A New Yorker's NYC Holiday Guide

Visit Hudson Yards - Hudson Yards is still fairly new, but there are a bunch of things to do there. You can go to the Sky Deck, take pictures on the Vessel, do some shopping, and explore the mall or have a bite to eat at one of their restaurants.

Visit the Observation Deck at the Empire State Building - If you don't mind a line, why not explore the observation deck of this famous landmark? Enjoy their holiday window displays while you wait!

Miracle NYC - An interactive Winter Wonderland featuring all of your favorite holiday characters. You can even bake cookies with Mrs. Clause!

Take in the Holiday Window Displays Around the City - One of the free things you can do in the City is admiring the holiday window displays. Macy's, Bloomingdale and Saks Fifth Avenue have some of the most famous and beautifully elaborate displays.

Catch the Radio City Rockettes - Enjoy the legendary Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall and mark this off your bucket list!

The Tree at Rockefeller Center - Though you may not make it for the tree lighting ceremony, the tree at Rockefeller Center is the largest in the City and it really sparkles!

Ice Skating at Wollman Rink - If you want to go ice skating because you just got from seeing the Rockefeller Christmas tree and you saw people skating by the tree, now you want to skate by the tree too, don't go there. As appealing as it is, I'm sure it is ridiculously priced. Instead, head a few blocks east to Wollman Rink in Central Park. Reasonably priced, and so much fun!

Walk the Museum Mile - The Museum Mile is a stretch of museums along 5th Avenue from 82nd street to 104th street (El Barrio). Visit the Guggenheim, the MET (one of my favorites), and the Museum of the City of New York among others. Side Note: As someone born and raised in Spanish Harlem, I suggest a visit to El Museo Del Barrio, which closes out the Museum Mile. If you want to learn the history and culture of Spanish Harlem, that museum is as good a place to start as any!

Light Show at the Bronx Zoo - Every year, the Bronx Zoo lights up for the holidays. You won't want to miss this!

Train and Light Show at the Botanical Garden - Experience New York's largest outdoor light show at NYBG GLOW!

Max Brenner - If you love chocolate, you will absolutely adore Max Brenner. It's almost like stepping into Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory!

Serendipity 3 - Have some frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity.

Holiday Markets - Hit the markets around the city, have some yummy snacks holiday treats and maybe do a little shopping. Well-known markets are located in Union Square, Bryant Park and Columbus Circle.

Famiglia Pizzeria - Because you can't come to New York and NOT have a slice of pizza! My favorite is Famiglia's on 96th and Madison! I usually get a Sicilian but all of their slices are solid - AND they have famous people on the wall so you know it's good!