Holiday Weekend in New York City

Enjoy a yummy breakfast/brunch as you start your day in the “greatest city in the world!” Head over to the iconic Empire State Building and take your time as you discover the history of the city and the building. Breathtaking (and very windy) views are at the top, along with a gift shop. Restaurants and coffee shops are available. On a personal note: My husband asked me to marry him at the top of the Empire State Building, so it holds a special place in my heart and history.

Have lunch in one of the restaurants in the Empire State Building, then head to Radio City Music Hall for an afternoon showing of the Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular. On the weekends, there are usually four or five showings to choose from, and tickets cost $60–$200.

After the show, head to Rockefeller Center to view the beautiful Christmas tree, skating rink, and all of the beautiful decorations in this area. Photo time! There’s an NBC gift shop inside 30 Rock, and there’s a few quick bite places, too.

Start the day at Macy’s and take your time viewing the whimsical holiday windows!

Next, walk up to Bryant Park for the holiday market to ice skate, shop at many different vendor booths, and nosh on some unique foods and drinks.

The New York Public Library is right next door and is a great place to warm up while enjoying the gorgeous lobby. Ask an attendant if you can see the original Pooh Bear and friends display, and check out the exhibit(s) available.

For tonight, get tickets for a Broadway show! There are so many award-winning musicals and plays available on and off Broadway. If you’re new to the “Great White Way,” then you should go for a big show like Hamilton, Wicked, or The Outsiders. You’ve been there, done that? Check out the unique off-Broadway or limited run shows.

It’s a great day for amazing and beautiful pieces of art! The Metropolitan Museum of Art is enormous and couldn’t be discovered entirely in a week. That’s why a tour is the best way to visit this wonderful building and its most popular pieces. There is a coat check available at the front door to the left, but expect a line during the cold months.

After the Met, grab a cab and head to Grand Central Station. This very busy and very cool architectural space has a tour that goes through the history of the city, how it almost got torn down, and all the many uses of its spaces today. Please take time to peek into The Campbell, a small and opulent bar that was restored to honor its namesake, John Campbell, who used this space as an office and reception hall in the 1920s.