NYC on a Budget: What New York City Has to Offer without Breaking the Bank

Now that Halloween is over , the holidays are coming up real soon.  They will be here before you know it.  Don’t let some great opportunities pass you by. Plan a head of time, so that you can fit in as many things as possible before the New Year.

Thanksgiving is a great time to spend with your family, stuffing your face with amazing food until you pass out. In some homes the football games are on, in some the classic “A Christmas Story” is what you’ll see.  In most households, in the morning, before the evening’s festivities, the Thanksgiving Day Parade is on.  This year, instead of watching the parade on TV, skip the commercials and head over to midtown and get the full affect.  Watch the parade in person! When I was younger, my family and I would always head down early in the day to the parade and then come home, put the turkey and pork (thanks to the Latino roots) in the oven and take a nap until dinner time.  The Thanksgiving Day Parade is so magical to see in person.  There are performances by stars we all know and love and there are floats that are built so beautifully with many different characters from our childhoods.  The HUGE GI-NORMOUS balloons of characters are a sight to see in themselves.

The Rockettes at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – taken by Avi Gerver

Of course, to get a good view you do need to get there really early… like 6am early! If you are willing to sacrifice some sleep for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then you won’t regret it.  If you have never seen the Thanksgiving Day Parade, then I just shed a tear for you. Below is the COMPLETE footage of the 2012 parade.  Please take some time to experience some greatness…

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2012

Of course you didn’t see the whole thing, but that’s okay.  Hopefully you’ll see the whole thing in person this year 😉

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Once you are completely broke from Black Friday shopping for your holiday gifts… and of course for yourself, you have no money to spend on Christmas festivities.  Well have no fear, your budget buddy is here! My absolute favorite thing to do close to the Christmas holidays is pay a visit to the infamous Rockefeller Center tree.  It is a magical feeling to see the tree lit and to see it twinkling.  It is so surreal to stand under the tree and feel so small.  It is something I have done every year I live in NYC and I plan on doing this year as well.  Also, don’t miss out on your surroundings when you are there.  Yes… the tree is the main attraction but the smaller details around it make it that much more special.  There are beautiful sculptures blowing trumpets that give the setting that whimsical feel of Christmas. Throughout the night, Saks Fifth Ave puts on a light show on its building with music.  Is it a sight to see and it definitely adds to the experience.  Make sure to save a couple dollars for the roasted peanuts/cashews/almonds.  The smoky scent is going to drive your senses crazy and you will be craving some all night long. Make sure to leave some room for some hot chocolate from Starbucks (my preference, but you can drink whatever you like).

Saks Fifth Ave Lights – borrowed from blogger ifitshipitshere

Make sure to enjoy the holiday season with those you love the most and do what makes you happy 🙂