New York at Christmas

[Electryone]

Thinking of going to New York next December for my DH who turns 40 on the 11th December. We have a party on the 12 but are pretty flexible apart from that and can go any time in December (well apart from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day obviously!), what would people suggest is the best time to see all the Christmas stuff plus cheapest for air fares, also midweek or over weekends, we dont mind what. We live in Glasgow but probably would have to travel to Manchester, United Airlines are the only airline who fly directly from Glasgow.

Forgot to say it would be for 3 or 4 nights. Do you think staying over New Year would be more expensive? Maybe say from December 30 - Jan 2.

Weather is awful in NYC at present with lots of snow and wind chill on top of low temperatures.

You may actually want to consider travelling there at a different time of year. New year anyway is very expensive.

December in New York is wonderful. The lights on those tall buildings and (often) the snow. It's like walking through a film set. I would suggest going early December. The first week.

I saw the horrific weather on the news, hopefully thats a one off! Dont mind the cold though, we are used to it attila

Thanks nkf, tried to price up 4-7 December today and the outward flight is released but not the inward yet. My DH has always wanted to see NY at Christmas time e.g. the Rockefeller tree.

Hello Electryone. My DD went on 12 December 2012 for 5 nights. It was cold but no rain. You can see the Christmas show at the Radio City Music Hall, skate in Central Park and go in the shops and museums to keep warm. I actually think 4 nights is best. Get an early flight and the latest flight home to maximise your time there.

Also, I would go from Heathrow as there are so many more flights. We have always booked with BA and done a flight plus hotel deal. Usually got a great deal too. You could also try Virgin. You have to factor in the cost if getting from JFK into the city and also that most hotels are no meals. The cost of everything is often quoted excluding tax (about 8%) and in restaurants you double the tax for the tip. It does add up but it is a great city. Many hotel rooms are small but some of the hotels are beautifully designed and service extremely good. The tipping culture just gets me a bit! DD stayed at the Mercer at Grammercy but there are plenty of great hotels in the Tri Be Ca, Soho or Meatpacking district. Next time I go I am heading straight for the High Line, the renovated elevated railway line. This may also be decorated at Christmas. Do go. You will have a great time but be prepared for delayed flights!!!

I would go just before or just after the party, preferably before. NY is geared up for Christmas as soon as Thanksgiving is over. New York in December is wonderful. Would definitely go for the build up to Christmas rather than New Year. Just remember to take lots of layers!

Thanks so much milly for sharing your thoughts, I hadnt thought of Heathrow as we were just going to drive to Manchester but could always get a flight to London. We flew to California last year and stopped over for 2 nights in NY but we had our boys with us so didnt eat out, would love to go to a proper restaurant - or even a pub!

Thanks galletti, I think I will look at pricing up around 6 December now, getting excited already!

I'm bumping this as we want to go in the first week of December for five days/nights (undecided!). Not sure who to fly with, have heard Virgin have gone down hill but they used to be great. Any recommendations?