All about New Year in New York

The American New Year is significantly different from the Russian one. In winter, the main holiday in the United States is Catholic Christmas. This is a truly family holiday. As for the New Year, it can be called public. From December 31 to January 1, people with friends go to bars and restaurants, clubs and casinos, take part in colorful festivities. The most beautiful festivities take place in New York.

Americans, long before the winter holidays, begin preparations for the celebrations. Elegant Christmas trees appear on the squares, garlands of multi-colored lanterns appear on houses, and pine wreaths on the doors. If you decide to celebrate the New Year in New York, know that you will find yourself in a real fairy tale. The city in December-January is strikingly different from the form that it has in the rest of the year.... In a word, Santa Claus settles in the metropolis with all the ensuing consequences.

Cheerful music is constantly playing on the streets, the stunning illumination of skyscrapers turns them into magical castles. No showcase is left without luminous and shiny decorations. Fairy-tale characters are watching from everywhere: angels, deer, gnomes and elves, and even Santa himself. Trees and bushes also dress up for the holidays. Garlands and colored lights are hung on them. The city shines from the highest points of skyscrapers to low gardens.

A fir tree is placed in every house. True, unlike our beauties, conifers are a symbol of Christmas, not New Year... Christmas trees are installed almost a month before the holiday - at the end of November. And so that the needles do not crumble in living plants, the trunk is placed in a container with a nutrient mixture and periodically watered with water.

It is noteworthy that Our usual tinsel is not used in the USA to decorate Christmas trees. Bows and ribbons take its place on American conifers. Glittering garlands appear on the roofs and facades of buildings. Beautiful figures are installed in the courtyards in front of buildings. Everyone wants to make their home the brightest, most interesting and attractive. In this endeavor, the Americans are sparing no expense. Electricity costs are increasing significantly, which pleases utility companies.

New Year is celebrated on a slightly smaller scale than Christmas. But even for this celebration, a lot of Americans and tourists come to New York. The most beautiful tree stands at Rockefeller Center. Here, starting from the end of November, a skating rink is open and skates are rented. And opposite Rockefeller Center on the facade of the most famous store Saks Fifth Avenue, you can enjoy free light shows.

On the first day of January, Times Square opens with a colorful parade. Those who could not get into the procession watch it on TV. More than a million people are said to be watched every year. New Year's Eve in miniature is celebrated here every hour, celebrating its arrival in different time zones.

The most colorful action takes place a minute before midnight. According to the tradition, which is more than 100 years old, on the last day of the year - the 31st, a huge New Year's ball, shining in different colors, falls from the top of the building located in the central part of Times Square.

For the first time, the New Year's ball descended from the tower back in 1907. Organized by Jacob Starr. The weight of his ball, made of iron and wood, was 318 kg, and its diameter was 1.5 meters. Nowadays, the ball has changed significantly. Now it weighs a whopping 6 tons! At the same time, the diameter is 3.7 m. The unique design has 2688 edges, and the sparkle is provided by 32256 LEDs. The ball pleases the eyes of local residents and visitors all year round. And only once a year does he come down to earth.

The fact is that by about 19-00 the area is filled to the maximum, so further access is closed. People occupy the best places for viewing from the very morning on the 31st. They dress warmly, counting on the fact that they will have to stand still for a very long time.

Having settled in a convenient place, the audience does not leave it. In order not to experience hunger and thirst, you have to stock up on food and drink. The supplies should be kept in pockets, because with large bags and backpacks, the police will not allow you to enter the square. By the way, it is forbidden to bring alcohol with you. Even champagne has been vetoed.

Indescribably lucky for those who follow the descent from the windows of the nearest hotel rooms... And no one bothers to watch, and there is no crush, and it is warm. These rooms are booked long before the holidays and are not cheap. The climax comes at 23-59. The ball floats down, and thousands of spectators begin the countdown. After the loud "One!" fireworks sound on the square, laughter, joyful congratulations and general fun are heard.

New Year is not only the night from December 31 to January 1. All entertainment establishments are open on holidays. On vacation days, it is customary to visit theaters with New Year's performances. Famous artists, musicians, singers, popular groups come to the city. Not sure what to choose? Go see a Broadway musical. The minimum cost of a ticket to Chicago is about $ 60.

On holidays, local families go to the Radio City Musical Hall - perhaps the most famous in the United States. Every Russian in US films has seen the Empire State Building - the famous skyscraper. For $ 25-35, you can buy a ticket to one of the observation decks and admire the beauty of New York at night.

Impossible to refuse to inspect the Statue of Liberty... Tourists go to the majestic monument by ferry. Otherwise, you can't get to him. Fans of outdoor recreation stroll along the streets of the metropolis, visit numerous cafes and restaurants, drop in to boutiques and shops, or simply admire intricately decorated showcases.

Several holiday fairs are a must-see. The Bryant Park Fair is located around an ice rink in central Manhattan. Professional figure skaters, including prize-winners of world championships, perform on the ice. After the ice show, you can grab a bite to eat and go shopping. The fair presents souvenirs, handicrafts, various accessories and goods of famous brands.

The best place for buying souvenirs is the market at Columbus Square.... There is everything here so as not to return home empty-handed. These are household goods, designer pieces, and colorful souvenirs suitable for gifts. There are countless entertainments in the huge city. Anyone will find a suitable option for themselves.

To see how New Year is celebrated in New York, see the video.