New York City is magical during the holidays. Snow on the ground, twinkling fairy lights, winter markets and ice skating rinks transforms it into a wonderland.

Holiday time in New York almost makes you forget the windy, harsh, cold and depressing winter. Atleast till January 1st. Here are top things why I like the City in the month of December.

1. Rockefeller Center
Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Center has been an annual tradition since the early 1930s. Each tree is carefully selected by the Manager at the Gardens Division of the Rockefeller Center  and decorated with traditional ornaments. The entrance to the center is lined by Angels welcoming the visitors into their magicland.

2. Saks Fifth Avenue Display
From the Rockefeller Center, if you look back, you will see the fantastic display on the Saks Fifth Avenue store
3. Winter Market at Bryant Park
This year Bryant Park's purple Christmas Tree was as spectacular as the one at the Rockefeller Center....even better some may say.
This is also the perfect place to shop with many winter markets selling ornaments, clothes, jewelry and accessories. Don't want to shop? No problem. You can ice skate in the huge rink and enjoy the view of the Empire State Building and other gorgeous skyscrapers.


4. Times Square
Times Square is a major tourist destination in the middle of Manhattan. It is always bright with huge screens advertising the popular musical shows and high end brands. It is extremely crowded any time of the year. It is so crowded that the temperature feels warmer here than any part of the New York City. Thousands of people walk around the square everyday and the number reaches a million on New Years Eve.

Times Square Crystal ball drop is one of the most watched new year celebration events in the world.


5. 9/11 Memorial and Freedom Tower
If the temperature outside is too cold, you should get inside one of many popular museums in NYC. The one we visited this time is the 9/11 Memorial.