Editor’s Note: Visit our COVID-19 Travel to New York page regarding updates to quarantine and testing requirements for Big Apple-bound travelers.

New York City. Just saying it adds a buzz into the air, and thanks to my vacation ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations, I've been several times. My most recent trip was during the first week of December at my favorite resort, West 57th Street by Hilton Club.

I loved arriving to see the welcoming faces of team members who've become my friends over the years. The reception area was decorated beautifully for the holidays with a lighted Christmas tree, Hanukkah menorah and seasonal orchids.

This time in The City was a very special trip for 15 members of my family and me. I was able to reserve 10 rooms, using my Hilton Club points and bonus points from a recent upgrade at West 57th Street.

We came to New York City to attend a David Rousseve production of Halfway to Dawn at Brooklyn Academy of Music. My cousin, David, is a very talented choreographer, and this was a beautifully told story of jazz legends Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington.

Later, and since we were in Brooklyn, we arranged a dinner at Café Rue Dix, French-Senegalese cuisine. The owner arranged a three-course meal complete with a champagne toast. Add it to your "places to eat in Brooklyn list" for a Big Apple experience to remember. 

December in New York City is a can't-miss travel experience. The holidays come to life throughout the city with the help of beautiful decorations. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was even more spectacular in person, and the lights at Saks were gorgeous.

It was worth braving the cold weather to view them at night.

Naturally, we had to attend The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular's matinee performance for my first trip during the holidays. The synchronized moves are even more incredible than I had imagined they'd be. 

As if we hadn't gotten our fill, we stopped by the TKTS location in Times Square and got discounted tickets for an evening performance of Anastasia. The Broadway production had spectacular costumes, a full orchestra and wonderful dance and songs—I was in heaven.

To say that I thoroughly enjoyed New York City in December would be an understatement and thanks to that upgrade at West 57th Street, I'll be back.

The hospitality extended to my family by the team members at West 57th Street was impeccable, and everyone in my travel party was impressed with our spacious accommodations. 

Another perk of vacation ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations is the Owner's Lounge, where we enjoyed having breakfast together in the mornings and warming up in the afternoon with hot coffee and cookies.

Read The Perfect NYC Weekend Trip to hear more about Jan's Hilton Grand Vacations New York City adventures.