| Some cities are all about summer sizzle. They come alive and party hard when the sun comes out but can't sustain the pace as the nights draw in and the temperature plummets. |
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| Not so New York City; this is truly a town that knows how to get the most of every minute, every season, and no matter what the weather is doing, New Yorkers will be out to play - and party. |
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| In fact, winter is a great time to head to the Big Apple. Almost every winter brings a gorgeous cover of powdery snow and once Christmas is out of the way, prices drop and bargains can be found. The January sales here are second to none, with the big department stores such as Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue discounting their designer wares by as much as 70% and numerous smaller stores desperate to offload stock in time to bring in the spring lines. |
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| On Broadway, January sees a significant reduction in visitor numbers, making tickets easier to come by than at any other time of the year. The hottest show in town is still Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre, a visually stunning production based on the Wizard of Oz; while the Addams Family at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre is a popular newcomer based on the bizarre characters from the long-running TV series. Both of these usually sold-out shows will be easier to get into while the year is young so you can book later and still get the good seats. |
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| It's not only the theatres that are quieter at this time of year, the must-visit city sights such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Centre are quieter than normal too - and the world famous ice rink at the latter remains open until April. |
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| Winter is also the middle of basketball season so sports fans should head to Madison Square Garden to watch a New York Knicks game - you won't get a better atmosphere at a sports event anywhere and most weeks see at least one home game at the garden. |
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| After the rush of Christmas many New York hotels are also offering great deals and discounts. Whatever you plan to do with your time in town you're sure to want to be near the action so book a hotel in Midtown to be in the heart of the buzz. The Grand Hyatt New York on 42nd Street at Park Avenue is right across the street from the Chrysler Building while the Roosevelt Hotel New York is within handbag-swinging distance of Saks and Rockefeller Centre. Both hotels have fabulous rooftop bars (Manhattan Sky at the Hyatt, Mad 46 at the Roosevelt) and on-site restaurants serving up fine all-American food plus king-size beds, a 24-hour fitness centre and helpful, knowledgeable staff to get you acquainted with the city. |
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| So if you've always wanted to take a bite of the Big Apple, forget about visiting during the humid summer heat and choose instead to get cosy there this winter. Just don't forget those earmuffs - the average minimum temperature in January is a foot-stamping minus 4. |
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