As every year approaches its end, New York City transforms into a winter wonderland, the spirit of the holidays permeating its five boroughs. Visitors during this magical season will find the City full of festive things to see, do and experience, from the best sales on shopping for the entire year to great entertainment and all the City's culture and dining the winter is one of the best times to visit.

For all there is to see and do in NYC visit nycgo.com.

Shoppers, department store window aficionados and Christmas tree viewers will be in awe of the beautifully decorated storefront windows of major department stores during the holiday season, through the first week of January. Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and Macy's all put on their holiday best, and give new meaning to the words "window shopping."

The City offers an ice skating bonanza during the holiday season. Those who enjoy ice skating or want to give it their first go, can lace up their skates and careen, glide, dance or wobble on the ice in all five boroughs boast. The city boasts more open-air ice skating rinks this year than ever before, including two new rinks in Manhattan.

The Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree, illuminated through January 7, 2010, is one of the world's most beloved holiday images and a must-see for holiday visitors from around the world. Adorned with 30,000 lights and a Swarovski crystal star, it's a spectacular tribute to the Christmas spirit-and its roots in the Great Depression (the first version of the tree included tin cans among its ornaments) reflect New Yorkers' famous optimism and determination. Visitors won't want to miss the opportunity to tie on a pair of skates and take to the ice, which perhaps offers one of the best views of the Tree.

New York City Ballet, located at Lincoln Centre, will present one of the holiday season's favourite productions, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. The show, which runs from 27 November to 3 January, is a magical experience filled with adorable children, marching toy soldiers, a glowing one-ton Christmas tree, mischievous mice, crystalline snowflakes, the Land of Sweets and some of the most glorious dancing the City has to offer. A family tradition for some and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for others, the classic production is one of the City's true treasures. Tickets range from USD$20 to USD$215. (nycballet.com).

The environment of celebration and joy cannot be missed as NYC continues into the 2010 new year. For visitors, whether the sun shines or the snow falls there are more world famous museums and galleries in NYC than there are days in a week, their offerings spanning society from its humble beginnings (Museum of Natural History) to contemporary (MoMA), and surrounded by 19th century parks the Brooklyn Museum. A wander through independent galleries and boutiques also offers plenty for art and culture buffs.

Gastronomic experiences in New York City run the gamut from five-star, globally renowned, celebrity-helmed restaurants (think: Jean Georges Vongerichten, Daniel Loubud, Gordon Ramsay and many, many more) to knowing which deli has the best Bensonhurst sandwich in Brooklyn. Each of the five boroughs boasts the cuisine of their distinctive residents, be they Greek, Indian, Chinese, African American, and more. NYC Restaurant Week is a fantastic way to sample some of the City's best menus. The semi-annual event kicks off its northern winter week on 25 January - 7 February, 2010, with the same prices charged since 2006.

Perhaps most enticing about New York City is its chameleon-like ability to be everything to everyone. Visitors from Australia will quickly and easily uncover a wealth of delights, regardless their unique interests or the season, in this diverse and exciting metropolis.

For all there is to see and do in NYC visit nycgo.com.