NYC all decked out for the holidays

It’s that time of year again when all the tourists come to NYC to see some of the famous shows and decorations we have to offer for the holidays. This year seems to be the most tourist flocking season yet as everyone crowds around popular areas so tight that the locals are moving only an inch per minute. However, there are so many things in this city that’s worth seeing and should not be missed. So here are just some of the highlights of the holiday spirit that shines throughout the city.

Bryant Park has just about everything. Feel free to shop at the quaint holiday village, dine at an indoor/outdoor restaurant that provides outdoor heating lamps, take pictures of their grand Christmas tree and ice skate at The Pond right by the tree and restaurant with the Empire State Building overlooking the park. Admission to the ice skating rink is free. To rent skates is about $7 and an extra $3 for a lock for the lockers. This is the one area where people can spend their whole day in the heart of NYC.

Also, within the area you should visit is Grand Central Station. They also have their holiday market, perfect for holiday shopping on the go. The food courts below the main station have a variety of cultural foods ranging from American to Indian, from fast food to sit in, along side with newsstands, bakery and much more. But around this time of year, people come racing to grand central for two reasons: 1) to take the train home to see their families for the holidays and 2) to see the newest Kaleidoscope show grand central station puts on. Year after year Grand Central Terminal has had laser light shows on the ceiling. But within these last two years, they have expanded the light show from the ceiling to beautiful moving images on the walls all coordinated to holiday music. The show is every half hour from 11am to 9pm and it’s free to the public.

From 42nd Street you can either go up or down along 5th Avenue. If you go down along 5th Avenue, you will come across Lord & Taylor on 5th Avenue. That’s a building you can’t miss due to the entire building being lit up with Christmas lights. Once the well-lit building allures you, hop on line to see the elegant Victorian Holiday window display. This year’s window shows the holiday spirit around the world during the Victorian era.

If you go a little further down, before you know it, you are on 34th Street, a great spot to take pictures of the Empire State Building displaying the colors of the holiday season. You can take the tour and then continue onwards to Macy’s, the department store that set the standards as far as holiday celebrations. View their well-known window displays featuring this year’s theme of Santa’s journey around the world in one night. After that, feel free to shop inside and find numerous sales. As for those that have restless kids, don’t forget to treat them with a visit to Santa land and be able to meet Santa himself. If Macy’s and all of 34th street gets too crowded, journey a little further down to Union Square and their holiday market as well as their farmers market. The crowd intensity is much more subdued and you can still shop for your loved ones with a little bit more peace of mind.

If you are traveling uptown along 5th Avenue from 42nd Street, you will be hitting the most popular and famous of all attractions in New York City. Walking along 5th Ave. from 42nd street, there’s not much to see visually until you hit Saks 5th Avenue. There you can view this year’s window display of “Snow People” from a children’s holiday book. Also, Saks is now notoriously known for their LED dancing snowflakes on the building. Go across the street from Saks to best view the snowflakes. Also across the street from Saks 5th Avenue is the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Walk around the promenade to view the lighted angels and a closer look at the new LED lit Christmas tree. You can also take the time out to ice skate around the ice rink under the beautiful tree and right by the golden statue. Also within Rockefeller Center area are tours to the NBC Studios & Store, Top of the Rock and Radio City Music Hall where the Christmas Spectacular show is currently playing.

Holiday sights and attractions don’t end there. If you still walk north of 5th avenue, you can still see stores like Cartier, Fendi, Disney and Bergdorf Goodman with their holiday window displays and lights that make 5th Avenue looks like it’s been covered in glittering diamonds. Also along 5th Avenue is the famous UNICEF crystal snowflake that hangs in the middle on the intersection on 57th Street. And on 59th Street on view is the 5th Avenue menorah right by the Plaza Hotel. On the west side of 59th Street is Columbus Circle where there is a holiday market as well as a visit to the Time Warner Building with their stars that light and change color to music. Also a few blocks north of the Time Warner/ Columbus Circle area is Lincoln Center. Currently playing at Lincoln Center is the holiday show “The Nutcracker” ballet as well as many other operas and shows currently playing. Also, Lincoln Center is showcasing their holiday spirit with a beautiful blue Christmas tree right by the fountain with snowflakes and music instrument ornaments on the tree.

Hopefully this will help you on your holiday journey in and around our Christmas town. Maybe all the decorations will help you get more into the holiday spirit if you haven’t been feeling that much into the season. In any case, may every local and tourist have a great Holiday Season and much joy and prosperity to you in the upcoming 2008. Happy Holidays!

December 2007 Events in NYC

 

DECEMBER 2007 EVENTSStarting December 1st
Grand Central Kaleidoscope Show
Grand Central Terminal, 42nd Street & Park Avenue, 212-340-2345, www.grandcentralterminal.com

Starting December 1st
Holiday Markets
Holiday Market at Columbus Circle begins Dec. 1st and is located at the South West entrance of Central Park. Holiday Market at Union Square has already begun and is located on South end of Union Sq. on W. 14th St. Both markets end on Dec. 24th. For more information, please call 212-529-9262.

December 4th thru 11th
5th Avenue Menorah Lighting
Lighting will take place on 59th street and 5th avenue. Time of event is around sundown. For more information call 718-778-6000.

All Month
Holiday Lights at World Financial Center
Winter Garden – street level, 200 Vesey Street – 3 World Financial, 212-417-7000, www.worldfinancialcenter.com

December 7th thru 9th
Anime Festival
Jacob J. Javits Convention Center, 655 West 34th Street on 11th Avenue, 1-888-605-6059, www.nyanimefestival.com

Now thru December 24th
Seaport Chorus Tree
South Street Seaport – Pier 17, Fulton Street & South Street, 212-SEA-PORT, www.southstreetseaport.com

December 9th
Tuba Christmas
Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, from 49th St. to 50th St on 5th avenue, 212-332-7654, to register for event call 812-824-8833, event starts at 3:30pm, www.tubachristmas.com

Now thru Mid-January
The Pond at Bryant Park
Bryant Park, between 40th St & 42nd St and in between 5th & 6th Avenue, 212-382-2953, www.thepondatbryantpark.com/

December 15th
NYRR Holiday 4-Mile Race
’Tis the season to be running! Crank up your holiday cheer with this festive family affair. A run for the adults, while the kids play? It’s our present to you—happy holidays! For more information and course details, check out www.nyrr.org

December 15th & 16th
The 5th Annual Gingerbread Homes for Animals
Event also happens on the weekends of 1st & 2nd and 8th & 9th
Chelsea Market, 16th Street & 9th Avenue from 10am – 6pm, www.gingerbreadhomesforanimals.org

December 18th thru Jan. 6th
Tango Fire at Joyce Theater
Joyce Theater, 175 8th Avenue (on 19th Street), 212-691-9740, www.joyce.org

Now thru Jan. 6th
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo
’Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Boulevard – Bronx, 718-220-5100, www.bronxzoo.com

December 24th
Matzoh Ball
The largest Jewish singles event will be held at 3 venues simultaneously. It will be held at Suvet, The Park and Hiro & Slate. All events starts at 8pm. For more information please visit www.letmypeoplego.com

Now thru Jan. 13th
Holiday Train Show at NY Botanical Garden
’The New York Botanical Gardens, 200th Street & Kazimiroff Blvd. – Bronx, 718-817-8700, www.nybg.org

December 29th thru Jan. 6th
NY National Boat Show
Jacob J. Javits Convention Center, 655 West 34th Street on 11th Avenue, 1-888-605-6059, www.nyboatshow.com

December 29th
Kwanzaa Celebration at AMNH
American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, www.amnh.org

Now thru December 31st
Crystal Winter
New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street – Queens, 718-699-0005, www.nyscience.org

December 31st
Emerald Nuts Midnight Run at Central Park
Party location is at Central Park Bandshell just South of 72nd Street transverse. The course starts on Central Park’s East Drive going North to 102nd St. Cross over transverse to west side and then back down south on West Drive to 68th St. For more information please check out www.nyrr.org

December 31st
New Years Eve at Times Square
Times Square – 43rd St to 50th St on Broadway & 7th Avenue, www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye.html

Now thru Jan. ’08
The Gates of Paradise
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue @ 82nd Street, 212-535-7710, www.metmuseum.org

Now thru Jan. ’08
Asher B. Durand, Dean of American Landscape
National Academy Museum, 1083 Fifth Avenue (at 89th Street), 212-369-4880, www.nationalacademy.org

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Tonight will be GREEN!

November may be magical, but December in New York City is down right GREEN! Huh you say?… Yes, I said green! This years picture perfect Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has a “Green” theme. For the first time in 76 years, this elegant 75 year old, 84ft Norway Spruce represents an energy efficient reminder to all of us during this busy holiday season.

Firstly, the tree was cut down in central Connecticut by 2 men using a hand held saw, just like they did in the old days. Another green conscience decision was to adorn the mighty spruce with 30,000 multicolored energy efficient light-emitting diodes. These diodes or LEDs will reduce the displays electricity consumption from 3,510 to 1,297 kilowatt hours per day. The daily savings is equal to the amount of electricity consumed by a typical 2,000 sq. ft house in a month! The tree was illuminated in front of millions during a televised event on November 28 which has become a New York holiday tradition since 1933. Even more amazing, solar panels were placed on the roof of 30 Rockefeller Center to help generate the energy needed to illuminate the lights on the tree and surrounding plaza. Mayor Michael Bloomberg hopes that using energy efficient means to light the tree will inspire millions of New Yorkers and visitors alike to make “greener” choices in their own lives. Finally, after the holidays, the green theme continues. The tree will be turned into lumber and used to build homes by Habitat for Humanity.

The Christmas tree tradition was born in the early stages of Rockefeller Center’s construction during the Great Depression. In December of 1931, construction workers placed a simple 20ft balsam fir tree amid the rubble of the future home of the British Empire Building. This first tree was decorated with strings of cranberries, paper garlands and tin cans. In 1932, there was no tree, but Radio City Music Hall celebrated the coming of the holiday season with its gala opening of the Christmas Spectacular.

The first official tree lightning was in 1933. This was the idea of Rockefeller Center’s publicist Merle Crowell, who made the first tree lightning one of the nation’s greatest publicity successes. Over the next seven decades, and to this day, with Radio City Music Hall celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center draws millions of on- lookers to awe, appreciate and enjoy the most beautiful and famous Christmas tree in America.

Here is a brief time line recognizing significant years surrounding the Rockefeller Christmas tree

• 1931 – Construction workers place a 20ft balsam tree (smallest on record) amid the Rockefeller Center construction site. –

• 1933 – This is the first time the tree is illuminated, kicking off a Rockefeller Center tradition.

• 1936 – For the first time, two 70 ft Norway Spruce trees are displayed to celebrate the opening of the ice skating rink.

• 1941 to 1943 – The tree is not illuminated due to black out restrictions during World War II.

• 1948 – A 90ft Norway Spruce is displayed; the tallest tree ever at that time.

• 1951 – The first time the tree lighting event is televised from coat to coast. Kate Smith flips the switch to light it up.

• 1956 – The first time a White Spruce is displayed, it is 65ft high.

• 1966 – A gift from Canada, a 64 ft white spruce is the first and only tree to be displayed from beyond U.S. borders.

• 1970 -The first time the tree lightning is televised in color.

• 1980 – A man is arrested on December 8th for attempting to climb the tree

• 1996 – History repeats itself for the 2nd time, a 90ft Norway Spruce is displayed.

• 1999 – a 100 year old, 100ft Norway spruce is displayed weighing in at a whopping 10 tons. A record is shattered with this being to date the largest tree ever erected at Rockefeller Center.

• 2004 – For the first time in its 72 year history, the tree is crowned with a crystal star from Swarovski. It is composed of 25,000 crystals with 1 million facets. The largest star to adorn a Rockefeller Christmas tree

• 2007 – The “Green” theme is introduced with energy efficient lights to promote a greener planet

Steve Duer has been captivating tour audiences with his unique, upbeat guiding style for over 18 years now while operating his own sightseeing company Marvelous Manhattan Tours NYC Inc.. In New York City, Steve is known as the “KING” of tour guides and his online reviews from past clients speak for themselves. His lively personal style bursts with originality for he is witty, knowledgeable, funny, and a natural showman.

Since 1990, Steve has hosted tours for American Express, Price-Waterhouse, Pfizer, Hormel Foods, Siemens, Hugo Boss, West Point Academy, and even the Disney Corporation. A seasoned professional, he has informed, humored, enlightened, and ultimately entertained ten’s of thousands of curious visitors from around the world. This enthusiasm for the city has spilled over into other related endeavors, including being a regular contributor to three family publications with a thought provoking column called “Duer’s did you Know?”. Currently Steve co-hosts a local travel show on award winning WVOX AM radio on Monday nights at 8:00pm. On Z- Travel and Leisure Steve does interviews, moderates discussion and engages in lively, informative ,humorous banter. Steve is also fully dedicated to pursuing a broadcast/travel reporting career in a TV related format.

Macy’s Parade Tips

It’s already here, Thanksgiving! And before you know it, 2008 creeps up behind you. I can’t believe how quick this holiday came up. I still did not get over Halloween just yet. Anyways, this is what some of you have been waiting for. After all these years of seeing the world’s largest department store create the world’s grandest parade and seeing it from your living room couch aired live on TV year after year, you finally spent the money and made your trip to NYC to see the parade. You made it! Welcome to NYC! Whether this is your first time to the parade or you’re a veteran and you’ve been to the parade 20 times, here is some general information and probably some informative tips that can be used when coming to see the parade.

General Information:

Parade Route: Parade begins on 77th Street & Central Park West. It proceeds down Central Park West into Columbus Circle and then merges onto Broadway From Columbus Circle (59th St) all the way down to Macy’s Herald Square and 34th St. Parade finishes on 34th St & 7th Avenue.

Time: Parade kicks off at 9am and will end around Noon (maybe earlier along Central Park West).

How to get there: Avoid driving at all costs or even using a cab in the city since so many streets are closed off. Use the subway system. It maybe on holiday schedule and construction might be in affect, but it’s the most reliable way for the time being.
To get to Central Park West: Take either the 1 train (Broadway Line) or the local B and C train (CPW line). To get to Columbus Circle: Take the A,B,C,D,1 trains to 59th street. To get to Times Square and the streets above on Broadway: Take the 1 local train to 42nd St and 50th St. on Broadway. Or take the 2 & 3 Express train to 42nd St only. Also consider the A,C,E train to 42nd St – Port Authority. Or the C,E train to 50th St. on 8th Avenue. N,R train to 49th St. leaves you half a block from the parade. N,R,Q and W train also goes to Times Square. 7 train also stops at Times Square.  To get to 34th St., Herald Sq. and above: Take the B,D,F,V,N,Q,R and W trains to 34th Street and Herald Square. Also take1,2,3,A,C,E trains to 34th Street and Penn Station. 34th Street is not a recommendable place for viewing the parade.

Parade Hotline: If this information still isn’t enough, call 212-494-4495 for more information or visit www.macys.com

This event is Rain or Shine and is Free to everyone that attends. This is also aired on Channel 4 (WNBC) live. The following numbered notes below are some helpful tips that will make this years Parade more eventful for our spectators.

1)    The great outdoors – This is a rain or shine event. And it looks like rain is forecasted for this year’s parade. So if it rains, prepare to bring out ponchos, rain boots and other rain gears. I’m sure you won’t forget that umbrella. But just remember that when opening an umbrella in an extremely crowded event, it will be a burden for you and everyone else around you. Especially for those behind you trying to see the parade. So if the rain is light, keep the umbrella down for a bit.  If the sun is shining, then expect a huge crowd. Every now and then the weather will be comfortable for the parade. But in all the years I have went to the parade, it has been frigid. So layers, layers and more layers. Two socks, two hats, 3 sweaters or battery powered heating blanket… I am just kidding on some of the above, but do make sure you wear thermals, hats, ear muffs and don’t forget lots of warm hot chocolate (coffee for the adults) to keep you sustained and surviving the cold weather for about 4 or 5 hours.

2)    Timing is everything – For this parade, the magnitude of locals and other tourists coming to see this event is massive, so the earlier you come the better. Usually a lot of people start arriving to the sidelines around 6am for a good spot. I’ve been out there by 7:15am and you wouldn’t believe how crowded it was already. I guess some people camp out, but not recommended. In fact, I don’t even think it’s allowed. So definitely being that early bird will pay off.

3)    Location – As you can see the parade route is long and it looks like there are many options for viewing. That’s not really the case. One of the best viewing spots is around Central Park West. I’ve been in that area for years with very minor drama. I also hear that Times Square is a good spot. Below the Times Square area are the areas you might want to avoid since public viewing is closed off due to media presence. Also, avoid  59th Street – Columbus Circle due to half of  the area being closed off and many bleachers blocking the views of the parade. One more place to avoid is the start of the parade on 77th Street. You don’t get the full impact of the parade marching and it’s one of the most crowded areas to be in along with the end of the parade at Macy’s on 34th Street, which should also be avoided.

4)    Keep in mind – Be sure to leave home the folding chairs and ladders. Not only is it extra baggage for you to carry around the city, but it will be troublesome to have when the crowds start to fill up along the sidewalks.  Also be aware that Macy’s is closed on Thanksgiving Day. So unfortunately you can’t go shopping after the parade. Subways are on a holiday schedule and construction may also take effect on some subway lines. Check http://www.mta.info for schedule. If you are wondering what to do after the parade, keep in mind that all stores will close early. Theaters are still on strike. For more information on what to do, look back on our Nov. 12th blog.  Also, very few restaurants will be open. Movie theaters will be open for new holiday hits such as Enchanted, Beowulf, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Fred Claus, The Mist and other flicks to see over the holidays.

I hope these few tips I have left for you will help you in surviving your journey to the 81st Annual Macy’s Parade. This year’s parade will feature helium balloons of timeless characters like Felix the Cat, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Shrek, Scooby-Doo, HS Marching Bands from across the nation featured in the parade along with celebrities from your favorite TV shows, movies, theaters and singers and let’s not forget to mention a special appearance by Santa Claus. This year’s parade will be bigger than ever and will guarantee you joyful memories to last you many more years to come or have you coming back for more next year.

For those that are night owls and not much of an early bird, you can catch another traditional ceremony that the parade features which is Macy’s Balloon Inflation. It’s the set up of the parade the night before the grand finale and many spectators gather around to watch their favorite characters come to life. You can catch the Macy’s Balloon Inflation the night before the parade between 77th and 81st Street on Central Park West & Columbus Avenue from 3pm to 10pm.

The staff of NYC Pocket would like to wish everyone local, across the nation and even our international visitors a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Day.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

By Jasmine Bermudez

If your heart is two sizes too small, then it’s time for a trip to Broadway where the Grinch has set up shop for the holiday season in Times Square at the St. James Theatre. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is filled with family friendly hijinx and is playing for a limited engagement from November 9th through January 6th under the supervision of two-time Tony Award® winning director, Jack O’Brien. Holiday spirits will undoubtedly be stirred by the unique choreography of Oscar® winner, John Deluca. This uplifting tale of kindness and emotional growth is told through the eyes of Old Max, the Grinch’s loyal pet played by Ed Dixon. Even Fox TV exclaims, “It’s the ultimate delight!”

Patrick Page delivers a show stopping performance as the Grinch who is filled with contempt for Christmas. His sniveling remarks and naughty holiday pranks have the audience rolling with laughter and leaping to their feet with sheer delight as he sails through the air above a glittering Christmas village. He eventually learns the joy of unconditional love as his heart grows to just the right size. The NJ Star Ledger says, “Page’s droll Grinch is worthy of a Tony Award nod!”

Heart felt ballads sung by the town of Whoville encourage the audience to remember the true meaning of Christmas and find compassion in their hearts. Interactive sing-a-longs combined with witty banter ensure that the hustle and bustle of the New York Theater District will be filled with joy this holiday season. Memorable music and colorful scenery sets the tone for a fabulous Christmas town decked out with traditional lights and tinsel. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical will fill theater goers with happiness and spread good cheer all around midtown Manhattan.

For tickets call ticketmaster 212-239-6200

St. James Theatre
246 West 44th Street

“ REST EASY, GRINCH-O-PHILES!

The lively whole pleased the legions of critics in the audience

Who really matter, the 10-and-unders, who hardly stirred in their seats!

[Patrick Page as] the Grinch won me over!”

-The New York Times

“A GREAT GRINCH!
High-flying effects make the show a real Whoot.
Eat your heart out Ebenezer.
There’s a new holiday humbugger in town!”
-NY Daily News

“GROWN-UPS AS ENTERTAINED
AS THEIR YOUNGSTERS!
Gleeful songs ans joyful staging!
[Patrick] Page’s droll Grinch is worthy of a Tony Award nod!”
-The Star-Ledger

“HOLIDAY-LIC-OUS!
The Grinch is lighting up Broadway! I promise you’ll burst out
In smiles! You’ll actually exit the theater while humming!”
–Philadelphia Inquirer

“EYE-POPPING!
A HOLIDAY SPECTACLE!
Buoyed by gorgeous design and a saucy star turn!”
–Variety

“Broadway’s Grinch is
SURE TO STEAL YOUR HEART!”
–Hartford Courant

“When it comes to the holiday season,
IT’S THE ULTIMATE DELIGHT!”
-Fox 5-TV