Holiday in the City – Dec.23

Posted on 12/23/2017 by GregD

For future NYC Events check the tab above: “NYC Events-December.” It’s the most comprehensive list of top events this month that you will find anywhere. Carefully curated from “Only the Best” NYC event info on the the web, it’s a simply superb resource that will help you plan your NYC visit all over town, all through the month.

The staff of NYCity123 will be on holiday for two weeks, in Scotland of all places. For the few days before Christmas, we will focus on the holiday season and give you all the best info you need to enjoy the department store holiday windows, the holiday markets, and where to ice skate in this town. For the period between Christmas and New Years we will highlight a selection of some of the best NYCity photography you can find anywhere, especially on Instagram.

We hope you will enjoy this change of pace, then please return here on January 3 and every day for our daily “Only the Best” NYCity event info.

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TripSavvy has some of the best current info on NYCity ice skating, and does a fine job publishing a wide range of NYCity event info. I hope you will click on their hot link to see what else they have to offer.

BY ELISSA GARAY Updated 11/30/17

Baby, it’s cold outside. Make the most of the winter at these top ice-skating rinks in NYC, where skating meets some pretty spectacular atmospheres. Most city rinks stay open from November through March, affording a wide window of time to plan your winter outing, and to sample multiple rinks throughout the season. Plus, most rinks offer an assortment of classes, if you’re looking to channel your inner figure skater or hockey star.

(BTW, my fave is the rink at Bryant Park – a wonderful setting and lots to do right there in NYCity’s best vest pocket park.)

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Illuminated christmas trees at the ice skating rink at the Rockefeller Center, Manhattan, New York City, USA, America

 

With a gilded statue of Prometheus, the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and the 70-story 30 Rockefeller Center building towering above, The Rink at Rockefeller Center affords the most atmospheric skating experience in the city (but also the priciest). Accommodating just 150 skaters at a time for 90-minute skate sessions, the rink is one of the few areas of Midtown where you won’t find crowds (though lines can get quite long, especially during the holiday season). Entry is first come, first served, though they do offer packages that allow for advance reservations and perks like skate concierges, hot chocolate, and/or breakfast. Season skating passes (from $275) are also available to skip the lines and gain unlimited access to the rink.

Location: Rockefeller Plaza, 600 Fifth Avenue, between 49th & 50th Streets

Price: $25–$32/adults; $15/kids (under 11) & seniors; $12 skate rentals

The Rink at Winter Village at Bryant Park

Ice skating at Bryant Park, Manhattan, New York City, USA

 

Part of the Bank of America Winter Village at picturesque Bryant Park, this 17,000-square-foot rink has brought free ice skating to NYC for more than a decade (while access to the rink is free, note that you’ll need to pay for skate rentals if you don’t have your own). After a spin on the ice, stick around to nosh at the Danny Meyer rink-side restaurant, Public Fare, or browse the 125-plus boutique-style vendor at the Holiday Shops (through January 2, 2018). As Manhattan’s only no-cost rink, expect crowds accordingly. Opt-in, at an extra cost, for skating lessons, Express Passes (skip the lines and nab skates, from $30), or season passes.

Location: Bryant Park, 40th to 42nd Streets, between Fifth & Sixth Avenues

Price: Free; $20 skate rentals

Wollman Rink in Central Park

The Trump Ice Rink in Central Park

 

Framed by skyscrapers on the horizon, and bucolic Central Park, the Wollman Rink offers atmospheric ice skating at about half the cost of Rockefeller Center. Plus, sign up for plenty of extras, including group and private skating lessons, with learn-to-skate, ice dancing, and figure skating slants, as well as a hockey program. VIP tickets include skate rental, no-wait admission, use of a heated tent, snacks, and locker access ($60-78). Note: In a rather unusual policy, spectators must pay to watch here; it’s a $5 fee.

Location: East Side of Central Park, between 62nd & 63rd Streets

Price: $12–$19/adults; $6/kids (11 and under); $5–$9/seniors; $9 skate rentals; $5 spectators [Cash only]

The Rink at Brookfield Place

The Rink at Brookfield Place

 

This Battery Park City Rink at Brookfield Place, situated alongside the Hudson River’s North Cove Marina in front of the Winter Garden, offers great views of downtown skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty in the harbor. At 7,350 square feet, it’s bigger than the Rink at Rockefeller Plaza. In recent years, the rink has partnered up with U.S. ice dancer Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov who host various skating programs throughout the season. For more immersion on the ice, consider the family learn-to-skate programs, try “kick ice hockey fitness,” or sign up for season passes (from $200).

Location: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey Street at West Street (on the upper plaza)

Price: $15/adults & kids (90-minute session); $5 skate rentals

The Rink at The Standard, High Line

 

The trendiest rink in town, ice skating has never been so cool, thanks to super-hip hotel The Standard’s ice rink, an intimate 3,000-square foot affair, with late-night hours primed for the Meatpacking District crowd. The rink has been redesigned to inspire the “golden age of the après-ski lifestyle,” with touches like rocking chair seating and vintage plaid and faux fur blankets. Enjoy some “après-skate” at the rink-side café Skate Shack and indoor Living Room bistro serving up specialties like apple strudel or roasted acorn squash, along with mulled wine, hot toddies, and hot chocolate to wash it all down.

Location: The Standard Plaza at The Standard, High Line hotel; 848 Washington Street at 13th Street

Price: $13/adults; $6/kids (under 12), all skate free after 8 p.m.; $4 skate rentals (2016 prices, 2017 prices not available at this time)

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NYCity Department Store Holiday Windows

Bergdorf Goodman

Address: 754 Fifth Avenue (58th)

Subway: E/V 53rd/5th Avenue; N/R/W 59th/5th Avenue

The magical Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows showcase iconic NYC locations (TONY)

Henri Bendel

Address: 712 Fifth Avenue (55th/56th)

Subway: E/V 53rd/5th Avenue; N/R/W 59th/5th Avenue

Check out photos of Henri Bendel’s enchanting holiday windows (TONY)

Lord & Taylor Department Store

Address: 424 Fifth Avenue (38th/39th)

Subway: B/D/F/V/7 to 42nd Street/Bryant Park

See photos of Lord & Taylor’s stunning holiday window displays (TONY)

Macy’s Department Store

Address: 712 Fifth Avenue (55th/56th)

Subway: E/V 53rd/5th Avenue; N/R/W 59th/5th Avenue

See photos of Macy’s festive holiday window displays (TONY)

Saks Fifth Avenue

Address: 712 Fifth Avenue (55th/56th)

Subway: E/V 53rd/5th Avenue; N/R/W 59th/5th Avenue

See photos of Saks Fifth Avenue’s magical Snow White-themed holiday windows (TONY)

Bloomingdale’s Department Store
Address: 1000 Third Avenue (59th)
Subway: N/R/W and 4/5/6 to 59th/Lexington
“To usher in the holiday season, Bloomingdale’s has partnered with the film The Greatest Showman (out December 20) for its displays. The windows pay tribute to big-top visionary P.T. Barnum, so expect to witness whimsical, circus acts and mannequins sporting dazzling outfits. We’re not kidding about the “dazzling” part either—more than 7,600,000 Swarovski crystals were used to embellish and outfit the costumes and props used in each window.” (TONY)

Barney’s New York
Address: 660 Madison Avenue (60th/61st)
Subway: N/R/W 59th/5th Avenue; F to Lex/63rd St
“The luxury retailer’s theme this year is “Haas For the Holidays,” but you won’t find Santa, reindeer or snowflakes in any of these five windows. Instead, you’ll find creative interpretations of Earth through the ages. The windows showcase four phases: Primordial, Utopia, Millennium and Mushroom Singularity. The windows also incorporate advanced LED technology created by Christie, so expect to see bright, bold and mesmerizing colors.” (TONY)

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NEW YORK

Feel festive AF at New York City’s best holiday markets

New York City’s best holiday markets brim with Christmas charm, handmade and vintage gifts everyone is sure to love and the season’s best festive foods.

By Eva Kis—  Published Nov.22, 2017 METRO NEW YORK

  • Union Square Holiday Market

     Union Square Holiday Market

  • Winter Village at Bryant Park

     Winter Village at Bryant Park

  • Columbus Square Holiday Market

    Columbus Square Holiday Market

  • Renegade Craft Fair

     Renegade Craft Fair

  • Grand Central Holiday Fair

     Grand Central Holiday Fair

  •  

  • Jingle Holiday Pop-Up by Jill Schwartz

     Jingle Holiday Pop-Up by Jill Schwartz

    ————————————————————————————

Looking for one-of-a-kind gifts sure to impress everyone on your list? One of NYC’s best holiday markets will hook you up with memorable gifts and stocking stuffers — plus seasonal eats while you shop.

Winter Village at Bryant Park

Bask in the European vibes of the Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park. Along the park’s tree-lined promenades, rows and rows of over 150 twinkling glass booths brim with handmade goods like quirky bowties and Himalayan shawls; once you’ve shopped, eat your way across the food market with warming hand-pulled noodles at Mian Kitchen and treats from edible cookie dough sensation DŌ. Not to mention free ice skating (if you bring your own skates), rinkside cocktails at Danny Meyer’s Public Fare and a towering Christmas tree. Oct. 28-Jan. 2, Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-8 p.m., skating through March 4, located between 40th and 42nd sts. & Fifth and Sixth aves., Midtown

Grand Central Holiday Fair

You don’t have to brave the crowds on Sixth Avenue (or the cold) for high-end gifts. The Grand Central Holiday Fair brings 40 artisans to Vanderbilt Hall selling everything from art to home goods, hand-crafted toys and fine clothing for men, women and children. The market has been going since 1993, with a focus on American-made goods and uniquely crafted items. Pick up a one-of-a-kind writing tool made from discarded materials at BG Artforms, or find handmade dolls at Hazel Village. Nov. 13-Dec. 24, Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown

Union Square Holiday Market

Feel a world away from the gray, manic city as you wander among the festive candy cane-striped booths wrapped in holly at the Union Square Holiday Market, the largest seasonal market in the city. Look for the Artisan Pledge stickers to find U.S.-made organic, fair trade, recycled and handmade goods among the more than 150 vendors, an art studio for kids to design wrapping paper (and make cookies — never too early to learn multitasking) and a Little Brooklyn section for a taste of the borough. Nov. 16-Dec. 24, Union Square Park between 14th and 15th streets

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

The southwest corner of Central Park turns up the Christmas charm with the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. Find over 100 merchants like Ware of the Dog’s trendy gear for pooches and nerdy wall art from Pop Chart Lab. Need some gift-giving guidance? There’s a market concierge to help you find the perfect gift. There’s of course food vendors, like newcomer Duck Season for all your waterfowl needs from confit to pâté, and the new Citi Holiday Lounge to sip hot chocolate while warming your hard-working feet. Nov. 28-Dec. 24, Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Central Park West and 59th Street

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