[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Just two weeks to Christmas! It’s that point in the season where I am a little overwhelmed at everything left to do on my list of “holiday activities” for the perfect, magical Christmas season that my family will never forget. But I’m trying to keep it together and keep things in perspective. A friend recently texted saying that the stress of the season was getting to her, and I calmly responded “It’s really not that big of a deal, the holidays happen every year.” (I had just come out of yoga class and was feeling particularly zen.) Of course, only part of me feels that way. Another part of me wants to run out and do EVERYTHING on my holiday list. And a third part of me just wants to stay home with loads of Pepperidge Farm Gingerman cookies (am I the only one who just discovered these?) and do nothing. But the guilt and regret would get to me…so I persevere. Just two more weeks of holiday magic. I’m going to pick a few things from my list and make the most of the season without running myself into the ground. (Because what’s magical about holiday stress-related breakdowns?)
My list started with 20 holiday activities, but I’ve narrowed it down to my top 10. Not that I have done any of these yet–and I probably won’t do them all–but if I fit in just a few, that’s okay. What’s on your list? (Don’t forget to include a few things that you will enjoy… Christmas magic doesn’t have to be all for the kids!)
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My Top 10 NYC Holiday Activities
1. Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes
Fortunately, the grandparents are helping out with this one! Despite growing up in the city, I have never actually seen the Rockettes (I know, I know) and I’m not sure if it’s too late for me to enjoy, but I have to admit that I’m a little excited for the experience. It’s seems like such a classic New York tradition and I’m all about sharing those with my son… because why else are we living in New York? Check out the show and get tickets here.
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2. The Nutcracker
I’m not sure my son will be interested in this yet, but I would love to see this Christmas-themed ballet in person again. And there are so many different versions to choose from…of course there is the classic George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the NYC Ballet, which is a pretty magical experience. But there is also Keith Michael’s 1-Hour Nutcracker by New York Theatre Ballet (good for younger kids who can’t sit through the longer version), The Brooklyn Nutcracker (because we love staying in Brooklyn whenever possible), the Hip Hop Nutcracker (which sounds really intriguing), and more. Many of them are happening this weekend, so get tickets now!
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3. Meet Santa
We took care of this last weekend at the Fort Greene tree lighting (we got there early when the line was short), but I’m still considering going back to Macy’s Santaland this year. Despite their “reservation” system (you make a reservation to stand in line!), it was still a pretty long wait when we went last year and I’m not sure if it’s worth it. But Santaland (and Macy’s itself) is pretty magical and I like the idea of continuing this classic New York tradition. Of course there are lots of other places to see Santa… check out our recent post on Where to Visit Santa in Brooklyn for more ideas!
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4. Rockefeller Center
Is Christmas even real without a visit to the tree in Rockefeller Center? We always fight our way through the crowds at some point to view the massive tree in all its glory. Of course this activity can also be combined with several others including ice skating, holiday shopping, viewing 5th Avenue window displays, and visiting the beautiful Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Last year, the cathedral was actually a big hit for my son, who enjoyed escaping the crowds on 5th avenue to explore the incredible space. This time, I have a feeling that visiting the new(ish) FAO Schwarz toy store in Rockefeller Center will also be a fave! (Try to go at an off time if possible as the crowds can be insane…)
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5. Dyker Heights Holiday Lights
This is one of those few Brooklyn holiday traditions that has really transcended Brooklyn…people travel from all over the city to see the impressive light displays. (I even know people who come from New Jersey!) As a Brooklyn mom who lives 20 minutes away, I am embarrassed to admit that I have not yet made the trip down to see them, but maybe this is the year to see what all the hype is about. I’ve heard the best time to go is mid-December to New Year’s Eve and the lights are concentrated between 11th to 13th Avenues from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn – but if you are just stopping by quickly, the best block to visit is 84th Street between 11th and 12th Avenue. I have also heard that parking and traffic can get bad, but you can take public transportation…or try to sign up for a bus tour to guide you through the magic.
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6. Ice Skating
This was one of my favorite winter activities growing up in the city…I have many happy memories of skating in the Rockefeller Center rink with friends and hope that my son will grow up with similar experiences. I’ve been a little scared to take him ice skating yet since his coordination is lacking on solid ground, but we may want to try it out soon and re-live some of my own childhood memories. (Isn’t that one of the best things about being a parent?) As usual there are many options from the classic Rockefeller Center and Central Park rinks to the new waterfront rink at Brookfield Place. You can skate for free at the Bryant Park rink and also visit the shops and food hall in their Winter Village. If you want to stay in Brooklyn, there is always Prospect Park’s Lefrak Center at Lakeside or a brand-new rink at Industry City.
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7. The Bronx Zoo Lights Celebration
During the evenings, the park comes to life with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. The outdoor celebration is complete with festive entertainment, seasonal treats and classic holiday music. The walk-through experience is a beloved tradition, enchanting and fun for all ages.
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8. Holiday Nostalgia Train Rides
As a former city child currently raising a city child, it seems appropriate to have a subway train-themed holiday experience. Fortunately, since it’s New York, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the holiday with trains – from the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show to the New York Historical Society’s train show. But what could be better than riding in a REAL train filled with the real-life history of New York? I’ve been wanting to do this ever since a visit to the Transit Museum when we found out we could actually ride the (very cool) vintage trains stationed there over the holidays. The MTA brings these vintage 1930s trains back into regular service every Sunday between Thanksgiving and New Years Day; they all depart from the 2nd Ave F stop and you can ride them uptown (and then back down) for the cost of a Metrocard swipe. You can even ride them to the other train shows, for the true train enthusiast… or just to the next holiday activity! Routes and other details can be found here.
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9. Holiday Markets
As an adult, visiting the Holiday Markets that have popped up around the city has become a quintessential holiday experience. To be honest, I haven’t had much luck finding presents at these markets – which may have more to do with the taste of people on my gifting list than the quality and selection of wares. But I have always enjoyed wandering these outdoor markets filled with twinkling lights and festive music with a cup of hot cocoa, soaking in the magical atmosphere and browsing unique, handmade goods. Though I had given up on navigating them with a very small child, I recently had the lovely experience of finding myself in the Columbus Circle Holiday Market at dusk when the lights were just starting to turn on at the foot of Central Park and it warmed my cynical heart…so I hope to share that experience with my son now as he gets older. There is also the very popular Union Square Holiday Market, Grand Central Holiday Fair, Bryant Park Winter Village and many smaller and possibly more unique markets all over NYC at this point.
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10. Helping Others
Though it was never one of my own holiday traditions growing up, I am determined to embrace the giving spirit of the holidays and make helping others a tradition for our family. Right now, this mostly means trying to keep up with the “25 Acts of Kindness” (one for each day of December leading up to Christmas) on our Kindness Advent Calendar. But helping others and practicing kindness as a family can take many forms – from donation-based gifts to volunteering – and it doesn’t have to be a month-long activity. If you are looking for ideas, check out our recent post about where to volunteer (or donate) over the holidays. Whatever it is, incorporating some activity that helps others is good for the soul and the perfect antidote in the midst of all the materialism and indulgence of the holiday season.
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Margel Nusbaumer is a local writer and mom in Brooklyn. Thoughts? Reach out to margel@achildgrows.com.
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