Expand Your Friend Circle with Meet Up Groups In New York

New York is not just a place, it is a feeling of joy. If there is one thing all New Yorkers have in common, it is that they know how to live life to the fullest.  New York is a place where you would want to roam around with your friends and experience a unique lifestyle. As amazing as it may sound to be, New York seems to be a pretty chaotic place for newcomers. If you are someone who has recently moved to New York, we are sure you are a bit in cultural shock because life in this place moves faster than the speed of light. You barely get time for yourself and this impacts your friend circle a lot. People in New York are really friendly and just by starting a conversation, you can begin a new friendship. Local meet up groups in New York give you an excellent platform to expand your network. You can meet new people in these groups and you never know when you will find your group of best friends. Let’s dive deeper into this post and learn more about these groups.

Local meet up groups in New York

It must be pretty clear from the name that local meet up groups are groups of people who come together to meet new people in their locality. Generally, these groups have a theme such as music clubs or literary clubs. People find groups of their interests and join them to meet people with similar interests. There are a number of such local meet up groups in New York and it is very easy to find them.

The best way to find these groups to meet people is by visiting online and searching for them. It is extremely easy to find the groups. You will get an entire list of these groups and you can choose the one that captures your interest. You can also use social meetup apps to find the nearest groups. These apps are just amazing. You can easily create your account on these apps. These meet up apps will give your daily updates on the nearest meet up groups. These apps can be a huge help to you and that’s why we would recommend you to find the best one.

There are many apps and free meetup sites you can use but not every single one of them is reliable. You need to find an app or site that has a good reputation in the market and a strict privacy policy. You can do a bit of online research and you will find the right ones.

Why join meet up groups in New York?

Can you think of reasons why you do not have any friends in this big new city? Besides a fast-moving lifestyle, there are multiple reasons your friend circle is limited.

• You do not feel comfortable talking to new people because you are sure enough if they would like to have a conversation with you.

• You do not find people around your interesting enough because you do not share any interests with them.

• You are an introvert and do not know how to begin a conversation

Local meet up groups are ideal for everyone who has such issues when it comes to making friends. People in meet groups also have the intention of making new friends and that’s why it is easy to start a conversation. In fact, someone might start talking to you without you having to take the first step. Obviously, you will be joining a group based on your interest and that’s why people in that group will have something in common with you. Another amazing part of joining a group of your interest is that you can actively take part in such groups. You will meet amazing people and will also get to know their stories. The entire experience will be just unforgettable.

We would highly recommend you to join a social meet up and begin building your social circle in New York.

There you have it! This is all that you need to know about the meet up groups in New York. We guess, now you are all ready to meet new people and expand your circle. If you are looking for a reliable social meetup app, you can download the Leaf App and start searching for interesting meet up groups in your locality. Leaf is a trusted social meet up app with countless users. All you have to do is visit the App Store to download this app and create your account. You’ll be good to go!

Best Summer Activities for group outings in NYC

Summers are the best, right? Beaches, sunglasses, ice creams, and whatnot. Summers have always been about fun but this year’s season is a bit different. We all were locked in our houses for the last 2 summers which literally sucked. But finally, we have the chance to be wild and free in the streets of NYC. It is a perfect time to plan group outings in NYC with your friends. If you are aware of this magnificent city, you must know what you can do here during Summers. However, if you are new here, you will need a guide to learn all the fun activities that are waiting for you and your friends outside. Today we thought of bringing a list of the best summer activities you can do in NYC this year. So, let’s not wait anymore and dive right into it!

Must try summer activities in NYC

#1 New food places

If you and all your friends are food enthusiasts, you are surely going to love this one. New York is one of the best places to explore food options. This city has a lot to offer to food lovers. From authentic American food to mouth-watering Japanese sushi, New York is a place where you would find it all. This place is perfect to plan group outings in NYC if you want to want to experience new flavors. Here is one recommendation for you, if you wish to grab a bite at a waterfront destination, Time Out Market would be a perfect place for you. It has some amazing food and drinks options that will satisfy your mouth and your stomach.

#2 A beach trip

Do you know what is the best part of Summers in New York? Yes! You guessed it right, it is the beach trip. If you are planning group outings in NYC, a beach trip must be on your list. The beaches are amazing during summer. That cold breeze with water flowing towards our feet, what else can we dream of? However, there are certain things that you need to know. The first is that NYC beaches can get a bit crowded, especially during weekends. More and more people visit beaches to release their entire week’s stress. Second, you need to carry sunscreen and third, make sure to wear a comfortable swimsuit.

#3 Get some cocktails

What kind of outing would it be without cocktails? People in New York are blessed with some of the best bars in the world where you can try some amazing cocktails. Take Mace, for example, this is literally a cocktail heave for people like us who love cocktails. And this is not even the best. You can try every cocktail you can imagine in New York because there are a lot of bars in this city that serve a huge variety of cocktails.

#4 Check out a music festival

New York is a place full of joy and enthusiasm. That’s why you will often see some amazing community events in New York. One of the events you can explore is a music festival and trust us, this makes your group outings in NYC, not just special but also very memorable. A music festival is an appropriate event for everyone because we all love music. Therefore, there is no scope for getting bored. We all can groove on the beats. What else you would want? All your friends are going to thank you for taking them to a music festival. 

#5 Pamper yourself

New York is one of the busiest cities in the world. This city never sleeps and if you live here, you must know how exhausting this city can be. So, if you are planning group outings in NYC, you can consider pampering yourself. All your friends are going to love this idea. You will some amazing spa centers which will eliminate all the stress from your mind and make you feel relaxed. And trust us, you will never forget this relaxing and calming outing with your friends. There is a benefit of living in New York, you can find every possible massage or self-care facility.

#6 New York Graffiti

Graffiti mesmerizes us every time we look at it. It is surprising to see how New York has countless graffiti. In fact, we would say that this location is filled with beautiful graffiti. New York’s graffiti is popular worldwide. The entire world knows how amazing the New York graffiti is. From the funky art of empowering messages, you will find everything drawn or written on the walls of New York.

#7 Check out the local market

If you are done exploring expensive malls and megastores, you should probably take a break and dive into the authentic shopping experience and what could be better than a local market. You should definitely check out the local markets in New York because you will find everything over there. From amazing food to great clothes, these small markets have everything you can ever imagine. The best part is that everything is comparatively cheaper than the malls and megastores. It would not be a struggle to spot a local market as you can find many of them online or just while casually exploring NYC.

#8 Join the Pride parade

Want to be a part of something beautiful, lovable, and amazing? If so, then you can color yourself in pride. June is the pride month where members and supporters of the LGBT hit the streets of NYC to spread love and equality in the air. It is a scene you would not want to miss out on. This summer season, let yourself contribute to a change in society. You can join the pride parade and you will have the time of your life. The fun, the enthusiasm, the energy, everything is simple on point!

#9 Rooftop movies

Imagine watching a good movie with your friends. Sounds like a perfect weekend night, right? Now imagine watching a movie with your friends on the rooftop. Yes, we know, it is everything you need to enjoy your weekend. The concept of rooftop movies is becoming more and more trendy these days. It is a perfect end to a day because you are not just watching a movie, you are sitting on the rooftop where you can check out the entire New York City and feel the cold breeze of the night. Doesn’t this sound perfect? We are sure it does and that’s why you need to make sure to add this summer activity to your list of group outings in NYC.

#10 Enjoy the boat bar

Have you ever sipped your favorite drink in the middle of the sea? If not, then it is a perfect time to explore something new and exciting. Boat bars in New York are a perfect way to enjoy a good time with your friends and yes, boat bars are exactly what you are thinking. These are the bars that are built on a boat. You will be cruising while enjoying your favorite drink under the sun. Doesn’t it sound exotic to you?

Trust us, this is just a small list. There are a lot of things you can do in New York during the summer. Now, all you have to do is call your friends and make plans for group outings in NYC. But what if you do not have any friends? We mentioned earlier, we have brought this list for people who are new to the New York City and most of them do not have any local friends. So, does that mean they have to cherish this year’s Summer all by themselves? Well, not really because you can make new friends.

We know you are thinking about how you can make friends, it is something you have no control over. But what if we say you do have? One of the ways you can connect to people with similar interests is by choosing a good social meetup app. Don’t have many ideas about it? Let us help you.

Make new friends with social meetups apps

Social meetups are phone applications where you can create your profile to virtually connect to people near your area. People fill in their details and interests so that others can know about them. It is one of the best ways to create new friends. There are a lot of social meet-up apps but you need to make sure to choose the one that is reliable, safe, and trusted. It might take a bit of online research but the result will be worth it.

The most reliable Social meetup app!

It is not a good idea to choose random social meetup apps to make new friends. You need to make sure to use a reliable app that has legit people on it. Leaf is one of the best and the most trusted online social meet apps. It is designed to help people in New York connect to other local residents. You can find people with similar interests to explore the city. All you have to do is explore our website to learn more about us and download the Leaf app from App Store to make plans for group outings in NYC.

Tips on How to Make Plans with Friends in NYC to Explore This Magical Place

Have you just moved to New York City and want to explore this beautiful place? If so, then do not wait to make plans with friends in NYC and get ready to dive deep into the world of happiness, excitement, and wonders. In this post, we are going to discuss making plans with your friends to hit the streets of NYC and discover amazing things about this location. So, let’s go!

NYC- a completely different planet on earth

Yes! You read it right! New York is definitely a completely different planet on the earth. It is a whole new world in itself that never sleeps. New York is one of the most mesmerizing places you can ever visit. This is the city that never sleeps. The people are full of life and joy but trapped in a chaotic and busy lifestyle at the same time. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that this city is the centre of attraction of the world.

Many people visit NYC every year for various purposes, such as pursuing higher education and becoming a resident. If you are someone who has recently moved to this place, you should definitely explore NYC. And trust us, you won’t regret it.

But here is a problem: If you had moved to NYC, you probably wouldn’t have any friends in this city, and we all know how boring it could be to explore a new place all by yourself. In fact, you might get lost somewhere if you are all on your own. But do not worry, you don’t have to wait for someone in your office to be your friend. You can make friends easily. How? Well, here is the answer!

How to make friends in NYC?

If you think that it would be easy to find friends in NYC, then we are sorry to burst your bubble. New York is a pretty busy place where it can be a bit hard to make new friends. It is already tough to find people who share similar interests, and the chaotic nature of this place makes it even harder. But thanks to social meetup apps, we can now build our network without any struggle.

The internet has given us a lot of things, including the opportunity to make new friends. We know it is not the best idea to make friends on the internet due to security reasons. But there are some social meetup apps that you can use to find new and interesting people in NYC. Just make sure to choose a trusted online social meetup application to ensure your safety.

These apps will open the gates to friendship in no time. Here is what you should know about social meetup apps

Making friends using social meetup apps

Installing a social meetup app is the first step to making plans with friends in NYC. There are countless applications online, and you should choose the most reliable and trusted one. It is very easy to make a profile on these apps. You just have to fill in your details, and you are good to go. Make sure to fill inaccurate details.

Social meetup apps help you connect with people residing near your location. Therefore, it is easy to find people who are in close proximity. It is better to make friends in the same city as making plans would be easy for you.

When it comes to making friends, we all want to come across people who have similar interests as it makes the entire bond more fun and exciting. However, in most cases, it is not under our control. But the scenario changes when making friends on social meetup apps. Just like you, other people on the app mention their interests that are visible to everyone. This will allow you to connect to people who share similar interests with you. And trust us, this will be the best friendship you will ever have. Imagine what all you and your new friends can do together.

Once you find the right people, you can chat and make plans with friends in NYC. Yes! We know it sounds amazing but trusts us, it feels better than it sounds to have a pal in a new city. Once you have made new friends, you can plan an outing to explore NYC, and here is how you can do it.

Making plans with friends

The first thing that you and your friends can consider is exploring local events in New York. As mentioned earlier, NYC is a place that is awake all day and night long. There are countless local events in New York that are extremely interesting and exciting to visit. And do not worry, you will find something that you like.

From interesting sports and gaming competitions to community events in New York, there are so many things you can take part in. Local events are extremely beneficial. They are not just interesting and engaging but will also make you aware of the local culture of the place. Do not think that you wouldn’t find any suitable event in NYC. This big city has something for everyone, so chill.

Other than the event, there are so many places in New York you can visit. This city is filled with interesting places. From amazing restaurants to great museums, you can find anything you can ever imagine.

There are a lot of things you can do in NYC. So, we guess it is time to charge your cell phone, put on your sunscreens, and hit the hits of the city. But wait, we have something more for you. It is time we tell you some tips that will make your entire exploration even better than you could have imagined.

Some tips you should know.

Exploring a whole new place can be a bit overwhelming. It is important to know what would be the best for you so that you can enjoy the trip to the fullest.

#1 - A trip on feet

Do you know that New York is one of the world’s greatest walking cities? People prefer to walk on their feet rather than take a taxi. Walking will not just save you a lot of time but will also give you an opportunity to take a close look at the culture of the place, observe the architecture of the place and engage with local people. Although it is a bustling city, there are a lot of things you can explore while taking a trip on your feet. You can visit places like Manhattan and Brooklyn to experience the authentic New York City vibe.

#2 - Do not miss Time Square

Believe it or not, Time Square is the dreamiest place on this planet. It is home to high-profile fashion brands, which makes Time Square one of the best places to explore. There are so many things to do in Time Square. First of all, if you are a fashion freak, you will find this place heavenly. You will be able to spot some of the most famous fashion brands in this area. If you are a sucker for skyscrapers, you should not miss out on this area. The building and the entire modern architecture of Time Square are jaw-dropping. You can visit Madame Tussauds to have a look at the wax figures of your favorite celebrities. We cannot list down everything that you can do in Time Square as it will take an entire day to do so. But we can tell you that you will not get bored of it.

#3 - The taste of authentic food

New York has all the big restaurants or hotels along with fast-food chains. While roaming on the streets of NYC, you might feel your stomach craving for some good food. We would recommend you not to visit these name brands. Instead, you should taste the authentic food of New York. There are many small cafes or restaurants you can visit. They have an authentic New Yorker menu that will allow you to take a deep dive into the world of authenticity. While walking on your feet, you will surely stumble upon a vintage or old-school café that will take you back to the 90s. The food of NYC is simply amazing. You just have to find a place to experience it.

#4 - Check out the sky deck

If you are so amazed by watching skyscrapers from the ground, imagine how beautiful they would look from the top. Checking out the sky deck is one of the must-haves that you should add to the plans with friends in NYC. The city looks breath-taking when checking it out from the top. There are many sky decks you can use to watch the city, and it will drop your jaw. We would recommend you to check out the sky deck at night because the dazzling lights and beautiful skyscrapers will look nothing less than a real spell of beauty.

There you have it! These are some of the tips that you can use while exploring NYC with your new friends.

Finally, we have come to an end. We told you how you could make new friends and also gave you some tips that will help you explore NYC just like you imagined. Now, the only thing that is left to do is download a trusted and reliable social meetup app, and what could be better than Leaf? It is one of the best social meetup apps that can help you make plans with friends in NYC. Leaf has made making plans with friends to explore NYC seamless. Explore our website to learn more about us and download the Leaf app from App Store today!

How social meetup apps are influencing the world

The world has been growing and evolving based on socialization from the beginning. First, humans started forming groups, then societies and religions to interact with other individuals having the same interests. But until the evolution of technology, we were only interacting and communicating with the individuals living close to us. However, technology has enabled us to communicate and socialize with people that live far away from us, even in other countries. And social meetup apps are helping us to make new friends virtually and then meet them in real life.

 Maybe due to these reasons, social meetup apps are now extremely popular, especially among the younger generation. And now, these social apps are providing more tempting features, benefits, and services. So through these apps, you can make new friends and meet new people. In addition, you can keep yourself in touch with old friends and colleagues. And the advanced features of the social meetup apps can give you the suggestions and option to be friends with like-minded people who may have similar or familiar interests and opinions as you do. And due to these amazing features, people spend a lot of their time browsing and chatting through social meetup apps.

The Leaf and Meetup are some of the most famous social meetup apps these days. And one can use these apps to find new people and make different types of outing plans at the best places in their surroundings. So suppose you live in New York. You can use these social meetup apps to make date plans in New York. Or find the local meetup groups in New York if you are looking for a place to look for new people and make new friends. And even the imposition of pandemic restrictions didn’t bring down the popularity of Social meetup apps. On the contrary, these apps were widely used during the pandemic to make new friends and chat with friends. And since the upliftment of the pandemic, the use of these apps has skyrocketed as now people are very keen to meet their friends in person.

 However, dating apps have also gained popularity since and after the upliftment of the pandemic. Although, there is a huge difference between social meetups and dating apps. Let’s find out what’s the major difference.

Why are social meetup apps becoming so popular?

Some studies have found that just like social networking apps, like Facebook and Instagram, social meetup apps are also getting immensely popular among youngsters. And not just youngsters, but now people of all ages are using social meetup apps to meet and greet and socialize with new people and their friends. And due to its popularity, now it is not only a means of communication but also a good marketing place for businesses. Thus, you see a lot of ads in your social meetup apps. There are also some kind of meetup apps on which you can share some photos and exciting moments of some event hosted or planned by you and share it with your friends and those who weren’t able to come to your event.

 The social meetup apps are also a great place to find old and new friends. There are some apps with search options where you can find your friends. But most of the apps automatically tell you about the people you know, or your contacts, already using the app. But to enable this feature, you have to sync or give access to your contacts or any social networking platform you commonly use to these apps. However, these apps are not dating apps where you can find your soulmate. But there have been such instances where people have met using the app in any event, fallen in love, and got married. That is why social meetup apps always push you to find and make new friends. 

Why are dating apps getting so popular?

There were days when people met new people in churches or temples to discuss their relationships. In those times, people commonly get to know everything about each other through real meetings. But now, people have sunk more into the virtual world through the digital age. There has been a drastic cultural change in the past few years, and thus people don’t directly jump to the wedding part. Instead, they first like to know each other well, and dating apps play a very important role in that. It has become very convenient for people to find new people having mutual interests through dating apps. Using these apps, two people from different families and cultural backgrounds, different cities, and sometimes different countries can meet each other based on their interests. They can chat, share their feelings, and get to know each other well through the app. And based on this, they can decide whether they want to take things further or not.

 And due to the use of digital platforms more commonly among youngsters and teenagers, the use of dating apps like Bumble and Tinder has increased quite a lot among them. Some findings have suggested that people between the age of 18 to 25 are the most common users of dating apps. But the other age groups are also using dating apps according to their needs, as there are no age restrictions on using dating apps if you are above 18. Some findings also claim that the use of dating apps has enormously increased during the covid pandemic and lockdown.

The most obvious reason for dating apps getting popular during the lockdown was the lack of social interaction. People had no one to talk to, so they started talking with strangers through dating apps. According to Bumble, one of the most common dating apps, there was a 19% increase in sent and received messages on their app during the first lockdown of the covid pandemic. The vice president of the same dating app even stated that during the pandemic, the voice and video calls through their app were at a time high at 18 minutes per call. And this clearly depicts the increased use of dating apps during the pandemic. So as people are getting busier and busier with their work-life, their social life is shrinking. And these dating apps have been a good platform for them to interact and date with like-minded people.

What are the pros of Social Meetup apps?

People of all ages are using social meetup apps due to the variety of advantages they provide. And the following are some of the most significant advantages of Social Meetup apps:

• You can meet anyone through these social apps. There are no restrictions on culture or religion when you are looking for new people on these apps. You can even connect with a foreigner traveling in your city.

• Through these apps, you can easily communicate with your mates. These apps are great for making fun outing plans and events. Some of these apps are also categorized as scheduling apps for friends. You can easily make plans and work out a common time, date, and venue to meet and communicate with all your friends about the event through the app only.

• These apps are also a great place for promoting events and businesses. Suppose you have a restaurant business, a bar, or any fun place. You can easily promote your business through social meetup apps. Just write fun things about your business and place them on the app, and people will consider your business and services for planning Local or community events in New York and booking venues. And in case you host a meetup group, these social meetup apps are the best platform to promote those because people are always looking for meetup groups in new places to find new friends.

• Also, such apps are a great place for sharing all kinds of ideas. You can even find online meetup groups of interest. Many businesses, startups, and technology meetup groups can easily be accessed through these meetup apps.

Pros of Dating apps

Both the social meetup apps and dating apps share the same level of popularity these days. And during the lockdown has brought a steep rise in the demand for these apps. So following are some of the advantages of dating apps:

• Dating apps are becoming a good platform to find your soulmate. There are real-life stories of getting into a successful and long-lasting relationship through these dating apps. All you need to do to find your partner on these apps is just post some good-looking photos of yourself along with relevant information.  

• These apps are a great place for shy or introverted people to get into relationships. Introverted people often hesitate and find it a great hassle to date someone or even interact with new people in real life. But through these apps, you can easily find someone having mutual interests and interact with them virtually to get comfortable. And then date them in real life.

•  Usually, when people look for someone to spend their life with, they consider many cultural things like caste, religion, or family background. But dating apps only match you with people who have the same interests as you do. Another great thing about these apps is that people are only matched when they have mutually liked each other.

•  You don’t have to hide anything on dating apps. You can share anything about yourself with your match on these dating apps, and you won’t be judged for that. Thus it also helps in boosting confidence and meeting people in real life.

•  You can always move to the next. We mean, no one is bound in a relationship on these dating apps. You can always move to the next if things are not working out between you two. There are a lot of other options available.

Some cons of dating apps

Regardless of its many pros, dating apps are a risky business in some cases. So it is best not to overlook the cons of these apps. And following are some of the most considerable cons of dating apps:

• Although dating apps are great platforms to get into relationships, they can also depict a casual image of you. Through these apps, people can feel that you are very casual in relationships or always looking for hookups through relationships. You may also look like someone desperate for relationships or getting into relationships just to pass the time.

•  Many dating apps users have also been the victims of cybercrimes. People easily share their pictures with some vital information with their matches, and these things can be easily misused. One can easily con or blackmail you have shared something with them that you shouldn’t. And as there are a lot of online hackers on these dating sites as well, someone can easily track your details and lure you into some scam through the details. Hence, security is always, and privacy is always a concern on dating apps.

•  And it is not certain that you’ll always find the right person on these dating apps. You could even get into a toxic relationship through these dating apps, further leading to self-doubt and failure in a relationship. 

Social Meetup Apps vs. Dating apps

People often confuse social meetups and dating apps and consider them the same thing. But this is not true. They are two different kinds of apps and are used for different purposes. Some say that we can meet new people on both the social meetup apps as well as on the dating app. But there is a considerable difference between the kind of people we meet on these two platforms. On dating apps, you meet new people specifically for the purpose of dating. Whereas on the social meetup apps, you meet new people as well as old friends for socialization and interaction. The following are the other considerable differences between the social meetup and dating apps:

• The dating apps are not free. You need to buy a subscription to use these apps. On the other hand, most social meetup apps like the Leaf are completely free to use. And will be asked many questions on the dating apps to find the appropriate partner, but this is not the case with meetup apps.

• Social meetup apps have more loyal users as compared to dating apps. It is so because most of the meetup apps provide almost the same features, like making plans with your friends, going for outings, and looking for meetup groups through these apps. But the dating apps have divided uses as different apps provide different features for finding the suitable date.

• And although, you can meet new people virtually and then meet them in person through both types of apps. There is a significant difference between the kind of people you meet on these apps. On the social meetup apps, you meet people to chill and hang out with, whereas on the dating apps, you meet people for dating.

Conclusion

Although one can find some subtle similarities between the dating app and the social meetup apps, these two are completely different kinds of platforms and are used for different purposes. And as per our suggestion, there have been numerous instances in which people have found their soulmates through social meetup apps. Also, there have been instances where people are blackmailed or conned through dating apps.

Thus it is better to use meetup apps for making new friends and planning outings. The Leaf is a great social meetup app with many amazing features, making it the best app to make plans with friends.

Best fun activities for group outings in NYC in December 2021

Congratulations! December is on. And December is the month in which you will see almost everyone celebrating something, or going shopping in New York. One of the best things about December in New York is that it is packed with festivals, events and celebrations. Thus, you will find something new every day when you walk around New York's streets this month.

 And as there are so many things to do on meetup in New York during December, it is the best time to plan group outing in NYC. Although there is nothing bad about traveling alone, it’s nicer to make friends in New York and enjoy the holiday month with them. 

 And now, there are a thousand things you can do in New York this month, but it won't be possible to do that in just 24 hrs. Thus, we have chosen some of the best activities and events you can do in New York this month. But first, we will list some basic things you can do to enjoy this festival season in New York. And at the end of this blog, we will list some special events to attend and enjoy in New York this month. So let's start. 

You would also like to read: A Socialized Guidebook on “How to Interact With Groups to Meet People”

Go to Bryant Park for a winter village

If you love food, shopping and skating, then Bryant Park is the place for you this December. You will find a winter village in Bryant Park, close to the Bank of America. The winter village is famous for its fantastic food and lots of shopping kiosks. So it is a must-see for foodies and shopaholics. You will also find a 17,000 square foot ice-skating rink here, and it's completely free to skate. However, you need to bring your own skates. So, gather your group and visit Bryant Park but don’t forget your jackets as December is very cold in New York. It is a good option for group outing in NYC. Also, make sure you follow the Covid guidelines and protocols while traveling. 

The Holiday Light Show at Bronx Zoo

 If you love lights and animals, Bronx Zoo is the best place for you to visit at this time of the year. You will see an LED and lantern representation of about 260 animal species. The zoo is basically divided into five parts, each representing the animal species from different continents and regions, including Africa, Latin America, North America, Asia and the Oceans. There is also a forest of color inside the zoo which interprets 21 new larger-than-life lantern representations of some specific animals, such as toads, snails, etc.

And this year, the zoo has also added around 79 new lantern representations, including 30 new animal species. So don't be late and visit Bronx Zoo today. 

The Rockefeller Christmas tree

We are not exaggerating but Christmas in New York is kind of incomplete without the seeing the Rockefeller Christmas tree. One can say that it is the signature Christmas tree of New York. You can see the Rockefeller Christmas tree near the ice-skating rink at the Rockefeller Center. You will also see it when you are roaming on the roads of Times Square. Hence, if you are looking for group outing in NYC, you should consider this as an option.  From December 1 until the New Year, the Rockefeller Christmas tree is lit every morning from 6am to midnight but especially on Christmas Eve, the tree is lit for 24 hours.     

The Holiday Lightings in Central Park

In case you want to enjoy something Christmassy with your family, you should visit the Holiday Lightings in Central Park. It has been around 20 or more years that the Central Park Conservancy has been arranging Charles A here during the Christmas month. So, if you are visiting Central Park with your family, you can listen and even sing some lovey holiday carols with other visitors. 

The NYBG GLOW!

The NYBG GLOW is an abbreviation for the New York Botanical Garden Glow. And this is only the second year of NYBG GLOW. So at this time of the year, you will find the New York Botanical Garden fascinatingly lighted with thousands of low-energy LED lights that look much more beautiful at night than during the day. A 1.5 mile walk surrounded by beautiful lights. 

The Lumino City Festival 

This festival started as a light festival in New York a few years back but lately, it has become popular. So it is a beautiful light festival that happens around Christmas. In earlier years, the show happened on Randall's Island in 2019, and it was a huge hit. This year, the festival will happen at Whitney Pond Park in Long Island. And this time, the festival will be a 45-minute walking, with a narrative to follow and towering LED sculptures. This year, the theme of the Lumino City Festival is Shine Again. You will also see Lumi's Utopia and Lumi's Friends. It’s an outdoor event and will be guided by Lumi, the LuminoCity mascot.  

Museum of Ice Cream's Pinkmass

So, just like Christmas, it is Pinkmass for the Museum of Ice Cream. The event started on November 18 and it will go on until January 9. You will find 13 multi-sensory installations bursting with snowflakes and candy canes and there are many more events happening in the museum, such as decorating MOIC trees and crafting ornaments. You can also try many different kinds of sweet treats there. 

You can also get a special surprise in the hunt for a candy cane sprinkle. It is hidden inside MOIC NYC's world famous Sprinkle Pool.

The Radio City Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular

If you are in New York this Christmas season, you must see the Christmas Spectacular. This year, it is starring the Radio City Rockettes. It's a holiday stalwart where you will get the full Christmas vibes with Santa, wooden soldiers and dazzling Rockettes. And lately, it has become more astonishing with sparkling, attractive costumes, new music and advanced technology. Another mind-blowing thing about this event is the big dance numbers, especially by the Rockettes. 

New York's Festive Cocktail

Well, it's December and snow is obvious in New York. There are very few things as delightful as drinking a hot beverage in snowy New York. But have you ever tried a hot beer?

Yes, we are seriously talking about hot beers. If you have not tried a warm beer before, go to the Loreley Beer Garden to try one. And don't be scared before trying any beer here. These beers are warm, tasty and feel Christmassy as well. In case you want to try some more delicious hot beverages, visit the Rivington Street Destination or try the Outdoor heated beer garden. 

Now let's discuss some Christmas celebration events that will be hard to forget and will be forever in your mind if you attend them. Get ready to make some unforgettable memories. 

The Circle Line Holiday Sight Cruises

New York looks beautiful when walking around the city but have you seen the city while floating on the waters, that too at night? Oh, the city looks amazing at night and with Circle Line Holiday Sighting Cruises, you can enjoy the amazing views of NYC's skyline, the lit-up Statue of Liberty and other famous places of the city with cruise experience. But it's not just any cruise; it's the Christmas Celebration Cruise which includes a buffet dinner, an open bar with beer, wine and other cocktails, plus a DJ for the night. 

However, all these facilities come at a price. The cost for a single person is $199 for one night and for kids under the age of 12, it is $179. Children under 3 are not charged.  

Pulitzer Fountain on Fifth Avenue

If you visit, and you should visit, the Pulitzer Fountain on Fifth Avenue, you will see the fifth installation of the Fifth Avenue Association this December. Although the Pulitzer Fountain itself a very beautiful place to visit, . But around Christmas the celebrations and decorations here are worth seeing. This year, you'll see 32 hand-designed animal sculptures by Harlequin Designs, . Then there are 5,000 feet of lighting, a beautiful skating rink and about 24 handmade icebergs. But that is not all; there is also wonderful music composed by Paul Brill. Don’t forget to wrap up with plenty of layers to keep yourself warm. 

Cozy Igloos at the Rockefeller Center

According to our personal experience, we can say that a cozy warm igloo in snowy weather at the Rockefeller Center is truly unforgettable. Along with this amazing experience, you will get a view of the beautiful 79-foot-tall Rockefeller Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center. In addition, Maryland's heated domes at the Rockefeller center are an amazing place to be on a cold December evening. It can accommodate a maximum of 8 guests in one dome at a time and offers full-service dining.

Some of the special servings of these cozy dooms are mulled wine, hot chocolate and spiked cider, along with signature wines and snacks. 

The Train Show at NYBG

If you love trains and train shows, you must visit the train show at the New York Botanical Garden. They have been presenting their train show every year around Christmas for the last 30 years. So, if you are obsessed with train shows, it's a must-see for you. This year, the botanical garden is featuring 25 G-scale model trains running on a half-mile track. And along with that, there will be about 175 miniature NYC landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge and other  landmarks.

Classic Holiday Shows

Around Christmas, you will find a concert or show going on in New York almost everywhere. So, it is a little bit hard to decide which concert to see. We have listed some of the best Classic Holiday shows you should attend this December:

The Winter Solstice celebration of St Johns is a have-to-go holiday classic show. As per the Winter Solstice, the event will take place on December 17 and 18 and it will be live-streamed as well, if you can’t attend in person and want to watch it online.  

Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular is another name on the great classic holiday shows list. Live streaming has already begun and will be streamed until January 2. 

But if you don't want the conventional Christmas celebrations, try the Hip Hop Nutcracker. The show takes place in Flatbush, Brooklyn on December 19, and here you will find the classic Tchaikovsky score with a blend of modern dance. 

New Year's Eve at Times Square

There are few things in New York that can beat the enthusiasm of celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square. So, if you are in New York for the New Year celebrations, keep New Year’s Eve in Times Square on your bucket list. But do note that this event is famous all over America so there will be an huge crowd. Also, the entry at the event is on a first-come, first-serve basis. So, the earlier you go, the better you will be seated or standing. Also, the event is barricaded, and occupancy will be limited. The event starts at 6 pm on New Year's eve and will end at midnight. There are no washrooms or bathrooms inside the barricades; once you go inside, you can't come out until the event ends so plan accordingly. 

How Should You Plan?

We know you want to celebrate your Christmas month in New York but as the covid pandemic hit America hard last year, it is advisable to follow the government's precautions to avoid any problems. Also, the emergence of the new Omicron variant, restrictions should be strictly followed. 

You may also like to Read: Welcome in 2022 with a BANG: Make Plans in NYC with Social Meeting Apps

 If we talk about restrictions, restaurants and theaters will be open but indoor dining will only be allowed to those customers who are fully vaccinated. In case you are visiting America from any other nation, the US government has banned travel from 8 specific nations due to the emergence of the new Omicron Covid variant. The eight nations are – Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Eswatini, Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe. However, there is no ban on US citizens returning to the USA from these nations. Also, the US has denied access to unvaccinated travelers from other nations. 

So, do read the Covid guidelines and follow them while making plans for group outing in NYC. 

You can also try social event planning platforms, such as Leaf, to plan events and outings with your friends. You can visit Leaf's website to learn more.