Our family’s holiday this year was nothing short of magical, and I’m thrilled to share our unforgettable experiences with you all! After kicking things off in Los Angeles with a mandatory stop at Disneyland, we were ready for our next big adventure—New York City, and oh, did it deliver! A White Christmas in the heart of Manhattan was everything we dreamed of, and more. From festive storefronts to ice skating in Central Park, here’s a peek into our holiday in the Big Apple.

Disneyland: A Magical Start to Our Holiday

We began our trip in Los Angeles, where we couldn’t miss a visit to Disneyland, the "Happiest Place on Earth." I was excited to revisit the parks, especially to explore how things have changed since my last visit. The new Lightning and Genie passes were a hot topic, and I was keen to see how they worked in action. Plus, there’s a brand-new area of land that had just been developed, so we couldn’t wait to check it out.

We were fortunate with the weather in December, as it was a comfortable 23 degrees each day—much milder than the usual chilly temperatures in the winter months. Disneyland was all decked out for Christmas, and let me tell you, there’s something truly special about the park during the holiday season. The decorations, the parades, and the atmosphere—everything was designed to make you feel like you’re living in a Christmas movie.

But as magical as Disneyland is, the crowds were intense! A solid strategy is key when navigating the park during peak times, so we planned our days carefully and started early to avoid the midday rush.

I gathered plenty of tips and insights that I’m excited to share with my clients at YOU Travel & Cruise Ferrymead when planning their next Disney adventure. But before I dive into more tips, let’s talk about New York!

New York City: A White Christmas Dream

Next up: New York. There’s no place like it during the holidays. The whole city transforms into a Christmas wonderland, and it’s hands down one of the most magical places to be in December. We spent six days exploring, and I can honestly say it’s the best time of year to visit.

The city’s festive spirit is evident everywhere you look—from Santa driving pedicabs around town to the dazzling Christmas window displays along 5th Avenue, not to mention the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. It’s pure magic!

To make the most of our time in the city, I carefully planned out our itinerary. The crowds in New York leading up to Christmas can be overwhelming, so having a solid plan helped us avoid spending valuable time in transit. We mapped out specific areas to explore each day, allowing us to truly enjoy every moment without feeling rushed.

Here’s a glimpse of what we saw and did:

• The Summit: A must-see for incredible views of the city.
• A 9/11 Guided Tour: A deeply moving experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting New York.
• Circle Line Ferry to the Statue of Liberty: We got up close to Lady Liberty herself.
• Hudson Yards & The High Line: A perfect mix of modernity and greenery above the city.
• Helicopter Ride Over Manhattan: The skyline from the air? Simply breathtaking.
• Dyker Heights: A neighborhood that goes all out with Christmas decorations—think over-the-top lights and inflatables!
• Rockefeller Tree & City Lights: A visit to New York at Christmas wouldn’t be complete without seeing the world-famous Rockefeller tree, surrounded by jaw-dropping displays of holiday cheer.
• Ice Skating in Central Park: It’s a classic New York experience, and we got to glide across the ice with the city’s skyline in the background.
• First Ice Hockey Game: The atmosphere was electric at Madison Square Garden!
• Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes: A highlight for the whole family. The Rockettes' performance was truly a holiday tradition come to life, and we’ll never forget it.

And then, just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, it snowed on Christmas Eve. Waking up to a snowy Christmas Day in New York City completed the holiday magic. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect end to our trip.

Final Thoughts:

New York at Christmas really is the city that never sleeps—and for good reason! With so many things to see, do, and experience, our time there was packed with memories that will last a lifetime. If you’ve always dreamed of visiting New York, I highly recommend it during the holidays. The city’s festive energy, combined with iconic landmarks and traditions, makes for an experience unlike any other.

If you’re inspired by our journey and want to plan your own unforgettable trip, feel free to reach out to any of our experts at YOU Travel & Cruise Ferrymead. We’d love to help you make your holiday dreams come true, whether it’s a trip to Disneyland or a Christmas adventure in New York.

Thank you for following along with our holiday journey! You can also reach me at melissa@youferrymead.co.nz for more travel tips and guidance for your next trip. Happy travels!

LA & Disneyland

New York