'Tis Now The Season: Sights, Sounds Of Holiday Festivity Take Over New York

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- As Thanksgiving Day comes to an end and the holiday season commences, many are celebrating and taking in the sights and sounds.

CBS2's Tracee Carrasco met some people enjoying the transformation.

What better way to work off that Thanksgiving meal than with a little ice skating at Bryant Park?

"We don't have this in Miami," one boy said.

Indeed, a trip into Manhattan is a holiday tradition for many families – some of them from parts a lot closer than Miami.

"Coming to New York, staying overnight -- that's what we're doing now, and having dinner together," said Denise Billingham of Brick, New Jersey.

With Turkey Day over, the official countdown to Christmas and Chanukah is on. And everyone looking forward to something different this holiday season.

"I like making Christmas cookies with my family," one young woman said.

"Surprising my kids with an awesome gift," a woman said.

"Coming home from college," another said.

"Getting some days off to spend time with my family," a man said.

"Everybody's happy all the time, and you just can't beat that really," said Tom Crosby, who is visiting from England.

"It's really cozy," a girl said.

The sights and the sounds of the season are now taking over the city. Twinkling lights, festive music, and decorative window displays are bringing visitors from all around the world here to feel the magic of the holidays in New York City.

Tom Crosby & Leanne Barnes/Visiting From England SOT 28:20

"Best city in the world -- without a shadow of a doubt, the best city in the world," Crosby said.

"Everywhere you go there's a spark about it -- Christmas trees are up already. It's so pretty," said Leanne Barnes.

Truly, it's the most wonderful time of the year.