Christmas is a time of year when lights seem to never stop twinkling, bells never stop ringing, and yuletide cheer fills the air. Christmas in New York is a magical place that will captivate you with its beauty and warm your heart with its spirit.

Everyone knows that Rockefeller Center is an amazing place to visit at Christmastime. The famous Christmas tree alit with thousands of lights, people holding hands while they skate on the ice rink that accompanies it, and even a stop at Radio City Music Hall to listen to some excellent music. It’s all unique to New York. The only drawback is the crowds of people who flock there for the same reason you do; to see it all. If you want to avoid feeling like a sardine in a sparkly festive can, make it a point to spend your Christmastime in New York in a different and just as rewarding way.

Located in the same area of Rockefeller center are lots of stores filled with all kinds of beautiful, and unique, things you can purchase. Anthropologie is just steps away from crowded Rockefeller center. They always have a great seasonal window display, and they sell casual trendy clothing you could buy for yourself or for someone on your Christmas list.

The Museum of Modern Art Design Store is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. There’s a wide selection of items that range from apparel to everyday items. The farther up Fifth Avenue you go the more you can expect to pay. Still, even if what’s there is outside of your price range, it’s always fun to look.

Be sure to stop in at the Apple Store on 59th and Fifth. They’ve got a real neat capsule elevator and a beautiful grand staircase. There are little shop and big shops all over the place, take your time, and don’t forget to stop every now to rest your feet and satisfy your pallet with a bite to eat at one of the quaint cafes along the way.