Christmas in New York is like Christmas in the UK but on steroids

If you are planning a trip to New York the hotel and flight can be booked separately but before you book your flight there are things to consider. If you are planning a serious shopping trip baggage space if important, some flights only allow 20kg but on some you can get 2 x 30kg and that’s a lot of goodies. To get the extra allowance you may have to upgrade to premium but it’s worth it. The other way to make the most of your allowance is to take empty bags and buy your outfits when you get there.

The only place to stay is downtown Manhattan. If you stay away from Manhattan it will cost much more in taxi fares and time to get to where the action is. Almost all the hotels were built in the 1920’s and 30’s so they are art deco in design (old but classy) and have bell hops all with traditional uniforms.
New York seasons follow the UK’s so it is cold in December but very changeable, New Yorkers usually wear many layers, so they can be removed or added as temperatures change. I have been in Manhattan in a T-shirt in the morning but it snowed in the afternoon.
Make sure you plan ahead before you set off as there are so many places to visit and things to see, if you want to take in a show they can be booked on-line or book at your hotel. There are many designer shops on 5th Avenue but if you are after bargains Century 21 which is in the financial district and at the side of ground zero which is now just a building site. Within walking distance is the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty but make sure you pick a good weather day as it’s colder on the ferry. For serious shopping take a bus from the Port Authority bus terminus to the Woodbury Common Premium Outlet that is full of designer shops at discount prices. Also at Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s you can pick up many bargains but be aware, stick together as it’s easy to get split up and lost as these stores are very busy and huge.       
Central Park is well worth the walk but if you are planning to see it all leave a full day as it’s very big but full of hidden gems and joggers in the morning. Times Square is a must see at night all the adverts light up the whole area and it’s what most people think of when you talk about New York. If you go in December visit the Rockefeller Centre where there is a huge Christmas tree and outdoor ice rink. The Empire State building is another popular attraction but for a full list of attractions visit http://www.manhattan.worldweb.com/ or one of the many good web sites.
 Restaurants, diners and cafes there is something for every taste and budget but if you want something special ask at the hotel for recommendations, I’ve had meals at both ends of the budget spectrum and in the middle and they were all good in their own way and the service is always good. Don’t forget to tip as waitress wages are very poor so they rely on tips but make sure you check the menu as tips are sometimes added automatically or a set percentage is expected. 
Getting around New York is easy as there are thousands of the famous yellow cars (beware of none registered none yellow cabs) cab prices are fixed and most have TV’s in the back showing adverts and news plus you can see a map showing the route being taken, you can even pay by card with a few taps on the screen and a swipe of your card. A cheaper method of travel is the subways get a map from the hotel. If you are part of a group 6 to 8 a limo is cheaper and more fun than a cab (ask at the hotel)     

Hope you have a great time - and spend loads 

Neil