How To Enjoy The Christmas Season In NYC During A Pandemic

NEW YORK CITY — Not everything that's contagious is bad.

Christmas cheer is spreading across New York City, despite the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions designed to slow the virus.

New Yorkers — and visitors, who hopefully are following the state's quarantine rules — don't have to let the pandemic turn the season into a lump of coal.

Many iconic, beloved city Christmas institutions are still happening, albeit with some new rules. And while some not-quite-beloved events — ahem, SantaCon — aren't going forward, there are plenty of alternatives out there.

So, hop on Santa's sleigh with Patch for a quick guide to the Christmas season during the pandemic.

Can I see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree?

Sure, here's a photo.

Oh, you meant to visit it? And this livestream isn't enough?

Fine.

Rockefeller Center is still letting visitors see the tree in a socially-distant, timed way.

To manage lines, guests can scan a QR code from locations on nearby streets to see wait times. They'll will get a text message when it is time to get in line if they sign up.

Viewings are limited to five minutes, with masks required and social distancing enforced. Groups of more than four people will be separated into two pods.

Oh, and if you're driving near there know that vehicular traffic will be closed on 49th and 50th streets between the two avenues.

The tree will remain open for viewing through early January.

What about ice skating? And the shops at Rockefeller Center?

Ice skating is still happening. You can guarantee a spot on the ice by booking tickets online here. (Or you can check out other skating rinks in Prospect Park and Bryant Park.)

And, yes, the shops are open.

What about the store windows on Fifth Avenue?

The lights and window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue didn't go aglow in one big, potentially super-spreading event. Instead, the store has been lighting up and unveiling window displays one night at a time since Nov. 23.

Every night until Dec. 23 will have a light show starting at 4:30 p.m. and repeating every 15 minutes. There will be personalities, designers and celebrities hosting ceremonies from inside a Fifth Avenue window and starting off the light show for the night.

You can see what else is happening on Fifth Avenue and nearby by visiting the Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District's Holiday page here.

That sounds crowded, maybe even risky. Are there more low-key things to do?

Yes, some events like the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show have scaled back. The event is in its 29th year and will only be open for members.

The model trains will chug through displays of famous New York landmarks such as the Statute of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Rockefeller Center re-created from natural materials such as birch bark, acorns and cinnamon sticks.

The Garden's GLOW light show events over holiday weekends are still open to the public, so long as people can scoop up a limited number of tickets.

Likewise, the Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights require a ticket. You can buy them here.

Many traditional holiday markets like the Winter Village at Bryant Park will be open as well.

What about virtual events?

Virtual events have become a fact of life during the holidays in the coronavirus pandemic, from the Fourth of July to the Thanksgiving parade.

Christmas is no exception.

The city's www.nycgo.com site has a nice, but by no means comprehensive, list of virtual events over the holiday — from visits with Santa Claus to Broadway events.

And SantaCon?

Canceled.