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Ice skating at Rockefeller Center. The lighting of the Christmas tree. The Macy's Parade. Animated window displays that capture the eye and the imagination. These are all things that come to mind when we think of spending the holidays in New York. Many people think it's not in the budget, especially with the economy the way it is today. However, if you plan ahead there are affordable ways to enjoy the holidays in New York. There are numerous cheap flights to Paris. When planning a holiday trip to New York, include places such as China Town, Little Italy, Soho, Harlem, The Lower East Side, posh Union Square and Gramercy Park, Chelsea and the garment district. Many of these places have shops and restaurants with great deals to offer holiday visitors.

A walk through Central Park is free and is a great way to enjoy the sites. Take a carriage ride through the 843 acre park or enjoy a New York City holiday lights tour for $43.99. You can also enjoy a Christmas Walking Tour of Park Avenue, 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Center starting at $20. It's a 75 minute tour that will take you past many of the city's shops and sites. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes and a Broadway production of The Nutcracker, the Bronx Zoo Wild Winterland and the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show are a few other fun activities for the whole family that won't break the bank.

As for hotels. there are deals to be found. Stay 4 Nights or more and Save 20% at the On the Ave Hotel in Manhattan. While the Hotel Pennsylvania offers some of the lowest prices for Manhattan.

The Warwick Hotel offers deals if you stay 3 nights or more. They are located along the parade route of the Macy's Parade, so you can enjoy your own "Miracle On 34th Street" moment on your bargain holidays. The SoHo Grand Hotel has weekender (2 night stay for $575, plus $75 credit) and holiday packages available.

. If you are flying in to enjoy New York for the holidays, Orbitz.com has great deals on flights to New York for under $100 and round trip deals for under $200.
Farecompare.com is offering round trip flights to New York for starting at $119 on airlines such as Airtran, American and Delta. With a little planning, a holiday trip to New York is a perfect gift for all!