December 18, 2024
Christmas Spectacular at Radio City
Today was my final day in New York.
I headed to Radio City Music Hall(see on map) in the morning.
A friend who lives in New York told me it was a must-see, so yesterday I bought a ticket for the Christmas Spectacular at the tkts Lincoln Center booth.
The hall was stunning and full of sparkle.
Once the show began, I was completely taken in.
It was incredible and genuinely moving.
Even though I didn’t grow up in the United States, I felt a sudden wave of nostalgia wash over me. The “happy Christmas” I had always imagined seemed to be right there in Radio City.
The show used projection mapping in clever and impressive ways, and fairy-like drones flew across the stage. The use of new technology made the entire performance truly spectacular.
MLB Flagship Store
After the show, I stopped by the MLB Flagship Store(see on map) nearby.
I wanted to pick up a souvenir for someone who likes Shohei Ohtani, but I only found two types of items: a keychain and a pennant.
I wondered whether the pennant would actually make them happy, but I bought it anyway.
Lunch at P.J. Clarke’s
I had lunch with my friend and her family at P.J. Clarke’s(see on map).
The restaurant was decorated for Christmas.
I ordered the New England clam chowder (17 USD). It was delicious, though a little heavy on the pepper.
The Manhattan red clam chowder (17 USD) was also good, more like a spicy tomato stew.
Since it was my last day and I no longer cared if I upset my stomach, I also tried the raw oysters.
I think the white fish tartare was made with sea bass.
We also had the Trio of Mini Burgers (25 USD).
Everything tasted solid and satisfying. It was a very good restaurant.
Magnolia Bakery
After lunch, we walked to Magnolia Bakery(see on map).
I bought banana pudding and a slice of red velvet cheesecake (13.90 USD total).
The banana pudding tasted like a room-temperature ice cream dessert, and it was really good.
The cheesecake reminded me a bit of an Oreo.
Harlem Gospel Concert
For the final attraction of my trip, I used my Go City New York Pass to reserve a Harlem gospel concert.
The concert had a warm, friendly, and uplifting atmosphere. The singers were talented.
Still, after days of Broadway shows and the Christmas Spectacular earlier that same morning, I couldn’t help thinking:
“If only the sound system were better, I could have been even more moved.”
