Christmas is my favorite time to be in the Big Apple. There’s so much to see, from the festive windows at Saks, Bergdorf’s, and the luxury boutiques lining Fifth Avenue, to the massive, glittering tree in Rockefeller Center. The streets are thronged with well-heeled shoppers toting gift bags in one hand, excited children in the other. Everyone wants a taste of the New York City Christmas spirit.

Gabe and I bundled up and hit the scene last night, arriving at Saks Fifth Avenue just after 6:00 pm. Our strategy – to venture out on a weeknight when the weather was iffy – paid off: while there was no shortage of people roving about, the crowds were less dense than they would have been on Saturday afternoon.

Here’s a sampling of what we experienced:

1. The Light Show at Saks Fifth Avenue. Catch it if you can – lights, music, so impressive.

2. My Favorite Windows at Saks

3. The Big Tree

4. Decorations on Park Avenue

5. Dolce and Gabbana

6. Bergdorf’s

7. Tasty Treats at La Durée

8. More Windows on the Way Home

9. Warming Up at Home with 2011 FaviaQuarzo Amador County Syrah

I hope you’ve enjoyed this peek at our New York City holiday adventure. Here’s wishing a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy new year to you and your families and friends.

Cheers!