Don’t let the summer season go by without taking a trip to one of my favorite summer spots Governors Island. Located in the shadow of the New York City skyline smack dab in the heart of New York Harbor, a short ferry ride will transport you to this 172- acre island, originally the landing place of the first settlers back in the 1600’s. In more modern times Governors Island was a military base and a U.S. Coast Guard station. Despite being shuttered for many decades, lucky for us the island reopened in recent years to become a top NYC destination spot replete with a dynamic mix of cultural programming, urban farming, bike rentals and a spectacular park. Open to the public from May-September, be sure to pay a visit. There’s nothing like the unique city views from this vantage point as you lazily swing in one of the many hammocks scattered throughout the grounds on a late summer’s eve!

GETTING THERE

Governors Island is easily accessible by ferry every day of the week from the Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street in Lower Manhattan).  The Brooklyn Ferry leaves from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and runs on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays. At only $3.00 a ticket for a quick ten minute ride, it’s one of the best bargains in town. For ferry schedule go to govisland.com

THINGS TO SEE AND DO ON THE ISLAND

Rent a bike, Governors Island has miles of biking paths. You can either bring your own bike on the ferry or head over to Blazing Saddles (located just down from where you disembark from the ferry) to rent a single bike, tandem or surrey.  Relax on a hammock,  grab that book you’ve been dying to read and head over to Hammock Grove where you can relax and nap in one of 50 hammocks all while taking in a gorgeous view of the Statue of liberty.  But get there early-the hammocks are popular and fill up early.  Head to the Hills, you’re never to young or to old to play on Governors Island! Slide Hill.  Climb to the top of the Hill, take in the breathtaking view of the Statue of Liberty before going down the long (57 feet) and windy slide.  Take a FREE one-hour walking tour.  Learn how historic preservation, innovative design and environmental stewardship make the island what it is today.

EATS ON THE ISLAND

As soon as I get off the ferry I head to Island Oyster .  Situated right next to Ferry Landing, the restaurant offers a gorgeous view of the harbor and downtown Manhattan.  Created by the crew behind Grand Banks, Island Oyster is the place to head for lobster rolls, fish tacos, corn and burgers.   Pack a picnic!  While picnic tables are available throughout the grounds, there is an abundance of shaded green space perfect for sprawling picnic blankets.  Cozy adirondack-style chairs also beckon so you have the perfect setting for that last glass of Rosé you’ve been saving for a special summer afternoon.  There are also two food courts where you can choose from an array of eclectic food trucks:  Ligget Terrace is located at the center of the island and is open every day while the King Avenue Food Court is in the historic district and open on weekends.

 VISIT THE TEACHING GARDEN

The 21,000 sq. ft. Governors Island Teaching Garden is dedicated to teaching NYC school children about urban agriculture and healthy eating. The farm grows a vast array of veggies, fruit and herbs utilizing sustainable elements and featuring a large solar oven as well as several rainwater harvesting systems. It’s open to the public for family visits through the end of the season.

GLAMP ON THE ISLAND

Looking for a unique summer adventure?  Collective Retreats glamping is now open for summer sleepovers.  Nestled near the hills the furnished tents feature full beds, high thread count sheets, chic furniture and electricity.  Some tents have en suite bathrooms, others have nearby showers and facilities for use.  There is an on-site restaurant, evening bonfires (for s’mores) and above all the Manhattan skyline views and the unparalleled sunsets over the Statue of Liberty.

VIEW THE NEWEST ART INSTALLATION

Cabin, is a permanent installation by British artist Rachel Whiteread. Sitting modestly on a hillside overlooking New York Harbor, the sculpture – in stark contrast to the city beckons beyond – creates a sense of contemplative quiet and distance from the bustle of the city across the water.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE ISLAND

Governors Island hosts a bunch of events throughout the summer so check out the schedule but here are some of my favorites:

~ Dust off your flapper dress and travel back in time at the Jazz Age Lawn Party,  August 24th & 25th. Witness antique gramophones bring to life original recordings from the 1920’s, Charleston dance contests, 1920’s motorcar exhibit, pie eating contests and the wonderful sounds of Micheal Arenella and His Dreamland Band. Selected by the New York Times as one of the most memorable New York events, this is one you won’t want to miss!

~’Escape in New York:  Outdoor Films on Governors Island’.  The first ever film series produced on Governors Island will feature four free screenings throughout the season, inspired by the city of New York.

HOURS AND LOCATION

Location:  New York Harbor, at the very tip of Lower Manhattan

Hours:  May 1 through October 31, seven days a week.  The island is open 10am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 7pm on weekends.

Mark Twain said it best – “too much of anything is bad, but too much whiskey is barely enough.”  Get your whiskey on at the hidden gem that is the Kings County Distillery.  Located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Kings County Distillery is New York City’s oldest whiskey distillery – the first since the Prohibition days of the 1920’s.  Founded in 2010, Kings County makes homemade moonshine, bourbon, and other whiskeys out of the 119 yr. old Paymaster Building, just steps from the legendary site of the Brooklyn Whiskey Wars of the 1860’s.  With traditional copper whiskey stills fabricated in Scotland, wooden fermenters built locally, farming their own corn and barley onsite, and integrating locally-made chocolate for their Chocolate Whiskey, Kings County Distillery is a model of sustainability and traditional whiskey production.  In the aging room there are rows of barrels at work, giving the bourbon it’s rich color and the depth of taste while the spirits move in and out of the charcoal and wood barrels with changing temperatures.  One of the preeminent craft distilleries in the United States, Kings County was named Distillery of the Year in 2016 from the American Distillery Institute.

Distillery tours with tastings are offered Tuesday through Sunday afternoons and typically last about an hour, covering the history, culture, and science of distilling whiskey.  After the tour head next door to The Gatehouse, an indoor/ outdoor tasting room, coffee shop and retail outlet.  A gorgeous space built in the medieval revival style in 1896, the exteriors were restored by the former Mayor Bloomberg administration, while the interiors were renovated by Kings County.  Distressed wallpaper, a handsome bar, a long communal table and a handful of two-tops make you feel like you’re in a cozy European cafe vs. the heart of Brooklyn.  Along with whiskey flights, tastings and cocktails (Moonshine Punch, Kings County Margarita and Bloody Mary’s , made with Grapefruit Jalapeño Moonshine)  there is a small selection of snacks.  Bottoms up!

Kings County Distillery,  299 Sands Street, Brooklyn NY

Williamsburg is home to a slew of cute shops, packed coffee houses, arts organizations, music venues and restaurants that are giving Manhattan a run for their money. Over the past 15 years this Brooklyn neighborhood has developed into one of New York’s most culturally vibrant enclaves. How to get there? Take the L train to Bedford Avenue where you will encounter a dynamic scene that’s rapidly transforming a neighborhood. Wander the streets between Kent and Bedford Avenue, from North 11th down South 1st Street, where old school Brooklyn residents mix with young families and millennials. Williamsburg has become synonymous with creativity and self expression. Check it out.

 

SHOP LIKE A LOCAL IN WILLIAMSBURG

There is lots of creative energy in Williamsburg’s independently run shops. Here you will find everything from NY’s first hot sauce store, one-of-a-kind thrift stores to the most beautiful home decor and cheese shops. Here are a couple of my favorites.

~ Leif, 99 Grand St.  A beautiful home goods store carrying pretty prints, ceramics, candles, notecards, colorful throws and a bunch more beautiful things that are sure to add a unique touch to your day-to-day living.

~ Heatonist, 121 Whythe Ave. For those of you that like spicy food, who think the hotter the better, run don’t walk to the Heatonist. This shop is New York City’s first and foremost destination dedicated to hot sauce. A space to discover new and unique hot sauces (over 150) from around the world, most of the sauces have a story behind them. A hot sauce bar, equipped with tasting spoons allow you to try sauces before buying there is even a sauce sommelier who will direct you to what you are looking for. Wondering what to get the friend that has everything? They ship everywhere in the U.S.

~LE LABO, 120 N. 6th St.  LE LABO, is a beautiful fragrance lab with several locations throughout the city.  Each creation is bottled in apothecary-inspired packaging, labeled with your name and date, making your experience unique and personal.

~ CATBIRD, 219 Bedford Ave. A tiny jewel box of a store CATBIRD sells rings, bracelets, designer trinkets and unique gifts.

~ Brooklyn Denim Company, 85 N. 3rd St. The Brooklyn Denim Company not only offers an array of denim choices but they also carry a curated selection of men’s and women’s outerwear, sweaters, shirts, dresses and accessories from over 50 different brands. Tailoring and repairs are done on the spot in the back of the shop.

~ The Marquet, 346 Bedford Ave.  The Marquet is a lifestyle shop filled with bunches of delicately dried flowers, plants, apothecary products and home goods.

~ Red Pearl, 202 Bedford Ave.  Red Pearl is one of those shops where they sell a little bit of everything  clothing, candles, greeting cards, DIY sets and decorative items.  A great place to pick up a unique gift.

~Amarcord Vintage, 223 Bedford Ave.  At this small,  clean and organized vintage shop you will find a beautifully curated, approachabley priced mix of designer classics and label-less vintage pieces.

 

COFFEE AND SWEET TREATS IN WILLIAMSBURG

~ PPL, 189 Roebling St.  A coffee and plant shop attached to a hair salon (talk about multi-tasking),  try the delicious macha latte and vegan donuts.

~ Devocion, 69 Grand St.  Carefully sourced Colombian coffee served in a light filled, brick-lined space thats great to work or just take a break.

~ Black Brick Coffee, 300 Bedford, Friendly staff, Stumpton coffee, baked goods, vintage decor and a cute back patio.

~ Odd Fellows Ice Cream Co. 175 Kent Ave. Promise me you won’t leave Williamsburg without treating yourself to a frozen confection at this ole time ice cream shop. Offering 14 rotating flavors of ice cream, sorbet, milk shakes, ice cream floats, banana splits, boozy popsicles (I recently tried their Rose’ pop – it was like a glass of wine on a stick) and floats. Yum!

~Toby’s Estate Coffee, 141 Berry St.  Cafe and roastery for coffee, espresso drinks and a selection of locally baked goods.  A great place for meeting, greeting and lingering for as long as your laptop batteries last.

~ Mast Brothers Chocolate, 105 N. 3rd St. Walk into this store and you are immediately overcome by the delicious aroma of chocolate. Factory tours are held every day of the week giving you a rare glimpse into the magical process that transforms piles of exotic cocoa beans into their delicious artisan chocolate bars, (1,500 are made every day). The best part is the taste test at the end of the tour. Who needs Charlie’s Chocolate Factory when we have Mast Brothers right inner own back yard?!!!

~Woops! Bakeshop, 548 Driggs Ave.  Adorable spot with delicious baked goods and an amazing selection of macarons!

 

EAT, DRINK AD BE MERRY IN WILLIAMSBURG!

Williamsburg is fast becoming the gastronomic heaven of NYC neighborhoods. Whatever your particular pallet pleasures, you’re sure to find it here among the ramen shops, wine bars, burger joints and brunch spots. Here are some especially good ones to check out:

~ Lilia, 567 Union Ave. Bringing the best of Italy to Williamsburg this restaurant housed in a re-done auto-shop offers wood-fired Italian fare and homemade pastas.

~ Four Horsemen, 295 Grand St. Wine bar serving charcuterie and small dishes.

~ Egg, 109 N. 3rd St. This restaurant is known for-you guessed it-breakfast. Known as one of the best brunch spots in Williamsburg, their delicious southern dishes are made with ingredients from their upstate farm.

~ Allswell, 124 Bedford Ave. Rustic interior and enjoyable eats, stop by for brunch and enjoy their excellent bloody marys. ~ Diner, 85 Broadway. Housed in a slanted dining car, this restaurant is about simple locally sourced food, try the burger!

~ Marlow & Sons, 81 Broadway. From the same people as Diner and just a few feet away, Marlow & Sons is a specialty market in front and a restaurant in the back. The menu constantly changes but anything you get will be great.

~ St. Anselm, 355 Metropolitan Ave. No reservations for small parties so be prepared to wait (or get there by 6) But you will be rewarded with what some have called the best steak in town, make sure to order the pan-fried mashed potatoes.

~ Okonomi, 150 Ainslie St. Okonomi is a place where you can get traditional Japanese breakfast or lunch. On weekday nights, it’s a walk-in ramen shop. On weekend nights they offer a ramen omakase.

SPEND A NIGHT AT THE WYTHE HOTEL

Book a staycation at the Wythe Hotel where everything from the handmade wallpaper to the shampoo is sourced from companies in its native borough. Housed in a historic, refurbished sugar barrel factory on the Brooklyn waterfront, original details like wood ceilings and cast-iron columns give nod to the buildings’ past. The Reynard (inside the hotel) is a great spot for breakfast and the roof top bar with unobstructed views of Manhattan is a popular nighttime hangout for the young hipster crowd.

 

ARTS & CULTURE IN WILLIAMSBURG

Brooklyn Art Library, 28 Frost St. Brooklyn Art Library is home to The Sketchbook Project – a compendium of 35,179 artists’ sketchbooks from over 135 countries. The library serves as a reading room where you can get cozy and spend an afternoon enjoying artwork in a hands-on experience. Each sketchbook is individually barcoded and cataloged with searchable details, like where the book is from, the materials used, the artists name, tag words and oh-so-much more. Anyone can contribute to The Sketchbook Project. Available for purchase at the library all the tools and art supplies a writer or artist requires to complete and decorate their personalized book. When finished it can become part of the ever-growing collection. Books have been used to memorialize friends or family members, as a time capsule, a travel journal and even a marriage proposal (which was actually hidden within a featured sketchbook.)

 

The City Reliquary Museum, 370 Metropolitan Ave. This tiny museum that opened in 2002 traces the history of New York City’s five borough’s through a vast collection of cultural ephemera and relics. Here you’ll find baseball cards, subway tokens, a collection of souvenir Statues of Liberty, fragments of landmark buildings, memorabilia from the 1939 World’s Fair and a collection of “Brooklyn Seltzer Bottles”.

 

National Sawdust Music Venue, 80 N. 6th St. National Sawdust is an experimental performance space in a converted sawdust factory that opened in Williamsburg in 2015 and quickly became a part of the New York music scene. A place where emerging and established artists can share their music with serious music fans and casual listeners alike.

For a break from winter weather, head inside the New York Botanical Gardens, where it feels like spring with thousands of orchids on display.  Singapore was not only the location for the hit film “Crazy Rich Asians” but it has also taken centerstage at this year’s New York Botanical Gardens Show.  Singapore-where the national flower is the orchid-is the inspiration for the 17th annual Orchid Show on through Sunday, April 28th.  Developed in partnership with Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanic Gardens, the exhibition pays homage to the sites’ iconic Supertrees-dramatic vertical habitats, and famed Arches-a highlight of the National Orchid Garden.  In the landmark Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, thousands of colorful orchids in every shape and size surround you-reaching up towering structures and clinging to overhead arches-creating a horticultural spectacle not to be missed.

“The Orchid Show: Singapore” also features a special orchid named for rapper  actress and native New Yorker Awkwafina, who starred in “Crazy Rich Asians”.  Known as “Vanda Awkwafina,” the orchid is a Vanda hybrid which is Singapore’s national flower and is also known as the rainbow flower since it is one of the few orchids that flower in all colors of the rainbow, including purple, blue, orange, red, yellow and apricot, with many different patterns.    This orchid was chosen because it was thought to reflect Awkwafina’s larger than life personality.

NYBG has been cultivating orchids since it’s founding in 1891; they’re cared for within the onsite Nolan Greenhouses.  The oldest living orchid in the collection dates back to 1902.  Overall the orchid show is an exploration and celebration of all things orchid; one of the rarest, most exotic and most beautiful plants in the world.

Orchid Evenings:

The Orchid Show is open late select Fridays and Saturdays.  The installation is a stunning illuminated display of lights after dark.  Visitors can purchase beer, wine cocktails and of course a Singapore Sling.

NYBG, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx NY

The Carlton Arms Hotel, is one of New York’s most amazing and under-celebrated bohemian art enclaves.  The buildings history befits its interiors.  Originally a turn-of-the-century working class hotel turned into a speakeasy during Prohibition and during the 1960’s the hotel became a single room occupancy (SRO) structure that provided longterm shelter to welfare recipients, drug addicts, prostitutes and lost souls of the city, a very dark and volatile period.

In the 1980’s the SRO system was discontinued and The Carlton Arms was turned into a hotel.  Unhappy with the hotels dismal interiors the manager at the time invited his downtown artist friends to redesign the rooms thus starting its ongoing residency program, which invites up and coming artists to live in the hotel for several weeks in exchange for redesigning a room.  An annual room-opening party takes place every March to celebrate the unveiling of the newly painted rooms.

More than 200 artist have participated in the program and every inch of this four-floor, 54 room hotel is covered with some form of art, paintings, collage, sculpture and lots of graffiti.  The residency program has yielded early works from artist who went on to achieve stardom such as Spanish painter Paco Simon, New York Street artist Richard Hambleton and the one and only Banksy.

 The tchotchke-strewn lobby, smell of paint, dim lighting, communal bathrooms and resident cats weaving around visitors legs make a stay at this hotel for a very specific client,( this ain’t no Four Seasons.)  The current manager John who has been there for the last 30 years and is a bit of New York history himself, said that the majority of visitors are from Europe.  When I asked about what kind of reaction he receives from first time guest he said “some have been horrified and left and some have been horrified and stayed, but the majority of guests love the small, quirky hotel environment”.  Rates are very affordable ranging from $80 a night to a room for four (with bath) for $180 a night.  If you want to see this quirky NY gem, but don’t want to stay the night New York Adventure Club gives tours of The Carlton Arms once a month.

Carlton Arms Hotel,  25th Street and Third Ave.

Christmas in New York offers some of the most magical and spectacular holiday events.

 Here are some of my favorites, so deck the halls and lets get celebrating – Fa la la la la!

NEW YORK’S MOST FESTIVE RESTAURANT

Go headlong into the festivities at Rolf’s German Restaurant  – with its dazzling decorations, it’s a “must” visit during the New York holiday season.  Located in the city’s Gramercy Park neighborhood, this gastronomic gem  gets my vote for “If you can’t get into the holiday mood in these surroundings than nothing can” restaurant in NYC.  Saturated with 100,000 lights, 15,000 ornaments and thousands of icycles, it takes the manpower of six working overnight for six weeks to hang all the elaborate decor.  In addition to the holiday cheer, Rolf’s serves up traditional German fare such as Wiener Schnitzel, sausage platters, pork chops and crispy potato pancakes. Reservations are a must but  expect a bit of a wait to be seated.  While your mouth waters in expectation for your table, order a spiced egg nog or a glass of mulled wine.  This place knows how to do Christmas right!!!

ROLF’S, 281 Third Ave., New York, NY

NEW YORK’S BEST TREASURE TROVE OF CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS 

Could there be anything better and more personal than giving or receiving a beautiful Christmas ornament?  My favorite spot to find that perfect bauble is John Derian Company.  The day after Halloween the store is turned into a Christmas wonderland where every nook and cranny is filled with some type of exquisite decor.  Trees are decorated with glass ornaments  by catagory such as  food, pets, Santas, snowmen, vintage and even a tree decorated entirely of pickles (only in New York!).  They have tree toppers, garland and stocking stuffers galore.  Two tips: a)make sure you have plenty of time to spend. this store is a visual delight and you won’t want to miss any detail and b) arrive empty handed because you’re sure to leave with a bundle of gifts for both you and friends.

JOHN DERIAN COMPANY, 6 East 2nd Street, New York, NY

NEW YORK’S MOST BREATHTAKING HOLIDAY VIEW

In the early evening, just as the sun sets and the city lights are starting to twinkle, soar to the top of Rockefeller Center and take in the city views at it’s observatory, Top Of The Rock.  During the holiday season you’ll see all the holiday lights from above including a spectacular view of the empire state building all its glittery red and green glory.

TOP OF THE ROCK, 30 Rockefeller Center, New York NY

ALL ABOARD!  THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL TRAIN SHOW

Head to the New York Botanical Gardens to see their enchanting model trains navigate their way through a whimsical landscape featuring over 150 iconic New York landmarks.  With loving attention to detail, each scene is recreated from Mother Nature, incorporating bark, leaves and other natural material-all under the twinkling glow of the New York Botanical Gardens Conservatory.  Locomotives hum along familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center on nearly a half a mile track.

NEW YORK BOTANIC GARDENS, 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx, NY

BAKE YOUR WAY INTO THEIR HEARTS THIS SEASON

‘Tis the season for some fun and festive holiday cookies.  Whether you’re baking a dozen for Santa on his journey, organizing a cookie swap or sending gifts to friends, head to the Institute of Culinary Education.  Never one to take the holidays lightly, they offer classes in holiday cookie making, how to build gingerbread houses and how to make a snowman cake.  Its especially fun when you take a class with a group of friends.

INSTITUTE OF CULINARY EDUCATION,  Brookfield Place, New York, NY

AFTERNOON HOLIDAY HIGH TEA

After a day of shopping, sightseeing and dealing with the holiday crowds, treat yourself to the classic tradition of afternoon tea.  Whether you’re looking for a simple midday cup or an afternoon extravaganza, there are many festive options to choose from.  For an elegant and indulgent tea, head to The Carlyle Hotel where tea is served in their Gallery restaurant – the design of which was inspired by the Sultan’s dining room at the Topkapi Palace in Turkey.  Tucked away amidst the hustle and bustle of midtown is my favorite spot for champagne, tea and savory scones, The Whitby Hotel   If you’re looking for something for the whole family, head to the Looking Glass Room at Alice’s Tea Cup, located only a few blocks from Central Park.  You’ll feel as though you’re sitting right there in the middle of Lewis Carroll’s beloved classic storybook.

EBENEZER SCROOGE COMES BACK TO LIFE AT THE MERCHANTS HOUSE MUSEUM

If you really want to get into the Christmas spirit head to The Merchant House Museum for a unique retelling of the iconic Charles Dickens holiday classic “A Christmas Carol.” Performed by candlelight in this 19th century home, you will hear and see an extraordinary one-man show in which the actor not only plays Dickens but the full range of characters made famous by this beloved tale.  Toast the holidays before the performance with mulled wine, cider and snacks available for purchase at the museum.

THE MERCHANT HOUSE MUSEUM, 29 East 4th Street, New York, NY

TAKE A RIDE BACK IN TIME

Thanksgiving weekend marks the start of the Manhattan Transit Authority New York City Transit’s longstanding  tradition of offering Holiday Nostalgia Rides on Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.  With one swipe of your metro card you can travel through time in a vintage fleet of subways consisting of eight cars that operated on the letter lines from the 1930’s until the late 1970’s.

WHERE:  Departs from 2nd Avenue on the F line in Lower Manhattan and runs along 6th Avenue in Manhattan to 47th-50th/Rockefeller Center before heading up the Central Park West line, where the train will stop at 59th Street-Columbus Circle before making its way up to 125th Street on the A/C/D lines in Harlem.

WHEN:  Starting Sunday December 1st and every Sunday leading up to Christmas (Dec. 8nd, 15th,22rd and 29th).  Departs on the 2nd Avenue subway station on the F line at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm and from the 125th Street subway station on the A/C/D line at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

“Every time a bell rings an angels gets its wings”  what says Christmas more than the classic film It’s A Wonderful Life?  Head to  IFC Theater in the West Village for their annual run of the holiday classic.  Starting December 6th and running through Christmas Eve.  As an extra bonus Mary Owen (Donna Reed’s daughter) will be in-person to introduce the 7:00 pm show every evening starting on December 11th.

IFC CENTER, 323 6th Ave., New York, NY

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ORIGAMI HOLIDAY TREE

An annual tradition, the delightfully decorated Origami Holiday Tree at the Museum of Natural History has marked the start of the holiday season at the Museum for more than 40 years.  The tree holds more than 800 ornaments made by local, national and international origami artist.  During the season knowledgable volunteers are on hand to teach visitors the art of origami.

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 79th Street and Central Park West, NY

NEW YORK CITY BALLET’S “THE NUTCRACKER”

OK, this is an obvious NYC holiday experience but there’s no way I wouldn’t this, the most enchanting “Nutcracker” of all!  Tschaikovsky’s iconic score transports you to a world of wonder where mischievous mice are foiled by toy soldiers who come to life and a blizzard of ballerina’s reveal the enchanting Land of Sweets.  New York City Ballet’s Nutcracker Suite has been a favorite of New Yorkers since 1954.  All 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 32 stagehands and two casts of 50 young students from The School Of American Ballet join forces to make each performance magical.

NEW YORK CITY BALLET, David Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, NY

THE NATIVITY TREE AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

At Christmastime, The Metropolitan Museum of Art displays an extra bit of magic and pays homage to the true meaning of the season.  The Medieval Sculpture Hall features a touchingly magnificent 18th-century Neopolitan nativity scene depicting the surrounding village of the era in which the hundreds of figures were hand crafted – all displayed below a majestic 20 ft. Blue Spruce fir tree.  Catch a tree-lighting, daily at 4:30.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, 79th Street and Central Park West, New York, NY

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN DYKER HEIGHTS BROOKLYN

For a look at what happens in the boroughs of NYC during the holidays, take a trip to the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn and tour their annual waaaay over-the-top holiday home decorations.  You will be bedazzled!  The residents won’t label it a competition, but every year the displays get bigger and brighter.  If you’re looking for a guided tour of the area, check out Christmas Lights Tour, which boasts the tagline “Rockefeller Center? FUHGETTABOUDIT!” Warning, you might want to bring your sunglasses.

OH WHAT FUN!  A BIG BAND HOLIDAY

Deck the halls with music!  Every December, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra featuring the master, Mr. Wynton Marsalis, brings a Grammy Award-winning holiday extravaganza to the Rose Theater.  With soulful big band arrangements of songs both sacred and secular, Big Band Holidays is an uplifting tradition enjoyed by audiences of all ages.  Special guest vocalists join the band each season for imaginative new versions of classics like “White Christmas” and “Merry Christmas Baby”.  Join them for some yuletide cheer sure to brighten your season.