The challenge of photographing Christmastime in New York City is capturing the vast array of holiday activities and sights that the city offers. From the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to ice skating in Central Park and the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, there is no shortage of festive scenes to capture. While tourists may be familiar with these famous locations from movies and television, for millions of New Yorkers, these sights are part of their everyday life. For them, holiday shopping at department stores and ice skating with their kids are part of the holiday traditions that make up their home.
Associated Press photographer Julia Nikhinson set out to capture the familiar and unfamiliar sides of the holiday season in the city. From storybook images like neighborhood carolers and beautifully lit urban gardens to the city’s weirder side, including a holiday-themed burlesque show and hard-drinking Santas, Nikhinson documented the eclectic nature of Christmas in New York. She also captured moments that highlight the unique experiences of a New York Christmas, such as New Yorkers carrying Christmas trees home under their arms after work because they don’t own cars.
In addition to the traditional holiday scenes, Nikhinson captured a variety of festive activities and events in the city. From the 92nd annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony to people taking selfies in front of the iconic tree, the photos showcase the magic of Christmas in New York. Other images capture the bustling streets of Fifth Avenue, where Topview’s North Pole Express bus transports visitors, and the enchanting Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The photos also highlight the extravagance of the holiday season, with images of people admiring window displays at Bergdorf Goodman and the Louis Vuitton flagship building on Fifth Avenue.
The photo series also captures the unique characters and events that make Christmas in New York special. From Mr. Christmas Tree, who roams the city each year impersonating a Christmas tree, to scenes of revelers taking part in SantaCon, a festive pub crawl featuring participants dressed as Santa Claus, the photos showcase the quirky and colorful side of holiday celebrations in the city. Other images capture moments like caroling walks in Greenwich Village and performances of the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, providing a glimpse into the diverse and lively celebrations that take place throughout the city during the holiday season.
Overall, the photos by Julia Nikhinson offer a glimpse into the diverse holiday traditions and celebrations that make Christmas in New York City so special. From iconic landmarks like Rockefeller Center to quirky events like SantaCon, the images capture the magic and excitement of the holiday season in the city. Whether it’s New Yorkers carrying Christmas trees home or tourists marveling at the festive displays, the photos paint a vivid picture of the unique and vibrant holiday spirit that fills the streets of New York during this special time of year.
