Trip to New York between Xmas and new year?

Jagraf

Has anyone done this - 4 adults (two in their 70s) and 17 year old. Or should we leave it til 2 jan because of the crowds? Or is it just a bad time to go 😳

duchy

What crowds ?
New York is like London , more tourists but less workers in the city at holiday times so it isn't any more crowded than usual.

Weather can be really bad and VERY cold so unless the seventy year olds are very fit and able to deal with sightseeing in the cold and possibly snow it wouldn't be my first choice of time of year ...... that said Manhattan keeps going through weather that would bring London to a grinding halt.

duchy

duchy wrote: »

What crowds ?
New York is like London , more tourists but less workers in the city at holiday times so it isn't any more crowded than usual.

Weather can be really bad and VERY cold so unless the seventy year olds are very fit and able to deal with sightseeing in the cold and possibly snow it wouldn't be my first choice of time of year ...... that said Manhattan keeps going through weather that would bring London to a grinding halt.

(You might want to get this moved to the overseas travel board where there is A NYC thread to get more opinions)

Tiddlywinks

duchy wrote: »

(You might want to get this moved to the overseas travel board where there is A NYC thread to get more opinions)

This 'relationships' board is just a dumping ground now for anything - why can't people use the relevant boards instead of clogging this one up?

System

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

This 'relationships' board is just a dumping ground now for anything - why can't people use the relevant boards instead of clogging this one up?

The Marriage Relationships and Families board is a bit of an anomaly in that it is not related to money saving (much like Discussion Time) but appears to be here to entertain and provide a space for people to chat (and fight!)

AnnieO1234

Could you go before Christmas? Because even in the run up to Christmas as busy as it is it's not the same level of ignorant busy-ness you get here. Christmastime in NYC is truly magical.

Yes it gets cold, but there are stores and vendors everywhere to sell you an extra pair of gloves or a coat.

We've been in the deep winter (November, December, January, February and March) but we've also been August thru October when it's HOT but again there is plenty of air con, even the subway doesn't get stifling like the London tube.

The only time that was truly horrendous was around Times Square on Thanksgiving, it took almost an hour to get round the block to the subway. But that's due to the parade.

Xxx

Jagraf

Thank you - my mum has just been given the all clear regarding her breast cancer and we thought we would treat them. She's very healthy now and they really want to see New York around christmas time.

Might look at going before.

Tiddlywinks

avogadro wrote: »

The Marriage Relationships and Families board is a bit of an anomaly in that it is not related to money saving (much like Discussion Time) but appears to be here to entertain and provide a space for people to chat (and fight!)

Er, that's what Discussion Time *is* for... this board is called Marriage, Relationships & Families for a reason and I very much doubt it was to talk about travel (there's a Travel board), food (Health or Old Style), parking (Motoring) etc etc.

As I said, it's now a dumping ground.

System

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

As I said, it's now a dumping ground.

Not necessarily. Perhaps people think they might get more replies in this bit. You can always message the board guide if you want to get it moved.

BarryBlue

avogadro wrote: »

The Marriage Relationships and Families board is a bit of an anomaly in that it is not related to money saving (much like Discussion Time) but appears to be here to entertain and provide a space for people to chat (and fight!)

I agree with you. This is easily the most entertaining forum on MSE now. And you can decide for yourself which of the tales are genuine and which are the product of a fertile imagination. The DT board is now completely clogged with endless tedious threads about the referendum and has become the stamping ground of the DM-reading 'We want our country back' brigade.:(

AnnieO1234

Jagraf wrote: »

Thank you - my mum has just been given the all clear regarding her breast cancer and we thought we would treat them. She's very healthy now and they really want to see New York around christmas time.

Might look at going before.

From around 12 November it starts getting ready for the holidays (I think probably due to thanksgiving).

Avoid (unless you can afford in time and money to use cabs) the area close to the Javits Convention Center it's miles from the subway. There a good deals to be had, all you're looking for is a bed and a lockable room.

If you're into doing things, the museums have in general suggested donations but can be done on a budget based on what you can afford. The New York Pass while seemingly pricey saves money if you're wanting to do a lot of touristy things and gives priority access.

There is a big ticket booth in Times Square, looks like a giant set of steps, always good same day deals for Broadway.

There is always a big christmas market on the lower left side of Central Park every year just past Columbus Circle. It's a magical market.

If you don't want to actually go to Liberty/Ellis Island catch the free Staten Island ferry for amazing views of the islands and Skyline. There are short and longer cruises up to about 3.5 hours all around Manhattan island, it is part of the NY pass or just direct. I would really recommend the big river cruise, you'll see parts of NY you never imagined.

It's an amazing city, and I'm sure you'll all love it xxx