By Susan Breslow Sardone
Honeymoons & Romantic Travel Expert, about.com
At some point in every couple's relationship, they owe it to themselves to celebrate New Years in New York.
From Christmas to New Years Day, New York City transforms itself into a haven for tourists and lovers alike. And whether it's balmy outside or snowflakes are falling, New York is simply one of the most romantic places imaginable to spend New Years.
Watch the Ball Drop in New York on New Years Eve
The point of a New Years trip to New York is, of course, the excitement of standing in Times Square and being part of the crowd that rings in the New Year as the ball drops from the flagpole atop One Times Square.
[post_ads_2]
Once you're back home you can then sound like a know-it-all New Yorker and explain to the uninitiated that it's actually a geodesic sphere, not a ball.
And it's covered in Waterford crystal triangles, light bulbs, and mirrors.
Dressing for New Years in New York
[post_ads]Depending on the weather, December 31 in New York can range from mildly cold to bone-chilling. Be sure to pack enough layers and plan to dress appropriately if you're going to spend part of New Years outdoors in Times Square. That includes a coat or jacket with room to hold a water bottle and snacks (once you get into the viewing area, it's not easy to get out and back in) and your most comfortable flat shoes.
Since this is New York, though, and you may want to sample some of the city's finer romantic restaurants during your New Years getaway, bring something sexy and sophisticated to wear, too.
What to See in New York During a First-Time New Year's Visit
If this is your first time in New York during the Christmas-to-New Years span, there are certain don't-miss attractions:
Outdoors
- Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center
- Fifth Avenue store windows
- Skaters at Rockefeller Center or Wollman Rink
- Top of the Empire State Building
- World's largest Hanukah menorah at entrance to Central Park
Indoors
- Santa at Macy's
- Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- United Nations tour
- The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
Yes, it may be cold. And yes, every one of these attractions is likely to be crowded. But if you allow the spirit of the place and time of year envelop you, you'll love every memorable moment of your New Years trip to New York.