It’s that time of year again — the winter holidays! And it’s one of the best times of the year to get out of the house to visit the attractions NYC has to offer (and you won’t even mind the cold!). Whether you have family coming into the city for the first time or it’s your family tradition to check out the festivities every December, here are some of the best of 2017. Enjoy!

Gingerbread Boulevard

Madison Square Park

This life-size gingerbread house in the middle of Madison Square Park is not just for show — you can actually step inside to see a magical story unfold! Decorate a Christmas tree and participate in interactive winter elements like the marshmallow snowman. Tip: if you go when it’s recently snowed, you’ll really feel like the roof is made of white vanilla frosting. And while you’re hungry, stop by Shake Shack in the park for one of the best burgers in town!

More info: https://www.tasteofhome.com/gbblvd

The Holiday Windows at Macy’s

Herald Square

Macy’s always has spectacular animated windows around the holidays, but this year, the department store has outdone itself! Their 2017 window theme is “The Perfect Gift Brings People Together”. One window features a miniature Macy’s store that opens to display a Christmas tree inside a home. Another (pictured above) has Santa and his reindeer flying around town. Head to the store to check out all 6 interactive windows. Fun fact: During peak hours, over 10,000 people pass by the windows per hour. A must see for those looking to get in the Christmas spirit!

More info: https://www.visitmacysusa.com/blog/herald-square-holiday-windows

The Vintage Holiday Trains

Departs on Sundays from the 2nd Av subway station on the F line at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm and from the 96th Street subway station on the Q line at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm

Every year, the New York Transit Museum places their vintage R1-9 train cars from decades past in regular service for all to enjoy with only the swipe of a MetroCard! The special 8-car subway train has the original ceilings fans, rattan seats, and bulb lighting, along with original advertisements above the windows. And the trains actually run around the city and stop at some of the most popular F and Q line locations. Fun fact: the ride is smoother than today!

More info: http://www.nytransitmuseum.org/holidaynostalgiarides/

The Rink at Brookfield Place

230 Vesey St

You should absolutely stop by this ice rink hidden in Battery Park City. It’s a decent size and rarely gets crowded (unlike its more popular sister in Rockefeller Center). For $15 you can skate for 90 minutes and often have the whole rink to yourself while you gaze at the beautiful views of the Hudson River. The rink also provides classes and private lessons with Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov!

More info: https://www.therinkatbrookfieldplace.net

Union Square Holiday Market

Union Square

Located in the heart of NYC, the Union Square Holiday Market is visited by millions of people every winter. The perfect place to find reasonably priced unique gifts, this market features dozens of vendors who often handmake their products. From apparel to art to jewelry, there is a gift for everyone in the family in this shopping heaven! Live music, a warming station, and a kids art studio will keep you browsing all day.

More info: https://www.urbanspacenyc.com/union-square-holiday-market/

The Tree at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center

What would a New York Christmas be like without the Tree? This world-wide symbol of Christmas is a must-see, no matter how many times you’ve visited in previous years. It never fails to impress. While you’re in the area, check out the holiday windows along 5th Avenue, stop by to see the Rockettes, or spend the day on the ice!

More info: https://www.rockefellercenter.com