Around this time each year thousands of New Yorkers and visitors to the Big Apple begin preparing for one of the greatest nights of the year. On New Years Eve the world celebrates the passing of another year and the dawn of the coming of new things. One of the hottest spots on the planet to celebrate is undoubtedly New York City.

There are a multitude of events on the cards ranging from parties in clubs, bars and restaurants to huge events in public areas. We have put this list of top 5 New Year’s Eve party locations together to help you choose where you will be ringing in 2007.

Hudson Hotel - The New Year’s Eve party at the Hudson Hotel in New York is set to be one of the city’s greatest parties this year. Featuring an open bar, gourmet cuisine, sets by DJ’s Doug Grayson and MOS, dancing and champagne celebration at midnight this glamorous party is a must for fans of Christina Aguilera who will be wowing the crowds with a spectacular performance after the clock strikes 12.

The Stuff of Dreams - Bed is a restaurant and night club located in a two storey penthouse with 360-degree rooftop views of the midtown New York skyline. A favorite of Lindsay Lohan, Matt Damon, Jay-Z and Usher, Bed is set to be the location of one of the hottest New Year’s Eve parties in New York this year. Featuring a range of mouthwatering cuisine, awesome beats and plenty of champagne guests can choose from a range of beds which accommodate 12-15 guests, while table and chairs are available for the less adventurous. So slip off your shoes and slip on specially designed slippers to party the night away at Bed this New Year’s Eve.

A Midnight Run - For those of you looking for something a little less raucous the New Year’s Midnight Run is perfect. This four-mile event is sponsored by the New York Road Runners and starts near the Bethesda Fountain, winds through Central Park and ends on West Drive. The race commences at midnight and runners stop at the midway point for a non alcoholic toast to ring in the New Year. This even it not only suitable to runners, music and dancing starts at 10 in Central Park followed by a spectacular costume parade and the gorgeous fireworks display at 12 signals the start of the race.

The Secret Passageway - Room Service, an über trendy club, and the new Ten’s, a gentleman’s club, in the glamorous Flatiron District will be joined by a secret passageway for one night only! This awesome New Year’s Eve party will be hosted by MTV’s Damien Fahey and a special guest DJ will be spinning tracks ranging from Hip Hop and R&B to Top 40 and Rock. The gourmet breakfast which will be served at 3am is not to be missed!

Times Square - Undoubtedly the most famous of all New York’s New Year’s Eve party locations! The Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration features fireworks, confetti, star-studded musical performances and millions of festive attendees. There are also a host of parties taking place in the restaurants, clubs and bars in Times Square, there is so much to see and do - The Times Square party is undoubtedly the most comprehensive and famous New York party location. As the clock strikes 12 the New Year’s Eve ball spectacularly descends as if from the heavens and the cheers of millions will welcome 2007.

From all of us at New York Journey, we’d like to wish you a safe and very HAPPY NEW YEAR! See you again in 2007.

Christmas in New York City is a time of tree lighting, caroling, shopping and good cheer. We’ve put together a list of the top 10 things to do in New York this Festive Season:

1. The lighting of the tree at the Rockefeller Center is not to be missed. This event traditionally marks the start of the winter holiday season. The tree stays lit from the last week of November to the first week in January, so even if you miss the lighting ceremony be sure to stop by and have a look at this gorgeous Christmas attraction.
2. A performance of the Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet is a favorite amongst New Yorkers and visitors alike.
3. The Christmas holiday lights at the Bronx Zoo - Beholding the 140 light animal sculptures, many of which are animated, as well as special night time feedings, live reindeer and tree and architectural lighting as far as the eye can see is a favorite family holiday activity in new York.
4. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes, is the #1 show to see while you are in New York over the Christmas holiday. The spectacular brings in more people than the shows on Broadway do in an entire year.
5. Ice Skating -If you’ve ever watched a movie or sitcom based in New York you will have seen that ice skating over the holiday season is a favorite pass time. There are several venues from which to chose but the most famous rinks are located at the Rockefeller Center and Central Park.
6. The window displays over the festive season are magnificent. Stroll past Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue while you are exploring New York this Festive Season - the displays in the windows will delight as will the shopping opportunities that lie beyond them.
7. Each holiday season the Big Apple Circus rolls into town to entertain the young and old. Be sure not to miss this interactive show.
8. Each year South Street Seaport becomes a winter wonderland and is one of the major Christmas attractions in NYC. Choirs, lights and general festivities here are a treat for every one in the family
9. Midnight Mass at one of the churches in New York City is not to be missed. The sound of carols and bells ringing at midnight mark one of the greatest holiday’s of the year.
10. Last but definitely not least?? what ever you do don’t miss the highlight of the holiday season in New York - the New Year’s Eve party in Times Square.

What are your plans for the New York holiday season?

Some where down the line men begin to tire of soap-on-a-rope, socks and underwear - not that we love you any less for giving them to us. But what do we really want - other than Angelina Jolie all wrapped up in a bow?
Here’s a list of the top 10 Christmas gifts for men this Festive Season.

1. An Xbox 360 - you may not see us much but we’ll love you forever!
2. Cologne - A safe bet providing you know his favorite fragrance or what suits him best.
3. A book - Books are one of the best gifts you can give (providing that you really consider the man you’re buying it for) - remember not all men adore 18th century poetry. If all else fails get him a book voucher, that way he’ll get something he really wants - even if it is a magazine.
4. A weekend getaway / holiday package to one of the great New York hotels - Everyone dreams of getting spoilt with a gift like this.
5. The latest iPod.
6. The DVD box set of his favorite television show - No?? ??Sex in the City?? is Y.O.U.R favorite show; get him something he really loves - even if you can’t bear the thought of being subjected to it.
7. A spa day at a luxurious New York City hotel - We hate to admit it but men love a little pampering and attention.
8. A watch - all men treasure a good watch, it’s as close to jewelry as some of us ever get.
9. Season tickets to the Knicks - No New York male could resist this.
10. A box of Cuban cigars - Need I say more??

Have I left anything out?

The only thing women love more than shopping for gifts is receiving them. The options are endless but to help you out we’ve put together a list of top 10 Christmas gifts for women this Festive Season.

1. Perfume - An old favorite, we love getting perfume, but make sure you get something that you’ve, either seen on our dressers or that we have mentioned we’d like. Different perfume smells different women; some are nauseating on one and gorgeous on another. If in doubt ask a best friend.
2. A Pink PSP - How cute are those??
3. Jewelry - Nothing says I love you quite like a nice piece of jewelry (preferably one sporting a few diamonds).
4. A subscription to our favorite fashion magazine - the gift that keeps on giving.
5. Yummy smelly’s are always good provided they don’t come in musty, overpowering scents we’d associate with out great grandmothers.
6. Tickets to a Broadway show - The Nutcracker’s a Christmas favorite.
7. A luxurious weekend away at a New York City hotel, complete with spa facilities of course - the perfect way to unwind after a particularly stressful holiday season.
8. Accessories - show me a woman who doesn’t like accessories and I’ll raise the dead. From bags, shoes and hats to hair clips, chunky bangles and scarves - accessories are always a great gift.
9. Our favorite movie on DVD or a box set of our favorite sitcom. ??Friends?? and ??Grey’s Anatomy?? - Dr. McDreamy?? yum?? are always safe bets.
10. If all else fails - get us a gift voucher to our favorite store (preferably one along Madison Avenue), we love shopping in New York City and being able to do it without spending our own money is fab!

Limiting what we’d like to receive to 10 items is cruel and unusual punishment! Let us know what’s on your wish list this year and keep an eye out for Daniel’s list of top 10 Christmas gifts for men on Monday.

The holiday’s are here at long last - let the shopping begin!

Christmas Shopping in New York City

New York City is the perfect destination for a Christmas holiday. Besides the range of holiday season activities, renowned NYC attractions and fabulous hotel accommodation offerings ?? New York City is a shopper’s paradise. With the range of shopping opportunities on offer, Christmas shopping in the Big Apple is a unique and exciting experience. Christmas shopping can, however, get a little harrowing - that’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 survival tips for Christmas shopping in New York City.

Top 10 Christmas Shopping Tips

1. Do your Christmas shopping as early as possible - this way you avoid the crowds as well as last minute stressed gift decisions.
2. Make a list of everyone you need to buy for and think about what you’d like to get them, before you embark on your shopping trip. This eliminates aimless wandering from shop to shop.
3. Buy a few extra gifts - you never know when someone’s going to turn up at your doorstep bearing gifts (chocolates and biscuits are always a good bet).
4. Plan your shopping route in advance - by knowing what gifts you are going to buy at what stores you will save yourself countless hours that would have been spent driving around from place to place in holiday traffic.
5. Eliminate the huge credit card bills by drawing up a budget for Christmas gifts and sticking to it!
6. Set a limit on the cost of gifts you are planning on buying.
7. When you feel yourself getting a little close to the edge in the shops - take a break. Head for the nearest coffee shop or restaurant and relax for a bit before tackling the rest.
8. Christmas shopping on the Internet is extremely popular - just make sure you have it all done by the end of November to ensure that the gifts arrive in time.
9. If the shop you purchase a gift at offers a gift wrapping service - take it. There’s nothing worse than being up to your elbows in cellotape and wrapping paper on Christmas Eve.
10. Whatever you do ?? don’t leave Christmas shopping to the last possible minute - the stress of crowded shops, gridlock traffic and unprecedented noise volumes is simply not worth it.

Let us know if you have any other tips for shopping during the Festive Season.

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Happy Holidays
The holiday season in New York City is in full swing! There is so much to do and see in this awesome city that you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you’re going to be in New York over the holiday season keep an eye out for our posts on top attractions, best gifts and greatest holiday activities.

Is there anything in particular you are interested in reading about New York travel on this blog? Post your comments and we’ll deliver.