New York lights up like a Christmas tree

NEW YORK -- The hustle and bustle of the shopper-filled streets, elaborate decorations in store windows, a towering 7-ton Christmas tree, and over-the-top luxury hotels are some of the things that make New York City a tempting travel destination during the holiday season.

Whether it's ice skating in the park, pampering oneself at designer shops or getting lost in the childlike wonderment of the bright lights, thousands flock to the Big Apple each year, hoping to capture a little holiday magic of their own.

Nestled among the tall buildings in the heart of midtown Manhattan is the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center.

Near the rink sits a mammoth 76-foot Norway spruce. The 7-ton, 43-foot wide tree from Bloomsbury, N.J., was lit on Dec. 4, as part of a tradition that dates back to 1931, when workers building Rockefeller Center placed a small unadorned evergreen on the muddy construction site.

Except for 1932, a tree has been erected in the plaza every year since. The first formal tree-lighting ceremony was held in 1933.

Since it opened on Christmas Day 1936, the ice skating rink attracts more than 250,000 people each year. The surface, 122 feet long and 59 feet wide, can accommodate about 150 skaters at a time. On weekdays, adults pay $13 and children under 12 and seniors pay $9. On weekends, the price for adults jumps to $15 and $10 for children and seniors. Skate rentals cost $7 and come in sizes baby 6-adult men's 14.

Down the street from the rink, onlookers gaze and marvel as top designers transform department store windows into holiday showpieces. Among the favorites are Macys and Lord & Taylor. Saks Fifth Avenue's windows are based on the story of Sleeping Beauty and come complete with mechanical dolls moving to a Tchaikovsky ballet.

Perhaps the most treasured holiday treat of all in New York is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world-famous Rockettes. The show is in its 70th season at Radio City Music Hall this year. Tickets to the performance, which include scenes "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," and the "Living Nativity," range from $36-$119.

Some of the more interesting places to stay are surprisingly affordable and won't force travelers to mortgage their homes.

The Dumont, part of the Manhattan East Suite Hotels, has been owned and operated since 1962 by members of the Denihan family, who spent the last 38 years building up a reputation in New York. The client list reads like a who's who of the city and includes Marilyn Monroe, the Vanderbilt family and Hattie Carnegie, whose name became synonymous with elegant, understated chic and whose Park Avenue salon catered to socialites and celebrities.

The Benjamin Hotel, known for its beautiful blend of Old World charm and New World elegance. Designer Robert Di Leonardo preserved aspects of original architect Emery Roth's work while adding modern touches that mirror European design style.

Both hotels offer an "Only in New York" package that is available Friday-Sunday, from Jan. 10-March 2. The package includes accommodations, two-for-one admission to ice skating at Rockefeller Center, entree discounts at Rock Center Cafe and two-for-one admission to The Frick Collection and two complimentary cocktails at Top of the Tower, which is located on the 26th floor of the landmark Beekman Tower Hotel.

Another swanky suggestion is the Millennium Broadway hotel. This deluxe Art Deco-style hotel is located in the Theater District, two streets north of Times Square. The hotel offers a popular pre- and post-theater restaurant and lounge -- Restaurant Charlotte -- which is consistently rated among the best places to eat in the city.