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Head to New York for your holiday break

With easy transportation, a never-ending selection of restaurants and the world’s greatest selection of live theater, New York should be at the top of your holiday travel list.
/ Source: Special to msnbc.com

The holiday travel season is upon us and New York City remains at the top of may people’s list. With easy transportation options like the subway, a never-ending selection of restaurants and the world’s greatest selection of live theater, New York should be at the top of your holiday travel list. Here are a few ideas to make your holiday trip to New York extra special.

What to do?
The holidays are an amazing time in New York City. The Big Apple shines in Christmas lights and tinsel. One of the mandatory first stops has to be the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center (601 5th Ave., Between 49th and 50th Street). This tradition has been in place since 1931 and will continue well into the future. While you’re checking out the tree, be sure to walk around Rockefeller Center, visit its shops and restaurants, check out the skaters on the famous ice rink and treat yourself to a tour of NBC Studios, located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

Another neat thing to do in New York is look at the window displays around the city. The holiday shopping season gives every store an excuse to go all out and decorate their windows with animated figures, amazing costumes and fantastic scenery.  Sacks Fifth Avenue at 611 5th Ave, between 49th and 50th streets and Macy’s at 151 W 34th St, between 34th and 35th Street offer the best windows.

What to eat?
New York can be expensive. Hotel rooms run, on average, around $300 a night, and Broadway tickets can cost as much as $125, but surprisingly, New York offers a whole slew of affordable, yet very delicious restaurants. New York has restaurant week, where lunch’s and dinner’s cost a set amount, but most people don’t know that many restaurants around the city offer this special prix fixe menu year-round. The Gotham Bar and Grill, located at 12 E 12th St is one of New York’s top restaurants offers their three-course lunch for $31.00 lunch all year long. Look around and you’ll find more restaurants offering spectacular deals including pre-theater dinners and special early-bird menus.

What to see?
The Broadway season is in full swing, and this year offers up an amazing selection of new and old that is sure to entertain just about anyone. 

A little hint when getting tickets ... check out the new and improved TKTS booth right in the center of Times Square. This booth has discounted tickets often for the top shows. While it’s risky, if you go within 30 minutes of show time you can get great seats for top shows at half the price — but there is no telling what shows will be available. 

The booth also has locations in Brooklyn and at the South Street Seaport, where lines are always shorter.

Here are a few show suggestions:

“Memphis”
One of the newest additions to the Broadway stage is “Memphis”, a musical about the changing times of Memphis in the late 50’s. With soul music as its base and the civil rights movement as its core, this show has a great story, fantastic music and a cast that makes you want to shout for more. If you’re looking for a good time check out “Memphis”.

“Hair”
The Tony Award-winner for best revival will allow you to relive the 60’s, for at least 2 hours.  This production brings the true spirit of the era with the songs we all know, a story that is as relevant now as it was back then, and the warm feeling that harmony and understanding are all around us.

This show does have a few adult themes and brief moments of nudity so please use discretion if buying tickets for young children.

“Ragtime”
Not gone for long, this revival (the original just closed in 2000), an import from London is even better than the original. Based on the 1975 E. L. Doctorow book of the same name, this musical has a great, heart-warming story centered around three very different families at the start of the 20th century, and stunning music which will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

This show is sure to be a favorite for families and couples alike. Do yourself a favor and put “Ragtime” at the top of your must see list!

“Next To Normal”
A show about a bi-polar mother and her family doesn’t sound like it would be a hit but it is and it won the Tony Award for best score! Audiences are flocking to see this emotional musical with true heart and soul. This show isn’t for everyone, and doesn’t put a catchy tune in your head, but if you’re willing to see something a little different you will be pleasantly surprised at how much you'll like it.

“Jersey Boys”
This show has now been around for a few years but it still feels fresh. The true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, this show has the music we all love. From “Sherry Baby” and “Walk Like a Man”, to “You’re Just to Good to be True” and “Oh What a Night”, you will be on your feet dancing and singing to a great selection of the Four Seasons hits.

“Mama Mia!”
This show was a hit from the day it started, and with the movie allowing more people to learn the story of Sophie and Sky’s wedding, it continues to be a hit. If you’re a fan of ABBA and want to have fun, this is the show to see. A simply story that doesn’t really have an ending this show is family friendly, goofy and a rocking good time.

“The Royal Family”
If you’re not looking for a musical you might want to check out “The Royal Family”, a comedy about a theatrical family akin to the Barrymore’s. This show has outrageous characters, a clever plot and truly laugh out loud moments sure to please even the most experienced theatergoer. The show has stood the test of time (it was originally produced in 1927) and is as good today, if not better, than it has ever been.

Well, there you have it — some things to do, places to eat, and shows to see. I encourage you to book your tickets, search for the best hotel rate and get you and your family to New York. There is nothing more exciting that walking down the street, bundled up in your winter coat and scarf and looking up to see the beautiful Empire State Building or catching a great Broadway Show. Do yourself a favor ... book the trip now for the time of your life!