The festive season in New York is the prime time and place for ticking items off your Christmas shopping list. At this time of the year, this heaving metropolis transforms into a veritable winter wonderland, with tourists flocking from around the world to embrace the merry vibes. BALANCE have partnered with the travel experts at Klook to bring readers an inside scoop on 10 must-do events, tours and activities happening in New York in winter – all bound to leave you full of Christmas spirit.

10) Silent night, starry lights

New York is a strong contender for the world’s most magical city at night. The Holiday Markets and Christmas Lights Walking Tour is a stunning way to see the Big Apple when lit up – think iconic architecture, beautiful window displays and copious amounts of neon. You’ll also get to view the dazzling lights and elaborate window displays of famous Manhattan department stores

9) Brunch cruise at Christmas

Brunch is underrated. After all, it’s a meal that sits between breakfast and lunch, but it’s something that New Yorkers take extremely seriously. This Holiday Brunch Cruise will take you around the island of Manhattan, meaning you get to feast on a delicious four-course brunch while taking in the sights of the Hudson river and the twinkling festive lights beyond.

8) Pure showbiz

The “City That Never Sleeps” won’t just put a spring in your step this Christmas – it’ll turn it into a full high kick. And that’s thanks to the Christmas Spectacular starring The Radio City Rockettes. This is a festive, feel-good spectacular that razzles and dazzles from the legendary Radio City Music Hall.

7) Chance to seize the day

Thanks to this New York Holiday Attraction Pass – a Klook exclusive – you can enjoy four different New York activities and attractions, meaning Christmas won’t pass you by this time. This deal includes a 60-minute Statue of Liberty cruise, a Holiday Windows Walking Tour (which means you’ll marvel at the cream of New York’s festive window displays), a trip to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Times Square and a chance to enjoy Dave & Buster’s (a mecca for fans of US sport).

6) The lights are spectacular

If you’re travelling with little ones, then LuminoCity Festival is an immersive wonderland of lights that will provide a lifetime of memories. That’s because this is the sort of trip that will remain in your memory forever thanks to the stunning art installations and fun-filled workshops. These run on certain nights until 5 January 2020, so check out all the details before you book; what’s more, certain nights have special themes.

5) An iconic skyline

Not many cities are easily identifiable purely from the skyline, but New York in winter certainly delivers with interest. Thanks to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Bus Tour, you’ll enjoy New York’s “greatest hits” while getting that festive buzz. And here’s an added twist: you’ll be sat down on a bus, of course! Perfect for tired legs if you’ve been hitting the shops particularly hard. New York dazzles all the year round – at Christmas, however, it truly pops.

4) Culture gets a festive twist

Given that New York is home to Broadway, with its vibrant comedy scene and some of the most awe-inspiring museums in the world, you’re never going to be lacking for culture. And for a Christmas boost, you simply have to visit the New York City Ballet for George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. This annual production is an entertainment journey that’s full of magic, imagination and elaboration and is perfect for the whole family. You’ll also realise how the look and feel of Balanchine’s production – think bright reds and greens with a Germanic twist – has helped define how we look at Christmas.

3) For a countdown like no other

For fans of all things Americana, the Times Square New Year’s Eve Countdown is something you’ll have heard about but possibly never enjoyed first-hand. That can all change now. The Times Square New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at Applebee’s is proper bucket-list stuff. Not only are you in the heart of the city, but you’ll get to enjoy an all-inclusive evening of a lifetime as you delight in a premium chef’s buffet and the open bar.

2) Sheer class

When you think of New York, you might think of chic sophistication and financial high-flyers. Now you can feel like part of the city’s metropolitan elite by enjoying the New York Holiday Lights Private Limousine Trip. Sit back and sip on champagne as you take in the majesty of one of the greatest cities on earth. Sure, it’s fun to be part of the hustle and bustle, but the view is so much sweeter from the back of a limousine. This might not be in the spirit of Christmas, but let’s be honest: this particular trip is perfect for post-holiday bragging.

1) Magic of the movies

Any cineaste will tell you that some of the greatest films of all time were shot or set in New York in winter. Indeed, there are countless streets and sights that will evoke memories of classics gone by. But what about the best Christmas movies? The Holiday Lights and Movie Sites Bus Tour takes in locations from both beloved Big Apple-based flicks as well as festive favourites, such as Elf, Scrooged, and Home Alone 2.

Klook boasts a wealth of incredible, exclusive opportunities for events, hotels, things to do and so much more. Visit klook.com for the trip of a lifetime.

Now that Christmas is nearly upon us, don’t delay in taking advantage of the panoply of experiences and festive delights that Klook can help recommend and organise for you. In keeping with the gifting nature of the season, Klook are also offering a 10% discount on New York-related activities until 12 Jan. Simply head over to their website and start curating your Christmas getaway.