This really is a city that never sleeps and which has something to offer every style and taste, any time of the year. There is simply no bad time to take holidays to New York. Whether you are arriving to indulge in endless Broadway plays, dine at world-class restaurants or finally take in that once-in-a-lifetime sporting event, New York will surely not disappoint.
During festivals, the city gets into the full swing of things. This is especially true during the winter holidays when the lights and falling show make the city feel magical. This ambiance adds something extra special to the aura that already makes New York such an amazing place to visit. During the winter months, the city is filled with reasons to celebrate as it recognises the winter solstice, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, New Year and Kwanzaa.
As the city fills with stunning window displays and a sense of merriment, taking in New York during the winter can be just as much, if not even more enjoyable, than summertime visits. What better time to wander down world-famous Fifth Avenue to do a little department shopping while the kids enjoy marshmallow moustaches from one of the numerous cocoa shops. Test your skills at one of the many public ice-skating rinks or just stroll through the streets and take in the exciting ambiance that surrounds you.
With something going on almost every day of the week, choosing when to visit New York could be the most challenging part. January is the time for events such as the Three Kings Day Parade and Celebration. This is the largest and longest running Three Kings Day celebration in the city and is populated almost entirely by children. Sit back and enjoy as sheep, donkeys and camels parade alongside colourful puppets and thousands of spectators.
The Orchid Show at the Botanical Gardens is a wonderful way to kick off spring, as it exhibits thousands of intensely coloured orchids. The lush settings of the surroundings only add to the magnificent ambiance of this popular event.
The New York International Children’s Film Festival is a time for youth from around the world to shine as they show their film making talents. March is the month for the ever-popular St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which runs along Fifth Ave. You do not have to be Irish to enjoy the city’s famous parade, which has been going strong since 1762 and remains the city’s oldest and largest.
There is also the Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival, as well as the spectacular Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks. If you are visiting New York during July, join in the local spirit as American celebrates its independence day with the most dazzling display of fireworks you have possibly ever seen. The New York Pops orchestra and famous guest stars enhance this amazing event, as millions of people take in this incredible one-day celebration.
During the summer, there are even more events to attend, including the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, the New York International Fringe Festival and the New York Film Festival, all of which draw amazing crowds.