'The Christmas spirit': NYC tourists enjoy shopping during holiday season

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Have you noticed how packed New York City sidewalks have been this holiday season?

Well that’s because nearly 65 million tourists have visited our city in 2024.

According to Mayor Adams, this is the second-highest number of visitors in the city’s history, representing a 3.5 percent increase over last year.

While the weather outside wasn’t frightful, many holiday shoppers at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park hoped for more snow.

“I want some snow,” Toya Smith, a tourist from Oklahoma, told PIX11 News. When asked if Oklahoma had snow, Smith answered, “It comes and goes in the same day.”

Despite the lack of steady, heavy snow, the stores were doing brisk business.

Three Angels Jewelry has been in Bryant Park for 22 years.

When PIX11 asked if a few snowflakes would affect business, Ron Zvi, the jewelry store owner, said, “It will not affect us. Actually, sometimes it’s good to feel the Christmas spirit,” he added.

“We even had some snowflakes it was very nice,” Sarah Diehl, a shopper from Clearwater, Florida, told PIX11 News. “It helps you shop. It keeps you on your toes,” she added.

At Alchemist, customers loved the hand-blown glass ornaments.

“This is a New York experience after the pandemic,” Graciela Wetzler, a shopper, told PIX11 News. “It’s a fun activity,” she added.

At Patches and Pins, tourists shopped to remember their New York experience.

“This says, I Heart shopping. It’s got New York, and all the fun things I like to do here,” Angelina Araj, a shopper, told PIX11 News.

One of the best sellers at Paige's Candles is the Earl Grey for $24.

“It’s not too flowery,  not too woody, not too sweet,” Paige Graham, the owner, told PIX11 News. “Everyone really loves this candle,” she added.

But the biggest crowds and the biggest laughs were at a store called Pook, which sold fake snow, a fake fireplace, and oh-so-versatile hats.

“This is the comb-over, double a.k.a. hot cross buns, two styles in one from our pastry series, with owner’s manual,” Tony Pook, the owner, told PIX11 News.

So, whether it is snowing or not, tourism is a big business for the city. It is estimated to bring in $51 billion in spending, and New York City is the most visited city in the country.