Christmas In New York: Top 13 Things To Do In NYC During The 2014 Holiday Season

It’s Christmastime in the city! And what better way to celebrate the festive season than by checking out all the ways the Big Apple is marking the holiday.

Here are 13 ways for tourists and New Yorkers alike to celebrate Christmas in the city that never sleeps:

1. Rockefeller Center Tree Sighting -- One of the most iconic Christmas-themed destinations in New York is Rockefeller Center, which is home to an 80-foot-tall tree that’s decorated with more than 30,000 multicolored lights. The tree will remain lit until 8 p.m. EST on Jan. 7, 2015.

(Location: In the plaza center, at 50th Street and Fifth Avenue)

2. Ice Skating in Bryant Park -- Grab a friend, a pair of rental skates and hit Bryant Park’s 170-by-100 foot rink. While admission is free, patrons must pay for skate rentals, locks and bag check.

(Location: Between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues)

3. Bryant Park Holiday Shops -- Take a break from showing off on the ice to stroll through Bryant Park’s Winter Village. It features more than 125 boutique-style shops located throughout the tree-lined park.

(Location: Between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues)

4. Fifth Avenue Window Shopping -- You’ll feel like you’re walking in a winter wonderland when you pass the festively decorated stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Lord & Taylor, Saks and Tiffany.

(Location: Fifth Avenue between 39th and 60th Streets)

5. Radio City Music Hall -- Nothing says Christmastime like 36 Rockettes performing high kicks! While in New York, it’s a must to attend the annual musical holiday stage show, a fixture since 1933.

(Location: Sixth Avenue and 50th Street)

6. Sixth Avenue Decorations -- Give your eyes an early Christmas treat by checking out the holiday decorations on the Avenue of the Americas. From festive, oversize tree ornaments to jumbo, colored lights, you’ll be aesthetically pleased every which way you turn!

(Location: Sixth Avenue between 34th and 59th Streets)

7. Empire State Building -- While taking a tour of New York, don’t forget to look up! The skyscraper will be decorated in festive Christmas colors, sporting green and red lights at the very top.

(Located: Fifth Avenue at 34th Street)

8. Chelsea Market -- The 6,000-square-foot indoor market has something for everyone. From a smorgasbord of delicious food options (our personal favorite is Cull & Pistol) to a variety of stores, Chelsea Market just might become your favorite New York destination -- especially during the holidays. Make sure to glance around at the brilliantly decorated space.

* Don’t forget to check out the holiday popup shops! You can check them out HERE.

(Location: 75 Ninth Ave., at 15th Street)

9. Lincoln Center -- If you’re looking to be dazzled this holiday season, then George Balanchine’s ballet of Tchaikovsky's “The Nutcracker” is your best bet. You'll leave the show with the Sugar Plum Fairy dancing in your head -- and maybe a nutcracker ornament from the gift shop.

(Location: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza)

10. FAO Schwarz -- What’s Christmas without toys? At the legendary FAO Schwarz you can let your inner child play among the life-size stuffed animals, dolls and high-end toys. And did we mention the wall-to-wall candy store?

(Location: Fifth Avenue and 59th Street)

11. Serendipity 3 -- If your sweet tooth still isn’t satisfied after FAO Schwarz, then stop at Serendipity 3, an old-school dessert destination best known for its Frozen Hot Chocolate. (We're drooling just thinking about it!)

(Location: 225 E. 60th St.)

12. Russian Tea Room -- After spending a cold day exploring the city, warm up by dining at the iconic midtown restaurant. From famous writers to Madonna and even the cast of "Gossip Girl," the Russian Tea Room is a venue that everyone should visit!

(Location: 150 W. 57th St.)

13. Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show -- This 23-year-old tradition is a must-see! Watch model trains zip through the miniature, enchanting city past popular landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Center. The holiday event is so popular that visitors are encouraged to make advance reservations.

(Location: 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx)

What New York locations will you be visiting this holiday season? Let us know in the comments section below!