New York City Travel Answers

That time of year has some great must do items. The tree in Rockafeller Center where you can also take in some ice skating. And of course Time Square for New Years Eve. But in between, if the weather is poor (or at least too cold) it is a great opportunity to check out the wonderful museums. The MET, Museum of Natural History, Hayden Planetarium, MoMA, some could take two days to fully appriciate. If the weather is nice exploring some of the communities is also fun, SoHo, NoHo, Greenwich Village, China Town, Little Italy, Chealsea. All have wonderful restaurants and shops. A quick search on these places will yield tons of info. Good luck! Hope your parents enjoy the trip!

As I understand your question, you want to know what activities you can buy ahead of time for them as gifts. Besides the obvious Broadway play tickets, Radio City has its annual Christmas review which is a lavish production. Off the top of my head I can't think of anything else but you could check out the timeout website for NYC.

If you get them a City Pass for several days of it, it will decrease the cost of many of the places they want to see. It also shortens the lines they have to stand in. The days you pay for will have to be used consecutively. I found that with the 2 day pass, it paid for it's self after 3 different attractions. But the list of what can be seen with the pass was very long.

Especially if they haven't visited before it would make sense to buy them tickets for the hop-on buses...there are several routes, and buses will be enclosed in winter. There are cruise options as well: citysightsny.com/category.ph... http://www.graylinenewyork.com/

I'll second City Passes and Hoho bus tickets. GREAT ideas!! What about tickets to the Radio City Holiday show? radiocitychristmas.com/newyo... Not being sure about your parent's interests, maybe knowing a little more about them might help us with suggestions?

Tel them to also check out Grand Central Terminal....

i agree on the Grand Central Terminal ,superb, the city pass for 11 nights I guess will be cost effective. gifts would be a boat tour of the statue of liberty....even in winter they do. Give them gloves, scarfs, thermo underwear, and coats as winter there can be heavy in temps and snow. And we dont know how its going to be in Christmas to New Year. When I lived nearby over the river in NJ, we had snow blocking our front door of our house and our car totally cover in snow. But it was fun when now looking back

The BEST thing to do in NYC at that time is to walk around and enjoy. Walk by Rock Ctr, West Village, etc. The city is electric at that time. Peopleare sopping and having a great time. I work in the city and really like being in around during that time....

Traditions of going to the Rock center, window shopping, drinks in the Plaza and of course the Christmas Spectacular is a must see. cheers tommy x

Thanks for all of your suggestions. My parents are over 50, and will have never experienced the cold like what is in NYC at Christmas. That will be a shock in itself. The tickets for the Radio City Hall Christmas show, would be good, but they have no idea about it at all. Im not sure my father would be bothered sitting though it. Are there any sporting events on during this period? Im unsure what sports are played at that time of year unfortunately. can you get vouchers through TKTS at all? I know they will definitely want to see some broadway shows, but dont want to dictate when they go and see them. The 7 day pass would be a good idea, and its something my sister and I have already thought of. Keep the ideas coming.

The cold of NYC is different from that of Oz. Tell them to dress in layers. If they are too warm they can always take it off, but if they don't have it they will wish they did. Even double mittens are good at times. If they are having a hard time breathing in a breeze, turn your face down wind and it is easier to breathe. We had some friends come for Christmas one particularly cold Christmas and they had a hard time catching their breath. I loved Phantom of the Opera. Now I would like to go see Newsies! It is US history of about the early 20th century and the start of unions. I have the movie and love the music.

Hello Suzanne, NYC is a great place to visit during the holiday season. As a New Yorker I found it very expensive visiting attraction so I decided to work on a site, on what I think the must see attractions are for free. Here are a few suggestions 1. 911 Memorial Visitors have to reserve their pass on www.911memorial.org Entrance is on the NW corner of Albany and Greenwich Street. Please arrive no more than 30 min prior to your reservation. 2. Times Square Museum Learn about the history of Times Square and see the famous New Year's Eve Centennial Ball. Located: W 47th street Hours : Monday-Friday 9am-8pm and Saturday and Sunday 8am-8pm. 3. Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge is one of many New York City Landmark attractions that you can see for free. For the best view of the city and the bridge, walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Directions: Take 2, 3 or 1 train to Clark Street. Begin your walk from the corner of tillary street and boerum place and over the bridge to City Hall. Aprox time: 45 min 4. Charging Bull Located at Blowing Green Park and Wall Street. sites.google.com/site/seenyc...

Hello: Please suggest your parents bring scarves, hats, gloves, shoes with a substantial sole on them. Walking down skyscaper lined streets is like walking through a wind tunnel. It can be very cold. Down coats that cover bottoms are a good idea! My husband and I love to take our little ones to the Radio City Christmas show because we all take a nap there. I've tried to stay awake and my 80 year old mother loves it but I just can't manage it. Do your parents like the opera? The opera can also be sleep inducing for some but I can't get enough of it lately. There are some fabulous offerings in December! Here's the link for December 2012: metoperafamily.org/metopera/... Knowing what they like to do would help us help you! How lucky they are to have you to help them plan this trip.

>My husband and I love to take our little ones to the Radio City Christmas show because we all take a nap there. That's hilarious!!! :O)

I know it's sad, goodfish, but it's true. It's warm, the seats are comfy, the kids are occupied and watched over by my mother and the music is good. We start off with every good intention and then it always ends up the same. We're hopeless in this regard.

I completely understand. But I do hope you don't snore? :)

Well....someone always lets us know if we do. ;)

Tired parents of busy small people: you rest whenever you can, eh?

At times we are tired Grandparents of little people and caretakers of older people! My cup runneth over, goodfish.

Ah....grandparents. Those wee people can wear you out in a hurry - but I'm sure they love the time with (pooped) Gram and Gramps. Happy napping!

I'm a young Grammy and my husband is Papa. We get around that's for sure! I think we'll be in Georgia between Christmas and New Year so will miss out on a Radio City snooze this holiday season!