New York at Christmas

Back in August my London based friend, Megan, told me she might be crossing the pond for a week in New York City in December. She asked if I could come up and hang out. I said I’d look in to it. Then promptly forgot. Three weeks before her trip I remembered. But then I was busy and traveling, so I forgot again. Before I knew it, she was in the US and we hadn’t planned anything. I happened to have a free weekend on her last days here, bought last minute bus tickets, and spent 18 hours in the Big Apple.

I’ve been to New York several times, but it has always been a dream of mine to see it at Christmas. I had a Hollywood version of it in my head: snow flurries in the air with decorations and twinkling lights everywhere. Just like everything else in life, this trip was nothing like in the movies.

First off, no snow. Rain. Lots and lots of rain.My next disappoint was with the decorations and lights. When I got off the bus at 11:30 pm I decided I should go see all the Christmas decorations I could. I would be leaving at 5:30 pm the next day so I really wouldn’t get another chance to see the decorations after dark.

I headed for Rockefeller Center and calculated that I should have pretty good timing – it was late enough that ice skating would be over and the crowds would be gone. Time to get some good pictures! On my way to Rockefeller Center, I saw the Believe sign and window displays at Macy’s and I just had to stop and take photos. Next, I walked through Times Square. And everyone has to snap a few photos there, right?

I was soon back on track and approaching 30 Rock. Then I saw the decorations along Avenue of the Americas and stopped a few more times. I saw Radio City Music Hall down the street, but it was all dark – decorations and even their sign. Weird. I was only a block away from Rockefeller Center. As I approached I heard a few people nearby say “Oh.” with a hint of surprise in their voice. I got closer and saw a security guard dragging a barrier into place. Then I rounded the corner and saw the tree. The dark tree. They turned the lights off as I was walking down the block! For the city that never sleeps, they sure do turn their Christmas lights off early.

Christmas Spectacular

The next morning Megan and I were up and on our way by 7:30. This was the first Saturday 7:30 am I’d seen in awhile. Despite getting 4 hours of sleep, we weren’t tired. We were excited. We were off to Radio City Music Hall to see the Christmas Spectacular! What’s more iconic of New York at Christmas than the Rockettes?!

I couldn’t believe we were here. Radio City is a beautiful venue. And the show was incredible! I’m not even going to try to describe it, because I would fall comically short of doing it justice. But if you ever get the chance to go, do it! It will put you in the holiday spirit for sure.

Behind the Scenes at Radio City Music Hall

We got an extra treat after the show. Part of the reason I wanted to see this show so bad was that I know a couple of the performers. I met Colleen and Josiah at the end of my first contract on the Explorer of the Seas back in 2010. When I came back to the Explorer they were still there and I eventually ran into them on the Liberty of the Seas a few years later….I think. It’s crazy how those 4 years of my life jumble into one hazy, happy memory that is missing many details.

Colleen and Josiah were able to take us backstage after the performance. One minute I was snapping selfies with Megs in the balcony, the next we were passing Rockettes as we walked through the stage door and out on to the stage. We got to see how epically massive Radio City really is and see some of the sets, costumes, and performers up close. And best of all, I got a quick catch up with old friends. Colleen and Josiah, I’ve said it before, but it you ever decide you’re done with ice skating, I’ll write you a great recommendation for Radio City Tour Guide. Thanks for showing us around!

Exploring New York

Plus, we were just around the corner from Rockefeller Center and the tree was lit!

Now it was time for some food and a few more hours of exploration. We wanted some New York food – bagels and pizza. The bagel shop we found had a line down the block and people were waiting in the pouring rain for breakfast. I’m sure it would have been great, but we went across the street to Treehaus. Amazing meal!

Now it was time for an adventure! We headed down to Battery Park where we could barely see Lady Liberty through the rain and fog. Being here brought back so many memories. I’ve been in Battery Park with my Silver Ring Thing friends and with my sister. A few months after the trip with my sister I was living on a ship with a home port right across from the Statue of Liberty. Being here reminded me of just how crazy the last seven years of my life have been and how incredibly blessed I am.

It was almost time to say goodbye, but we walked up Broadway, passed Wall Street, and made our way to the 9/11 Memorial. The first time I visited New York, the towers had less than a year left to stand. The last time I was there, fences were still up as the clean up continued. It was beautiful to see the tribute that has been constructed and the new tower that stands as a symbol of America’s resilience.

I felt like our adventure was just getting started, but it was time to say goodbye. On a New York street corner outside a subway stop in the pouring rain we said, “See you sometime.” Who knows where life will take us next?

Merry Christmas!

This trip didn’t look like I thought it would. There were no snow flakes softly kissing my cheeks. No magical Central Park ice skating. I didn’t randomly meet my soul mate dressed as an elf in a department store. But I did spend time with old friends, have new experiences, and cross something off my bucket list. Nothing is better than loving and living. Especially at Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone!

New York at Christmas