This past weekend, my boyfriend and I went to New York City to see its Christmas landmarks and get in the holiday spirit. Rather than go see a show, we planned instead to fight the crowds to check out the big tree at Rockefeller Center Plaza, walk along Fifth Avenue and see the Christmas window displays adorning the stores, visit FAO Schwarz and see Macy’s elaborate Santa Land.

Our first stop, after picking up a cupcake at Magnolia Bakery, was Rockefeller Center. Though it was a cloudy day when we arrived, we decided to take an elevator up 70 floors and view the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Once we were in the elevator, the lights went out and we noticed the ceiling was transparent, allowing us to view our quick ascent up the chute. Guests can ascend to the 67th, 69th and 70th level observation decks. We ventured up to the 70th floor, and despite the fog, the views were great and we enjoyed taking in the city from above.

We watched ice skaters, including a few in Santa outfits, crowd together on the tiny ice rink at Rockefeller Center for a bit before heading up to FAO Schwarz. The employees were dressed in Christmas gear, some dressed as Toy Soldiers, and the store was filled with beautiful Christmas decorations. After test-driving a few toys, taking pictures of the elaborate LEGO sculptures and picking up candy from its huge candy department, we went Uptown, walking along Fifth Avenue and up through Central Park to pick up lunch from the Shake Shack. We then went back to Midtown to see the tree at Rockefeller Center lit up and for more Christmas entertainment.

The tree this year is an 80-foot Norway spruce from Mount Olive, N.J., that survived the high winds of Hurricane Sandy. It was beautiful at night, sparkling with 30,000 lights. It was lit during the 80th annual tree lighting ceremony last Wednesday and remains on view until Jan. 7. We then watched Saks Fifth Avenue’s new holiday 3D light show from the sidewalk outside Saks with hundreds of other tourists. Called Snowflake Spectacular, the short show is projected onto the building and features a story involving snowflakes, dangers, gifts and a Yeti.

After visiting Macy’s Santa Land, we headed back home, exhausted after walking more than 100 blocks. We had a great time exploring the winter wonderland New York transforms into during the holiday season and hope to get back and go ice skating on Citi Pond at Bryant Park soon.

— Monique Barrett, advertising and editorial coordinator