It’s the most wonderful time of the year in New York City! The holiday lights and decorations are shining in every corner of the city. Office buildings that are sterile and boring are suddenly bursting with holiday cheer while our department stores and famous landmarks are decked out in their most festive decor.
This morning I joined Theodora and the New York Junior League run club for four miles of holiday cheer through the streets of Manhattan. While our 9:30 AM start didn’t allow us to miss the crowds, even throngs of tourists couldn’t dampen my mood. 
I thought it would be fun to share a holiday themed run route that locals and tourists alike can reference during the holiday season. This 4.5 mile route will allow you to see holiday windows, Christmas trees and other highlights while you run or walk through the city. Due to the tourists and crowds, I highly recommend you going either early in the morning or later in the evening.
This route begins near the 77th Street Subway station on the Upper East Side before leading you through Midtown East, Midtown, Herald Square and finally Flatiron. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see these famous sights, as well as have the option to stop in to see the famous Christmas trees in a few spots along the route.
- The illuminated fir trees along Fifth Avenue
- Bloomingdale’s 59th Street windows
- Bergdorf Goodman windows
- The Plaza Hotel Christmas decorations and tree (optional stop inside)
- Saks Fifth Avenue Windows
- Radio City Music Hall
- The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center
- The recently renovated St. Patrick’s Cathedral (optional stop inside)
- Cartier, Tiffany’s and other boutique windows and displays
- Bryant Park tree and Winter Village
- New York Public Library Christmas Tree (optional stop inside)
- Macy’s Herald Square windows
- Madison Square Park’s Christmas Tree
- City Bakery for a delicious cup of their famous hot chocolate
Click here to access the route, send it to your phone or share with others!
Top image credit: http://www.1000thingsnyc.com/christmas-lights-and-decorations/
Love this route! I just moved from NYC to London and would love to do a similar run here. Do you have any London holiday lights suggestions that could be incorporated into a run?