If you and your friends or family celebrate the Christmas season, then New York City has an abundance of holiday activities and attractions for you to enjoy. Therefore, we want to focus a few of our blog posts over the next two months on Christmas in NYC. The events and attractions we share are all within driving distance in a rental car or accessible by public transit.

Ice Skating in Bryant Park

Free admission and open to the public, the ice-skating rink at Bryant Park is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon or evening. The ice-skating rink is part of the Bank of America Winter Village, a popular attraction in NYC year after year. The rink is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. While admission is free, you will have to rent skates if you don’t bring your own. Skate rental runs anywhere from $15-$19 a pair, depending on whether you go at peak season (between Thanksgiving and Christmas). Check out the Winter Village website for driving instructions if you’re coming in a rental car or for subway info.

Winter’s Eve

On December 1, 2014, you can head over to Lincoln Square to enjoy the 15th annual festival, Winter’s Eve. The festival includes a Christmas tree lighting, great holiday music, food, and more. The holiday celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends around 9:30 p.m. This event is great for adults and kids alike.

American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

You cannot be in New York City during the holiday season without catching a showing of the ballet classic, The Nutcracker. For many people, this ballet performance is a must-see, and you will be glad you did. The Nutcracker will be performed by the American Ballet Theatre from December 12-21 at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House. For ticket information, go to www.abt.org. We’ve only begun to tell you about all the great holiday activities and attractions this season in NYC. Remember that if you need a rental car for your seasonal adventures, be sure to give Empire Rent a Car a call at (800) 750-8782. Allow the friendly and helpful staff at Empire Rent a Car to make your Christmas season merrier by helping you find a good deal on a reliable rental car. photo credit: echoroo via photopin cc