NYC’S BEST HOLIDAY EVENTS

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an iconic event that has been taking place annually for 96 years. The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. on November 23rd at W. 77th Street and Central Park West in New York City and concludes at Macy’s Herald Square. The event features an impressive showcase of 20 distinctive balloons, including familiar characters like Bluey, DINO, and Goku. Spectators can also enjoy 26 floats from renowned companies such as Disney, Kinder, and LEGO, among others. In addition, six balloonicles also make their way through the parade, entertaining the crowds with their unique presence. Anyone looking to experience the excitement and holiday spirit of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade should be sure to check the event details and lineup on the Macy’s website.

Rockefeller Center in New York City is known for its impressive Christmas tree and ice skating rink during the holiday season. The tradition of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center began in 1931 when workers constructing the skyscraper erected a tree on the site as a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. Today, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree stands at around 80 feet tall, is adorned with over 50,000 LED lights, and is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. The ice skating rink, which is located below the Christmas tree, was first opened in 1936 and has since become a beloved holiday tradition.

Looming high above the streets, the Christmas tree at South Street Seaport is a stunning sight to behold. Adorned with twinkling lights and an array of colorful ornaments, it sparkles amidst the mistletoe and holiday cheer. This majestic tree will be the centerpiece of the Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 29, marking the official start of the festive season. With live music, surprise performances, and an after-party on the Ice Rink, this event promises to be one of enchantment and delight. Not only will attendees enjoy a magical experience, but they will also support our holiday season donations, which will directly benefit the organizations of Choose Love and Vision Urbana. Join us as we celebrate the season and share in the joy of giving.

The towering Christmas tree at Washington Square Park, provided annually by The Washington Square Association, stands at an impressive height of 45 feet. The tree is beautifully adorned with vibrant lights that illuminate the surrounding area during the festive season. The lighting of the tree usually takes place in the first week of December, and the park visitors can enjoy the dazzling display from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. every day. The tree lighting always attracts a large number of visitors every year.

The Winter Garden at Brookfield Place is showcasing an enchanting display of mesmerizing and colorful lanterns called “Luminaries.” The exquisite exhibit features 640 custom lanterns that twinkle and change in color and intensity, illuminating the vicinity in a captivating manner. The LAB at Rockwell Group is behind the conception of this dazzling canopy that visitors can marvel at free of cost. This artistic creation will be on display throughout December and is expected to attract visitors not only for its beauty but also for the holiday music and local musicians at Hudson Eats, as well as the chance to take selfies with Santa. Furthermore, the New York Theatre Ballet’s performance of Keith Michaels’ The Nutcracker will also add to the wintery charm.

The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a beloved tradition that brings the magic of the holiday season alive. Visitors can watch model trains zoom past almost 200 iconic New York landmarks while enjoying the warmth of the Conservatory. This year’s show is even bigger than before, with an all-new outdoor display that features a stunning mountainscape perfect for holiday photos. After sunset, the NYBG GLOW illuminates the landscape and historic buildings across the grounds. For a truly special experience, guests can enjoy the 21-and-over Bar Car Nights, which feature curated cocktails and live music alongside the Holiday Train Show.

BROADWAY

& Juliet (Musical)Stephen Sondheim Theatre, 124 W. 43rd St., 212.719.1300, andjulietbroadway.com

Aladdin (Musical)- New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 W. 42nd St., 866.870.2717, aladdinbroadway.com

Appropriate (Play) (Previews 11/29)- Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 W. 44th St., 212.541.4516, 2st.com

Back To The Future (Musical)- Winter Garden Theatre, 1634 Broadway, 212.239.6200, backtothe futuremusical.com

A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond MusicalBroadhurst Theatre, 235 W. 44th St., 212.239.6200, abeautifulnoisethemus ical.com

The Book of Mormon (Musical)- Eugene

O’Neill Theatre, 230 W. 49th St., 888.985.9421, bookofmormonbroadway. com

CHICAGO (Musical)- Ambassador Theatre, 219 W. 49th St., 212.239.6200, chicagothemusical.com

Gutenberg! The Musical! (Comedy)- James Earl Jones Theatre, 138 W. 48th St., 212.239.6200, gutenbergbway.com