New York City: Christmas Season 2013

December 12 - 16, 2013

Judy has a daughter who lives in Manhattan, so every year she visits the city at Christmas.  I have been to New York only a couple of times, and then only in the summer and the most recent visit was over thirty years go.  Judy had five days off, so it was time for her to show me the city.

On Thursday, we drove to Poughkeepsie, where her other daughter and grandson live.  After spending time with them, on Saturday we took the train to Grand Central Station in Manhattan.  Of course we had to check out the Apple Store there.

Grand Central Station Lobby

The Apple Store in Grand Central

Shopping in the Apple Store

We had reservations at the Marriot, just a few blocks from Grand Central, so we walked there and checked in.  We met up with Judy's daughter and her boyfriend and struck out for the Guggenheim Museum.

One of the featured artists was Christopher Wool.  His art was different, and I didn't quite understand it, but it was interesting.

Later, we took in the lights and hustle and bustle of Times Square and Bryant Park.  It was windy, cold and snowing, but that all added to the Christmas atmosphere.  In fact, weather forecasters were predicting several inches of snow overnight.

Times Square

Times Square.  See the McDonalds sign?  There're everywhere
.

Times Square

Empire State Building

Christmas Tree at Bryant Park.  The park has a skating rink,
as well as dozens of kiosk type shops selling clothing, candles, and jewelry.

The next morning we were surprised to find that most of the snow on the streets had melted.  The temperatures moderated overnight and the snow turned to rain, leaving the sidewalks bare.   We met Judy's daughter Terri for breakfast, and headed to see the Central Park Zoo.  The zoo is located within Central Park, which is this amazing piece of green space located right in the middle of the most populous city in the United States.

After the visiting the zoo, Judy and I had tickets to see the Christmas Spectacular show at Radio City Music Hall, featuring the Rocketts.  No photography is allowed during the show, yet a lady sitting near me took video of most of the show using her cell phone.  Anyway, Radio City is a neat theater, and the show and the Rocketts were spectacular!

After the show, we met up with Gus and Terri, along with Judy's Poughkeepsie daughter, Suzi, and her son and boyfriend.  We then checked out the Christmas activities at Rockefeller Center.

One of the more spectacular sights was the Saks Fifth Avenue laser light show displayed on the wall of the flagship store.  Amazing!!   Here is a link to a You Tube video (not mine) of the show.  I tried to take a video, but the crowds were so packed that I couldn't get close enough to even begin to shoot a decent movie.

After everyone parted ways, Judy and I went back to the hotel.  We decided to stop at the bar for a nightcap.  We ordered an Absolute vodka and cranberry drink each.  The bill was $32.00!!  I'm sure not used to New York City prices.  The next morning we caught the train back to Poughkeepsie, and then drove back to Gouverneur.  It was a wonderful weekend.  I'm ready to go back to New York!!