60-Second Geography

New York City, NY

NYC Holidays with New York City Vacation Packages

• The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the largest Thanksgiving parade in the world. It started in 1924, which makes it the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in America. This highly televised event features a marching array of giant, colorful balloons and floats that represent traditional and pop culture-based figures: Charlie Brown, Santa, Sesame Street, Tom Turkey, Dr. Seuss’ Grinch, Ronald McDonald, and Pikachu. It is a favorite event among travelers with kids and without. The vibrant parade started as a Christmas parade-themed parade, with a Santa sitting upon a throne outside of the Macy’s on 34^th And, speaking of 34^th, the Macy’s parade of 1946 was featured in the classic movie Miracle on 34^th Street—arguably the greatest Christmas movie ever made. Beloved by America for its celebration of the most joyous time of year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade should not be missed by the traveler.

• As Christmas approaches, in late November or early December, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit as a beacon to the coming season. The tradition of the Rockefeller Christmas tree started in December of 1931, when construction workers at the site of the center pooled their money to buy a 20-foot high fir tree that was then covered in handmade garlands. It was a simple gesture to help spread cheer in hard times. Nowadays, a full ceremony surrounds the lighting of the tree. Music, dancing, and intricate light shows make a grand display for the traveler to be amazed by. This year, the public ceremony held at the time of the lighting will be on November 28^th. So, let the traveler know that you can get them to NYC, where they can personally witness this American tradition.

• After Christmas has come and gone, NYC still has another iconic event to offer the traveler: the Times Square Ball drop on New Year’s Eve. Televised around the world and attended by almost a million people in the well-known Times Square area of NYC, this ceremony welcomes the coming year with a lighted ball that drops 141 feet. This “drop” starts at 11:59:00 p.m. on December 31^st and reaches its lowest point at 12:00:00 a.m. on January 1^st. Leading up to the descent of the Times Square ball drop is a lineup of entertainers and music to kick off the festivities, and ring in the new year with cheer and fun.

With the holidays just around the corner, travelers will be looking for a getaway to celebrate a time where families come together in thanks for the year that has passed, and with hope for the year to come. NYCVP sets the traveler up with hotels in convenient locations, galas and events that take place around the major events, admission to major sightseeing locations, and even the chance to check out a Broadway show. Let New York City Vacation Packages send them on a vacation to the Big Apple for big fun.

The 2018 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, November 28. The Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting has been one of New York City’s most celebrated events for over 80 years, and a world-wide symbol of the NYC holiday season. It’s the perfect place to kick off the holidays with a beloved tradition – and the perfect time to complete your holiday shopping. Be a part of the historic gala celebrations surrounding the televised annual Rockefeller Center tree lighting, including musical performances by today’s most popular artists.