I grew up in the Bronx. Every year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, my Mom and I took the #6 Subway “downtown” and strolled Fifth Avenue. To experience the New York Holiday Season, there’s nothing quite like it.
Take the A, C or #1 Train to Columbus Circle and walk east to Fifth Avenue. I’d suggest taking the path in the Park. Central Park South will be jammed, I promise. Start at around 58th Street. The Apple Store wasn’t there when I grew up, but FAO Schwartz, the oldest toy store in the United States, was. You might go inside and visit the Piano that Tom Hanks played “Chopsticks” on in the film Big. It’s pretty cool.
Look up as you cross 57th Street. You’ll see the UNICEF Snowflake, a New York City tradition since 1984. It’s is a gigantic crystal ornament, 23 feet in diameter 28 feet high and a fitting way to begin what I still feel is a Magical Mile. (By the way, if you’re already in need of a snack or a hot chocolate, there’s a lovely and not too expensive little restaurant downstairs in the sparkling gold Trump Tower building on Fifth Avenue at 56th Street.)
Now just zigzag down Fifth Avenue, keeping your eyes open for those amazing Department Store windows. The crowd will be crazy throughout, but especially around 50th Street where St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Rockefeller Center all sit. Don’t get so caught up in the crowd that you miss the Rock Center Tree and skaters. (It’s happened to me!) Continue on to the beautiful Lord & Taylor windows and finish up at Fifth and 34th.
At this point my Mom and I had a long subway ride home. You just need to hop the 34th Street bus across town to your home at Webster. Lucky you! Your feet will thank you for it!
