Going to NYC for the Holidays is Overrated

New York City is known for having one of the best holiday decorations in the world. Tourists all over the world come during Christmas time to see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, the intricate designs on shops’ windows, Macy’s annual Christmas windows, and to check out the holiday markets such as the Bryan Park Winter Village, However in recent years, it has become increasingly debated if going to NYC during the holidays is worth it or not.

To elaborate, many of the holiday displays are in Manhattan, a borough known for being expensive and crowded. Especially with tourists coming in to see the decorations, Manhattan has become so crowded during the holidays that people have started climbing in order to get a picture with the attractions. Furthermore, with all the people and the distance between attractions, walking in the cold weather to see the decorations has become a norm. Thus, going to see the holiday decorations doesn’t seem to be worth the stress and discomfort the crowds and weather bring. As someone who went last year to see the holiday displays for the second time, I honestly don’t think that the lights are that memorable. Instead, I remember that the Rockefeller tree seemed less impressive than the images online, there were so many people that I had to hold my friend’s hand so I wouldn’t get lost due to all the crowd pushing, and that the lines to the bathrooms were very long due to all the people.  Additionally, one of the biggest attractions, the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, has been canceled this year. Hence, going to NYC for the holiday displays isn’t worth it, especially this year. due to the crowds, cold weather, and prices.

Nevertheless, tourists come to NYC for the holidays despite these drawbacks for a reason. They want to experience the NYC holiday experience and you should too. Enjoy the Christmas spirit that NYC’s holiday decorations evoke and make your own judgement if going to see the holiday decorations in NYC is worth the hassle.