Exceptional Experience: Christmas in NYC

Edd:  It’s been years since we visited New York City during the Christmas season. So while we were in New Jersey with our daughter’s family for the holidays, we decided to spend a few days taking in the sights there.

Cynthia:  Staying in Manhattan is too pricey for our retirement budget, so we rented a nice, spacious Airbnb across the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey. Our daughter and son-in-law lived there in the early years of their marriage, so being back was a trip down memory lane.

E:  Most people aren’t aware that the views of the Manhattan skyline from Hoboken are spectacular. And an easy train ride for only $2.75 takes you right into the center of the city.

C:  We saw the movie Wicked for our granddaughter’s 10th birthday in November, so we were especially interested in going to Bloomingdale’s to see its Wicked-themed window displays.

E:  The idea was everywhere inside the huge store as well. Leaning into the color palette of the movie, even Santa was dressed in green, which I thought was reserved for the Grinch. While a better choice than pink, this “reimagining of Santaland” did not sit well with many parents who came with their kids for a photo on Santa’s lap.

C:  Even though Bloomingdale’s partnered with Universal Pictures to create its Wicked Good Holiday campaign, I think Santa should be dressed in red. Other iconic stores like Bergdorf Goodman also chose non-Christmas themes for their windows.

E:  That was disappointing to me but, fortunately, the Plaza Hotel could be counted on for a traditionally elegant lobby. The Louis Vuitton building decked out like their famous trunks was totally over the top.

C:  The street decorations were lovely as we walked down 5th Avenue to Rockefeller Center. And while the windows at Saks once again had nothing to do with Christmas, the building itself was beautifully lit.

E:  Rockefeller Center looked exactly the same as we remembered it, except barriers had been placed around the ice-skating rink so we couldn’t see it.

C:  The chilly weather, crowds, and all that walking around wore us out. It rained the next day, so we took the opportunity to rest and plan the remainder of our excursion.

E:  We wanted to go to a Broadway show, and we hadn’t been to Macy’s yet. Since we take advantage of credit card sign-up bonuses for points and miles, I decided to look for a deal on a hotel so we could finish our trip with a bang.

C:  And you sure found one — a room at the 4-Star Prince Kitano Hotel on Park Avenue only a few blocks from Macy’s that cost almost $900 the night we stayed. We paid only 12,500 Citi ThankYou® Rewards points and $60. Good job!

E:  Thanks. But I wasn’t done yet. Broadway shows, especially during peak seasons, are expensive too. We wanted to see MJ: The Musical, an award-winning production featuring the songs and choreography of Michael Jackson. After researching lots of discount ticket websites, I scored great mezzanine seats for less than half price.

C:  On our last day, after checking into the hotel we went to Macy’s. Wow! Finally, a store that remembered what decorating for Christmas is all about.

E:  MJ: The Musical that night was fantastic! So happy we went. Sorry, photos during the show were strictly forbidden.

C:  What a treat to visit New York City during the holidays. It was cold, but we had a wonderful time and are happy to be able to share our experience with you. We wish you all a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2025! ❤️