New York's alternative Christmas sites tour

Light 'em up!  Go beyond the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and experience the holidays in New York City like a local. This holiday season, get your fill of festive things to do by visiting some of New York City's alternative holiday lights frequently missed by tourists but festive all the same. 

Kick off the fun in front of the Love Sculpture, just north of Times Square. Be greeted by a gingerbread replica of the landmark restaurant, Tavern on the Green. Get dazzled by the Christmas homage to World War 2 vets, on Park Avenue. Marvel at the impressive UNICEF crystal snowflake at Tiffany’s. Add some sparkle to the season with the Time Warner Center's Holiday "Under the Stars." All the while, learn about the transformation of St. Nicholas from 4th century Greek bishop to jolly old elf, the proliferation of feel-good sham charities in New York in the early 1900's, and discover how historic New York City retailers, writers and artists helped shape modern American Christmas traditions celebrated worldwide, (specifically New York City).