Spend Christmas in the Big Apple via Sprinter Van Rental in NYC

FILED UNDER: General Bus Rentals NYC Tips and Tricks

 

 

 

Are you planning on spending your Christmas vacation in New York City? Well, that is a wonderful idea because there is nothing like the Holiday fanfare in the Big Apple! You can get a sprinter van rental in NYC for a day and just take in all the sights and sounds of the season!

 

And we assure you, there is no better way to drive around the city than with a sprinter van rental in NYC. Why? For one, you no longer need to drive in separate vehicles since a sprinter van can accommodate up to 10 people. You also do not need to deal with the crowd of commuters, which can get quite exhausting during the Holiday season. And with a professional driver to take care of all the driving for you, you can hop from one place to another without having to go around looking for a parking space – a process that can be very frustrating and time-consuming, too.

 

Now, what awaits you in the Big Apple this December? A lot!

 

See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

 

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is something you should not miss. Seriously. This Christmas extravaganza, which will be on its 86th year, is an annual New York tradition and should be part of your holiday season experience. The shows started on Nov. 8 and will be running until Dec. 30.

 

This yearly parade of glitz features the leg-kicking Rockettes in their eye-catching costumes, Santa, the Nutcracker, and many others.

 

Take the entire family to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at the Radio City Music Hall on 1260 Sixth Ave., in Midtown West, New York.

 

For more details, visit Radio City's Web site at http://www.radiocity.com/.

 

So what is Christmas Season in New York City like? There are the lights, the glitz and all the holiday fanfare. But, of course, you will need to see it for yourself. Here are some suggestions on how you can do just that.

 

Go Check Out the Christmas Trees!

 

Because the Big Apple has lots of big business establishments and world-class buildings and landmarks, expect to see spectacular and grand Christmas trees. A family picture with these wonderful trees would actually make a great souvenir of your memorable trip to New York! Get a sprinter van rental in NYC and check out some of the popular Christmas trees around the city.

 

Some of the places that put up and display magnificent giant trees every year include Brooklyn Borough Hall, Citi Pond in Bryant Park, Madison Square Park, and the Metropolitan Museum. Last year, the American Museum of Natural History set up an amazing origami tree – a tree adorned with paper folded to form various animals – so see what the tree design or concept will be this year. You can also check out the festive adornments on the trees that line Park Avenue.

 

Go Window Shopping

 

If you want to go window shopping in the Big Apple, there is no more enjoyable time to do that than during the Holidays. Why? Because this is the time of the year when stores and establishments put up festive window displays. Stores like Macy's, Henri Bendel, Barneys, Bloomingdale's, Saks, and others along Fifth Avenue go all out in their merry Christmas displays and decorations. Even the kids will have a blast window gazing! Most of the displays are fun, whimsical, colorful and very creative.

 

Go on a Gift Buying Spree

 

We know that gift shopping should be done as early as possible to avoid the Christmas rush. But the holiday shopping experience in NYC is just exhilarating despite the crowd. Aside from the usual department stores and high-end shops and boutiques, there are holiday markets and craft fairs in New York City where you can get gift items at much cheaper prices. These are definitely the place to hit if you are getting tired of mass-produced goods.

 

There is the Artists & Fleas at Chelsea Market where you can find trendy and non-commercial gift items, then there's the Artists & Fleas Brooklyn Holiday Market, which features more than 50 vendors selling a wide variety of goods. There is also the Astoria Market Holiday Markets, which is open for three Sundays before Christmas (Nov 10; Dec. 8 & 15) at Queens' classic Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden and where you can get handmade and vintage merchandise.

 

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market at Columbus Circle Central Park South is also an annual holiday bazaar you may want to check out, with a plethora of handmade items from local artisans. The Grand Central Holiday Fair, on the other hand, features 76 microboutiques where you get anything, from Christmas ornaments and art objects to contemporary jewelry to African crafts.

 

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park and the Union Square Holiday Market are worth a visit, too.

 

If you wish to go hopping from one holiday market to another, make sure you have a sprinter van rental in NYC to take care of your transportation needs. This way, you do not need to deal with the delays of walking or commuting and you get to maximize your time for shopping.

 

Go Ice Skating!

 

Going ice skating when the temperature drops may be normal, ordinary fare for you, but when you do it in New York during the Christmas season, it really is different. There is just something very special and romantic when you go ice skating in the shadow of a giant Christmas tree full of sparkling lights or when you are capping off a fruitful shopping trip from one of the Holiday Markets or Craft Fairs.

 

Here are a few venues where you could strap on your blade and glide and dance on ice:

 

The Rink at Rockefeller Center 30
Rockefeller Plaza, between 49th and 50th

 

The Rink at Rockefeller is New York City's most iconic rink. This is the reason why people flock here to skate. The bad news is that only 150 people are allowed on the ice at once, so get ready for the long waiting line. You can make a reservation, though, to be able to skate here first in the morning.

 

Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Sixth Ave.

 

 

You can skate at Bryant Park's 17,000-square-foot outdoor skating rink for free. The venue is just magical and nostalgic, with the winter wonderland scene, especially at nights! The Holiday Shops are spectacular with all the shimmering lights.

 

Other outdoor skating rinks in the Big Apple are Chelsea Piers Skating Rink, Prospect Park Skating Rink, Abe Stark Rink, Riverbank State Park Ice Skating Rink. There are also indoor rinks, including ones at the Aviator Sports and Events Center, City Ice Pavilion, Staten Island Skating Pavilion, and World Ice Arena.

 

See the Santa Con

 

The Santa Con, according to the event's Web site, is an annual charitable, non-political, non-commercial, nonsensical Santa Claus convention that happens for absolutely no reason. If that made you laugh, then just imagine if you get to witness it for yourself. You will see people dressed up as Santas and other Christmas characters, including elves and reindeers. The past SantaCons have raised thousands of dollars every year to benefit children and food banks.

 

Check this site for more information: http://nycsantacon.com/what-is-santacon/.

 

Get a Cup of Hot Chocolate

 

There is nothing more wonderful than a cup of hot choco on a very cold morning. You can try out Van Leeuwen, DessertTruck Works, Beaner Bar, Shake Shack and MarieBelle Sweets.

 

Have a Cozy Evening at a Fireplace Bar

 

New York has a number of bars and clubs with warm, homey hearths where you could spend date night with your spouse and share a cocktail or two. You can try Alewife Queens (www.alewifequeens.com), Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club (www.beekmanbeergarden.com), Central Park Lounge at Bowlmor Lanes Midtown (www.bowlmor.com/timessquare), Lantern's Keep (www.thelanternskeep.com), Lobby Bar at the Bowery Hotel (theboweryhotel.com), Lani Kai (www.lanikainy.com), JBird (www.jbirdny.com) and Jimmy at the James Hotel (www.jimmysoho.com).

 

Go to the Theater

 

While you are in the Big Apple, make your vacation complete by catching a Broadway or off-Broadway show at any of the theaters dotting the city. Check out these theaters to see what's showing on the night you are in town and to book tickets:

 

 

Make sure to book a sprinter van rental in NYC ahead of time to take care of all your transportation needs.

 

A sprinter van rental in NYC is the perfect way for small groups to drive around the city. One van can accommodate up to 10 people, so no need to drive separate vehicles.

 

 

Call us at 866-952-8737 or email us: info@usbusrentals.com