Special Treat!

I have a special surprise for you all today. One of my bucket list items is to visit NY during Christmas. To skate on the ice rink in Rockefeller Center, see the huge Christmas tree, catch a Rockettes show and just absorb the sights and sounds of a NY Christmas. Well today, my good friend, Laura, (I have mentioned her before,  see photo below of us many Christmases ago), is going to talk about my bucket list wish in actuality.

She lived there for two years during her Masters. I asked her to write a post for you all today about her experiences in NY during Christmas. Take it away my good friend!

Hi Everyone!

My name is Laura, I am a longtime friend of Megs and a faithful follower of her blog. I was excited when Meg asked me to contribute to her Christmas in NYC post, because there is so much to share. I recently moved back to California after going to grad school in New York at NYU (and am currently job hunting any fellow social workers out there, hint hint!).

I was in a 2-year Masters program in NYC, so I got to spend 2 Christmas seasons in the city! When I wasn’t studying, I was able to enjoy all that the city has to offer. The first thing I thought of when Meg mentioned Christmas in New York was something very cool I got to do last December. My boyfriend, (aka my Adam…get it..ha!) was given tickets to the tree lighting ceremony in Rockefeller Center! It is basically a party that is thrown each year by Tishman Speyer, who owns Rockefeller Center. I didn’t really know exactly what this would entail, but I knew that I wouldn’t have to stand outside in the cold for hours to see the lighting of the tree, so that was a start. When we got there I was completely shocked because not only were we taken downstairs where there was a nice dinner and drinks, but there was also a door that led to the ice rink! When I saw this I freaked out, because I hadn’t even imagined that we would be able to go out onto the ice in front of the tree, and be able to watch the singers who were performing for the NBC special. This night was definitely special for Adam, a new comedian and I, the social work grad student because clearly those two professions don’t bring in a load of cash for fancy events, hehe. We had dinner, went out and watched some of the performers including Josh Groban & Mariah Carey and then went inside for dessert and to warm up. Then we got to see the lighting of the tree! Here are a few photos from the night:



There are so many other things to do and see in New York around Christmas time. Obviously SHOPPING! And walking up and down 5th avenue to look at the famous window displays is another touristy attraction. Side note and speaking of shopping, New York is a great excuse for these:
 Hunters! The boot socks are a must, and can save you in the cold. My Adam (hehe) gave these to me for Christmas last year, and I’m glad I got some use out of them before moving back.


I also have many memories of walking in Central Park in all of the seasons, but winter in the park is magical. Everywhere you turn there is a photo to be taken, or something new to see. You can also spot kids with their families sledding, which is so cute. Here are 2 of my favorite photos that I took in Central park during the winter:
Wollman Rink-seen in many movies like Serendipity, Home Alone 2, August Rush

The Mall- also in many movies, and beautiful each time of year. When I moved to NYC, my mom told me to take a photo of a certain spot each season. I chose this spot and framed them all and gave it to her last Christmas. It was a hit and I have done them for gifts, so feel free to email me if you are in the market!

New York is a great place to visit. It is definitely different than any other place I have visited and can’t wait to go back. It is also a difficult place to live at times, and I missed my family and friends a ton while I lived there. I learned that you can live in one of the most exciting places in the world, but if you don’t have your loved ones to share it with, it isn’t as perfect as you might think. I was a great adventure though!
I will leave you with a few more photos. Definitely go visit, and if you need any food or travel tips feel free to email me at LStunden@yahoo.com


 An example of why Christmas in New York might not be always as glamorous as it sounds. Imagine shoveling your car out of that before work! Yikes!

Thanks again Laura for your post! All her images are her own so no stealing unless permission is given first. Also have you entered the giveaway for the rosette necklace in either teal or red made by the beautiful Jamie? You have until Friday to enter. Also after a few comments about yesterday's post, I need to clarify, Sean and I do not lead a bible study each week. That particular week our leader asked us to take over for the day. Hopefully sometime in the future, we can lead a bible study together, which would be awesome but for now, we were leading just that week :-)

39 comments:

Unknown said...

I've only been to New York once but it wasn't in the winter. I would be so fun to visit around the holidays!

Ivana said...

What an amazing post! I would love to see New York over the Christmas, this is definitely on my lifetime bucket list :)

xx Ivana

Stop by sometimes :)
Macarons and Pearls

Lacy in the Sky with Diapers said...

yay!! I was able to make it to New York for Christmastime this year... It really was magical, I was lucky to have a weird gust of WARM weather while I was there... We had a great time!! What a fun post!! xo ps hurry and get there...

Simply LKJ said...

We moved from Long Island when I was 10, so I really didn't get the opportunity to experience the city like I would have liked to. I would love to go back during the holidays.

Hannah {Culture Connoisseur} said...

This looks like so much fun! It's been on my list for ages too and I still haven't gotten to it.

I hope to visit NYC for the first time this year for our anniversary in Oct!

Samantha said...

Awesome post! Skating at Rockafeller Center is also on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing!!!

PS - I am DREADING the huge snow storms that are inevitable here in Wisconsin. Digging my car out will have to happen at LEAST 5 times this year.. guaranteed. Ugh!

Sam
http://petitefemmejolie.blogspot.com

Tara {The Silver Lining} said...

This post was perfect timing - such beautiful pictures! I am leaving for NYC next Friday, and I cannot wait!! It will be the first time that both my husband and I will be visiting, and to get to go during Christmas time is seriously a dream come true.

I did a post about it weeks ago asking for any tips or recommendations! Would still love to hear from anyone that could help. :)

http://thesilverliningblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-york-state-of-mind.html

Michelle said...

Great post! Loving the pictures (besides the last one haha)

Courtney@SDB said...

I'm going this weekend, so this was perfect! Thinking about bringing my Hunters- can't decide! :)

CALLIE said...

NYC at Christmas is a major dream of mine!! Thanks so much for sharing. Loved this :)

And Meg, I saw the Rockettes 2 years ago in Nashville on Mary Kathryn's bachelorette party. Awesome!!

Ashley @ Places To Go, Things To Buy said...

I so want to visit NYC at Christmas time! Being at the party for the tree lighting sounds amazing!

Simply Camylla said...

That is deff on my bucket list as well!! Nyc is just so fab! Thanks for sharing I love the pics!


Happy Wednesday<3
Simplycamylla.blogspot.com

Carlie said...

I love that city! So lucky that you two got to go on the ice skating rink, and see the lighting!

Michelle said...

I loooooooove new york at christmas! I really hope you can go!

The Bases said...

I love NYC at Christmas! I spent NYE there one year, so I went right after Christmas so I still got to see the tree and everything. No snow though so it wasn't quite so magical! I want to go back!

Stephanie said...

I'm dying to go to New York for Christmas. Thanks for sharing your lovely photos!

Darby Hawley said...

Wow I bet it is so gorgeous living in NY especially during the Christmas season!

Amanda said...

I hope one day you do make it out here for Christmastime! I would love to meet in real life. And Christmas in NYC is simply magical!

Daniela said...

lol at the buried car..that happens A LOT here in Boston

Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted said...

NYC is on my bucket list as well. I'd love to take in all the shows & shopping and just the hustle and bustle of the city {we live in the Chicago subs and love it so I'm sure I'd looooovvve NYC!} Thanks for sharing!

Hilliary Meisner said...

This made me want to go to NYC so bad right now! Wonderful pictures, and fabulous post!

I also have the red hunter boots with black socks! Love them they are perfect this time of year in Minnesota!

Mandy@OrangeAutumn said...

Wow, NY looks amazing!! Great post!

Ashley said...

this was a wonderful guest post. I would love to be in NYC during this time of year to experience everything she mentioned! How fun!!

Kristin said...

Like you, this was on my bucket list...so last year we loaded up and headed to New York to see the sights. We were there on the day that they lit the tree, and it was everything that I always would be...and more! :) I'd love to go back.

Natalie said...

I've always wanted to go to NYC during the Christmas season...seems magical...thanks for sharing!

Alexa said...

Now I want to go! Let's go Meg!!!!! :)

A Brew of Blessings said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

I would die to go to NY! I've always wanted to visit but never been. This post is so magical.

A Brew of Blessings said...

I LOVE NYC at Christmas! That was on my bucket list as well & I got to check it off last year, it's seriously THE best!

Your newest follower,
Tara
http://abrewofblessings.blogspot.com/

amy b.s. said...

new york at christmas is on my life list too.

Anonymous said...

I've never been to NYC, or NY in general, even though I only live a couple of hours away.

My Aunt just went for the day last week and brought back chocolate from a place in the rockafeller center (la maison du chocolat?)! It was so good.

One day I want to go in the witner. I really want to go ice skating on the rink as well. That's my main reason actually, haha!

Lauren

http://www.laurensweetnothings.blogspot.com/

BeckyJo606 said...

I would LOVE to visit NYC at Christmastime! That's such a great Bucket List item! Even though we just went, it was seriously for such a short time that it just made me want to spend more time there! AND, we didn't get to see any shows!

Mrs. Pancakes said...

Gotta love new year..such a magical place!

Moon said...

NY was such a magical place to visit. And New Year is a magical period no matter where you celebrate. This could only be double as good!

... said...

Still have never been...it's on my list too!! :)

Meggan said...

Love those cute hunter boots! I lived in NYC too and Christmas there is my favorite!!

Punctuation Mark said...

I (heart) NY!!!

Kate @ Daffodils said...

I love NYC at Chrsitmas! I went almost every year growing up!

Emma Frances said...

What a wonderful adventure! And for two wonderful years! :] I'm just a little jealous! Haha. NYC seems like such a magical place during this wonderful season!