One of the most exciting trips for someone new to the USA is seeing New York City. Though the city offers a myriad of culture and activities throughout the year, Christmas time is when the city really shines. 

A feature in Christmas movies like Home Alone II, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, and Scrooged, International, New York City is a hallmark of American Christmas. While you're there, the following activities can keep your trip nice and busy while not draining your wallet: 

Rockefeller Center: Look, don't skate. 

Rockefeller Center is possibly the most iconic representation of New York Christmas there is. The large tree offset by the waterfall and ice-skaters below is featured in many movies about exploring New York. While it is an absolute must-see, the ice-skating isn't necessarily something you must participate in. Expensive with a long wait, watching the skaters and then heading over to Legoland nearby might be a better plan of attack for this landmark. 

Wollman Rink in Central Park: Okay, now skate!

If you want to go ice skating while you're there and enjoy the New York skyline, you can kill two birds with one stone by going to Wollman Rink in Central Park. Much cheaper and with more space, the rink is a fun activity for all ages.

Christmas Windows

While New York shopping draws in many crowds for Christmas, something else in stores does too. The Christmas windows of many famous department stores throughout New York contain Christmas stories and characters come to life.  Extravagant and mesmerizing, anyone can enjoy these windows for free by walking the following route:

Barney's- Madison Avenue at 61st Street

Bloomingdales- Third Avenue at 59th Street

Bergdorf Goodman- Fifth Avenue at 58th Street

Sax Fifth Avenue- Fifth Avenue at 49th Street

Lord & Taylor- Fifth Avenue and 39th Street

Macy's- Broadway between 34th and 35th Streets

Lights Tour 

Free Tours by Foot offers a lights tour through Lincoln Center to the Rockefeller Christmas tree. This dazzling tour is a great way to see how different ends of the city prepare for the American holiday season.

No matter what you end up doing in New York, the buzz of the city itself during Christmas time is exciting. Over 100 million people travel over the four days surrounding Christmas in the United States, including 6 million people through New York's LaGuardia Airport. No matter where your travels take you this season, remember to enjoy the journey and stay safe! 

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6