union Square Greenmarket, Columbus Circle Holiday Market, Queens Night Market, The Market NYC and the Grand Central Market are few of the must visit city markets. Weekly flea markets are a major draw to the city.

Events and Festivals

New York is a cosmopolitan city in its truest sense. Be it traditional celebrations, annual cultural programmes, street parades, music concerts or carnivals, the city holds a range of celebrations and festivities throughout the year – with some of them being truly iconic. ST. Patrick’s Day Parade, Lunar New Year Parade and Festival, New York Caribbean Carnival Parade, Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, NYC Pride, Rockefeller Centre Tree Lighting and National Puerto Rican Day Parade are a few of the most loved celebrations here.

Nightlife

New York’s nightlife is exceptional and could well be the best one in the world. From sophisticated cocktail dens to lounges to dance clubs to bars, there is something for everyone in the city. The Campbell, The Crown, Diamond Lil, Wine Legend, Loverboy, The Office NYC, Oscar Wilde, Fishbone, The Heights, Black Flamingo, Drexler’s and C’mon Everybody are some of the spots to hit in the city.

New York is perhaps one of the most popular urban destinations not only in the US but across the world. The city, fondly called the Big Apple, has many draws, including some of the very best museums and galleries across the world. So, if you are a museum lover or love spending an afternoon visiting a gallery, here are some of the most popular museums in New York for you.

Museum of the Moving Image

The Museum of the Moving Image, which is located at Astoria in Queens, New York, is a media museum dedicated to film, television, and digital media. The collection of moving image artefacts here is considered to be the largest such collection in the US. The museum screens numerous films every year and also holds educational events periodically. Explore its main exhibition – Behind the Screen – which showcases the creative process of developing moving images, presenting it in the form of interactive experiences, rare artefacts, and demonstrations of professional equipment.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

Explore diverse contemporary arts at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, which is located at Bronx in New York. The museum is a dedicated area for modern art from a variety of cultural backgrounds. This free-entry museum also has gift and souvenir shops and offers free Wi-Fi to visitors. Besides, there are modern art pieces, with Bronx playing the central role in many of them. Visitors can also explore the chic surroundings of diverse neighbourhoods, beautiful parks, and attractive restaurants.

American Museum of Natural History

Discover the natural history of mankind in this amazing science museum, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It is one of the largest museums in the world and is visited by around 5 million people every year. The best way to explore the museum is to spend late afternoons or Sundays here looking at dinosaur fossils. Learn about animal and human history through its numerous exhibitions and enjoy IMAX movie action. Some of the best attractions of the museum are the Hayden Planetarium, the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, and the Butterfly Conservatory.

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in Manhattan, New York to learn about the development of the transport methods across the sea, air, and space through spectacular interactive exhibitions. Marvel at the well-restored aircraft, USS Growler submarine, a British Airways Concorde, and the Space Shuttle Pavilion. Enjoy a fascinating tour of the museum, including a one-hour trip that takes visitors through the history of an aircraft carrier and another trip that educates about the space program. Have a thrilling experience at the GForce Encounter, a supersonic jet simulator, at the museum.

Starr Bonsai Museum

A major highlight of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, this museum is one of the oldest of its kind in the world. When you visit, stroll across the beautiful and serene Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) spread across 52 acres of well-manicured lush landscapes with over 10,000 types of plants collected from across the world. The BBG is dedicated to impart education about plants to the general public and create awareness for conservation.

Planning to visit USA this month? Then you’re in for a fantastic travel experience! Why? Well, this is the time when Halloween is celebrated extensively in different parts of the country.

Held annually on 31st October, this festival is something everyone should check out and participate in with absolute enthusiasm. As you may not be aware of the places where it is celebrated in a fabulous way, we have listed some of them below.

Sleepy Hollow, New York

Sleepy Hollow, a village in Mount Pleasant, New York, celebrates with live music, hayrides, street fairs, and parades during Halloween. One can participate in evening lantern tours that encourage ghost-seekers to go to the eerie Sleepy Hollow Cemetery – the grave of Irving and the tomb of vampire Barnabas Collins are located here. One will also get to see the stunning Gothic Revival Lyndhurst Castle as well.

Salem, Massachusetts

Often called the ‘witch town’, Salem conducts fun-packed events, special programs, and live shows in October. Haunted hayrides, gothic mansions, and the Headless Horseman can be seen. The list doesn’t end here! Salem Witch Museum has amazed people as it provides insights into the perception on witches. City visitors must expect heavy crowds and traffic here at the time of Halloween.

Little Five Points, Atlanta, Georgia

Little Five Points, a district on the east side of Atlanta, Georgia, hosts the Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade. Kitchens, food trucks, and stalls dish out tacos, wood-fired pizza, and smothered barbeque brisket. This year, the food vendors participating in the event include Tex’s Tacos, Delicious Finger Foods, Genki Noodles & Sushi, and Tropical Delight Pineapples.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Already known for casinos, nightlife, and fine dining options, Las Vegas celebrates Halloween in a wonderful and significant manner. Innumerable individuals wearing inventive and elaborate costumes head to the Strip and meet others dressed in a similar fashion. Fright Dome is not for the faint-hearted! There are haunted houses, scare zones, and premium rides. Las Vegas will win the hearts of people unconditionally.

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville Zoo conducts its very own annual Halloween party which is truly one-of-a-kind! The zoo turns into a living storybook with costumed characters. One can opt for an exciting adventure in Pirates Cove and get through the giant hay-maze! You may also spot wild animals such as wolves, jaguars, rhinos, giraffes, and polar bears.

Who can overlook a vibrant place like New York? It is an attractive tourist destination with simply everything that a travel-junkie dreams of – from holy and religious spots to exciting nightlife venues. It is home to important landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Times Square and Statue of Liberty.What makes New York all the more dynamic is its colourful year-round festivals. If you are planning to explore this fabulous destination in September, you are in for many treats! Take a look at some of the colourful festivals awaiting you in New York during September.

New York Caribbean Carnival

Date: 1st to 5th September

This is one of the best ways to learn about and enjoy the Caribbean culture! The New York Caribbean Carnival is commemorated in Brooklyn – an administrative division of NYC. Different participants represent the different Caribbean nations. The costumed dancers exhibit their skills and talents gracefully. There are fun-packed activities for all. Music-buffs will get to hear steel band music and soca music at the New York Caribbean Carnival.

Brazilian Day

Date: 4th September

Now you can have a glimpse of Brazil without visiting Brazil! Just join the New York’s Brazilian Day! Celebrated in the midst of Little Brazil – Manhattan, the Brazilian Day is a wonderful festival marking the independence of Brazil. There’ll be music, dance and food for everyone. The musicians will perform samba, bossa nova, maracatu and other genres. The cultural activities keep everyone absolutely engrossed. Foodies will definitely like the Brazilian and Latin American dishes and beverages.

German-American Steuben Parade

Date: 17th September

Successfully conducted since 1956, the German-American Steuben Parade is an annual festival in which individuals of German-American origin march together wearing traditional costumes, thus commemorating their native roots. They named the parade after ‘Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben’ – a Prussian-born General who was associated with General George Washington in the American Revolutionary War. The parade is complete with bands, dance groups and walkers.

Feast of San Gennaro

Date: 15th September

Celebrated in ‘Little Italy’ of Manhattan, the Feast of San Gennaro features religious processions, musical entertainment and ethnic food. It signifies the beautiful Italian-American culture and heritage, which has existed in this land since years. Italians have a special place in their hearts for the Feast of San Gennaro – one of the key reasons why it is conducted in different parts of the world.

Great Irish Fair of New York

Date: 24th September

Turn Irish in the Great Irish Fair of New York! The Great Irish Fair of New York is commemorated to underscore the magnificence of Irish culture and music. There’ll be food, dancing, rides and fun activities. Individuals of all age-groups can enjoy the Great Irish Fair of New York. Hundreds of thousands of people attend it annually. Thus, it is one of the most attended annual cultural festivals in New York.

Home to the Empire State Building, Times Square, Statue of Liberty and other popular sites, New York City is remarkably fast-moving and a thriving centre of art, culture, fashion and finance. Foodies can have a delightful time at restaurants that grow vegetables on their roof gardens and bars that serve pre-Prohibition-era cocktails.

Art connoisseurs can explore museums stocked with Japanese sculptures, post-modern American paintings, and Himalayan textiles. There’s something for everyone in the vibrant ‘Hong Kong on the Hudson’!

If you happen to stay in New York City on the 4th of July, you’re in for a treat! This city leaves no stone unturned in celebrating USA’s Independence Day.

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks 40th anniversary celebration will be held over the East River at 09:25 PM for 25 minutes. Four barges will be placed between 23rd and 37th Streets, and there will be a double barge under the Brooklyn Bridge. This means more visitors will be able to watch the spectacular pyrotechnic show from a distance. Saluting the American spirit, there’ll be an amazing score of patriotic favourites performed by the much-admired United States Air Force Band. The rhythmic vocals by Jennifer Holliday and the USAF Band will keep the audience entertained as well.

Jersey City Freedom and Fireworks Festival

Hosted at the Liberty State Park, Jersey City Freedom and Fireworks Festival includes live music, children’s entertainment, amusement rides and a smorgasbord of food and drink options. Performers who will present their talents include Annie Minogue Band, Eliza Neals, Shayfer James and JUDAH TRIBE. At night, the beautiful fireworks display by Grucci will highlight the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Travellers need to keep in mind that parking is extremely limited at Liberty State Park and the nearby areas on this festive occasion, thus public transport is advised.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

Every year thousands of people gather on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island to witness and enjoy Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, one of the most interesting events in the competitive eating. As the name suggests, contestants need to eat the maximum possible hot dogs and buns in a limited period of time. The one who eats the most, wins! Started in 1972, this exciting contest has been running quite successfully year after year. Following the same trend, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest of 2015 was a huge hit! Quite surprisingly, Matt Stonie, the male winner ate 62 hotdogs and buns in 10 minutes flat.

French Restaurant Week

Hosted by over 120 participating restaurants such as GLOO, Antibes Bistro and Cafe Centro, French Restaurant Week allows people to enjoy special prix-fixe menu options during dinner or lunch. This promotional event entices travellers from around the world as they get a wonderful opportunity to taste the best cuisines at attractive rates. French Restaurant Week will be running from 4th to 17th July this year.

Planning to visit the stunning New York city any soon? Why not book your tickets for June? Welcome summers in the USA whilst exploring the cultural aspects of the terrific New York.

Enjoy enthralling events and festivals celebrating the cultural essence of the city!

Coney Island Mermaid Parade

Date: June 18, 2016
Time: 01:00 pm

Place: Brooklyn, New York

Enjoy colourful and vivacious celebrations at Coney Island Mermaid Parade this June. The 34th Annual Mermaid Parade will offer a lot to enjoy. Become a part of the largest art parade of the nation and discover about the art and culture of the island.

Morristown Whiskey Fest 2016

Date:  June 16th
Time: 7pm-10pm
Place:  Event Hall at St. Peter’s Church

Get ready to enjoy a range of wonderful drinks at the renowned Morristown Whiskey Fest 2016. The exciting festival will showcase around 50 of the world’s best whiskies from Town Bar & Kitchen. Savour different kinds of drinks and food whilst enjoying music throughout the evening.
Gay Pride NYC
Date: June 26, 2016
Time: Noon
Place: New York City

Support the proud LGBT community this summer at Gay Pride NYC. The special festivity on the streets of New York is a step to encourage people to come and accept who they are. The bold rainbow colours express the impervious thoughts of people and their families during the parade. As it is said, it’s not just a parade, it’s a celebration!

New York City’s Multicultural Festival

Date: June 4, 2016
Time: 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Place: 85 Bradhurst Avenue, Manhattan

Enjoy the largest celebration of cultural diversity! This multicultural festival features vibrant performances and is attended by several renowned personalities and local residents who are filled with enthusiasm. Visitors enjoy dance, music, art and food during the festival.

Swedish Midsummer Festival

Date: June 19, 2016
Time: – 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM
Place: Robert F. Wagner Park, Battery Park City, Manhattan, NY

Celibate Swedish traditions and heritage in Manhattan! The festival welcomes travellers from all over the world and promises them an unforgettable experience. Come here for a picnic, and interact with local people and relish the vivaciousness this festival!

The glamorous and glitzy centre of the city, Times Square has a distinctive aura and a classic touch. This world-renowned site in Midway Manhattan, New York houses a plethora of shopping options.

The never ending charisma of this 24*7 hot and happening tourist destination will leave you awestruck. Here are some of the best shopping places, tips and ideas for a great experience.

Shopping Paradise

Some popular stores in and around Times Square include Lord & Taylor, Massimo Dutti, Fine and Dandy, New York Vintage and Dover Street Market. With a variety of shops, showrooms and eating joints, it is a busy hub for shoppers. Hershey’s Times Square Store, one of the most renowned names in the chocolate industry is also located here. So, explore the world of chocolates as you indulge in retail therapy.  Also, for book lovers, the Drama Book Shop here is a paradise, while foodies may delight themselves at the famous Sake Bar Hagi and Pergola des Artistes.

Shopping Tips

Keeping in mind the popularity of Times Square, pretty much everyone knows about the crowds here. It’s important to know that you may unknowingly stop the crowds. Well, with a huge volume of pedestrians speedily marching in a direction, it is advisable not to stop in between just to marvel at the tall buildings with neon billboards. Undoubtedly, the shiny neon billboards have always been an admired element of the place.

More in Times Square

This vivacious tourist attraction in USA offers a lot for exploration. Apart from shopping, Times Square has a lot more to keep tourists engaged. Tourists can visit world-famous Madame Tussaud’s or enjoy a Broadway show whilst coming here to buy popular branded goods. Get surprised at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Get awed by the statue of George M. Cohen, an imperative figure from New York’s theatre community.

As it is said, make the best out of your Times Square trip with a lot of shopping and eating. Of course, you will also enjoy the sights of striking buildings like One Times Square and the New York Times Building. So, have a lot of fun in New York!

Well known as the city that never sleeps, New York is all set to welcome spring with an array of colourful events and festivals.

Join the upcoming spring festivities and enjoy the pleasant weather. So, if you’re planning to book tickets shortly, check out what we have got for you.

Easter Celebrations

Spring is in the air and it’s time to get excited as New York is all set to celebrate ‘Easter’ on 27th March. Enjoy Easter parade with a nice brunch and “egg hunt” events at various places. You can also join several proceedings for finding and painting Easter eggs organised by Brooklyn Children’s Museum and Children’s Museum of Manhattan every year.

Tribeca Film Festival

The Tribeca Film Festival is celebrated annually in New York during April. Be a part of this ultimate street fair from April, 13th to 24th this year, and get a chance to enjoy free film screenings. There will be special performances, arts and crafts shops full of souvenirs, exciting kite flying events and a lot more.

Persian Parade

Celebrate the rich history of Persian culture in New York City on 17th April. It is the celebration of Persian New Year “Nowruz,” which means “new day,” with the arrival of spring. The NYPD Band is also joining the parade, and will play the Iranian and U.S. national anthems. You can see various traditional music and dance performances throughout the day as well as a fun fashion show and various other activities.

Orchid Show

The New York Botanical Garden is celebrating its 125th anniversary from February 27th to April 17th and NYBG invites you to share your favourite garden memories. Make sure, you attend World Beat- Music & Dance around the World of Orchids and Poetry for Every Season Reading by Ada Limón.

Pen World Voices, APRIL 25th

Witness the richness and diversity of world literature featuring acclaimed writers and artists from all around the globe. Pen World Voices inspires cross-cultural dialogue through joint group discussions, workshops and live performances in different venues throughout New York City. You can listen to your favourite author and even chat about work, life, culture and the art of writing.