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Welcome in 2022 with a BANG: Make Plans in NYC with Social Meeting Apps

NYC remains the beating heart of the USA, forever charming and beautiful! New York is home to 10 million people; there are tons of things to do and see here, too. The city exudes an incredible vibrancy few other cities in the whole world can compete with. Thousands of restaurants, museums, plays and quirky things make it more fun. Here you will experience a vivid celebration of life throughout the year, especially in December, which will leave you euphoric.

Make plans nyc

NYC remains the beating heart of the USA, forever charming and beautiful! New York is home to 10 million people; there are tons of things to do and see here, too. The city exudes an incredible vibrancy few other cities in the whole world can compete with. Thousands of restaurants, museums, plays and quirky things make it more fun. Here you will experience a vivid celebration of life throughout the year, especially in December, which will leave you euphoric. This year, too, celebrations are in full force and you will find yourself surrounded by lights, music, dance performances, market fairs and holiday events. This is the best time to plan an epic trip to New York and visit the evergreen attractions, like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Empire State Building and Central Park. If you are planning for a weekend, there is so much to see that you will need a lifetime to do it all. Here is an ultimate guide on how to make plans in NYC and make the best use of the holidays. What are the best things to do and see in NYC? When is the best time to visit? How can you make the most of it? You will find answers to your questions in this post.

What makes New York more special in December?

Holiday cheer: New York is one of the best cities to spend the annual holidays. It is also known as the ‘melting pot of the world’ as it witnesses extreme holiday celebrations from various cultures across the globe. The festive season starts with Thanksgiving and flows through December until the New Year. That is why most people prefer to spend their holidays and make plans in NYC.

Calm environment: The city witnesses two phases – the first couple of weeks don't have many tourists so you can enjoy shopping with fewer queues. But if you love a crowd and being in the thick of things, enjoy the last weeks of December when there is holiday madness all around. Flight and accommodation expenses reflect this as well; choose the kind of experience you want!

Shopping frenzy: New York has multiple sales during the Christmas market fairs and pop-ups. As a result, the city is ideal for festive shopping. Even window shopping is a treat here, going over the top with holiday decorations. In addition, you can see special shows, like a Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes and Nutcrackers, plus several music concerts to entertain you and the entire family.

Fabulous weather: If you want to make plans in NYC, make sure you choose December. Winter is in full force and temperatures drop during this month. The average daytime temperature is 7°C and it often goes down to 0°C at night. In addition, you can expect rain and windy snowstorms to hit the city towards the end of the month.

Top plans to make in NYC this December

First, let's check out what's happening this year. Not everything will be the same this year due to COVID but luckily, New York's famous celebrations are still going on as scheduled. In addition to that, new social events and virtual components have been launched. For instance, Lumino City Festival is a newly-launched fair. Randall’s Island hosts an immersive light show. Anyone looking for a little holiday magic can visit this with family and friends. Rather than showcasing houses, take a walk through colorful sculptures inspired by nature, history, art and fantasy. There are food trucks, gift shops, galleries and many more fun places.

Make it a music winter: a not-so-Silent Night: Not every winter activity is about New Year’s or Christmas. December 21 is known as the shortest day of the year. On this day, people make plans in NYC and join a free outdoor music-making celebration hosted throughout New York City to commemorate the winter solstice. The Make Music Alliance is a non-profit organization that uses music to connect New Yorkers with their community and, guys, we all need to connect after the horror of the 2020 pandemic! Anyone can attend or participate in this free musical festival to sing, dance or play their instruments, whether via a smartphone or a harmonica.

There are musical parades and each one is different; they’re encouraged to be outdoors with security this year. Be sure to read specific descriptions of each event before you go.

The famous Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Center: The Rockefeller Center is the hub of holiday season during December. The giant Christmas traditional tree takes you back almost 100 years and seeing the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is the highlight of the holiday season. All the lights and decorations will take your breath away and don’t forget to snap that iconic photo in front of the ice-skating rink. Visit the annual Christmas tree lighting during a ceremony featuring exceptional musical performances and special guests which all happens after Thanksgiving weekend. This event is one of the most crowded in the city but is a must when you make plans in NYC. However, this year, guests will be limited to maintain proper distancing. If you can't make it to the plaza, you can still watch the lighting of the tree from home.

NYC Saks 5th Avenue Christmas Lightshow: After visiting the Rockefeller Center, you must check out the Saks 5th Avenue Christmas Lightshow. It starts around 5pm and does the full light show every 10-15 minutes. You can also see the show from the Rockefeller Center. Saks 5th Avenue is located at 611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022.

Radio City Music Hall: One of the best things to do in New York City is to visit Radio City Music Hall in December. Every New Yorker's bucket list includes Rockettes dance night. Radio City Music Hall has been the spark of Manhattan, New York City, since 1932. The address is 260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020. Book your tickets in advance to avoid any inconvenience. Here you will find the iconic giant red Christmas ornament and beautifully decorative court. Vendors are selling all types of goodies, including bags, paintings and wallets. If you don't manage to watch the show, make sure to go and see Radio City’s Christmas tree decorations; they are marvelous.

Ice-Skating: If you are making plans in NYC and still miss ice skating, your trip is incomplete. The three major ice-skating rinks, Rockefeller Center, Wollman Rink and Bryant Park, are favorite spots. When skating at Rockefeller Center, choosing to venture to one of the other rinks can be a safe bet. The crowds are smaller and you won't have to wait longer. Additionally, skating below the city's biggest Christmas tree is an amazing experience and a memorable moment. Wollman Rink is right inside Central Park, behind the zoo. The extraordinary combination of trees surrounding the city's architecture makes this the most enjoyable rink in the city. Finally, the Bryant Park ice skating rink is in the middle of the Winter Village. If you are looking to go skating at night, the Bryant Park ice skating rink is perfect.

It’s got classic holiday music, lights and food to entertain you when you’re not skating. This year at Bryant Park, reservations can be made online to limit the number of skaters on the rink. Also, instead of locker rooms for storing your stuff, you will get a free drawstring bag to carry things with you on ice.

Christmas Windows on Fifth Avenue: Window displays along Fifth Avenue are the most dazzling ones in the world; they glow more, especially in December. As you walk up and down the streets for holiday shopping, take time to admire these lights and decoration. The best ones are seen in Saks Fifth Avenue (right across the street from the Rockefeller Center). If you are there in the evening, be sure to stick around for the light show. The dancing lights and play on a loop every 10 minutes.

Holiday Shopping in December in New York City: One of the best things to make plans for in NYC is to check out our one-of-a-kind artists’ markets, flea markets, craft fairs or shopping festivals. The special market offers antiques, lots of food and drink, deep bargains and a festive shopping atmosphere. Explore the top markets in the city, ice skate, sip hot cocoa and shop your way through fantastic holiday markets. Shop for unique, memorable gifts for your family and friends. Review Grand Central Holiday Market, Shops at Winter Village Bryant Park, Union

Square Holiday Market, and more holiday market shopping tours. Cross off holiday shopping list like:

  • Holiday Shops at Bryant Park - October 29, 2021 – January 2, 2022

  • Grand Central Holiday Fair - November 15 - December 24, 2021

  • Union Square Holiday Market - November 18 - December 24, 2021

  • Columbus Circle Holiday Market - November 27 - December 24, 2021

Choose private NYC Christmas market shopping Tours if you want to be guided around the best markets in NYC. The December designer sample sales from L’Oreal, Autumn Cashmere, Diane von Furstenberg, and many more are worth a visit, too. Stay up-to-date with New York City’s Sample Sale Calendar.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights: Get into the holiday spirit with one of the largest zoos in the country. Bronx Zoo features a range of seasonal entertainment and decorations. Stilt walkers, holiday treats, costumed characters, the wildlife theater, Christmas trees, five animal lantern safaris and an ice carving competition – you can enjoy all of them here.

New York Botanical Garden Glow: The outdoor light experience will light up the grounds with thousands of energy-efficient LED lights. So, get ready for the second annual NYBG Glow! You can walk the expanded 1.5 miles with even more illuminated displays, including plant stories and picture perfect installations that reflect the surrounding garden. The Mertz Library Building and Haupt Conservatory are glowing centerpieces. There is a dance performance with other seasonal activities and snacks for people to enjoy. Tickets are on sale now!

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Times Square: Everyone has heard about the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration; it is grand and marvelous! Being the city’s biggest event of the year, it starts early at 6am on December 31 and people continue celebrating until the next morning. Folks line up to watch the famous ball drop. This year everyone is so excited to attend the event after the havoc from the pandemic of 2020. But in-person attendance will be extremely limited this year. Live elements will be significantly scaled back. Plans are made to enhance the virtual broadcast of the celebration and make it more immersive for everyone so people will feel like they are there.

Tips for managing the crowd and enjoying a safer environment:

  • If you are dining at a famous restaurant, make an early reservation. If the establishment doesn’t accept reservations, visit at off-peak hours. Have lunch or do an early dinner there.

  • Want to avoid crowds and people in your photo? Wake up early and visit to take better photographs. Early means waking up at the crack of dawn and give yourself time to travel around the city.

  • Everything will take time during the Christmas rush; using New York’s public transit system will be a cost-effective and quick way to get around.

Save big on things!

New York City coupons and discounts are available for almost everything one can do or make plans in NYC (except for a few exclusive events). This time of the year will be expensive but you can save big on tours, shows and other attractions. Don’t forget to include Elf The Musical, The Big Apple Circus, the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, museums, and lots more.

Are we missing something?

Celebrating the holidays in New York City can be like a dream come true. Though you are busy in the city, do visit around during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. If we have missed anything, please drop us an email and give us your feedback. Also, note that some activity details and events listed above can be affected due to COVID but as of now, everything is scheduled as planned. It's 2021 and you are in one of the greatest cities in the world; celebrate like an animal. Get ready for a wonderful time of the year and welcome in 2022 with the best local events in New York. Get into the spirit and when you visit the holiday markets, shop for great gifts and create memories with your friends and family.

So, are you ready to explore and make plans in NYC? Have a great holiday and do leave a comment expressing your unique holiday story!!

À Bientôt :)

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A Socialized Guidebook on “How to Interact With Groups to Meet People”

About two decades back, we were unable to freely make a long distance phone call to our loved ones; Can you believe people used to wait in line so they could hear someone on the other end.?Today, the internet and virtual networks have overlapped all of this. With rising social media apps, friends now socialize and join groups to meet people using online environments. Through this, people find it easy to communicate and stay in touch.

Social meet-up apps have changed the game forever. They’ve begun a new era of converting a conversation into real-time meet-ups. They are connecting people across global spaces. The Internet has also spread its wings and we have multiple options. The wide array of platforms not only initiated communication but has enhanced virtual networks.

Groups to Meet People

About two decades back, we were unable to freely make a long distance phone call to our loved ones; Can you believe people used to wait in line so they could hear someone on the other end.?Today, the internet and virtual networks have overlapped all of this. With rising social media apps, friends now socialize and join groups to meet people using online environments. Through this, people find it easy to communicate and stay in touch.

Social meet-up apps have changed the game forever. They’ve begun a new era of converting a conversation into real-time meet-ups. They are connecting people across global spaces. The Internet has also spread its wings and we have multiple options. The wide array of platforms not only initiated communication but has enhanced virtual networks.

Why is social interaction important?

The power of social meeting apps in today's world is incredible. New York is a perfect example of a city that has recognized the importance of technology and worked towards it. Masses get together in groups to meet people with the same mindset or interests. The city is a live stage to many local events and formal meetups. Everyone benefits from this new medium of communication.

Socializing prepares individuals for participating in a group and illustrates the group’s expectations. Broadly defined, socialization is transforming values, beliefs and norms to others. The concept is very important for any age group and gender. In the past, people used to sit together and talk for long hours. Now they have shifted towards social media apps. Online chats and video calls have taken over.

What's your take on social apps?

How many times do you visit your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or any other social networking website in a day gives you your answer! Growing virtual activities is addictive; it is considered odd if someone is not active on social platforms.  Daily traffic on these websites is enough for anyone to realize the influence and power they have over the world, both virtual and physical.

Massive social platforms have evolved to seek greater recognition and are identified for businesses, professionals, entrepreneurs and organizations. Social development has increased as the masses are creating groups to meet people nearby. Each app creates grouping and sharing options with specific features. They all work on the targeted audience by helping to build a community of like-minded people. Each group is based on certain interests, meetups, plans, locations and other common things. Let's have a look at some of the features that social meeting app offer people.

Defined groups: The user must be able to define their basic interests and the social meet-up app can help to form groups with friends and people who identify with them. Organizing a contact list would help more.

Automatic groups: You can easily find like-minded people and make groups to meet those people through social meet-up apps. Often the smart apps create automated groups; that means you don't have to define your circle anymore. Instead, the system automatically connects you with others.

Various profiles: The integration of profiles help users to choose matching profiles anywhere they wish to. They don't have to write the details again but can easily transport all the information across multiple apps. 

Update in real-time- Everything gets updated automatically. You can share information on social meeting apps in real-time and they will help you update it regularly, too. In addition, a lot of apps now have news feeds and status facilities.

Communicate- With group sharing apps, you can communicate with friends or people around your location easily and share your messages instantly with others. It is actually an easy way to talk and share your things.

Create groups to meet people- These apps help you create different groups where similar people can start talking and end up being friends. Moreover, real-time meet-ups enhance their bond and relationships. Nowadays, social grouping apps are on-trend.

Why Grouping Apps Work?

One of the biggest examples of grouping apps is Facebook where users can create groups through which they interact with numerous connections. The virtual path brings them all together and they can share thoughtful information easily. Social apps allow them to work offline and online as well.

Firstly, these groups help build genuine communication and interaction. Let's just say you work in different workplaces and you need to talk with someone. Phone calls are not feasible in such a situation. A private conversation can also look absurd. Such circumstances favor group social networking with friends as the best mode of conversation. Meeting apps have gone further than just creating groups to meet people online; they support real-time communication, too.

Social media trends keep changing and there is a growing need to take a step further. In fact, grouping apps are now offering people the opportunity to make conference calls, meet-ups at events and messaging, all for free. This step has had a major impact on people and improved communication. 

Characteristics

Social media apps are easily accessible to everyone and also a meeting point for today's generation. The major portion takes benefits of all the features stated above.  Social apps have open possibilities for direct access to clients without any intervention. Online friendships are coming out rather quickly. Humans are social creatures who crave communication and companionship. We luckily live in a digital age where the online space turns friendships into real bonds. If you are new to making friends and groups to meet people through social media, it may seem daunting at first but is better than other forms. Don't stress out; making new friends is not as difficult as you may think. With a little effort and knowledge, you can turn things around and create a new network of lifelong BFFs.

 

Tips to consider before making online friends

Update your online presence effectively: We all know an online presence matters a lot these days. After meeting someone new, the very first thing we do is Google their name. Clean your online reputation first and see how it works for you. Whenever we register on a social app, we need to register a profile with valid details. Maintain transparency so that more people can trust you. Let's just say you are going out with your friends to a local bar and you are eager to meet them. To make it more special, give a fine first impression. You will make an effort with your outfit, accessories and perfume so do the same thing with your online friends. While preparing for online friendships, freshen up your online image first to improve your chances of making a great impression.

Find your passion: if you are finding friends online and want to create groups to meet people, consider your interests and what are you passionate about. When you connect with someone, share your interests so that your relationship has a good start. This will not only list things in common but will also prompt a conversation so that you all become genuinely interested in the topic. The process increases your chance of a lasting conversation that’s deeper than usual. At small meet-ups, the dynamics of casual conversation automatically turn around when you start with simple topics. If the group meet-up is centered around an activity, structure your conversation around that. At large meet-ups, you need to mingle actively and try to talk to everyone. Joining a conversation is easy but starting one is a task. The simplest, quickest way to start a conversation is by introducing yourself. Once you start, move on to asking fancy questions like:

  1. "How long have you been in town?"

  2. "What kind of fun activities do you do in your free time?"

  3. "What places do you like in New York?"

Here are a few ideas that you can work on to form groups to meet people with common interests:

  • Travel groups

  • Local foodies

  • Language lovers

  • NY book clubs

  • Local fitness group

  • Science fiction enthusiasts

  • French cinephiles

  • Weekend hiking get-togethers

If your group is related to a hobby, you can ask about your shared interest. If you attend an occasional event, you can ask people what they thought about it. Most people are comfortable talking to a group but you may see someone who feels embarrassed and self-conscious about it. Well, there is no limit to the number of groups you create; just make sure you get the right ones.

online fitness group

Make your pitch strong- People are searching on the internet for interactive conversations. Whenever you send a message in an online group or with your friends, explain what made you connect with them. You can combine nice compliments and sentences to make a connection request.  For example, you can write: 

“Hi, Julie, my name is Chris. I just moved to New York and joined this amazing app. It's quite cool to see another personality like me in the group. Perhaps we could sync-up our walks and talk one day. Let us meet at this event and we will get to know more about each other. Either way, I’m so excited to be a member of this app and I look forward to speaking with more people like us soon. Take care!”

So, what do you think about it? Sure, it will work 100% time. This message conveys enthusiasm and shows how excited are you are to be interacting with groups to meet more people. Show common interests and show up at your meet-up. Chances are you will build a relationship for a significantly longer period.

Don't expect too much: one of the most important things you need to remember is you may find someone is perfect BFF material for you but they might not feel the same. Keep your expectations low. If you don't get replies or receive anything, that basically ends your chances of friendship with them. Don't take this personally. The phrase “it’s not you, it’s me” could actually be true in such cases. Perhaps the person doesn't have the same feelings and has too much on their plate that they can't connect with people for the time being. Also, if you want to make a connection with new groups to meet new people, don't expect anything from your schedule. You know how friendship works. Everyone is different with different priorities, responsibilities, expressions, expectations and personalities.

"Join a league"

Approaching groups is straightforward. You can create online groups to meet people on social planning apps. Introduce yourself or saddle up and listen to their conversation and chime in when you like. You can stay active in group discussions or have a one-on-one chat with someone you like. Social apps are a great place to start finding specific groups and communities. Find something that interests you to help narrow it down. Because people always want more friendships you are likely to find like-minded people, even in a small group of 50 people.

To sum it all up

We have survived through a pandemic crisis where we were all distant from each other and even friendships suffered. In such hard times, social apps were a savior. Thankfully, we are out of the pandemic but the friendship-making landscape is forever altered. We can now create groups to meet people with full power and internet resources help us do that. It is now easier to make friends online and have real-time meetings with them. Identify your interests and see how you can connect with others through them. Some groups are centered on careers, hobbies and business. One way to meet new people is by practicing your social skills through meet-up apps. Having a chance to meet and greet people comes with a golden opportunity; now it’s up to you to take it forward.

Sign up for a few selected apps and websites. Then send your first message and attend any random meeting event. Your next friend is waiting for you around the digital corner!

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