10 Almost Free things to do in New York during the holidays.

10 almost free things to do in New York during the Holidays

Honestly, I think many of us are still reeling from the US presidential election. In my other life as a successful AirBnB host, I was puzzled to have had no guests during November and I suspect it may be because the rest of the world is afraid of what we Americans have done. I am, too, but I remain an optimist.

As President Obama (and Annie) said, the sun will come out tomorrow...and as I say, there are still fantastic things to do for free in NYC!

Ice skating at Bryant Park - from October 29, 2016 to March 5, 2017, there is free ice skating in Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan at 42nd Street.  Bring your own skates and the rink is free from 8am to 10pm daily. You will pay $20 to rent skates and $28 to skip the line ($35 online) but plan an "offpeak" weekday skate and the ice is yours!  Bring a lock for your stuff.  They are lighting their tree on December 2 this year.

Rock Center Tree - at Rockefeller Center the skating is not free but the Christmas Tree lighting is. This year, the gorgeous 94 foot Norway Spruce lights up on November 30th. Watching the event is free and the limited space will only accommodate those who come early. Pick a place at the Channel Gardens together with your family, friends and watch the star studded show. 

Window Shopping - my perennial favorite is the Lord & Taylor holiday windows but there are so many to choose from: Saks, Barney's, Bloomingdale's, Cartier, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, etc.,etc. I challenge you to spend the day window shopping in NYC during the holidays and not finding your smile.  Bring a thermos of hot chocolate with you!

Trains @ Grand Central Station- you know about the big boy (and girl) trains, but during the holidays, NYC Transit Museum Gallery Annex sets up an impressive and free model train exhibit that is not to be missed!  This year, it runs from November 14 to February 2017.

Visit Santa @ MACY's - I have many fond memories of taking my children to see Santa when they were young, and I confess a certain nostalgia for the old-fashioned mechanical elves.  My then 4 year old son looked at me with a knowing look and said, "Those are pretend elves, Mom.  The REAL elves are making my toys!"

The exhibit is updated now, with a fantasy train ride and digital displays to determine who's naughty or nice.  The kids will be entertained to help them tolerate the long lines, but again, try to go offpeak - weekdays during school hours and early in the season.

Union Square Market - If you are looking for a seriously unique gift, for yourself or someone you love, you cannot do better than from one of the hundreds of small vendors and artisans that populate NYC's outdoor markets.  I don't know which I love more, but the one at Union Square is very popular.  There is also one at Bryant Park and at the edge of Central Park by Columbus Circle.  It's free to look and you might find something irresistible!

Chelsea Market - Brooklyn's Artists and Fleas independent designers have set up shop here, conveniently right at the lower edge of the Highline. the city's most popular (and free) tourist destination.

Finally, as we must't forget the reason for the season, explore your spiritual side with a visit to Trinity Church, where Alexander Hamilton is buried, and to St. Patrick's Cathedral.  They will be decorated for Advent until December 25th, and in Christmas glory thereafter. Enjoy the season!

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Keep calm and carry on...Lori Bores