fairytale in new york.

It has been said before, and will be said again, that living in New York can often feel like living in a film. As being in Paris can be like wandering through the pages of a romantic novel, so in the City that Never Sleeps, under the skyscrapers and amongst the steam and yellow cabs, sometimes it can be a struggle to view it all as real.

Never is this more true than during the holidays when the city is imbued with a glistening and magical quality. Each street corner and view from the cab window is like a scene from a festive classic of the Silver Screen, whether it be the traditional It’s A Wonderful Life or the cheeky Elf. Passing the fabulous shop window displays of Barneys or Macy’s you may think you see Kris Kringle being arrested as in Miracle on 34th Street, or Kevin McCallister with bobble-hat and backpack, running through the icy streets.

Home Alone: Lost in New York is perhaps one of the most iconic Christmas / New York collaborations. When arriving into the city by plane, it is tempting to forego the yellow cab – and with the White Christmas settling in no-one will blame you for not hanging around in the queue – and instead jump into a chauffeured limousine, presenting the best view of the majestic skyline as you glide into the city. (In true Kevin McCalister style, it is recommended that you order your very own cheese pizza, put on The Grinch and then indulge yourself in a few lavish toyshops.)

If this is not your style then there is ice skating in Central Park, or perhaps a trip to see the New York City’s The Nutcracker. Failing this, it is more than enough to simply stroll through the city, savouring the smells of mulled wine with cinnamon, and roasting chestnuts from the street stalls.

But always more like a film than a pretty picture, it is still the same old city under the glistening snow. People are still staying up all night, and breaking out in brawls in the street - including this one here. Involving ten bad Santas and an elf. That’s a wrap.