1. Rockefeller Center

Located at 45 Rockefeller Plaza, NY, NY 10111

This well known area has been lighting a Christmas tree annually since 1931. The iconic Rockefeller Center tree was dubbed “a holiday beacon for New Yorkers and visitors alike”.

2. Radio City Music Hall

Located at 1260 6th Avenue, NY, NY 10020

This is home to the kicking Rockettes starring in their annual musical holiday show, The Christmas Spectacular. If you are visiting, or you’re a local who have not seen the show, it’s a must see. It’s a show that you must see, at least once. There’s always deals on the shows tickets, on Groupon or at the ticket master website.

3. Rockefeller Center Area

Located at 47-50th train stop

This area is another famous stop. This is where you will find the very popular Christmas red balls and a set of humongous lights. But don’t think that’s all you will see. There is a lot more decorations around this area. Including this red, white and blue patriotic tree.

4. Saks Fifth Avenue

Located at 611 5th Avenue, NY, NY 10022

Saks Light Up Fifth Avenue is an annual light show with holiday music to accompany their light show. It is a spectacular light show to witness. I love the crescendo of the music paired with the light display.

5. The Peninsula New York Hotel

Located at 700 5th Avenue, NY, NY 10019

This is one of my top picks for hotels with fantastic Christmas decorations. Their over-sized nutcracker and big tree is the focal point as soon as you enter the hotel. But not only is the decorations great but so is the staff, well the security guards. At the time of my visit, the guard on duty was very friendly and we chatted while I waited for a group of people to leave. So I can take this shot without anyone in it.

6. Lotte New York Palace

Located at 455 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022

This posh hotel is home to a 30-foot tree that’s set in the center of their courtyard. The tree features over 3,000 lights and other holiday decorations. There is also a gigantic Santa mail box inside, next to another huge tree.

7. Rolfs German Restaurant

Located at 281 3rd Avenue, NY, NY 10010

This German Restaurant is decked out year-round with Christmas decorations. There is not an inch of free space on the ceiling that is not decorated with garlands, ornaments or 18th century looking dolls. This place feels truly magical upon walking in. However, it’s jam packed inside and you will have to wait on a long line outside. My advice is to dress warm and be patient. There is also a mandatory 1 drink at the bar, with a sign outside saying as much. I’m sure with the place being so packed, you may be able to get in, snap a couple of pictures and get back out. Wink, Wink!

8. Macy’s Department Store

Located at 151 West 34th Street, NY, NY 10001

This famous department store, the largest in the world, spans a whole NYC block since 1902. Since the business opened in the mid-1800s, the store started displaying illuminated windows of Santa and other Christmas theme to draw shoppers attention. It’s worked, 162 years later, Macy’s window displays are unique and legendary.

9. Dyker Heights

Located at 83rd to 86th Street, between 11th to 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

This Brooklyn neighborhood is home to the most over-the-top Christmas lights and decorations. From life-size Santas, nutcrackers, angels, sleighs, snowmen and houses blasting Christmas carols over loud speakers.

10. New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

Located at 11 Wall Street, NY, NY 10005

The NYSE has been lighting a Christmas tree since President Coolidge presided over the first tree light ceremony on December 24, 1923. The ceremony was to promote the use of electric lights, a safer alternative to candles back in those days. It has since become a yearly tradition and this year, 2020, is the 97th year of this tradition.

NEWHAVEN LIGHTHOUSE

The Lighthouse is situated north of the Water of Leith. This was once a thriving fishing village and the centre for shipbuilding. Until it proved too small to build warships by King James IV.

LEITH SHORE

Leith is a port area north of Edinburgh and once played a long and prominent role in Scottish history.

The area was once a shipping commercial area that was revitalized with cute cafes, restaurants and shops.

Leith is also home to The Royal Yacht Britannia, once the former royal yacht of the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, from 1954 until 1997. She is now retired at Ocean Terminal, in Leith.

DEAN VILLAGE / ST. BERNARD WELL

St. Bernard’s Well is a 229 years old, ten Doric columns support lead dome surrounded by a marble statue of Hygieia, Goddess of Health. The natural spring was allegedly discovered in 1760 by three members of George Heriot’s above the Water of Leith.

There is a pump room beneath the statue, which holds the spring and is designed with mosaics and painted in white, blue and gold. The room has been mainly closed to the public since 1940 because of “The odious twang of hydrogen gas”. But the Well’s door are open to the public on “doors open days”.

Dean Village is a cute little village with colorful quant houses. The buildings and houses resemble architectures found in places such as Sweden, Belgium, Germany or Switzerland. The cobbled stone streets and the little stream, are all trappings for a perfect landscape portrait.

ROSS FOUNTAIN / PRINCE STREET GARDEN

Ross fountain, the Floral Clock and Aunt Lizzie’s cottage are all located in Princes Street Garden. One of the main entrances is across from the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Ross Fountain, boast a fantastic fountain with bright colorful statues from a bygone era, A common sight to the aristocracy, back in the 18th century, I imagine. Edinburgh Castle sits as a wonderful backdrop for the fountain.

The floral clock is a seasonal display with tons of real flowers, plants and succulents. The clock is a large decorative clock with flowerbeds, moving arms and a cuckoo which pops out every hour. The first floral clock was created by John McHattie, Superintendent of Parks in Edinburgh and clockmaker James Ritchie, in the spring of 1903.

Auntie Lizzie Cottage, was the main featured location in BBC Teacup Travels. This little cottage is cute and adorable and a must see!

SCOTT MONUMENT

The Scott Monument was build in 1846 in honour of the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. The Gothic monument towers over Princes Street in all it’s eerie blackish splendor. The spires is decorated with 64 figures representing various characters from the writer’s novels.

The Monument is 200 feet and the largest in the world dedicated to a writer. If you want to climb to the top of the tower, it’s a 287 steps climb at a cost of £8.

CIRCUS LANE

Circus Lane, is a street in Stockbridge. Which I believe became famous due to all the instagrammers swarming here for their pictures to be taken. Myself included!

SCOTTISH NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

This museum or gallery have an impressive collections of great art work and statues. This spot is definitely worth a visits when you’re in the area and it’s free!

CUSTOM HOUSE, LEITH

This area is one of my absolute favorites! I love leisurely strolling around or just sitting, basked in the sunshine at Custom Lane.

THE KELPIES STATUES

The Kelpies statues represents the Scottish mythological creatures.

I have not visited them up close. This is a view from the highway, which is pretty good.

STIRLING CASTLE

The back of Stirling Castle

EILEAN DONAN CASTLE

Eilean Donan, or simply “island of Donnán”, is named after Donnán of Eigg, a Celtic saint martyred in 617. This picturesque Castle is one of the most recognized and photographed castles in Scotland. It’s located on a small island where three sea lochs meet, Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, in the western Highlands of Scotland.

GLENCOE MOUNTAINS

This is a tour stop favorite, the stunning Glencoe and the “Three Sisters of Glencoe”.

The Three Sisters gets their name because of the three lush green mountains stacked together. It makes for a beautiful scenic landscape picture and is quite the romantic spot as well.

THE GLENFINNAN VIADUCT

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a popular filming location, both in films and television series. The Viaduct was made more famous by the Harry Potter films, which featured the bridge in four of the movies.

GLENFINNAN MONUMENT

The monument was a tribute to the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Prince Charles Edward Stuart.

FORT WILLIAM

A picturesque town with views that were simply breathtaking.

THE VILLAGE OF CALLANDER

This was where I got to see some Highland Coos (cows) up close and personal.

The Highland Coos is reported to be the oldest registered breed in the world. They have a distinctive look, from their long hair (sometimes reaching about 13 inches). To their long and distinctive horns, which actually help them forage for food. The Coos are known to be a hardy breed. They can withstand the intemperate conditions in the Highlands, hence their name.

FORT AUGUSTUS / LOCH NESS / CALEDONIAN CANAL

Fort Augustus is home to the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness. The canal was constructed in the early nineteenth century by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford and runs about 60 miles. Only one third of the canal is entirely man-made. The rest of the canal was formed by three Lochs, Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. Lochs are known as Lakes in Scotland.

Loch Ness is synonymous with the Nessie, the “Loch Ness Monster”.

THE COMMANDO MEMORIAL

The monument is dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during World War II. The monument overlooks the training areas of the Commando Training Depot. There’s also breathtaking views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr.

THE FALLS OF BRUAR

The falls became popular as a tourist attraction at the end of the 18th century. The water had flowed through treeless barren landscape and were said to be somewhat disappointing. Especially for those forced to make their way over the slippery rocks and steep banks to view them. Poet Robert Burns were taken with the falls but were unimpressed by the lack of vegetation. Burns entreated the Duke of Atholl to plant some tree to enhance the landscape.

After Burn’s death in 1796, ten years later, the Duke began the planting of petitioned trees. This included 120,000 Larch and Scots Pine, the Duke thought the planting should be “both pleasing to the eye and profitable”. The Duke became known as “Planter John”, planting over 15 million trees throughout his estates during his lifetime.

THE HOUSE OF BRUAR

The House of Bruar is one of Scotland’s premier retailer, sort of an upscale department store with clothing, gifts and a food hall.

EDINBURGH CASTLE

Edinburgh Castle is one of the best and most popular castles to visit in Scotland. The castle is located at the end of the Royal Mile and sits on top of Castle Rock.

Since the 12 century, the castle was home to royals. Up until 1633, the castle remained a royal resident. After 1633, the castle was primarily used as a military barracks with a large garrison. It is one of the most important castles in the Scottish history. It is known as being involved in many historical conflicts with a recorded 26 sieges in its 1100-year-old history. The castle have the distinction of being called “the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world”.

STIRLING CASTLE

Stirling Castle, known as a palace, a fortress and one of the largest in Scotland. The castle is historically and architecturally important to Scotland and was one of the most used as a Scottish royal residences. It was the crowning home to several Scottish Kings and Queens, among those royalties was Mary, Queens of Scots.

EILEAN DONAN CASTLE

Eilean Donan Castle was founded in the thirteenth century and is located on a small island where three sea lochs (lakes) meet. This picturesque castle dominates Instagram and frequently appears in photographs, film and television. It became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie and their allies the Clan MacRae.

CRAIGMILLAR CASTLE

Craigmillar Castle is a ruin castle with most of it’s walls intact. The castle is in great conditions for a ruin castle. The castle is known for it’s association with Mary, Queen of Scots. Who went to the castle to convalesce after the birth of her son, the future James VI. It’s also the place that a pact known as the “Craigmillar Bond” was made. The pack was to dispose of her husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. It is not recorded in history if the pack was reportedly known with or without her knowledge.

LAURISTON CASTLE

This may be one of my absolute favorite and best castle to visit in Scotland, in my opinion. The castle offers a very detailed tour of the interior of the castle and the former owners. My guide was a local lady, who volunteered at the castle once a week. She was very knowledgeable about the history of the home, Mr. and Mrs. Reid and Mrs. Reid’s brother. The residence had an understanding amongst themselves, that after the last survivor, the home and all its belongings would go to the people of Scotland.

FALKLAND PALACE

GETTING THERE BY TRAIN

As with most of the excursions I take, my friend and I travel mostly by trains, bus or simply by walking to our destination. This excursion was by train and a whole lot of walking.

The price of the ticket was not bad at all, 10.50, roundtrip. The ride took about 1 hour, in those UK comfy train seats and with a very friendly porter too.

ORIENTATION

The instructor gather everyone, no more than 20 people, that was going on the hike, for a safely talk.

The Gobbins Cliff Path website will tell you to make sure you have hiking boots or boots with a grip, if not, you can rent a pair. You also have to wear a hard helmet on the entire time you’re on the mountain cliffs, for protect of course. You are not allowed to carry any food, only water, your camera and phone, everything else gets locked up in a locker.

THE TUBULAR CROSSING

Pictures

Here’s some amazing pictures from the hike.