There’s nothing more iconic than Christmas time in NYC. The everyday hustle and bustle is just so much greater during this time of year. Seems like extra tourists from all over the world and shoppers all converge in on a central location. Masses of people just roaming the city streets.
I just had the opportunity last night to attend the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall featuring the world famous Radio City Rockettes.
And let me tell you! Even though that Christmas has come and gone, the crowds have not! The plan was to head into the city for dinner before the show since we had the last viewing and decided to make this more of a trip to do a quick sightseeing in between. Reservations were booked and we headed out the door all on time according to our GPS. Boy were we going to be in shock! Little did we know that the streets around Rockefeller Center are closed down to drive through traffic. Each block we approached we were met with NYC’s finest pointing us forward and not allowing us to turn down any of the streets. To top it off we were on 5th Ave and low and behold Saks Fifth Ave Christmas Light Show had just started. We weren’t moving anywhere and our 7:30 reservation came and went. Disappointing really as we had planned to eat at Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
While being stuck in traffic we were able to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Not truly impressive viewing from the car. I am sure it is more grandiose standing near it. Sorry not the greatest picture, as all I had to work with was a cell phone.
Eventually we finally found parking and our only option was to walk from 38th street to 51st street. Not bad, but difficult navigating through the immense crowds. Not only that, the city is preparing Times Square for New Years Eve celebration. We could see the many stages set up for the broadcast. It was actually pretty cool to see in real life. Not sure I would ever be brave enough to stand out there for hours like seen on TV.
And the show begins! We had AMAZING seats!!! The show really did feel magical and definitely had a homey Christmas feel to it. The performances were superb and sat in awe watching the Rockettes perform. Sorry no pictures, as Santa said “no cell phone use” 😉 But did manage to get a picture of the view we had from our seats. Front and center! Everything from the organ players to the orchestra to the dancers. Everything was perfection! The 3-D show was also pretty amazing. I think I actually jumped from my seat a few times when the snowballs were flying and the boxed gifts were floating through the air.
Wish there was more I could write but we were really exhausted from what was supposed to be an incredible night that turned into extra work and time wasted because of grid-lock. Maybe next year there will be better planning on our part and be able to enjoy more of the seasonal sights and sounds. Upon leaving Radio City Music hall we were met with the most beautiful crystal Christmas tree. I wish I could have captured more of the sparkle, but maybe you will go one day to see the show and see the display for yourself 🙂
Hoping all of you enjoyed your holiday time with family and friends. Here’s to wishing all of you a Happy New Years with nothing but health, happiness and success in the new year.
-Ola