Met Museum Tree

There are some spectacular trees and holiday lights and yes- a couple of menorah lightings to see in Manhattan and Brooklyn. I will update the holiday lights as more neighborhood sightings take place. I am sure you all know of some that I am missing, so feel free to add them here in the comments section or email me.

TREES:

Origami Tree and Dinos at the American Museum of Natural History (November 25- Jan. 6th)
Upon approaching the museum, your tykes will love the two steel 19 foot dinosaurs that are decorated with pine boughs and lights. Inside, you can catch a glimpse of their orgami tree. This large tree is on the bottom floor of the museum, a little bit off the beaten path. It is covered with 500 paper letters and alphabetically-corresponding objects: an A and an Apatosaurus, a B and a butterfly, etc. While you are there gazing at the 13 foot tree, take a look at the fantastic (and warm) exhibit of the live butterflies in the Butterfly Conservatory. The Extreme Mammals Exhibit is good for kids with interactive displays and discussions about tracking, sizes and fossils. The Silk Road is a new exhibit I haven’t seen yet- but might we worth a look. Adults: $16
Children (2-12): $9 Central Park West at 79^th Street. http://www.amnh.org/

The Art Tree at the Metropolitan Museum (thru Jan. 6th)
This gorgeous tree has candles that light its branches with baroque ornaments of angels and cherubs. A vivid eighteenth-century Neapolitan Nativity scene surrounding the tree is embellished with tiny figures. The nativity scene is adored by all the kids: everything is so small they feel like toys. The holiday music that plays in the hall is lovely, but just recorded, not live. It is the Medieval Art section (near those overwhelming iron gates) on the 1st floor. Suggested donation (which includes entrance to the museum: $20 for adults, children under 12 are free). www.Metmuseum.org. 1000 Fifth Ave (at 82nd Street)

South Street Seaport Tree Lighting (Friday, Nov. 27th- Dec. 27th)
This stunning 50 foot tree has the honor of being the first tree lighting of the season. This Friday night is your chance to see a tree lighting and chorus at the same time. Friday, Nov. 27th at 6 pm will be an incredible lighting ceremony: The host for the ceremony is: Gordon from “Sesame Street,” aka Roscoe Orman who will lead the children in the cheer of Santa’s arrival via the Holiday Parade led by two marching bands — The Soul Tigers Marching Band from Brooklyn, and New Jersey’s Neptune High School Marching Band – as well as performers from The Big Apple Circus, assorted elves, and toy soldiers. Kids, parents and performers alike, will then join Santa in the countdown to the lighting of the thousands of twinkling white lights affixed to the 50-plus-foot Seaport Chorus Tree. Following the lighting, The Big Apple Chorus takes the stage, within the Seaport Chorus Tree. The Big Apple Chorus performs classic holiday songs, including their jovial rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 27. Please click here to view the Big Apple Chorus’s performance schedule. Also slated to perform on the Seaport Chorus Tree stage, prior to Santa’s arrival, is the kid-oriented rock band Princess Katie and Racer Steve . Known for getting kids and parents dancing and singing, the band will perform a set of rockin’ holiday songs sure to get everyone moving. In addition, the Seaport Express Train ride will provide free train rides to kids from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, November 27 on Pier 17 adjacent to the tall ship, Peking. Fulton Street and South Street. www.Southstreetseaport.com

Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting (Dec. 2^nd- Jan. 7th)
This is granddaddy of all the trees. It is huge, crowded and a must-see. The soldiers and lights that surround the tree area are stunning. It’s fun to see the skaters whirl around the ice and see all the tourists thrilled to be there. Last year I went around 11 pm and it wasn’t as crowded as normal. Here are the details: The lighting will take place on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, with performances from 7:00pm-9:00pm. The two-hour long program features various celebrity appearances and a star-studded musical lineup. The tree will be lit daily from 5:30 A.M.-11:30 P.M.; all day on Christmas (24 hours); and from 5:30 A.M.-9 P.M. on New Year’s Eve. 5th Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. F to Rockefeller Center.

Dumbo Tree Lighting (Dec. 3rd at 6 pm)
The DUMBO Improvement District is lighting their tree in the Archway under the Manhattan Bridge. Free refreshments and food by Choice Market, Front Street Pizza & Jacques Torres (yum!). Half Pint Citizens will be open until 8:30 that night with treats and an extra 20% off your purchase that night, just say ‘I love DUMBO!’ at checkout. For more info go to Half Pints site.

Belarusian Church Tree Lighting (December 3, 2009 at 6:00 p.m)
This annual tree lighting ceremony is free and open to the public with complimentary holiday treats provided by local Atlantic Avenue restaurants and shops. Atlantic Avenue’s annual tree lighting ceremony and activities will feature students from P.S. 38 and 261 who will lead guests with carols and performances. The up and coming children’s musical group, Rolie Polie Guacamole, will be a fun element as Santa Claus makes his appearance to participate in the festivities, greet children and receive their Dear Santa letters. Atlantic Avenue windows will be decked out too and the winner of the competition will be announced that evening. The Church is at: 401 Atlantic Ave at Bond Street in Boerum Hill.

Peace Tree at Cathedral of St. John the Divine (December 8^th or 9th- January 7^th or 8th)
This tree is decorated with over 1000 paper cranes and other signs of peace. There is an advent procession on Dec. 6^th with the choir of boys, girls and adults singing carols. 1047 Amsterdam Avenue (at 110^th Street). http://www.stjohndivine.org

Borough Hall Christmas Tree and Menorah (tree-Dec. 8th at 5:30 pm – January 7th……and menorah to be announced)
The Borough President (once again, it’s Marty Markowitz….sigh) will light the tree on December 8th at 5:30 pm. The third week the Hanukah menorah is lit, (timing TBA). Borough Hall is located on 209 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn. You can take the A, C, or F train to Jay Street; Borough Hall is three blocks west from there. Or, you can take the R train to Court Street.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS:

Dyker Heights Lights (begin the week after Thanksgiving, but mid-December is the best time)
The displays in the Italian- American section of Dyker Heights have been made famous by a PBS documentary and the cable station TLC. The competition must be fierce as the houses seem to be crazier each year. There are also large inflated Christmas decorations and motorized displays. Don’t miss the giant Santa and toy soldiers. You won’t believe how detailed the displays are. Stroll or drive between 11th Avenue to 13th Avenue and from 83rd to 86th Street. Be warned: parking is near impossible and the traffic is really slow. If you can, find a parking spot a bit away from the hubbub and walk to the lights. Subways: D/M trains to 18th Ave; R train to 86th Street

Holiday Light Show (Opening ceremony for the Holiday Light Show is November 30^th at 11 am.)
Images of winter wonderland are projected on the famous Astrological Ceiling in the main concourse. The Holiday Laser Light Show (not shown since 2005) is back this year. A series of six individual six minute shows will be presented every half hour, between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM, over the course of six weeks. (A lot of sixes in there!) While you are there, check out Grand Central Holiday Fair (Nov. 23^rd- Dec. 24^th) This is a holiday fair that is on a lot of people’s lists. They have quality high-end vendors in the classy Vanderbilt Hall. The Holiday Fair hours are: Monday – Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. For more info: go to their site: www.grandcentralterminal.com.

Time Warner Center “Under The Stars”
Check out the twelve 14 foot stars that dangle from the ceiling of the Time Warner center at Columbus circle. While you are there, don’t forget to stop by the The Holiday Market at Columbus Circle (December 2 – December 24) I have been to this a couple of times and have found some great gifts: it can be hit or miss, but what is special about this one is the outdoor European feel of it. In fact the market is designed the tradition of the Northern European holiday market, familiar in cities from Copenhagen to Munich. You will enjoy the lights at the Time Warner Center and it isn’t a far walk to Lincoln Center’s stars either. http://www.urbanspacenyc.com puts it on. Just take the subway to Columbus Circle.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
They don’t have their 2009 info up yet, so check back as it gets updated.
http://www.bronxzoo.com

MENORAH LIGHTINGS:

Borough Hall Menorah Lighting (third week of Dec)
The Borough President (once again, it’s Marty Markowitz….sigh) will light the tree the second week of December. The third week the Hanukah menorah is lit. Timing is TBA. Borough Hall is located on 209 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn. You can take the A, C, or F train to Jay Street; Borough Hall is three blocks west from there. Or, you can take the R train to Court Street.

World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah Lighting (December 11- 19, 2009 at 5:30pm and 3:45pm on Fridays)
(this listing is from Mommypoppins.com- thanks!)
Christmas trees don’t get to have all the fun, after all, Hanukkah is the celebration of lights. Every night of Hanukkah, Grand Army Plaza (Manhattan–59th Street and Fifth) showcases a 32-foot tall, two ton Menorah. A cherry picker is used to help light the candles. On the last night there is live music, singing, folk dancing and latkes.

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