NYC at Christmas: Radio City Rockettes

If you've never experienced New York City at Christmas time, well then, you simply haven't lived. Having a sister that lives just across the Hudson Bay has made my trips to the Big Apple much more frequent than I'd ever dreamed. Totally not a bad thing...I love NYC! A few weeks before Christmas in 2012, my sister, mom, aunt, Kansas cousins, and I got together and planned an epic NYC girls trip. We hit up every touristy Manhattan staple that we could fit into 4 short days. Ice skating in Bryant Park, shopping at Macy's, seeing the massive tree at Rockefeller Center, viewing the city from the top of the Empire State Building, strolling Central Park, playing around in FAO Schwartz, window shopping along 5th Avenue, brunching at Penelope, browsing Chelsea Market, jumping around screaming at Kathy & Hoda behind the Today Show windows (we were totally on TV!), and we drank some stellar $16 margaritas at Dos Caminos. Like I said, it was jam-packed 4 days. One NYC Christmas tradition that we knew we had to see for ourselves was the famous Radio City Rockettes! They were hosting their annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular, so we all jumped at the chance to grab mezzanine seats.

The Rockettes were amazing. I'll forever be envious of those high kicks! As for the rest of the show, the costumes were gorgeous, the lighting was super charming, and the orchestra was top notch. While geared towards the kiddos a bit more than I would have liked (it was cheesy at times), the show really did a wonderful job of getting us in the holiday spirit! I can see why it's a time-honored piece of NYC holiday history. If you ever find yourself with an evening to spare in the city, don't hesitate to spring for a little holiday cheer with the Rockettes!

Have you ever experienced NYC at Christmastime?
If so, what's your favorite part?