The Spirited New Yorker’s Christmas-Gothamtide Treats
There is so much to share with you but here are a few “bits n’ bobs” about Manhattan. In addition to the ideas below, check out the NYCVP Holiday Event Blog. Also, check the Media tab for more ideas.
To me New York City is the Christmas Capitol of the world with glittering lights, enchanting displays and abundant entertainment. This magical mosaic has inspired me for over thirty years to write a Christmas Greeting that I send to friends around the world.
As this is the season when merchants give back by having festive displays, stroll down Fifth Avenue beginning at 59th, over and up Madison Avenue, Greenwich Village, SOHO! Stroll and look for interesting exhibits lighting and architectural treats! Check out hotel and office lobbies too!
Please take a moment to see how much fun last season was by clicking here.
SPECIAL THINGS
HOLIDAY MUSIC At many churches and auditoriums, such as St. Thomas’s in midtown Fifth Avenue with its boys choir, St. John the Divine and Riverside Church up by Columbia University, Trinity Church on Wall Street, and numerous churches and other locations around the city. Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
And of course one must see the Rockettes kicking for their 86th year at the RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR!
THE MERCHANTS HOUSE This 1850’s period house is decorated for the season and visit for their special “New Year’s Calling Day”, a Dutch tradition on January 1st.
NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW – Amongst the greenery and plants trains weave around replicas of New York City Landmarks made of leaves, seeds, bark and other plant material. Really special! Toot-toot!
CLASSIC HARBOR LINE Cruise – Cocoa and carols to see NewYork lit up.
THE CLOISTERS – Fort Tryon Park – This tranquil spot consists of 5 medieval chapels from France that are decorated with medieval arrangements of greens and grasses for the season.
Part of the Metropolitan Museum there are lovely views up and down the Hudson River.
NYCVP’S HOLIDAY LIGHTS SIGHTSEEING TOUR – On this four hour bus tour you will see and learn so much about New York’s Christmas stories, festivities, store windows and lights. (NYCVP is the highly acclaimed company that I do my Christmas walking tour for. www.nycsightseeing.nytrip.com)
HOLIDAY MARKETS
There are many but here are my favorites:
BRYANT PARK behind the New York Public Library –Over 100 shops, an ice skating rink, a tree and warm up inside the NYPL behind the lions “Patience and Fortitude” and see their Christmas tree in the lobby and gift store.
GRAND CENTRAL HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR Over 100 boutiques, the bustle of Grand Central; Station with its light show on the ceiling, and the Train exhibit at the NY Transit Museum with Lionel trains in New York scenes
COLUMBUS CIRCLE HOLIDAY MARKET(59th St. & Broadway) – 100 vendors and is across from Time-Warner’s HOLIDAY UNDER THE STARS with 14 foot stars hanging from the inside ceiling that change colors , play carols and look like they are dancing. Live jazz music daily at 5pm.
HIGH LINE – Under the very popular High Line – the Meatpacking Market recently opened on West 13th and Washington Street featuring interesting food and artisans. A real find and allow time to walk the High Line, the old railroad tracks that have been adaptively reused with commanding views, plants.
UNION SQUARE – Interesting boutiques and the legendary Farmer’s Market.
TO A GLITTERING, GIVING AND GRATIFYING GOTHAMTIDE!!!!
THE SPIRITED NEW YORKER – HO-HO-HO!