Holiday Time in Manhattan, New York

Thanksgiving day marks the official start of the holiday season. After a big feast, there are a few choices to make after a family celebration. I wanted to take a walk, and so we did to see what Christmas displays were put up around Manhattan.

This year, the Christmas ambiance in Manhattan is toned down. I remember the years that my family and I came and found this place like a giant-sized Disney electrical parade. We headed to 5th Avenue and were delighted to find some.

The Plaza Hotel on Central Park South and 5th Avenue - it is now owned by Elad Prperties and Kingdom Properties, a Saudi Arabia based corporation. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1969. You may remember seeing this hotel in the several films shot on location: The Way We Were, The Great Gatsby, Barefoot in he Park, Funny Girl, Cotton Club, Crocodile Dundee I and II, Home Alone II - Lost in New York. Her movie debut was in 1959 in Alfred Hitchcock's classic film North by Northwest.

The 5th Avenue Apple flagship store's glass cube  - the original glass structure was replaced at a cost of $6.6 million, last June, down to 15 panels from the original design of 90 sections. Open 24/7, people don't wait for Black Friday to shop here.

FAO Schwarz - the famous toy store is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Acquired by Toys "R" Us in 2009, it continues to draw in the crowds with their extraordinary toys. It is a tourist destination for visitors to New York as it is a magical place for the young and the young at heart.

Bvlgari's big lizard bejeweled brooch of glittering light brightened up Fifth Avenue with one of their jewelry pieces translated into a Christmas light design. This upscale store, has the Italian touch for their products - ranging from their exquisite jewelry and time pieces, to fashionable accessories and fragrances. Timeless!

Harry Winston's diamond-stone like lighting was simply enchanting. Harry Winston, an American company, is another big-time player in the area of luxury jewelry and was the first jeweler to loan jewelry to actresses attending the Academy Awards. Among the stars who have worn their sets are Jennifer Jones, Marilyn Monroe and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The Hope diamond, a dark-blue diamond measuring 45.52 carats, was acquired by Harry Winston in 1949. In 1958, it was donated to the Smithsonian Institution as a gift to the American people.

Fendi - this Italian, luxury fashion house uses  its  belt design for their holiday lighting in their stores, all over world. For your Christmas shopping this Black Friday, you don't need to rush to their store - simply go online. 

Cartier - this renowned French maker of jewelry and watches suggests that our gifts this holiday season are best found in a ribboned Cartier gift boxe. Any piece from Cartier is most welcome by the gift recipient, don't you agree?

Saks 5th Avenue - people line up to watch the bells that animate to Carol of the Bells, as it rings sweet sounds of the holiday season all over the place. This department store is offering up to 60% off in their Thanksgiving Sale that ends today. 

There is also a presentation on the building's façade - please click on this link for the animation. 

Rockefeller Center in the heart of Midtown Manhattan - a good place to visit  this holiday season to shop and dine... 

and to celebrate Christmas mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral across the street.

The Christmas-tree lighting is scheduled for November 28. The tree is up and was covered as it is being prepared, decorated, and illuminated for the tree-lighting ceremony. This always promises to be a magical moment when thousands of mini bulbs light up to brighten up the night at the center.

The Skating Rink is alive with holiday ice skaters with lots of onlookers. On the rink level are several restaurants, from where you can enjoy a meal while watching some graceful and talented skaters, as well as the amateur and first timers.

Have a LEGO Christmas! A delight for both the kids and their parents as their window displays feature some of the most unusual designs, village scenes, New York city's high rise buildings, and more.

It's a great time to go for an early-evening stroll along the major streets of Manhattan at this time of the year, if you happen to be in New York city. As for shopping, I hope you survive Black Friday with good deals. Happy holidays!