Alternative Christmas UPDATE (New York, York, Italy: college, stores, gardens)

[LostInNYV]

Hey everyone,

So here's the deal: my friend and I go to Philly and New York a few days before Christmas. This will be our third year going, so we want to experience something different. We've done Rockefeller Center, we've done Central Park, the usual things. We're hoping to explore the boroughs this year, but we need some suggestions!

What are some great places to visit in the boroughs? Hoping to hit all five, so if you've ever done/know of a lose itenarary to cover some main spots in all five, that would be awesome too! Also, would not be opposed to visiting some great spots on Long Island either.

We're college students, so our budget is a little tight! Looking for hidden gems of New York without breaking the bank!

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: it doesn't have to be something that is Christmasy! Just something cool we can do/see!

[Never Shuts Up]

During Christmas? Good luck finding anyplace that's not charging an arm and a leg.

[Slate Moonstone]

Don't try to do all five boroughs. The geography involved is so massive that you'll spend all your time traveling around and will be miserable. Especially if it's cold or snowing.

My suggestions: go to the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, where every year they do a Christmas train show. You can get a student discount. Then afterwards you can walk down to the Arthur Avenue area, which is a much-less touristy and more authentic version of Little Italy. There are great little Italian stores to browse, and you can get a delicious Italian meal for much less than you'd pay in Manhattan. For pizza, try Zero Otto Nove on Arthur, and for a more formal meal Roberto's on Crescent Ave is amazing.

[Never Shuts Up]

If you really want to avoid touristy stuff, it just depends on what you like. There's so much to do that it's impossible to give advice without more information.

[Javawood]

I second Zero Otto Nove, though I prefer their rabbit. It was on point!