Classic New York holiday tops travelers’ wish lists this year

NEW YORK, NY – Each holiday season, millions of people come dashing through the snow to visit the home of Rockefeller Center, The Plaza hotel and FAO Schwarz. This year, the classic holiday traditions continue to be a favorite among consumers, according to a new survey. The survey took the pulse of nearly 1,000 travelers to find out what attractions, shows, restaurants and activities will top their holiday wish list this season.

“We know that navigating New York during the holidays can be a challenge for both New York locals and those travelling here,” said Laura Michonski, Site Director of NewYork.com. “Our goal is to tailor our advice, recommendations and insights to make this season merry for everyone.”

Key findings from the survey include:

They want to be a part of it! More than 80% of locals are planning to stay in the city rather than travelling elsewhere this holiday season. New York was also found to be the premier spot to visit among those surveyed, with more than 75% of respondents planning a trip to the Big Apple.

Ain’t no river wide enough. More than 80% (83.5%) of respondents planning on visiting the city will travel more than 200 miles to get here.

Lodging Longings. The Plaza hotel is the most popular ‘dream hotel’ among both visitors and locals surveyed—more popular than The Waldorf-Astoria, The Four Seasons, and The St. Regis.

Too many restaurants to choose from. In a city with enough restaurants to eat somewhere new each night for 54 years, it’s no surprise that both visitors and locals are desperate for advice. The majority of visitors (38%) and locals (44%) polled are looking for more information on where to eat.

Big lights inspire visitors, not locals. While a mere 8% of locals plan to join the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square this year, over 45% of visitors want to experience the notorious ball drop. About 70% of New Yorkers plan to stay inside where it is warm.

Oh Christmas Tree! Nearly half of visitors and about 40% of locals surveyed shared that the tree at Rockefeller Center was their favorite holiday display over Bryant Park and all of the city’s most popular department store window displays.

With a passion for inspiring both locals and visitors to explore the city, NewYork.com is sharing tips to make New York City as familiar as Ho-Ho-Home during the holidays:

If you plan on visiting Times Square on New Year’s Eve, you don’t have to resort to glitzy chains to eat or shop. There are plenty of charming retailers — from restaurants to bookstores — that still have a taste of the old neighborhood about them such as Cafe Edison, The Red Caboose and Midtown Comics.

Rise above the crowds visiting Rockefeller Center by venturing up to Top of the Rock. You can enjoy a full 360-degree panorama of the city no matter what the weather.

Enjoy The Plaza hotel without the expense of staying there by having afternoon tea at the Palm Court or trying a fun, rejuvenating vino treatment at the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa.

For the best view of the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square, try staying at the Casablanca hotel. This intimate hotel on 43rd Street is literally as close as you can get to the ball drop, without actually venturing into the crowded streets. At midnight, everyone gathers on the hotel’s roof to have a toast and watch the ball drop, just a block away.

Want to discover New York City’s secrets in less than one day? NewYork.com has a custom-built scavenger hunt to help you discover the fantastic, out-of-the-way, or sometimes just hidden-in-plain-sight spots.

Make your favorite holiday movies come to life by choosing the Holiday Lights & Movie Sites bus tour by On Location. This tour showcases film locations with all the twinkling trees and roasting chestnuts you remember from the movies as well as the biggest and best of the holiday decorations.