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Christmas - Well-lit houses, glittering Christmas trees and beautiful window displays at all the shops is a sight that greets you if you happen to be in New York during Christmas.
Like people in all other cities across the globe, people in New York City too are excited during the holidays as they get some time to spend with their family and friends and spread the message of love and peace. People buy gifts for their loved ones and friends to convey their emotions and feelings.
Like all other cities around the world, New York City too offers a lot of excitement, fun and frolic during the festival which marks the birth of Jesus Christ.
Decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments, Christmas trees at Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rockefeller Square and other eminent places, supplemented by musical extravaganza by orchestra and singers, provide a great treat to eyes, ears and soul.
Christmas celebrations at Rockefeller Square which usually start on November 10 marks the beginning of the celebrations in the city. The Christmas tree is illuminated on November 29 and the illumination ceremony is one of the most famous celebrations in the city and also the US. Performances by various popular artists mark the celebrations here which is telecast live on TV. You can also go in for ice skating at the Rockefeller ice rink along with your family. The celebrations at Rockefeller Square usually end in the first week of January when the Christmas tree is pulled down.
If you are fond of fireworks, then you should head to Dyker Heights. You will get to see amazing Christmas light displays and inflatable Christmas decorations. It is advisable to visit Dyker Heights during weekends in mid-December as the light works during this period are at its peak.
New York Ballet, which comes out with various performances, could be a great option for the entertainment of the whole family. Its opulent sets, deft dance moves and out-of-this-world music makes it great show. Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, featuring performances by Rockettes and many other performers, is also a great crowd-puller with approximately more than two million people watching the show.
There are many celebrations which are smaller in scale but still manage to appeal to the festival enthusiasts. Christmas celebrations at Carl Schurz Park, located on the Upper East Side, on December 3 and South Cove Holiday lighting on December 9 are two such examples. Singing of Christmas carols, chocolates, cookies, Santa Claus giving gifts to children and lighting of the Christmas tree are some of the highlights of these celebrations.
Christmas celebrations at Staten Island Zoo on December 9 too includes singing carols, visits by Santa and his reindeers and lighting of the Christmas tree. Swedish Christmas Workshop for children organized by Scandinavia House gives them a peek into the traditional Christmas celebrations in Sweden. The workshop includes storytelling and ornament making during which children learn to make Christmas ornaments.
The West Village Chorale organizes Messiah Sing and Caroling Walk as part of the Christmas celebrations. Or else take a walk through most of the shopping centers in the city and you'll find them decked up like a bride with elaborate window displays. All the big shops have window displays on different themes. Besides, restaurants and pubs organize special theme parties during Christmas holidays, targeting the youth and families alike.
There are lots of activities to choose from. No matter what activity you choose, you should never spoil the spirit behind the festival that of love, peace, tolerance, amity and brotherhood
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