Your NYC Holiday Adventure Starts at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

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New York City comes alive with a special energy as the year-end holidays approach. Even before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off a season of celebration, shopping, and goodwill, visitors flock to the Big Apple.

They’re in search of memorable and unparalleled experiences and items to bring home and cherish — like photos taken at the crowning jewel of the city’s newest skyscraper, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.

Of all the holiday events in NYC, SUMMIT remains a must-visit in New York for tourists and locals who are eager to take in the festive wonder of NYC from a unique vantage point.

Thanks to SUMMIT’s location in the heart of Manhattan, visitors can see all their favorite landmarks day or night. It’s the best place to see the Empire State Building’s Christmas lights in NYC shine against the darkening horizon or appreciate the snow-covered sprawl of Central Park.

Truly, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt around Christmas and New Year’s Eve is one of the best holiday adventures for individual, family, and group outings in NYC. After taking the journey up to the 91st floor and immersing yourself in SUMMIT’s incredible spaces, you can go out and explore all the exciting things you saw from the clouds.

Things to See and Do in NYC After a SUMMIT Excursion

One of the first things you can do after visiting SUMMIT is stop by the world-renowned Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. As one of the most iconic NYC holiday season symbols, the tree itself is breathtaking. But what makes the scene even more irresistible and compelling is the ice-skating rink that it overlooks.

Another unmissable stopping point is the Grand Central Terminal. During the holiday season, it hosts several events, including the annual Holiday Fair and the New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show. These events offer a mix of shopping, festive displays, and unique experiences, adding to the holiday cheer at the iconic station. And thanks to its ideal location, it can be both a starting point and an ending point to an NYC journey.

Still, what would a trip to NYC during the holidays be without at least a little window shopping? Department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman still create captivating window displays that show off imaginative designs and concepts. It’s hardly unusual to see gatherings of kids and adults stopping along the sidewalk to appreciate the window display art.

For those seeking live performances, Radio City Music Hall features a Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes, and Broadway offers long-running staples like “The Lion King,” “Hamilton,” and “Chicago.” Of course, if you’re looking for live holiday entertainment, nothing beats seeing “The Nutcracker” at the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center.

NYC’s melting pot aesthetic includes many nods to diverse end-of-year holidays and events. These include a variety of holiday-themed pop-up markets like the ones at Columbus Circle, Bryant Park, and Union Square. And who could leave NYC without checking out its multiple Hanukkah celebrations? Brooklyn, for example, hosts one of the world’s largest menorah lightings. While there, visitors need to take in the Dyker Heights neighborhood’s extravagant light show.

Give Your Holiday Some Added Cheer at SUMMIT

Whether you’re an NYC local or a tourist, a visit to SUMMIT is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great holiday adventure to get you ready for the entry into a new year.

Speaking of New Year’s Eve, if you aren’t interested in standing in Times Square, you may want to look into celebrating at SUMMIT, which will be hosting a 21+ event that includes cocktails, a DJ, a dance floor, and a midnight toast. Just make sure you snap up your tickets early — they sell out quickly.

Above all else, make this the holiday when you finally check off all the boxes on your “things to do in NYC during the holidays” list, beginning with a truly unforgettable elevator ride up to SUMMIT.