I’m almost embarrassed to admit this, and in writing too, but I am ‘0 for 3’ when it comes to these three major New York City based holiday traditions.
In my 40+ years on this earth, 90% of it has been spent 100 miles or less from New York City, and yet, i’ve never crossed these particular things off of the typical NY bucket-list, and chances are, I never will.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
I’ve never missed watching a Thanksgiving Day Parade (from the comfort of my couch, with a coffee in hand, sometimes putting up my Christmas tree), but i’ve never quite had the desire to travel to NYC at the crack of dawn to watch the floats in person.
This year marks the 99th year of the parade, with new float additions to include Mario and Buzz Lightyear. You can check out more sneak peak’s from the parade here:
If you’ve been, how early did you get to the city to claim the perfect viewing spot, or, have you gone down the day before to see the balloons get inflated? Better yet, has anyone ever been a balloon handler? Tell us everything.
Rockefeller Tree Lighting
Full transparency, i’m a sucker for the big tree, there’s just something about coming around that corner near Radio City Music Hall and seeing the lights, watching the skaters, and all the family photo ops from every angle, but, i’ve never been brave enough to go down for the tree lighting. I did skate on the rink one holiday season many years ago, which was a blast.
Like with the parade, i’m typically watching the tree lighting from home, but the amount of people who show up to get that first look of the tree being lit for the season, or catch their favorite performer…it’s overwhelming to think about.
Tell us about your tree lighting experience if you’ve been, and why I should go at least once to get the experience.
READ MORE: Emo Christmas Pop Up In NYCNYE in NYC
This one has been controversial (for me) over the years, as i’ve been invited to go with friends to ‘experience New Year’s Eve in NYC’ and flat out refused. I cannot imagine being packed like sardines for hours and hours, the bathroom situation gives me anxiety, and trying to navigate your way out of the crowd after the ball drop I imagine to be some sort of Hunger Games-like experience.
I will, however, entertain the idea of watching from one of those fancy rooftop or penthouse situations if anyone happens to have those sort of connections…please let me know.
So, there it is, this NY’er has struck out with three strikes, what about you?
7 Magical Drive & Walk-Thru Holiday Light Displays Across the Hudson Valley
Who doesn’t love driving around looking at Christmas lights? Check out these 7 displays across the Hudson Valley where guest can drive or walk-thru to get in the holiday spirit.
70 Stunning Country Living Photos To Prove There’s More to New York than NYC
There’s so much more to New York than just the Big Apple. From mountains and rivers to waterfalls and miles of wide-open spaces. Here are 70 picture-perfect country living moments to prove it.
Gallery Credit: Credit – Polly McAdams
Â