Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade

To start off the holiday: of course there is the Thanksgiving Day Parade and Balloon Inflation
If you want to see the real thing close up, Mommy Poppins has the scoop on where to go and hang out for the best viewing spots and where to see the floats inflated. Check her post about it for details. I wouldn’t suggest the parade for most families- there are a ton of people and it is hard to navigate with the stroller. One mom commented that her family gets there at 4:30 am to hold their place. That seems wacky to me! But I WOULD suggest the balloon inflating the night before.

Then there are the Tree Lighting and Harbor Light Shows at South Street Seaport this weekend, and of course, the holiday windows of 5th Ave. All of these are below along with “don’t miss” holiday shows (some start at $5), train shows, holiday markets to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts and ice skating!

Peter and the Wolf (Friday, November 13-29)— LAST CHANCE!
We saw this production a couple of weekends ago, and I would highly recommend it. It is a perfect first-time theater experience for the youngest since it has a simple plot with a narrator. There is an eight piece orchestra that enthusiastically spoke with individual kids at intermission. The dancers are excellent and their costumes are sophisticated. The older children in the audience loved watching the dancers. There were great activities for the kids before the performance (coloring, mix and match), so make sure you get there early so you can enjoy them. This should be on your “must do” list. I think it is on a lot of parents’ lists-(last weekend was sold out), so don’t wait to get your tickets for this one. This production comes via the UK and stars British film and stage actor Brian Blessed as the Narrator. This U.S. premiere has a new prequel that was interesting for the adults but confusing for the avid Peter and the Wolf kid fans. They didn’t recognize the plot initially, but I found it refreshing! To purchase tickets online visit NewVictory.org, and to purchase by phone, call 646-223-3010

Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Nov. 13-December 30, 2009)
This is the first year that I took Birch (3.5 years) to this show. I was pretty sure he could stick it out for the full 1.5 hours since he can sit through the movie “Cars” a few dozen times. My friend brought her 20 month old daughter. She, like Birch, was riveted. (After an hour though, her mom took the girl home for bedtime, but the kid definitely put up a fight.) You can’t underestimate the dazzle effect on a child. The lobby of Rockefeller Center is stunning with lit trees, ornamental chandeliers and the friendliest staff you have ever met. I felt like each usher was thrilled that we were there. The theater itself is beautiful and huge. The orchestra was lifted up on a lighted stage as they opened the curtains. Birch nearly fell off of his chair. But when the Rockettes came out in their reindeer outfits and Santa too- he couldn’t move. How can you not be taken with all those gams kicking at the same level, the sleek costumes and live music? This show is squarely centered in the 21^st century now: the digital backdrops are spectacular as they switch from grand manor to the streets of New York City. Birch hasn’t stopped talking about the bus moving through the (digital) streets of New York. He thought we were traveling too. And we were in a way: we were totally entertained. Yes, the show is somewhat nostalgic and sentimental, and a bit kitschy at times, but it is rich in entertainment, excellent choreography ( I always love that Tin Solider piece) and thrill. Now thru Sunday, December 6th our readers can get Orchestra tickets starting at $49.99 This offer is valid for 32 performances of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular playing between now and December 13 at the legendary Radio City Music Hall. Use code NOV when purchasing tickets http://www.radiocity.com/events/christmas-spectacular-2009.html

Wintuk from Cirque du Soleil (Nov. 11- January 3, 2010)
Wintuk is from the famous Cirque du Soleil, so you know you can expect incredible acrobatics, comedic moments, spectacular costumes and a light plot. That is all true with Wintuk which is geared towards families. The plot is about a boy looking for snow. The storyline gives the troupe plenty of opportunities to create a top-notch winter wonderland. Birch (aged 3.5 years) was blown away by the production and the stage setup with rollerbladers, skaters and a full town. The show was 2 hours with a 20 minute intermission. The length turned out to be fine actually as Birch was engaged for the full 2 hours. Wintuk is less jam-packed than other Cirque du Soleils productions I have seen, and with good reason. Kids can only take so much. What went over well with them: the huge floppy dog, the cyclists, the explosions of snow, the acrobatics and thrilling choreography. It was definitely a great show. If you want to go, we have a 30% discount for childrens’ tickets for you. Just click here. There are also several Wintuk videos on their You Tube channel. The production is at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Tickets start at $40.

The Three Bears Holiday Bash (November 17, 2009 – January 3, 2010)
The Three Bears Holiday Bash is a variety show that celebrates the holiday season in song, dance, and puppetry. This production quickly becomes a comedy of errors when Baby Bear invites Santa to star in Mama and Papa Bears’ annual holiday show. Drawing from the stories of Hanukkah, the Night Before Christmas, and Kwanzaa, The Three Bears Holiday Bash includes all those celebrating the holidays. Show times for The Three Bears Holiday Bash are: Tuesday through Friday: 10:30am and 12:00pm, with an additional performance at 2:30pm each Wednesday; and Saturday and Sunday at 1:00pm. **Please call for extended holiday schedule** please call (212) 988-9093. Tickets are $5/children and $8/adults. The Cottage is located in Central Park at 81th Street and Central Park West, just south of the Delacorte Theater.

Wollman Rink in Prospect Park (November 26 – March 14, 2010)
Last year, I finally made it to this rink on closing day. Talk about procrastination! It is a fine rink for teaching small children, but don’t expect to do any jumping or fast skating here. It is small and crowded but pretty gentle for the little ones. We even made a few friends while we were there. The lockers are free but bring your own padlock. The skate rentals were easy and the personnel were pleasant. Check hours on the site. Every Friday: ½ Price Admission! (does not include skate rental charge, holidays excluded). Adults: $5 (ages 15 and up) and Children (ages 14 and under) and Seniors: $3. Skate Rental: $6.50 (tax included). For more info like hours go to their site.

The Market and Pond and Carousel at Bryant Park (Nov. 6^th- January 24^th, 2010)
You can start off some exercise with a few light steps to the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. This market has over 100 boutiques, artisans and designers and food merchants. For more information, visit www.TheHolidayShopsatBryantPark.com. After a few looks, head over the The Pond, a 170’ 100’ rink that has FREE ice skating, skating shows, snacks or a dinner. There are free lockers for your new gifts, but bring your own padlock. If you need your skates resharpened or a pair to rent, you can do that easily in the Skating Pavillion. http://bryantpark.org/amenities/thepond.php. Take the F, V, B, or D train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park

Friday, Nov. 27th is the train show opening: 10 am- 8 pm: Grand Central Holiday Train Show, Market and Light Show
This free train show is especially fun as it takes place in a real train station: Grand Central. You can see the train go from New York to the North Pole. It all takes place in the New York City Transit Museum Annex. Don’t forget to check out the holiday market in Vanderbilt Hall too. 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. While you are there, check out the light show at Grand Central Terminal too. The opening ceremony for the Holiday Light Show is on 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 (6) individual six minute shows will be presented every half hour, between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM, over the course of six weeks. 42nd St between Vanderbilt and Lexington.

Black Friday, Nov. 27th and ongoing: Lionel Train Store’s Sales and Train Display
Okay, so this is a store’s train display, but it should be good. This is Lionel Trains first store ever. Ever. You can imagine the afficiandos that will be anxious to get in there. The store has operating trains whizzing through the store along with a Christmas tree to get you in the spirit. Don’t forget to get a Magnolia Bakery cupcake while you are nearby. They are the best! The Black Friday sale: All sets, engines and rolling stock made by Lionel will be 20% off !The Lionel Store is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza- 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue

South Street Seaport Tree Lighting Extravanganza (Friday, Nov. 27th at 6 pm- thru Dec. 27th)
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 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 By Subway
2, 3, 4, 5, J, Z, or M to Fulton Street
A or C trains to Broadway-Nassau;
or E train towards Fulton Street.
Walk East on Fulton Street to Water Street.

Holiday Train Show with Gingerbread Adventures (November 21, 2009 – January 10, 2010)
This holiday favorite at the New York Botanical Gardens is superb. The train display is the conservatory and it is wonderful to see the train dip in and out of plant beds, whizz overhead on wood tracks and speed by the Statue of Liberty. The entire display is made out of natural materials. What you should know: the gardens make you check your stroller outside the building. You walk in and wait in a long line that eventually winds it way into the conservatory. As you make your way through the building, you get progressively warmer and there is no place to put your coats- let alone your childrens’ coats, bottles, snacks etc. Last year I was weighed down by 3 coats, 2 bottles, an Ergo and an antsy kid. Be prepared. Go light and see if you can bring another adult with you. Tickets are available in 15-minute increments. When you purchase tickets online, you can choose your date and start time in advance. Once you enter the Conservatory you can take as much time as you want to view the show. The Gingerbread Adventures is another display at the Gardens. It is at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden on Tuesdays – Fridays; 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; November 26 – 27; December 21 & 24; December 28 – January 1; January 4; 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Salivate at the handcrafted gingerbread houses created by some of the city’s most imaginative bakers, and take an up-close tour of the spices used to make the houses. Save room for some samples—decorating gingersnaps is part of the fun. For directions and subway stops check this page out.

November 28: 6:30 pm: New York Harbor Lighted Boat Parade
The first Lighted Boat Parade are a series of boats decorated with twinkling lights that coast down the West side. The route begins on the West Side of Manhattan at approximately West 23rd street at 6:30 p.m. and guarantees a pass by the Financial District, Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty, South Street Seaport and a pass under the Brooklyn Bridge! You can watch from Pier 17 at the Seaport, but see if you can find your own spot too along the route. Download the PDF to find your spot. http://www.sail-nyc.com/new-york-harbor-lighted-boat-parade.html. By Subway
2, 3, 4, 5, J, Z, or M to Fulton Street
A or C trains to Broadway-Nassau;
or E train towards Fulton Street.
Walk East on Fulton Street to Water Street.

November 28: 1 pm and 6:30 pm: Santa at the Seaport with Storytime and Photos (Storytime is only at 1 pm)
Santa returns to the Seaport to hear kids’ wish lists, take photos and be jolly. He makes scheduled appearances in the holiday seating area located on the 3rd floor of Pier 17, Noon to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; and Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Santa’s visits run from November 28 to 5 p.m. December 24. All visits with Santa are free, but bring your own camera. He also appears at each performance of The Big Apple Chorus. (see top listing for South Seaport Tree lighting for times). In addition, each Saturday and Sunday from November 28 through December 20 at 1 p.m., there is “Storytime with Santa,” as he reads holiday classics, including ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Pier 17, 3rd Floor/Cobblestones/Strolling. By Subway
2, 3, 4, 5, J, Z, or M to Fulton Street
A or C trains to Broadway-Nassau;
or E train towards Fulton Street.
Walk East on Fulton Street to Water Street.

Gifted in Manhattan (Nov 27–29, Dec 2–6, 9–13, 16–24)
If you know and love the Brooklyn Flea that has locations in Ft. Greene and DUMBO, this is the craft market for you. Last year, Gifted was small, but this year it will be huge. Remember the old Tower Records building on Lafayette? That’s where it is being staged this year. See tons of crafty, original vendors, vintage wear and more. Location is at: 20 E 4th St (at Lafayette) http://www.brooklynflea.com

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. While you are there, check out the light show at Grand Central Terminal too. The opening ceremony for the Holiday Light Show is on 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 (6) individual six minute shows will be presented every half hour, between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM, over the course of six weeks.

The Holiday Shops and Ice Rink and Carousel Bryant Park (Nov. 6- Jan. 3rd)
This market has over 100 boutiques, artisans and designers and food merchants. For more information, visit www.TheHolidayShopsatBryantPark.com or call 212-661-6640. Hours are: M-F from 11am-8 pm, Sat from 10am-9 pm and Sunday from 10am- 6 pm. There are special extended holiday hours too. After a few looks, head over the The Pond, a 170’ 100’ rink that has FREE ice skating, skating shows, snacks or a dinner. There are free lockers for your new gifts, but bring your own padlock. http://bryantpark.org/amenities/thepond.php. Take the F, V, B, or D train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park

My favorite is to salivate at the holiday windows.
The clothes in wintertime are so yummy and the displays can be breathtaking. For my window loop: I take the 4,5,6 ot 59th Street or the C to Columbus Circle. (You can also take the N,R,W to Lexington Ave). P.S. There is another loop for Lord and Taylor and Macy’s. I have to say though I am always disappointed by Macy’s, though Lord and Taylor’s windows look good this year for the first time in a while.

Henri Bendel http://www.henribendel.com 712 Fifth Ave (at 56th St)
Barneys http://www.barneys.com 660 Madison Ave (btw. 60th and 61st St) The theme is based on "Saturday Night Live". The photos I have seen posted from the display, are really over the top hilarious.
Bergdorf Goodman http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/ 754 Fifth Avenue (at 57th St) There is a trippy Lewis Carroll display in the women’s store, and a take off of The Fantastic Mr. Fox by Raold Dahl across the street at the men’s store.
Cartier http://www.cartier.com 2 East 52nd Street (at 5th Ave) I love Cartier’s big red bow and incredible display of millions of tiny lights.
Don’t forget to check out these other displays in the vicinity: Saks (which is usually middling though and is once again this year), Tiffany’s, Louis Vuitton (which was stellar last year) and others along Madison and 5th Aves.

Extreme Mammals: Ongoing Daily until January 3, 2010: With their new exhibit, Extreme Mammals, the American Museum of Natural History explores the world of extinct and living mammals. To register for programs call 212-769-5200 or visit www.amnh.org. Online visitors can explore Extreme Mammals at www.amnh.org/extrememammals. The Museum is open daily, 10:00 a.m.–5:45 p.m.

Top Secret- Mission Toy: Ongoing Daily: Thanksgiving Extended hours: 10am- 5 pm every day. This exhibit appeals to the wanna-be spy in me. You can head to TOP SECRET: Mission Toy at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and use your investigative skills to check out toys from around the world and design new playthings.Brooklyn Children’s Museum at 145 Brooklyn Ave. 718-735-4400. Brooklynkids.org. Prospect-Lefferts.

Sesame Street Exhibit and Family Day: Ongoing November 14, 2009 – February 21, 2010: BPL’s Central Library hosts Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street, a rare, up-close look at the legendary show’s history, curated by Sesame Workshop. The exhibition features original Sesame StreetSesame Street, from its inception to its present and future, told through photographs, scripts, original sheet music, celluloid animation, and show props, and a special collection of Sesame Street Muppets, built by The Jim Henson Company over the show’s 40 years ((Foyer Cases); a variety of Sesame Street stories, illustrated with photographs, show props, and Muppet materials, and photographs and books from around the world (Youth Wing). In conjunction with the new exhibit, Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street, visitors can enjoy Sesame Street-inspired crafts and reading activities, a screening of The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (G), and a meet-and-greet with a walkaround Elmo costumed character (arrive early to pick up a free ticket and bring a camera for photo ops!). Activites are from 11am- 4 pm. Brooklyn Public Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, NY 11238. 718.230.2100. Brooklynpubliclibrary.org. Free. (thanks to gocitykids.com for this listing!)

For my list of Holiday Trees, Lights and Menorahs click here.
For my list of Holiday windows click here.

Similar Posts: