THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY GUIDE TO NEW YORK CITY
By Natasha Bazika
Twas the month before Christmas, when all of New York immersed itself in its typical hustle and poise of seasonal magic. From Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, lighting the Tree at Rockefeller Center to watching snow blanket Central Park, it’s a spectacle that inspired classic films and is known from all around the world. The streets are lit with red and green twinkle lights, tinsel drapes from every corner of every crevice, and animated figures dance in holiday windows, wishing joy and happiness to passersby. It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year—let’s take a tour of a New York-style Holiday Season.
MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
On Thursday, November 22nd the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the most famous holiday events in the world, will march down Central Park West and 77th Street to Columbus Circle along Central Park South to Sixth Avenue. From there it will follow Sixth Avenue to 34th Street and along 34th Street to Herald Square. More than 8,000 people take part in the parade, including clowns, balloon handlers, and marching bands, while many more line the streets along the parade route to see it in person. Get ready for giant character balloons, floats, cheerleaders/dancers, marching bands, celebrities—and Santa Claus! Don’t Miss: One of the most anticipated events of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade occurs the night before. The Balloon Inflation allows you to get up close and personal to watch technicians inflating nearly 25 parade balloons from 3 to 10 pm. The excitement begins at the American Museum of National History (just off Central Park West between 77th and 81st Streets) where the entire family can see the balloons come to life. Info: macys.com/social/parade.
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
Radio City Music Hall is most famous as the home of the legendary Rockettes and their high-stepping Christmas Spectacular which has been entertaining us since 1933. This year’s show—which runs from November 9, 2018 through January 1, 2019—won’t disappoint. You’ll see lots of favorites along with the Rockettes, as well as some special effects technology and updated choreography. Not to be overlooked is the return of the live animals in the “Living Nativity” and the Nutcracker scene. Info: rockettes.com.
HOLIDAY TREES
The Tree at Rockefeller Center is hands down the iconic Christmas image and continues to attract visitors every holiday season. However, there are more trees to check out including the unique Origami Tree at the American Museum of Natural History and lots more.
ROCKEFELLER CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE
It’s the most celebrated of holiday trees and a classic destination for holiday visitors and residents alike. The 85th annual tree lighting will be November 28, 2018 and will continue to light the iconic skyline until January 7, 2019. Info: rockefellercenter.com/holidays.
CENTRAL PARK HOLIDAY LIGHTING
Watch thousands of lights animate Central Park at the 21st Annual Holiday Lighting on November 29, 2018. Bring the family to the Charles A. Dana Center to meet Santa, watch an ice carving demonstration, sing carols on the Plaza and indulge in hot cocoa and cookies. Info: centralpark.com/events.
BRYANT PARK TREE LIGHTING SKATE-TACULAR
This New York City Christmas tradition is for the whole family. Catch the fun December 4, 2018 when celebrity guests read an original Christmas tale to the crowd. World-class skaters bring the story to life as they whiz around on the ice under the stars in the Midtown cityscape. The finale is the best part—when the tree is lit and fireworks light up the sky. Info: bryantpark.org/programs.
ORIGAMI CHRISTMAS TREE AT AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
For over 30 years the AMNH has celebrated the joyous with its 13-foot Origami Tree. The museum draws inspiration from its exhibits for the 1,000 folded-paper works, constructed by volunteers throughout the year. On display beginning November 20, 2018. Info: amnh.com.
CHRISTMAS TREE AND NEAPOLITAN CRECHE AT THE MET FIFTH AVENUE
The Met continues its holiday tradition with the presentation of its Christmas tree: a brightly lit, twenty-foot blue Norwegian Spruce featuring 18th-century Neapolitan angels and cherubs gracing its boughs. At the base of the tree are the crèche figures flanking the Nativity scene. On display beginning November 20, 2018. Info: metmuseum.org.
LINCOLN SQUARE CHRISTMAS TREE
On Monday, November 26, 2018, the Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square—New York’s largest holiday festival will begin with the tree lighting ceremony. The highly anticipated event promises a lively lineup of legendary performers, musicians, dancers, street entertainment and more to ring in the holiday season and light up the Upper West Side. Info: winterseve.com.
NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
Model trains navigate crafted miniatures of New York City’s environment all made from seeds, bark, leaves, and twigs. The Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge are just a few of the 150 landmarks that form a fantastically rendered city landscape, serviced by a robust half-mile of the track, all nestled under the glass ceilings of the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. This year the train show runs from November 17, 2018 to January 21, 2019 and showcases Manhattan’s skyscrapers with new replicas of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, 30 Rockefeller Center and St. Bartholomew’s Church. Info: nybg.org/event.
NEW YORK CITY BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER
The New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is at the heart of New York City’s holiday season. Whether a family tradition or a once-in-a-lifetime visit, your experience of this glittering classic ballet will stay with you forever. Young and young-at-heart will be transported to a magical place filled with adorable children, marching toy soldiers, mischievous mice, waltzing snowflakes, and some of the most breathtaking costumes ever seen. The most famous example is the massive Christmas tree that grows to 40 feet evoking audible gasps from the audience every time. This year performances will be held from November 23 through December 30, 2018 at the David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center. Info: nycballet.com.
HOLIDAY WINDOWS
A visit to New York City during the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a view of the city’s department store windows.
Barneys New York If you’re shopping along Madison Avenue, Barneys windows are a must-see. Every year they show hip and stylish displays, accented with a dose of fun. Info: Madison Ave. at East 61st St.
Bergdorf Goodman Holiday windows feature high-fashion and authentic antiques: each a work of art. Put this one on your list of must-dos. Info: Fifth Ave. at West 58th St.
Bloomingdale’s The holiday window displays are playful and on display before Black Friday so holiday shoppers can enjoy them throughout the season. Info: Lexington Ave. at East 59th St.
Lord & Taylor Every year this store features classic holiday window displays which are unveiled in late November. The colorful displays feature imagery and mechanical movements that make them both traditional and enjoyable for families. Note: 2018 will be the last year Lord & Taylor will be displaying their holiday windows. Because the department store is in the process of closing permanently, a limited number of window displays will be available for viewing. Info: Fifth Ave. at West 38th St.
Macy’s Here windows depict animated scenes of New York. In years past, Miracle on 34th Street and a Charlie Brown Christmas have created a stir on 34th Street. Info: Broadway at West 34th St.
Saks Fifth Avenue The holiday window displays feature funny animations. Conveniently located Saks Fifth Avenue’s windows are located across from the Rockefeller Center Promenade. Don’t miss: Saks also produces a beautiful Winter Palace Light Show on the facade of the building during evening hours. Info: Fifth Ave. at East 49th St.