Growing up, I had a very interesting take on religion since I had a parent who celebrated Hanukah and another who celebrated Christmas. So yes, I celebrate both, but no in not the typical extravagant way someone would think. We didn’t grow up getting double the presents and such over the holidays, more so double exposure to different traditions. In terms of living so close to city, Christmas was usually the most prominent holiday celebrated in the big apple in some of the most wonderful ways, which is why so many NYC college kids can’t wait to go home for Christmas.

1. Rockefeller Center

Despite the fact that there may be an obscene amount of tourists, and you can’t really take a picture that’s super close to the tree, it’s honestly the best place to be. The whole center itself has the best look and you find yourself getting used to the fast pace of it all.

2. Saks Fifth Avenue

So I didn’t realize that this area even did so wonderfully extravagant stuff like this until my junior year of high school. Saks Fifth Avenue, which is basically connected to Rockefeller Plaza, is honestly such a nice area to walk around and enjoy the city, and with the holiday light show, which is conveniently located right next to Roc that goes on every year, you can’t help but stop and stare (or snap) the whole show until it’s over.

3. Union Square Holiday Market

Even though you may not end up buying anything here, it’s a great place to window shop. It proves to be the prefect Christmas themed flea market in a fairly popular NYC location. It’s also a great place to also buy small gifts for all your friends when you’re on a budget and back at home from school with no money from the holidays yet.

4. Elaborate Christmas Houses

Even though there are tons of decorated houses in the scene, there is this one house in Queens that I randomly discovered with my best friend and fell in love with. All in all, that house was the most festive, popular, and spirited house I’ve ever seen, and I cannot wait to be back there when I get home.

5. Bryant Park Ice Skating

Last year, I actually decided to skate in Bryant Park for the first time, which was kinda a pain in the ass but also enjoyable. Even though a lot of tourists do that over Christmas, there’s clearly a reason for it, that being that it’s something that simply screams NYC.

6. Chelsea Market

Inside the Chelsea Market, it kind of always feels like the holidays. When you walk through the underway of lights, you kind of just feel like it’s about to be Christmas even though it’s the middle of October.