Centerpiece: Festivities in New York City

Festivities in New York City: A Collection of Post-Pandemic Parties, Outings, and Fun Suggestions

by Stephanie Secaira

Light Show at Rockefeller Center

Ican remember visiting the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center as early as fifth grade of elementary school. In freezing 40-degree weather, my dad would pack my family up into his SUV and drive to Midtown Manhattan. However, since it is Manhattan, parking is limited, so we would have to park at least 20 blocks away. Making the trek to Rockefeller Plaza was full of complaints, stops for water at the pharmacy, and sighs of relief once the lights were visible. I distinctly remember when we went during my Junior year of high school, and I dreaded the long walk. My mom and my dad were very excited to go that year because they wanted to take videos from my family back in Ecuador. We all got in the car, snuggling close to each other because the car always takes forever to warm up, especially in the winter. My dad drove off and the trip lasted for about an hour or so. We passed the usual skyline of tall sparkly buildings that usually means we are about to get on the bridge to Manhattan. When the streets get busier, cars and people are louder, and you can’t make out where the length of buildings ends, that is when you know you’re in Manhattan. We found a spot to park, and got out to start the long walk. The crisp cold air turned my cheeks red the second I stepped out of the cozy, warm car. My dad gave me the choice of staying in the car or enduring the walk. You would think I would be eager to wait in the car, but I knew the end of it would be gratifying. As I walked with my family, my brother sped ahead of us showing off his track skills. My mom walked behind because my dad was also walking at an unreasonable speed, and my sister and I stayed somewhere in the middle near my mom. I enjoyed hearing the snow crunch beneath my feet as I experienced the sleek fashion stores, tall buildings, and my sister’s jokes. However, as we neared halfway through our journey, we began to get tired. It seemed like we would walk and get nowhere. My mom was annoyed, but my dad was optimistic and continued to inspire us to keep walking. His idea of inspiring us was just by saying, “Keep walking or I’ll leave you here.” My feet began to hurt, and I was almost ready to give up. However, in the horizon of people and buildings we began to see the rainbow lights, and it made all our efforts worth it. Nearing the plaza, I saw the familiar gold angels with trumpets and tinsel wrapped at every corner possible. My mom’s favorite part was the light show, so that was where we went first. She pulled out her phone to record every single second.

Photos by Frances Cohen and Roxane Carre

Since it was so cold and there were just too many people, we would huddle together to watch the show. The lights and the music were very on theme for the holiday, but also fascinating. Although it was just a five-minute light show, it was a special moment my family and I shared. Visiting New York was a childhood dream of my mom, and she re-visits the show because it shows her that her dreams have come to fruition. After snapping some pictures at the tree, we head over to the ice skating rink to see the magical gold sculpture. The night almost always concludes with some well-deserved hot chocolate and chickenover-rice from the halal carts. I hope to continue the tradition this year since we could not go last year because of the ongoing pandemic.

Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Growing up in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, I knew the notorious Fifth Avenue was the place to be for tasty food with a warmhearted, comfortable feel. I never imagined moving away because of how much I loved the area, and I do miss it now and then being at Morningside Heights. Amid my assignments and busy schedule, I like to drift off to my happy place: summer in Sunset Park. On a sweltering day, I enjoy the raspados or shaved ice from a street vendor to cool me down. I also like to head over to Tia Mimi’s shop, where there are over 20 flavors of shaved ice, ice cream, and Mexican snacks. If I am hungry for a meal, I spend about half an hour deciding which spot to try. There are Colombian empanadas, Dominican home-style platters, and Mexican tacos and fajitas. My recommendations are Tacos el Bronco, La Isla, and Sabor de Colombia Restaurant and Bakery. The best part about Sunset Park is the homey feel and how almost every person you encounter treats you like family.

34th-Street Herald Square

My favorite place to spend some time away from campus is Herald Square. Whether I am with friends or alone, the area has so many places to keep yourself busy. If you plan to head out there alone, I suggest the main shopping center, 34th Street and Herald Square. Before going, be sure to take the D, Q, R, N lines because someone is always performing right before coming out of the station. Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus have played in the same spot some people showcase their talents today! Leaving the station you find many shopping centers. I like to walk around and window shop until I get hungry. My favorite place to find things is the highest floor at Macy’s because all the clothes on that floor are discounted. Almost every clothing store in Herald Square has discounted sections, but the one at Macy’s is the biggest I have seen. I once discovered a ten-dollar Levis jean jacket, so it is definitely worth checking out. Once I get hungry, I walk a few blocks over to Korea town, the perfect place to go if you ever need something to do, as it is a center for food and activities. I especially enjoy the Food Gallery 32 where there is a dessert section with churros and more desserts. The further you walk in, there are stalls serving Boba tea, ramen, and spicy fried chicken. The gallery is multi-leveled, so you can keep going up for more food and space to eat. I enjoy the second floor which has karaoke booths and pictures of K-pop artists. Aside from the food gallery, I like visiting the many karaoke spots in K-town like Karaoke City because you can reserve a private room with your friends and bring your own food! I only included a small portion of places, and honestly, not even a 300-page book could consist of all the places one can visit in New York. Visit Rockefeller if you want a cute Christmas portrait of you and your friends and spend time getting to know the area that trafficks in many people from all over the world. Sunset Park is best in the summer, so it is the perfect spot if you ever want to cool down and eat some fantastic Latin American food. Lastly, Herald square is the best food/entertainment if you want to go somewhere closer to campus. There is so much to explore, alone and with friends! My only tip before visiting a new area is to plan ahead. Ask around if anyone has been there before and hit some spots people recommend. I will also say that once you really enjoy an area like I have shown here, cherish it and make as many memories as possible.