Want to check out some fantastic New York City light displays without the holiday hordes? Follow this 7 part series of seasonal itineraries for outstanding alternatives to Rockefeller Center.

SHAKE SHACK / MADISON SQUARE PARK

You first stop of the evening is the flagship location of Shake Shack, just inside the southeast entrance to Madison Square Park. While lines are unbearably long in the warmer months, the park location has far fewer people in the winter. If the weather holds up the way it has so far this season, you will be able to sit at a table outside and eat one of New York's best burgers in relative comfort.

Due to a city ordinance, Shake Shack is getting rid of their old al fresco gas heaters and replacing them with less powerful electric ones, so an extended stay will probably be out of the question once it does get colder. However, once you put away that patty, warm yourself up with a cup of salted caramel cocoa, made with bittersweet dark chocolate, caramel sauce, milk, whipped cream and bit of sea salt. Take that cocoa to go and head to the north end of the park, where you can view an illuminated tree adorned in silver and gold ornaments. While it's no 78 foot Norway Spruce, it's still nothing to sneeze at.