Warburg Blog

FUN THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON 2012

Having spent so many wonderful holiday seasons in New York City, we felt we’d share some of our favorite traditions and activities. We hope the attached serves as a useful guide to help you and your family navigate your way through some of New York’s great sights and attractions this season.

Christine Miller Martin & Lisa Larson

Warburg Realty Partnership

Christmas Holiday Shows and Events in New York City

Rockettes 85th Year Celebration 2012

Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020; Now – December 30, 2012; $46 – $255 www.radiocitychristmas.com 866-858-0007.

13th Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square

Sidewalks come alive with street performances by musicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and more. The celebration features free entertainment, food tastings, in-store activities and shopping and begins with a neighborhood tree lighting ceremony at Dante Park – Broadway and 63^rd Street. Festivities continue along Broadway from Time Warner Center to 68^th Street. November 26, 2012 at 5:00pm. www.winterseve.org 212-581-3774

The Nutcracker

Angels, soldiers, and sugarplum fairies prance across the Lincoln Center stage in a show that delights children and adults alike. New York State Theater, Columbus Avenue & 63rd Street, Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023; November 23 – December 30, 2012. For tickets: www.nycballet.com/nutcracker/nutcracker.html

Handel’s Messiah

New York Philharmonic – The perennial favorite that always sells out, this incredibly rich oratorio features an elaborate mix of chorus, soloists, and orchestra that must be heard live. The New York Philharmonic delights with the city’s most popular Messiah performance. Don’t forget the custom of standing for the “Hallelujah” chorus, as King George II reportedly did at the London premiere. There are five opportunities to watch at Avery Fisher Hall: Dec 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 2012; Tickets $33 – $107. Avery Fisher Hall, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-875-5656 www.nyphil.org/ConcertsTickets

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Musical at The Theater at Madison Square Garden – Discover the joy of Dr. Seuss’ quintessential holiday tale as it comes to life on the stage. Hit songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” set the tone for this heartwarming seasonal classic as the Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for. December 13–30, 2012; Tickets $40-$149. The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza (Seventh Ave) between 31st and 33rd, 
Manhattan, NY, 212-465-6741 www.theateratmsg.com/events/2012

Holiday Shops and Activities in NYC

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park – Open daily, the over 100 boutique-style shops and specialty food stores from around the world offer exquisite and distinctive apparel, jewelry, decorative goods, imported and local food, and much more. Now – December 28, 2012. For a complete list of vendors, an insider’s guide to The Holiday Shops and more, please visit www.theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com or call 212-661-6640.

Holiday Shopping in Union Square – One of Manhattan’s most popular Holiday Markets, The 19th Annual Holiday Market in Union Square offers shoppers a wide variety of items which include handcrafted jewelry, fine art, clothes, handmade ornaments and toys. The market will be open from Now through December 24, 2012 from 11am to 8pm daily. www.urbanspacenyc.com/union-square

Grand Central Holiday Fair - Stop by Grand Central Terminal for a warm and festive holiday shopping spree. The annually held Holiday Fair offers fun and original gift ideas and a merry atmosphere. Now through December 24th, 2012 at Grand Central Terminal – 87 E. 42nd St. at Park Avenue. Hours are 10am-8pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-7pm Sunday. Closed on Christmas Eve.

9th Annual Holiday Market at Columbus Circle - Open November 28 to December 24, 2012, 59^th Street and 8^th Avenue. 10am to 8pm Monday – Saturday and 10am to 7pm on Sunday.
www.urbanspacenyc.com/columbus-circle-holiday-market

The Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bartholomew’s – 2012 marks the 8^th year for the Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bart’s. Open Now through December 24, 2012 from 8am to 8pm daily. On Park Avenue at 50^th street.

Holiday Window Displays

Lord & Taylor Holiday Window Displays (424 Fifth Avenue at 38th Street)
Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Window Displays (Fifth Avenue and 57th Street)
Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays (611 Fifth Avenue between 49^th and 50^th Street)
Barneys New York Christmas Window Displays (660 Madison Avenue at 61st Street)
Bloomingdale’s Christmas Window Displays (Lexington Avenue between 59th Street and 60th Street)
Macy’s Christmas Window Displays (Herald Square, between 34th and 35th on Broadway)

Most department stores run their holiday displays from mid-November to mid-January.

Not Just For Kids

The Museum of the City of New York 2012 Children’s Holiday Party - Arts, crafts, magic shows, a buffet supper and meeting with Santa Claus is enough to get any child in the holiday spirit. Museum of the City of New York at 1220 Fifth Avenue; Monday, December 10, from 3-6pm; visit https://boxoffice.mcny.org/public/ 212-534-1672

Eleventh Annual Grand Central Holiday Train Show – The New York Transit Museum Gallery at Grand Central Terminal is returning with its 11th annual Holiday Train Show, which features a full train track with a fully functioning train and miniature New York City background. The vintage trains made by Lionel, American Flyer and Louis Marx & Company, which date as far back as the 1920s, will also be on display. Now through February 10, 2013 at New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex; Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. between Vanderbilt and Lexington Avenues www.mta.info/mta/museum/whatsnew.htm

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

Now through January 13, 2013 – The New York Botanical Garden- Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road. The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is a beautiful scene of The Big Apple built entirely out of plants and natural material like seeds, bark and leaves. A few of the included landmarks are the Brooklyn Bridge and The Statue of Liberty constructed by Paul Busse. New this year is the replica of Macy’s flagship location (“The Miracle on 34th Street”) that greets you as you enter the Haupt Conservatory. The miniature trains are also incredibly impressive works of art to view and run the familiar New York City Landscape. www.nybg.org/hts

The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop at the Children’s Museum of Manahattan – Step into The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop and walk right into the pages of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale, which comes to life in the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s new exhibit. Kids can create art projects inspired by Seuss’ iconic style and story, view scenes from the book covering gallery walls, participate in a scavenger hunt, play in a real-life sleigh and learn how to give back to those in need. Join Cindy-Lou Who, the lovable dog Max and the “Mean One” himself, the Grinch, for a new interactive experience, inspired by Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! On view now through Sunday, January 6, 2013 at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. All activities are free with admission, $11 www.TheGrinchWorkshop.com

Hotels, Museums, Trees and Lights

Madeline’s Tea at the Carlyle- Stop by to enjoy Madeline’s Tea at The Carlyle’s famous Bemelmans Bar. Madeline’s Tea is a delightfully playful afternoon for children and parents alike. Guests can listen and sing along to tunes from the Madeline Song Book with Tina de Varon while dining on Madeline’s Children’s Buffet, afternoon tea, or an a la carte menu for adults. Every Saturday from Now through December 22, 2012 with seatings at 10am and 12:45pm. Don’t forget to check out the gingerbread house on display in The Gallery. It’s an endless source of temptation for both young and the young at heart. Located at 35 East 76^th Street. www.thecarlyle.com 212-744-1600

Victorian Holiday Lighting (At the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center – Inside the Park on 110^th St between 5^th and Lenox Aves) - Sunday, December 4, 2012 from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Celebrate the season in Manhattan’s Victorian winter wonderland at the Central Park Conservancy’s 16^th Annual Holiday Lighting. Enjoy hot cocoa, live carolers, cookie decorating, crafts and an opportunity to take photographs with Father Christmas. FREE. No advance registration. All ages welcome. For more information, call 212-860-1370. http://support.centralparknyc.org/site/

Origami Christmas Tree at the American Museum of Natural History – For over thirty years the museum has celebrated the holiday season with its origami tree. This year, the museum draws inspiration from its own items for the 500 folded-paper works, constructed by volunteers beginning in July. See which pieces made their way onto the 13-foot tree. Tree viewing began on November 19, 2012 and tree will remain up until January 6, 2013. Central Park West at 79^th Street. 212-875-5456 www.amnh.org

Christmas Tree at The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Now through January 6, 2013. The Museum will display its Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche. The twenty foot spruce will be adorned with 18^th century Neapolitan angels and Cherubs flanking the nativity scene in the Museum’s Medieval Sculpture Hall. Lighting ceremonies are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 3:30pm and 4:30pm, and Fridays and Saturdays at 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm. 1000 5^th Ave at 82^nd Street. www.metmuseum.org 212-535-7710

Park Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony – December 2, 2012 6:30-7:30pm at The Brick Presbyterian Church located at 91^st Street and Park Ave. Every year since 1945 the firs that line Park Avenue have been lit to remember and honor those who have lost their lives in our nation’s wars.

Tree Lighting Celebration at Citi Pond inside Bryant Park- Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 6pm. www.bryantpark.org

Lighting of the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah- This 32 foot tall, two ton candelabra will be lit at the Grand Army Plaza at Fifth Avenue and 59^th Street. The nightly lighting ceremonies will be accompanied by folk dancing and holiday jelly donuts. The festivities take place December 8 – December 16, 2012. Every evening at 5:30pm during the holiday a candle will be lit. For the Sabbath, the lighting will be at 3:30pm on Friday and 8:30pm on Saturday.

The 36th Annual Three Kings Day Parade at El Museo del Barrio - On Wednesday, January 6, 2013 El Museo will once again celebrate its time-honored tradition of the Three Kings Day Parade, its renowned procession through the streets of el barrio with lively music, colorful costumes, floats and thousands of participants. Admission is free. For more information, please visit . www.elmuseo.org

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting - November 28, 2012 from 7pm-9pm. The Norway Spruce will be illuminated by 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights on five miles of wire! It will remain on view until 11pm on January 7, 2013. www.rockefellercenter.com

Chorus Tree at South Street Seaport – The South Street Seaport kicked off the holiday season with a traditional tree lighting ceremony where an over 50 foot Norway Spruce was lit up the day after Thanksgiving. Now, the bright lights of New York City are drowned out by the beautiful lights of the holiday at the South Street Seaport’s Historic Cobblestone Area – South Street and Fulton. The St. Cecilia Chorus Carolers perform on Fridays at 6pm and 7pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm and 4 pm through Christmas, providing a festive break from the holiday madness. www.southstreetseaport.com

Carl Schurz Park Tree Lighting – On Sunday, December 2 from 5-6pm enjoy gratis hot chocolate, cookies and candies, as critically the acclaimed choir Cantori New York and the Orbal Brass Quartet serenade you.
Carl Schurz Park, East End Ave at 86th Street; 212-459 4455 http://www.carlschurzparknyc.org/events.html

Santa

Macy’s Santaland and Puppet Theatre- Visit the real Santa Claus at Macy’s Santaland located on the 8^th floor of Macy’s Herald Square. Open daily from 9am to 9pm, from Friday, November 23 through Monday, December 24, 2012. Admission is free.

ABC Carpet & Home – 888 Broadway between 18th and 19th Streets. Visiting the very authentic Old Saint Nick at this fancy home goods store is a lavish, Victorian affair with a setting draped in crushed velvet and filled with sumptuous housewares. Weekends through Sunday, December 23; Saturdays 10am-3pm and Sundays 11am-3pm. Admission is free and it is one of the best places to see beautiful Father Christmas with little or no wait.

Santa Pub Crawl -For the over-21 crowd, you can follow Santa and his helpers this holiday season to local bars for the Santa Pub Crawl. The 2012 Santa Pub Crawl New York City will take place on Saturday, December 15th. For more information, visit http://santacon.info/New_York-NY/?all

Ice Skating in New York

The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center – www.therinkatrockcenter.com 212-332-7654

Citi Pond at Bryant Park – Citi Pond is the centerpiece of Bryant Park’s winter season. The 170’ x 100’ rink features free admission skating in addition to high quality rentals. Opened October 26, 2012 and remains open through March 3, 2013. Sunday through Thursday, 8am – 10pm and Friday and Saturdays from 8am –midnight. www.citipondatbryantpark.com

Trump Wollman Rink – Located in Central Park, the rink is near the east side of the Park, just steps from the Central Park Zoo and The Plaza Hotel. It offers ice hockey, a skating school and party facilities. For more information including rink hours call 212-439-6900 or visit www.wollmanskatingrink.com.

Best Places for Hot Chocolate

Dylan’s Candy Bar – Visit the upper level of this Willy Wonka like candy store for a mug of hot chocolate topped with either cookies, birthday cake or, of course, candy. One size $7.00. Located at 1011 Third Ave. www.dylanscandystore.com

Sant Ambroeus – 1000 Madison Avenue (between 77^th and 78^th St.) 212-570-2211 www.santambroeus.com Their hot chocolate is beyond!

Lexington Candy Shop – Sit at the counter and have an old New York experience as you and your children will enjoy the classic Nestle’s cocoa. One size: $1.50 or $2.95 made with milk. 1226 Lexington Avenue at 83^rd Street. www.lexingtoncandyshop.com

Petite Abeille – 134 W. Broadway, 212-791-1360, TriBeCa, Manhattan. Petite Abeille gets its name from a Belgian children’s book—the moniker translates as “little bee.” This hot chocolate is made from 70% Callebaut chocolate, which is shaved, melted down and mixed with whole milk. Divine! www.petiteabeille.com

MarieBelle New York – 484 Broome St., 212-925-6999, SoHo, Manhattan. MarieBelle is known for intricately designed, handcrafted chocolates that look like miniature works of art. The staff at the confectionery’s Cacao Bar and Tea Salon puts the same care into its dark, rich, pudding-thick Aztec hot chocolate, which comes in European (made with water) and American (made with milk) varieties. It’s also available in a spicy version. www.mariebelle.com

The City Bakery –3 W. 18th St., 212-366-1414, Union Square, Manhattan. This Union Square mainstay doles out impossibly tasty liquid cocoa, higlighted in countless imaginative iterations at the bakery’s own Hot Chocolate Festival every February. The 2012 flavors include ginger, banana peel and beer. www.thecitybakery.com

New York Road Runners Emerald Nuts Midnight Run

After all that hot chocolate indulgence, kick off your New Year’s resolution with the annual Emerald Nuts Midnight Run on December 31, 2012 at 11:45pm. The 4 mile run starts with a spectacular fireworks display and includes dancing and a costume parade and contest. Rumour has it champagne is offered instead of water at one refreshment stop along the race route. New Year’s festivities will be held at the Central Park Bandshell, just south of the 72nd Street Transverse in Central Park, New York. Registration will close at 11:45pm on Wednesday, December 26. Registration fee for non-NYRR members is $60. http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/emerald-nuts-midnight-run

Holiday Bus Tours

Year after year New York is the top destination for Holiday travels. Come get a taste of why Christmas in New York makes the season bright for so many. See the lights, the music, everything that makes New York spectacular during the holidays! On this guided bus tour through New York you will see the city’s famous holiday lights! Come see Rockefeller Center’s Holiday splendor. Rockefeller Center’s lighted Christmas tree and its outdoor skating rink are just some of the many sites you’ll enjoy on this unforgettable tour of New York City and its Holiday lights. The tour runs approximately 2.5 hours daily at 6pm, 6:30pm, or 7pm, November 28, 2012 – December 30, 2012. Tickets range from Free for children under the age of 5, $33.95 for children between the ages of 5-11 and $48.95 for Adults. There is a $5 savings for tours booked online. Reserve online or call toll free at 888-880-9108. http://www.nytours.us/?event=offer.detail&offerId=5170

Christmas Kitsch, German pilsners and Eggnog

Once a year in Gramercy, Rolf’s, the landmark German/French Bavarian restaurant, transforms into the North Pole with an over-the-top holiday display. Let your holiday spirit take over and go see over 80,000 Christmas lights strung up, along with shiny stalactites of ornamental balls hung from the ceiling, and all accented by gnarly tree branches, evergreens and faux icicles. This is a must see for those who appreciate Christmas kitsch and German sausages. Order the eggnog and settle in to the snug, pewlike booths while listening to a continuous loop of Christmas anthems. Rolf’s French Bavarian Restaurant, 281 Third Ave. (at 22nd St.)
212-477-4750 http://www.rolfsnyc.com

Christine Miller Martin, Senior Managing Director – 212-439-5194 / cmartin@warburgrealty.com

Lisa Larson, Licensed Salesperson – 212-439-5188 / llarson@warburgrealty.com

FUN THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON 2012

Having spent so many wonderful holiday seasons in New York City, we felt we’d share some of our favorite traditions and activities. We hope the attached serves as a useful guide to help you and your family navigate your way through some of New York’s great sights and attractions this season.

Christine Miller Martin & Lisa Larson

Warburg Realty Partnership

Christmas Holiday Shows and Events in New York City

Rockettes 85th Year Celebration 2012

Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020; Now – December 30, 2012; $46 – $255 www.radiocitychristmas.com 866-858-0007.

13th Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square

Sidewalks come alive with street performances by musicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and more. The celebration features free entertainment, food tastings, in-store activities and shopping and begins with a neighborhood tree lighting ceremony at Dante Park – Broadway and 63^rd Street. Festivities continue along Broadway from Time Warner Center to 68^th Street. November 26, 2012 at 5:00pm.  www.winterseve.org 212-581-3774

The Nutcracker

Angels, soldiers, and sugarplum fairies prance across the Lincoln Center stage in a show that delights children and adults alike. New York State Theater, Columbus Avenue & 63rd Street, Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023; November 23 – December 30, 2012. For tickets: www.nycballet.com/nutcracker/nutcracker.html

Handel’s Messiah

New York Philharmonic – The perennial favorite that always sells out, this incredibly rich oratorio features an elaborate mix of chorus, soloists, and orchestra that must be heard live. The New York Philharmonic delights with the city’s most popular Messiah performance. Don’t forget the custom of standing for the “Hallelujah” chorus, as King George II reportedly did at the London premiere. There are five opportunities to watch at Avery Fisher Hall: Dec 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 2012; Tickets $33 – $107. Avery Fisher Hall, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-875-5656 www.nyphil.org/ConcertsTickets

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Musical at The Theater at Madison Square Garden – Discover the joy of Dr. Seuss’ quintessential holiday tale as it comes to life on the stage. Hit songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” set the tone for this heartwarming seasonal classic as the Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for. December 13–30, 2012; Tickets $40-$149.  The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza (Seventh Ave) between 31st and 33rd, 
Manhattan, NY, 212-465-6741 www.theateratmsg.com/events/2012

Holiday Shops and Activities in NYC

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park – Open daily, the over 100 boutique-style shops and specialty food stores from around the world offer exquisite and distinctive apparel, jewelry, decorative goods, imported and local food, and much more. Now – December 28, 2012. For a complete list of vendors, an insider’s guide to The Holiday Shops and more, please visit www.theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com or call 212-661-6640.

Holiday Shopping in Union Square – One of Manhattan’s most popular Holiday Markets, The 19th Annual Holiday Market in Union Square offers shoppers a wide variety of items which include handcrafted jewelry, fine art, clothes, handmade ornaments and toys. The market will be open from Now through December 24, 2012 from 11am to 8pm daily. www.urbanspacenyc.com/union-square

Grand Central Holiday Fair - Stop by Grand Central Terminal for a warm and festive holiday shopping spree. The annually held Holiday Fair offers fun and original gift ideas and a merry atmosphere. Now through December 24th, 2012 at Grand Central Terminal – 87 E. 42nd St. at Park Avenue. Hours are 10am-8pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-7pm Sunday. Closed on Christmas Eve.

9th Annual Holiday Market at Columbus Circle - Open November 28 to December 24, 2012, 59^th Street and 8^th Avenue. 10am to 8pm Monday – Saturday and 10am to 7pm on Sunday.
www.urbanspacenyc.com/columbus-circle-holiday-market

The Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bartholomew’s – 2012 marks the 8^th year for the Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bart’s. Open Now through December 24, 2012 from 8am to 8pm daily. On Park Avenue at 50^th street.

Holiday Window Displays

Lord & Taylor Holiday Window Displays (424 Fifth Avenue at 38th Street)
Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Window Displays (Fifth Avenue and 57th Street)
Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays (611 Fifth Avenue between 49^th and 50^th Street)
Barneys New York Christmas Window Displays (660 Madison Avenue at 61st Street)
Bloomingdale’s Christmas Window Displays (Lexington Avenue between 59th Street and 60th Street)
Macy’s Christmas Window Displays (Herald Square, between 34th and 35th on Broadway)

Most department stores run their holiday displays from mid-November to mid-January.

Not Just For Kids

The Museum of the City of New York 2012 Children’s Holiday Party - Arts, crafts, magic shows, a buffet supper and meeting with Santa Claus is enough to get any child in the holiday spirit. Museum of the City of New York at 1220 Fifth Avenue; Monday, December 10, from 3-6pm; visit https://boxoffice.mcny.org/public/ 212-534-1672

Eleventh Annual Grand Central Holiday Train Show – The New York Transit Museum Gallery at Grand Central Terminal is returning with its 11th annual Holiday Train Show, which features a full train track with a fully functioning train and miniature New York City background. The vintage trains made by Lionel, American Flyer and Louis Marx & Company, which date as far back as the 1920s, will also be on display. Now through February 10, 2013 at New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex; Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. between Vanderbilt and Lexington Avenues www.mta.info/mta/museum/whatsnew.htm

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

Now through January 13, 2013 – The New York Botanical Garden- Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road. The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is a beautiful scene of The Big Apple built entirely out of plants and natural material like seeds, bark and leaves. A few of the included landmarks are the Brooklyn Bridge and The Statue of Liberty constructed by Paul Busse. New this year is the replica of Macy’s flagship location (“The Miracle on 34th Street”) that greets you as you enter the Haupt Conservatory. The miniature trains are also incredibly impressive works of art to view and run the familiar New York City Landscape. www.nybg.org/hts

The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop at the Children’s Museum of Manahattan – Step into The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop and walk right into the pages of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale, which comes to life in the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s new exhibit. Kids can create art projects inspired by Seuss’ iconic style and story, view scenes from the book covering gallery walls, participate in a scavenger hunt, play in a real-life sleigh and learn how to give back to those in need. Join Cindy-Lou Who, the lovable dog Max and the “Mean One” himself, the Grinch, for a new interactive experience, inspired by Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! On view now through Sunday, January 6, 2013 at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. All activities are free with admission, $11 www.TheGrinchWorkshop.com

Hotels, Museums, Trees and Lights

Madeline’s Tea at the Carlyle- Stop by to enjoy Madeline’s Tea at The Carlyle’s famous Bemelmans Bar. Madeline’s Tea is a delightfully playful afternoon for children and parents alike. Guests can listen and sing along to tunes from the Madeline Song Book with Tina de Varon while dining on Madeline’s Children’s Buffet, afternoon tea, or an a la carte menu for adults. Every Saturday from Now through December 22, 2012 with seatings at 10am and 12:45pm. Don’t forget to check out the gingerbread house on display in The Gallery. It’s an endless source of temptation for both young and the young at heart. Located at 35 East 76^th Street. www.thecarlyle.com 212-744-1600

Victorian Holiday Lighting (At the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center – Inside the Park on 110^th St between 5^th and Lenox Aves) - Sunday, December 4, 2012 from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Celebrate the season in Manhattan’s Victorian winter wonderland at the Central Park Conservancy’s 16^th Annual Holiday Lighting. Enjoy hot cocoa, live carolers, cookie decorating, crafts and an opportunity to take photographs with Father Christmas. FREE. No advance registration. All ages welcome. For more information, call 212-860-1370. http://support.centralparknyc.org/site/

Origami Christmas Tree at the American Museum of Natural History – For over thirty years the museum has celebrated the holiday season with its origami tree. This year, the museum draws inspiration from its own items for the 500 folded-paper works, constructed by volunteers beginning in July. See which pieces made their way onto the 13-foot tree. Tree viewing began on November 19, 2012 and tree will remain up until January 6, 2013. Central Park West at 79^th Street. 212-875-5456 www.amnh.org

Christmas Tree at The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Now through January 6, 2013. The Museum will display its Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche. The twenty foot spruce will be adorned with 18^th century Neapolitan angels and Cherubs flanking the nativity scene in the Museum’s Medieval Sculpture Hall. Lighting ceremonies are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 3:30pm and 4:30pm, and Fridays and Saturdays at 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm. 1000 5^th Ave at 82^nd Street. www.metmuseum.org 212-535-7710

Park Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony – December 2, 2012 6:30-7:30pm at The Brick Presbyterian Church located at 91^st Street and Park Ave. Every year since 1945 the firs that line Park Avenue have been lit to remember and honor those who have lost their lives in our nation’s wars.

Tree Lighting Celebration at Citi Pond inside Bryant Park- Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 6pm. www.bryantpark.org

Lighting of the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah- This 32 foot tall, two ton candelabra will be lit at the Grand Army Plaza at Fifth Avenue and 59^th Street. The nightly lighting ceremonies will be accompanied by folk dancing and holiday jelly donuts. The festivities take place December 8 – December 16, 2012. Every evening at 5:30pm during the holiday a candle will be lit. For the Sabbath, the lighting will be at 3:30pm on Friday and 8:30pm on Saturday.

The 36th Annual Three Kings Day Parade at El Museo del Barrio - On Wednesday, January 6, 2013 El Museo will once again celebrate its time-honored tradition of the Three Kings Day Parade, its renowned procession through the streets of el barrio with lively music, colorful costumes, floats and thousands of participants. Admission is free. For more information, please visit . www.elmuseo.org

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting - November 28, 2012 from 7pm-9pm. The Norway Spruce will be illuminated by 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights on five miles of wire! It will remain on view until 11pm on January 7, 2013.  www.rockefellercenter.com

Chorus Tree at South Street Seaport – The South Street Seaport kicked off the holiday season with a traditional tree lighting ceremony where an over 50 foot Norway Spruce was lit up the day after Thanksgiving. Now, the bright lights of New York City are drowned out by the beautiful lights of the holiday at the South Street Seaport’s Historic Cobblestone Area – South Street and Fulton. The St. Cecilia Chorus Carolers perform on Fridays at 6pm and 7pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm and 4 pm through Christmas, providing a festive break from the holiday madness. www.southstreetseaport.com

Carl Schurz Park Tree Lighting – On Sunday, December 2 from 5-6pm enjoy gratis hot chocolate, cookies and candies, as critically the acclaimed choir Cantori New York and the Orbal Brass Quartet serenade you.
Carl Schurz Park, East End Ave at 86th Street; 212-459 4455 http://www.carlschurzparknyc.org/events.html

Santa

Macy’s Santaland and Puppet Theatre- Visit the real Santa Claus at Macy’s Santaland located on the 8^th floor of Macy’s Herald Square. Open daily from 9am to 9pm, from Friday, November 23 through Monday, December 24, 2012. Admission is free.

ABC Carpet & Home – 888 Broadway between 18th and 19th Streets. Visiting the very authentic Old Saint Nick at this fancy home goods store is a lavish, Victorian affair with a setting draped in crushed velvet and filled with sumptuous housewares.  Weekends through Sunday, December 23; Saturdays 10am-3pm and Sundays 11am-3pm. Admission is free and it is one of the best places to see beautiful Father Christmas with little or no wait.

Santa Pub Crawl -For the over-21 crowd, you can follow Santa and his helpers this holiday season to local bars for the Santa Pub Crawl. The 2012 Santa Pub Crawl New York City will take place on Saturday, December 15th. For more information, visit http://santacon.info/New_York-NY/?all

Ice Skating in New York

The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center – www.therinkatrockcenter.com 212-332-7654

Citi Pond at Bryant Park – Citi Pond is the centerpiece of Bryant Park’s winter season. The 170’ x 100’ rink features free admission skating in addition to high quality rentals. Opened October 26, 2012 and remains open through March 3, 2013. Sunday through Thursday, 8am – 10pm and Friday and Saturdays from 8am –midnight. www.citipondatbryantpark.com

Trump Wollman Rink – Located in Central Park, the rink is near the east side of the Park, just steps from the Central Park Zoo and The Plaza Hotel. It offers ice hockey, a skating school and party facilities. For more information including rink hours call 212-439-6900 or visit www.wollmanskatingrink.com.

Best Places for Hot Chocolate

Dylan’s Candy Bar – Visit the upper level of this Willy Wonka like candy store for a mug of hot chocolate topped with either cookies, birthday cake or, of course, candy. One size $7.00. Located at 1011 Third Ave. www.dylanscandystore.com

Sant Ambroeus – 1000 Madison Avenue (between 77^th and 78^th St.) 212-570-2211 www.santambroeus.com Their hot chocolate is beyond!

Lexington Candy Shop – Sit at the counter and have an old New York experience as you and your children will enjoy the classic Nestle’s cocoa. One size: $1.50 or $2.95 made with milk. 1226 Lexington Avenue at 83^rd Street. www.lexingtoncandyshop.com

Petite Abeille – 134 W. Broadway, 212-791-1360, TriBeCa, Manhattan. Petite Abeille gets its name from a Belgian children’s book—the moniker translates as “little bee.” This hot chocolate is made from 70% Callebaut chocolate, which is shaved, melted down and mixed with whole milk. Divine! www.petiteabeille.com

MarieBelle New York – 484 Broome St., 212-925-6999, SoHo, Manhattan. MarieBelle is known for intricately designed, handcrafted chocolates that look like miniature works of art. The staff at the confectionery’s Cacao Bar and Tea Salon puts the same care into its dark, rich, pudding-thick Aztec hot chocolate, which comes in European (made with water) and American (made with milk) varieties. It’s also available in a spicy version. www.mariebelle.com

The City Bakery –3 W. 18th St., 212-366-1414, Union Square, Manhattan. This Union Square mainstay doles out impossibly tasty liquid cocoa, higlighted in countless imaginative iterations at the bakery’s own Hot Chocolate Festival every February. The 2012 flavors include ginger, banana peel and beer. www.thecitybakery.com

New York Road Runners Emerald Nuts Midnight Run

After all that hot chocolate indulgence, kick off your New Year’s resolution with the annual Emerald Nuts Midnight Run on December 31, 2012 at 11:45pm. The 4 mile run starts with a spectacular fireworks display and includes dancing and a costume parade and contest. Rumour has it champagne is offered instead of water at one refreshment stop along the race route. New Year’s festivities will be held at the Central Park Bandshell, just south of the 72nd Street Transverse in Central Park, New York. Registration will close at 11:45pm on Wednesday, December 26. Registration fee for non-NYRR members is $60. http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/emerald-nuts-midnight-run

Holiday Bus Tours

Year after year New York is the top destination for Holiday travels. Come get a taste of why Christmas in New York makes the season bright for so many. See the lights, the music, everything that makes New York spectacular during the holidays! On this guided bus tour through New York you will see the city’s famous holiday lights! Come see Rockefeller Center’s Holiday splendor. Rockefeller Center’s lighted Christmas tree and its outdoor skating rink are just some of the many sites you’ll enjoy on this unforgettable tour of New York City and its Holiday lights. The tour runs approximately 2.5 hours daily at 6pm, 6:30pm, or 7pm, November 28, 2012 – December 30, 2012. Tickets range from Free for children under the age of 5, $33.95 for children between the ages of 5-11 and $48.95 for Adults. There is a $5 savings for tours booked online. Reserve online or call toll free at 888-880-9108. http://www.nytours.us/?event=offer.detail&offerId=5170

Christmas Kitsch, German pilsners and Eggnog

Once a year in Gramercy, Rolf’s, the landmark German/French Bavarian restaurant, transforms into the North Pole with an over-the-top holiday display. Let your holiday spirit take over and go see over 80,000 Christmas lights strung up, along with shiny stalactites of ornamental balls hung from the ceiling, and all accented by gnarly tree branches, evergreens and faux icicles. This is a must see for those who appreciate Christmas kitsch and German sausages. Order the eggnog and settle in to the snug, pewlike booths while listening to a continuous loop of Christmas anthems. Rolf’s French Bavarian Restaurant, 281 Third Ave. (at 22nd St.)
212-477-4750 http://www.rolfsnyc.com

Christine Miller Martin, Senior Managing Director – 212-439-5194 / cmartin@warburgrealty.com

Lisa Larson, Licensed Salesperson – 212-439-5188 / llarson@warburgrealty.com

FUN THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON 2011

Having spent so many wonderful holiday seasons in New York City, we felt we’d share some of our favorite traditions and activities. We hope the attached serves as a useful guide to help you and your family navigate your way through some of New York’s great sights and attractions this season.

Christine Miller Martin & Hunter Hulshizer,

Warburg Realty Partnership

Christmas Holiday Shows and Events in New York City

Radio City Christmas Spectacular Presents its NEW 2011 Show

The Rockettes – Magical Journey.” (Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020; Now – January 2, 2012; $45 – $250)www.radiocitychristmas.com 866-858-0007.

12th Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square

Sidewalks come alive with street performances by musicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and more. The celebration begins with a neighborhood tree lighting ceremony at Dante Park – Broadway and 63^rd Street. Festivities continue along Broadway from Time Warner Center to 68^th Street. November 29, 2011 at 5:30pm. www.winterseve.org 212-581-3774

The Nutcracker

Angels, soldiers, and sugarplum fairies prance across the Lincoln Center stage in a show that delights children and adults alike.
(New York State Theater, Columbus Avenue & 63rd Street, Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023; November 25 – December 21, 2011. For tickets: www.nycballet.com/nutcracker/nutcracker.html

Handel’s Messiah

Trinity Church Wall Street – The perennial favorite that always sells out, this incredibly rich oratorio features an elaborate mix of chorus, soloists, and orchestra that must be heard live … and what better place than Trinity Church where it received its New World premiere in 1770. Conductor: Julian Wachner. With the Trinity Baroque Orchestra, Robert Mealy, concertmaster. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Trinity Gift Shop, inside Trinity Church. Sunday, December 11, 2011 from 3pm to 6pm. 74 Trinity Place. 212-602-0800. http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/calendar/2011/12/11/messiah-george-frideric-handel/

Grand Central Terminal’s Kaleidoscope Light Show

See Grand Central in a whole new light! An all new Kaleidoscope show will grace the walls of New York's most famous historic landmark again this year. Come see what is becoming one of the most popular holiday shows in the city. Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt Ave at 42nd St., New York, NY 10017; December 1, 2011 – January 1, 2012 . Shows run every half hour from 11am to 9pm daily. Free to the public. www.grandcentralterminal.com.

Holiday Shops and Activities in NYC

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park –
Now – January 8, 2012. Open daily, the over 100 boutique-style shops and specialty food stores from around the world offer exquisite and distinctive apparel, jewelry, decorative goods, imported and local food, and much more. For a complete list of vendors, an insider’s guide to The Holiday Shops and more, please visit www.theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com or call 212-661-6640.

Holiday Shopping in Union Square - One of Manhattan’s most popular Holiday Markets, The Holiday Market in Union Square offers shoppers a wide variety of items which include handcrafted jewelry, fine art, clothes, handmade ornaments and toys. The market will be open from November 18, 2011 to December 24, 2011 from 11am to 8pm daily. Please note that it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. www.urbanspacenyc.com/union-square.

Grand Central Holiday Fair- (Now-December 24th, 2011; Grand Central Terminal; 87 E. 42nd St. at Park Ave.) Stop by Grand Central Terminal for a warm and festive holiday shopping spree. The annually held Holiday Fair offers fun and original gift ideas and a merry atmosphere. Hours are 10am-8pm daily. Closed Thanksgiving Day.

Holiday Market at Columbus Circle- Open December 1 to December 24, 2011, 59^th Street and 8^th Avenue. 10am to 8pm daily.
www.urbanspacenyc.com/columbus-circle-holiday-market/

The Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bartholomew’s – 2011 marks the 7^th year for the Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bart’s. Open November 15 – December 24, 2011 from 8am to 8pm daily. On Park Avenue at 50^th street.

Holiday Window Displays

Lord & Taylor Holiday Window Displays (424 Fifth Avenue at 38th Street)
Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Window Displays (Fifth Avenue and 57th Street)
Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays (611 Fifth Avenue between 49^th and 50^th Street)
Barneys New York Christmas Window Displays (660 Madison Avenue at 61st St.)
Bloomingdale's Christmas Window Displays (Lexington Avenue between 59th Street and 60th Street)
Macy’s Christmas Window Displays (Herald Square, between 34th and 35th on Broadway)

Most department stores run their holiday displays from mid-November to mid-January.

Not Just For Kids

The Museum of the City of New York 2011 Children’s Holiday Party- Arts, crafts, magic shows, a buffet supper and meeting with Santa Claus is enough to get any child in the holiday spirit. (Museum of the City of New York 1220 Fifth Avenue; Monday, December 12, from 3-6pm; visit http://www.mcny.org/public-programs/all/CHP2010.html 212-534-1672

Tenth Annual Grand Central Holiday Train Show November 22, 2011-January 16, 2012; New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex; Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. between Vanderbilt & Lexington Avenues.
The New York Transit Museum Gallery at Grand Central Terminal is returning with its 9th annual Holiday Train Show which features a full train track with a fully functioning train and miniature New York City background. The vintage trains made by Lionel, American Flyer and Louis Marx & Company, which date as far back as the 1920s, will also be on display. www.mta.info/mta/museum/whatsnew.htm

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

November 19, 2011 - January 16, 2012 - The New York Botanical Garden- Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road. The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show is a beautiful scene of The Big Apple built entirely out of plants and natural material like seeds, bark and leaves. A few of the included landmarks are the Brooklyn Bridge and The Statue of Liberty constructed by Paul Busse. The miniature trains are also incredibly impressive works of art to view and run the familiar New York City Landscape. www.nybg.org/hts

New York Zoos

Winter Fest at The Central Park Zoo – Enjoy the beauty of the Zoo at the best time of year – the winter holidays. On Fridays and Saturdays in December, hours will be extended to 6:30 pm so you can stop by in the afternoon or after work for a stroll under the lights. Visit cold weather creatures, enjoy family activities and Wildlife Theatre in the Zoo gallery, and watch the animals get gifted during holiday enrichment sessions. The snow monkeys will forage from trees strung with tasty fruits, red pandas will unpack gift boxes brimming with treats, and polar bears will receive frozen fish-cicles. www.centralparkzoo.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/presents-to-the-animals.aspx

Also enjoy holiday shopping at the Zootique, take a family holiday photo, and treat yourself to cookies and cocoa in the café. Activities take place from 2pm-6:30pm. December 2-3, 2011; December 9-10, 2011; and December 16-17, 2011.

Hess Clydesdale Carriage Rides at The Bronx Zoo-

Weekends November 6 through December 19 & December 26-31, 2011. Beloved Clydesdale horses Ranger, Jesse, and Monty will take guests on festive wagon rides around the zoo. Other features will include a petting zoo, ice carvings and puppets. Saturdays and Sundays throughout the holiday season. Special winter activities continue in December. $5 per person for ages 3 and up. http://www.bronxzoo.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/horse-drawn-carriage-rides.aspx

Hotels, Museums, Trees and Lights

Stop by to enjoy Madeline Tea at The Carlyle’s famous Bemelmans Bar. Madeline Tea is a delightfully playful afternoon for children and parents alike. Guests can listen and sing along to tunes from the Madeline Song Book with Tina de Varon while dining on Madeline’s Children’s Buffet, afternoon tea, or an a la carte menu for adults. Every Saturday with seatings at 10am and 12:30pm. Don’t forget to check out the gingerbread house on display in The Gallery. It’s an endless source of temptation for both young and the young at heart. Located at 35 East 76^th Street. www.thecarlyle.com 212-744-1600

Victorian Holiday Lighting (At the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center – Inside the Park on 110^th St between 5^th and Lenox Aves) - Sunday, December 4, 2011 - 4:00pm to 5:30pm. Celebrate the season in Manhattan’s Victorian winter wonderland at the Central Park Conservancy’s 15^th Annual Holiday Lighting. Enjoy hot cocoa, live carolers, cookie decorating, crafts and an opportunity to take photographs with Father Christmas. FREE. No advance registration. All ages welcome. For more information, call 212-860-1370. http://support.centralparknyc.org/site/Calendar/1253496182?view=Detail&id=112081

Origami Christmas Tree at the American Museum of Natural History – For over thirty years the museum has celebrated the holiday season with its origami tree. This year will be no exception as it will be decorated with the theme of discovery, from dinosaur digs to space exploration. Also, don’t miss the two 19-foot Holiday Barosaurs lit up for viewing as well. Tree viewing begins on November 21, 2011 and will remain up until January 2, 2012. Central Park West at 79^th Street. 212-875-5456 www.amnh.org

Christmas Tree at The Metropolitan Museum of Art- November 23, 2011-January 6, 2012. The Museum will display its Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche. The twenty foot spruce will be adorned with 18^th century Neapolitan angels and Cherubs flanking the nativity scene in the Museum’s Medieval Sculpture Hall. Lighting ceremonies are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 3:30pm and 4:30pm, and Fridays and Saturdays at 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm. 1000 5^th Ave at 82^nd Street. www.metmuseum.org 212-535-7710.

Park Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony– Sunday, December 4, 2011 6:30pm. The Brick Presbyterian Church located at 91^st Street and Park Ave. Every year since 1945 the firs that line Park Avenue have been lit to remember and honor those who have lost their lives in our nation’s wars.

Tree Lighting Celebration at Citi Pond inside Bryant Park- Thursday, December 2, 2011 at 6pm. www.bryantpark.org

Lighting of the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah- This 32 foot tall, two ton candelabra will be lit at the Grand Army Plaza at Fifth Avenue and 59^th Street. The nightly lighting ceremonies will be accompanied by folk dancing and holiday jelly donuts. The festivities take place on December 1 – December 9, 2011 at 5:30 pm and 3:30pm on Fridays.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting- Tuesday, November 29, 2011. 7pm-9pm. The Norway Spruce will be illuminated by 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights on five miles of wire! www.rockefellercenter.com

Chorus Tree at South Street Seaport - Don’t miss the tree lighting on Friday, November 25, 2011 at the South Street Seaport’s Historic Cobblestone Area – South Street and Fulton. 6pm. Soon enough, the bright lights of New York City are going to be drowned out by the beautiful lights of the holiday. The South Street Seaport is kicking it off with a traditional tree lighting ceremony where a 55 foot Norway Spruce will be lit up the day after Thanksgiving. Santa will be available for complimentary photos from 6:30pm-8pm. Carolers perform Fridays at 6pm and 7pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm and 4 pm through Christmas. It provides a festive break from the holiday madness. www.southstreetseaport.com

Santa

Macy’s Santaland and Puppet Theatre- Visit the real Santa Claus at Macy’s Santaland located on the 8^th floor of Macy’s Herald Square. Open daily from 9am to 9pm, from Friday, November 25 through Saturday, December 24, 2011. Admission is free.

Ice Skating in New York

The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center – www.therinkatrockcenter.com 212-332-7654

Citi Pond at Bryant Park - Citi Pond is the centerpiece of Bryant Park’s winter season. The 170’ x 100’ rink features free admission skating in addition to high quality rentals. Open October 29^th, 2011 until February 27^th, 2012. Sunday through Thursday, 8am – 10pm and Friday and Saturdays from 8am –midnight. www.citipondatbryantpark.com

Trump Wollman Rink – Located in Central Park, the rink is near the east side of the Park, just steps from the Central Park Zoo and The Plaza Hotel. It offers ice hockey, a skating school and party facilities. For more information including rink hours call 212-439-6900 or visit www.wollmanskatingrink.com.

Best Places for Hot Chocolate

Dylan’s Candy Bar – Visit the upper level of this Willy Wonka like candy store for a mug of hot chocolate topped with either cookies, birthday cake or, of course, candy. One size $7.00 www.dylanscandystore.com 1011 Third Ave.

Sant Ambroeus – 1000 Madison Avenue (between 77^th and 78^th St.) 212-570-2211 www.santambroeus.com . Their hot chocolate is beyond!

Lexington Candy Shop – Sit at the counter and have an old New York experience as you and your children will enjoy the classic Nestle’s cocoa. One size: $1.50 or $2.95 made with milk. 1226 Lexington Avenue at 83^rd Street. www.lexingtoncandyshop.com.

Holiday Lights Bus Tour

Year after year New York is the top destination for Holiday travels. Come get a taste of why Christmas in New York makes the season bright for so many. See the lights, the music, everything that makes New York spectacular during the holidays! On this guided bus tour through New York you will see the city’s famous holiday lights! Come see Rockefeller Center’s Holiday splendor. Rockefeller Center’s lighted Christmas tree and its outdoor skating rink are just some of the many sites you’ll enjoy on this unforgettable tour of New York City and its Holiday lights. The tour runs approximately 3 hours daily at 7pm, 7:30pm, or 8pm, November 23, 2011 – January 1, 2012. Tickets range from Free for children under the age of 5, $33.95 for children between the ages of 5-11 and 48.95 for Adults. There is a $5 savings for tours booked online. Reserve online or call toll free at 888-880-9108.

http://www.nytours.us/?event=offer.detail&offerId=5170

Christine Miller Martin, Managing Director - 212-439-5194 / cmartin@warburgrealty.com

Hunter Hulshizer, Licensed Salesperson - 212-439-4564 / hhulshizer@warburgrealty.com

FUN THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON 2011

Having spent so many wonderful holiday seasons in New York City, we felt we’d share some of our favorite traditions and activities. We hope the attached serves as a useful guide to help you and your family navigate your way through some of New York’s great sights and attractions this season.

Christine Miller Martin & Hunter Hulshizer,

Warburg Realty Partnership

Christmas Holiday Shows and Events in New York City

Radio City Christmas Spectacular Presents its NEW 2011 Show

The Rockettes – Magical Journey.” (Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020; Now – January 2, 2012; $45 – $250)www.radiocitychristmas.com 866-858-0007.

12th Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square

Sidewalks come alive with street performances by musicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and more. The celebration begins with a neighborhood tree lighting ceremony at Dante Park – Broadway and 63^rd Street. Festivities continue along Broadway from Time Warner Center to 68^th Street. November 29, 2011 at 5:30pm. www.winterseve.org 212-581-3774

The Nutcracker

Angels, soldiers, and sugarplum fairies prance across the Lincoln Center stage in a show that delights children and adults alike.
(New York State Theater, Columbus Avenue & 63rd Street, Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023; November 25 – December 21, 2011. For tickets: www.nycballet.com/nutcracker/nutcracker.html

Handel’s Messiah

Trinity Church Wall Street – The perennial favorite that always sells out, this incredibly rich oratorio features an elaborate mix of chorus, soloists, and orchestra that must be heard live … and what better place than Trinity Church where it received its New World premiere in 1770. Conductor: Julian Wachner. With the Trinity Baroque Orchestra, Robert Mealy, concertmaster. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Trinity Gift Shop, inside Trinity Church. Sunday, December 11, 2011 from 3pm to 6pm. 74 Trinity Place. 212-602-0800. http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/calendar/2011/12/11/messiah-george-frideric-handel/

Grand Central Terminal’s Kaleidoscope Light Show

See Grand Central in a whole new light! An all new Kaleidoscope show will grace the walls of New York's most famous historic landmark again this year. Come see what is becoming one of the most popular holiday shows in the city. Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt Ave at 42nd St., New York, NY 10017; December 1, 2011 – January 1, 2012 . Shows run every half hour from 11am to 9pm daily. Free to the public. www.grandcentralterminal.com.

Holiday Shops and Activities in NYC

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park –
Now – January 8, 2012. Open daily, the over 100 boutique-style shops and specialty food stores from around the world offer exquisite and distinctive apparel, jewelry, decorative goods, imported and local food, and much more. For a complete list of vendors, an insider’s guide to The Holiday Shops and more, please visit www.theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com or call 212-661-6640.

Holiday Shopping in Union Square - One of Manhattan’s most popular Holiday Markets, The Holiday Market in Union Square offers shoppers a wide variety of items which include handcrafted jewelry, fine art, clothes, handmade ornaments and toys. The market will be open from November 18, 2011 to December 24, 2011 from 11am to 8pm daily. Please note that it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. www.urbanspacenyc.com/union-square.

Grand Central Holiday Fair- (Now-December 24th, 2011; Grand Central Terminal; 87 E. 42nd St. at Park Ave.) Stop by Grand Central Terminal for a warm and festive holiday shopping spree. The annually held Holiday Fair offers fun and original gift ideas and a merry atmosphere. Hours are 10am-8pm daily. Closed Thanksgiving Day.

Holiday Market at Columbus Circle- Open December 1 to December 24, 2011, 59^th Street and 8^th Avenue. 10am to 8pm daily.
www.urbanspacenyc.com/columbus-circle-holiday-market/

The Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bartholomew’s – 2011 marks the 7^th year for the Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bart’s. Open November 15 – December 24, 2011 from 8am to 8pm daily. On Park Avenue at 50^th street.

Holiday Window Displays

Lord & Taylor Holiday Window Displays (424 Fifth Avenue at 38th Street)
Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Window Displays (Fifth Avenue and 57th Street)
Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays (611 Fifth Avenue between 49^th and 50^th Street)
Barneys New York Christmas Window Displays (660 Madison Avenue at 61st St.)
Bloomingdale's Christmas Window Displays (Lexington Avenue between 59th Street and 60th Street)
Macy’s Christmas Window Displays (Herald Square, between 34th and 35th on Broadway)

Most department stores run their holiday displays from mid-November to mid-January.

Not Just For Kids

The Museum of the City of New York 2011 Children’s Holiday Party- Arts, crafts, magic shows, a buffet supper and meeting with Santa Claus is enough to get any child in the holiday spirit. (Museum of the City of New York 1220 Fifth Avenue; Monday, December 12, from 3-6pm; visit http://www.mcny.org/public-programs/all/CHP2010.html 212-534-1672

Tenth Annual Grand Central Holiday Train Show November 22, 2011-January 16, 2012; New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex; Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. between Vanderbilt & Lexington Avenues.
The New York Transit Museum Gallery at Grand Central Terminal is returning with its 9th annual Holiday Train Show which features a full train track with a fully functioning train and miniature New York City background. The vintage trains made by Lionel, American Flyer and Louis Marx & Company, which date as far back as the 1920s, will also be on display. www.mta.info/mta/museum/whatsnew.htm

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

November 19, 2011 - January 16, 2012 - The New York Botanical Garden- Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road. The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show is a beautiful scene of The Big Apple built entirely out of plants and natural material like seeds, bark and leaves. A few of the included landmarks are the Brooklyn Bridge and The Statue of Liberty constructed by Paul Busse. The miniature trains are also incredibly impressive works of art to view and run the familiar New York City Landscape. www.nybg.org/hts

New York Zoos

Winter Fest at The Central Park Zoo – Enjoy the beauty of the Zoo at the best time of year – the winter holidays. On Fridays and Saturdays in December, hours will be extended to 6:30 pm so you can stop by in the afternoon or after work for a stroll under the lights. Visit cold weather creatures, enjoy family activities and Wildlife Theatre in the Zoo gallery, and watch the animals get gifted during holiday enrichment sessions. The snow monkeys will forage from trees strung with tasty fruits, red pandas will unpack gift boxes brimming with treats, and polar bears will receive frozen fish-cicles. www.centralparkzoo.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/presents-to-the-animals.aspx

Also enjoy holiday shopping at the Zootique, take a family holiday photo, and treat yourself to cookies and cocoa in the café. Activities take place from 2pm-6:30pm. December 2-3, 2011; December 9-10, 2011; and December 16-17, 2011.

Hess Clydesdale Carriage Rides at The Bronx Zoo-

Weekends November 6 through December 19 & December 26-31, 2011. Beloved Clydesdale horses Ranger, Jesse, and Monty will take guests on festive wagon rides around the zoo. Other features will include a petting zoo, ice carvings and puppets. Saturdays and Sundays throughout the holiday season. Special winter activities continue in December. $5 per person for ages 3 and up. http://www.bronxzoo.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/horse-drawn-carriage-rides.aspx

Hotels, Museums, Trees and Lights

Stop by to enjoy Madeline Tea at The Carlyle’s famous Bemelmans Bar. Madeline Tea is a delightfully playful afternoon for children and parents alike. Guests can listen and sing along to tunes from the Madeline Song Book with Tina de Varon while dining on Madeline’s Children’s Buffet, afternoon tea, or an a la carte menu for adults. Every Saturday with seatings at 10am and 12:30pm. Don’t forget to check out the gingerbread house on display in The Gallery. It’s an endless source of temptation for both young and the young at heart. Located at 35 East 76^th Street. www.thecarlyle.com 212-744-1600

Victorian Holiday Lighting (At the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center – Inside the Park on 110^th St between 5^th and Lenox Aves) - Sunday, December 4, 2011 - 4:00pm to 5:30pm. Celebrate the season in Manhattan’s Victorian winter wonderland at the Central Park Conservancy’s 15^th Annual Holiday Lighting. Enjoy hot cocoa, live carolers, cookie decorating, crafts and an opportunity to take photographs with Father Christmas. FREE. No advance registration. All ages welcome. For more information, call 212-860-1370. http://support.centralparknyc.org/site/Calendar/1253496182?view=Detail&id=112081

Origami Christmas Tree at the American Museum of Natural History – For over thirty years the museum has celebrated the holiday season with its origami tree. This year will be no exception as it will be decorated with the theme of discovery, from dinosaur digs to space exploration. Also, don’t miss the two 19-foot Holiday Barosaurs lit up for viewing as well. Tree viewing begins on November 21, 2011 and will remain up until January 2, 2012. Central Park West at 79^th Street. 212-875-5456 www.amnh.org

Christmas Tree at The Metropolitan Museum of Art- November 23, 2011-January 6, 2012. The Museum will display its Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche. The twenty foot spruce will be adorned with 18^th century Neapolitan angels and Cherubs flanking the nativity scene in the Museum’s Medieval Sculpture Hall. Lighting ceremonies are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 3:30pm and 4:30pm, and Fridays and Saturdays at 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm. 1000 5^th Ave at 82^nd Street. www.metmuseum.org 212-535-7710.

Park Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony– Sunday, December 4, 2011 6:30pm. The Brick Presbyterian Church located at 91^st Street and Park Ave. Every year since 1945 the firs that line Park Avenue have been lit to remember and honor those who have lost their lives in our nation’s wars.

Tree Lighting Celebration at Citi Pond inside Bryant Park- Thursday, December 2, 2011 at 6pm. www.bryantpark.org

Lighting of the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah- This 32 foot tall, two ton candelabra will be lit at the Grand Army Plaza at Fifth Avenue and 59^th Street. The nightly lighting ceremonies will be accompanied by folk dancing and holiday jelly donuts. The festivities take place on December 1 – December 9, 2011 at 5:30 pm and 3:30pm on Fridays.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting- Tuesday, November 29, 2011. 7pm-9pm. The Norway Spruce will be illuminated by 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights on five miles of wire! www.rockefellercenter.com

Chorus Tree at South Street Seaport - Don’t miss the tree lighting on Friday, November 25, 2011 at the South Street Seaport’s Historic Cobblestone Area – South Street and Fulton. 6pm. Soon enough, the bright lights of New York City are going to be drowned out by the beautiful lights of the holiday. The South Street Seaport is kicking it off with a traditional tree lighting ceremony where a 55 foot Norway Spruce will be lit up the day after Thanksgiving. Santa will be available for complimentary photos from 6:30pm-8pm. Carolers perform Fridays at 6pm and 7pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm and 4 pm through Christmas. It provides a festive break from the holiday madness. www.southstreetseaport.com

Santa

Macy’s Santaland and Puppet Theatre- Visit the real Santa Claus at Macy’s Santaland located on the 8^th floor of Macy’s Herald Square. Open daily from 9am to 9pm, from Friday, November 25 through Saturday, December 24, 2011. Admission is free.

Ice Skating in New York

The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center – www.therinkatrockcenter.com 212-332-7654

Citi Pond at Bryant Park - Citi Pond is the centerpiece of Bryant Park’s winter season. The 170’ x 100’ rink features free admission skating in addition to high quality rentals. Open October 29^th, 2011 until February 27^th, 2012. Sunday through Thursday, 8am – 10pm and Friday and Saturdays from 8am –midnight. www.citipondatbryantpark.com

Trump Wollman Rink – Located in Central Park, the rink is near the east side of the Park, just steps from the Central Park Zoo and The Plaza Hotel. It offers ice hockey, a skating school and party facilities. For more information including rink hours call 212-439-6900 or visit www.wollmanskatingrink.com.

Best Places for Hot Chocolate

Dylan’s Candy Bar – Visit the upper level of this Willy Wonka like candy store for a mug of hot chocolate topped with either cookies, birthday cake or, of course, candy. One size $7.00 www.dylanscandystore.com 1011 Third Ave.

Sant Ambroeus – 1000 Madison Avenue (between 77^th and 78^th St.) 212-570-2211 www.santambroeus.com . Their hot chocolate is beyond!

Lexington Candy Shop – Sit at the counter and have an old New York experience as you and your children will enjoy the classic Nestle’s cocoa. One size: $1.50 or $2.95 made with milk. 1226 Lexington Avenue at 83^rd Street. www.lexingtoncandyshop.com.

Holiday Lights Bus Tour

Year after year New York is the top destination for Holiday travels. Come get a taste of why Christmas in New York makes the season bright for so many. See the lights, the music, everything that makes New York spectacular during the holidays! On this guided bus tour through New York you will see the city’s famous holiday lights! Come see Rockefeller Center’s Holiday splendor. Rockefeller Center’s lighted Christmas tree and its outdoor skating rink are just some of the many sites you’ll enjoy on this unforgettable tour of New York City and its Holiday lights. The tour runs approximately 3 hours daily at 7pm, 7:30pm, or 8pm, November 23, 2011 – January 1, 2012. Tickets range from Free for children under the age of 5, $33.95 for children between the ages of 5-11 and 48.95 for Adults. There is a $5 savings for tours booked online. Reserve online or call toll free at 888-880-9108.

http://www.nytours.us/?event=offer.detail&offerId=5170

Christine Miller Martin, Managing Director - 212-439-5194 / cmartin@warburgrealty.com

Hunter Hulshizer, Licensed Salesperson - 212-439-4564 / hhulshizer@warburgrealty.com

 

Last month Warburg Realty President Frederick Peters wrote two wonderfully informative pieces on New York co-ops: “Why Co-ops Work” http://www.warburgrealty.com/blog/?p=600, which discusses the merits of co-op living and “Fit For the Board” http://www.warburgrealty.com/blog/?p=603, a helpful primer on navigating the co-op board package process. As a broker who works with both buyers and sellers, I thought I might add to the conversation with some tips to think about as you embark on the search for the co-op of your dreams.

 

1.                  Use one broker. While it may seem at times that every other person one meets in the city is a real estate broker, the truth of the matter is, the community of the better Manhattan brokers is actually quite small and very tightly knit. Most of us know each other and contrary to the competitive, cutthroat and catty stereotype, we’re actually a pretty collegial group, loyal to one another, respectful of each other’s clients and careful not to step on toes.  Talk to friends and colleagues, do your homework to find a reputable broker you feel comfortable with, and stay loyal.  News about clients using multiple brokers spreads quickly and causes (i) embarrassment to brokers who make appointments for clients who may have already seen the property with another broker and (ii)  confusion, awkwardness and ill-will if you submit an offer on an apartment you first saw with another broker.  In 2007, to make sure WE are as highly trained as possible,  the Real Estate Board of New York—REBNY— created the New York Residential Specialist designation which recognizes leading residential real estate brokers in New York City.  It’s REBNY’s highest professional credential in residential sales and identifies those qualified Associate Brokers who have successfully completed an advanced graduate program designed specifically for the nuances of the New York City market.  I am proud to be an NYRS broker. For more information about this program, see https://members.rebny.com/nyrs_home.jsp

 

2.                  Make a good first impression. You should treat your viewing appointment like an interview.  However gracious and lovely the listing broker is, make no mistake, he or she is observing you, what you wear, your manners and reporting back to the seller. Listing brokers often root for certain prospective buyers they like and the more they like you — and your broker — the better your chances.  Arrive on time. Don’t wear athletic clothing, don’t bring your Starbucks latte or Diet Coke, don’t show up on the phone and make everyone a hostage to your phone call in the lobby and, if humanly possible, try not to take a call during the showing and, if you do, be apologetic and make it short. And remember it’s not only the broker you’re trying to impress. That person in the lobby or in the elevator for all you know is on the board. Finally, even if the apartment is an absolute hideosity, don’t walk in, take two steps, say “No” and just turn around. Find something nice to comment on and just say something to the effect of “I’m afraid it just doesn’t work for us.”  You never know, that same broker’s next listing may be for the apartment you do bid on and you want her to remember you favorably.

 

3.                  Admit you like the apartment. There’s a widely-held belief that one should never appear to like an apartment because somehow if the sellers know you want it, they will think you will pay up for it. In my experience, nothing could be further from the truth! Sellers want to sell their apartment to people who love the apartment as much as they do. It is their home and holds an enormous sentimental attachment for them.  I’ve had clients willing to entertain a lower offer because they knew the prospective buyers really loved their apartment and they just wanted to sell it to them for purely emotional reasons (over the person who comes across as purely focused on the price per square foot valuation). If you’re walking around finding fault with the apartment, you will come across as someone who’s difficult to deal with and possibly an undesirable neighbor. Particularly in a multiple bid situation, being perceived as rude, negative or difficult will really put you at an enormous disadvantage. Likability counts. It’s not called a “co-operative” for nothing.

 

4.                  Be discreet. Do not talk about the apartment until you get outside the building and are out of earshot of the doorman. Better still, walk to the next corner before you enter into a discussion about it.

 

5.                  Be nice to the doorman and building staff. Doormen and building staff will frequently speak to residents and brokers about prospective buyers, particularly if their impression is a negative one. 

 

6.                  Be prepared. I make every effort to have my clients have all their ducks in a row before we submit an offer. It shows you have your act together, are ready to go, are represented by a competent broker and conveys the message to the sellers that you will be easy to do a deal with.  If you can, complete and sign the REBNY Financial Statement required by nearly all co-ops and get a mortgage pre-approval letter so that you can submit them with your offer.  Oh, and that irksome form that your broker is asking you to sign? She’s not pulling a fast one on you. Effective January 1, 2011, all sellers and buyers must sign the ”NYS Disclosure Form for Both Buyers and Sellers” which simply states the terms of the fiduciary responsibilities your agent has to you.  The NYS Disclosure form is not a contract.  Its only objective is to ensure the buyer and seller know their rights in real estate transactions.  (See link http://www.dos.state.ny.us/forms/licensing/1736-a.pdf).  The NYS Disclosure Form needs to be signed in conjunction with sales exclusive signings, at the latest after the first day of showing property for a buyer, and anytime that relationship may change.  Don’t let it scare you.  It doesn’t obligate you to only use that agent, has nothing to do with who pays commission, and is simply a disclosure that must be acknowledged by your signature.    

 

7.                  Take the board package seriously. You need to treat the board package with the same level of seriousness as you would your child’s college application.  Ask for more reference letters than you need – more than likely someone will let you down. Impress upon your reference writers the importance of a well- written, anecdotal letter which should be about a page in length. The ideal writer is someone who knows you well and lives in a co-op in a similar building in the neighborhood.  If they serve on their board, even better. The letter should be addressed to the board, make mention of where they live, whether they serve or served on their board and include a phone number. Importantly, writers should also be reminded NOT to send the letters to the board but to deliver them to the applicant or their broker.

 

8.      Google yourself.  You can be certain the coop board will, as will the other broker. Make sure your Facebook page does not contain anything inappropriate, politically charged or incendiary.  And while you’re at it you would be wise to Google your children too and have a talk with them about the importance of creating a good impression.                           

 

9.         Get a pedicure. You laugh but you will be surprised by the number of times you will be asked to take off your shoes before entering apartments and you don’t want to be taken off guard. So put your best foot forward and head to the nail salon or at least invest in a good pair of socks!   

10.      Don’t be presumptuous.  I always tell my clients to tell as few people as  possible (and preferably  no one) about an accepted offer. Don’t ask to visit the apartment multiple times with your  decorator and family members. Don’t even think of calling the managing agent to inquire about the status of the package. And, whatever you do, definitely don’t act like board approval is a foregone conclusion.  If you hired a great broker and submitted the best board package you could, more than  likely things will work out. But anything can happen. This is New York. 

 

 

 

         Like most worth things worth doing, buying a co-op in Manhattan takes some effort.  It’s your broker’s job to guide you through the process and make it as painless as possible. In addition to the obvious tax and appreciation benefits, the psychic benefits of owning one’s home are inestimable. And someday soon, you will be congratulating yourself as you enjoy your new home in the world’s most exciting city.

 

 

 

 

FUN THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON 2010

Having spent so many wonderful holiday seasons in New York City, we felt we’d share some of our favorite traditions and activities.  We hope the attached serves as a useful guide to help you and your family navigate your way through some of New York’s great sights and attractions this season.  

Christine Miller Martin & Hunter Hulshizer, Warburg Realty Partnership          

 

Christmas Holiday Shows and Events in New York City

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

The Rockettes kick up their heels this year to a fresh routine of The Twelve Days of Christmas and audience members get the full effect with a flying LED screen. (Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020; Now – December 30, 2010; $45 – $250) www.radiocitychristmas.com  866-858-0007.

Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square

Sidewalks come alive with street performances by musicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and more. November 29, 2010 at 5:30pm.  The celebration begins with a neighborhood tree lighting ceremony at Dante Park – Broadway and 63^rd Street.  Festivities continue along Broadway from Time Warner Center to 68^th Street.  November 29, 2010 at 5:30pm.   www.winterseve.org  212-581-3774                                                                              

The Nutcracker

Angels, soldiers, and sugarplum fairies prance across the Lincoln Center stage in a show that delights children and adults alike.
(New York State Theater, Columbus Avenue & 63rd Street, Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023; November 26 – January 2, 2011.  For tickets: www.nycballet.com/nutcracker/nutcracker.html

Handel’s Messiah

Trinity Church Wall Street – The perennial favorite that always sells out, this incredibly rich oratorio features an elaborate mix of chorus, soloists, and orchestra that must be heard live … and what better place than Trinity Church where it received its New World premiere in 1770.  Conductor:  Julian Wachner.  With the Trinity Baroque Orchestra, Robert Mealy, concertmaster.  Tickets can be purchased online or at the Trinity Gift Shop, inside Trinity Church.   Sunday, December 12, 2010 from 3pm to 5pm.  74 Trinity Place.  212-602-0800.  http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/calendar/2010/12/13/messiah-george-frideric-handel/

 

Grand Central Terminal’s Kaleidoscope Light Show

See Grand Central in a whole new light!  An all new Kaleidoscope show will grace the walls of New York’s most famous historic landmark again this year.  Come see what is becoming one of the most popular holiday shows in the city.  Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt Ave at 42nd St., New York, NY 10017; December 1, 2010 – January 1, 2011 .  Shows run every half hour from 11am to 9pm daily.  Free to the public.  www.grandcentralterminal.com.

 

Holiday Shops and Activities in NYC

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park – November 5, 2010 – January 2, 2011.  Open daily, the over 100 boutique-style shops and specialty food stores from around the world offer exquisite and distinctive apparel, jewelry, decorative goods, imported and local food, and much more.  For a complete list of vendors, an insider’s guide to The Holiday Shops and more, please visit www.theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com or call 212-661-6640.

Holiday Shopping in Union Square – One of Manhattan’s most popular Holiday Markets, The Holiday Market in Union Square offers shoppers a wide variety of items which include handcrafted jewelry, fine art, clothes, handmade ornaments and toys.  The market will be open from November 19, 2010 to December 24, 2010 from 11am to 8pm daily.  Please note that it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.  www.urbanspacenyc.com/union-square.

Grand Central Holiday Fair- (November 15th-December 24th, 2010; Grand Central Terminal; 87 E. 42nd St. at Park Ave.) Stop by Grand Central Terminal for a warm and festive holiday shopping spree. The annually held Holiday Fair offers fun and original gift ideas and a merry atmosphere.   Hours are 10am-8pm daily.  Closed Thanksgiving Day.

Holiday Market at Columbus Circle- Open December 1 to December 24, 2010, 59^th Street and 8^th Avenue.  10am to 8pm daily.  http://www.urbanspacenyc.com/columbus-circle/

The Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bartholomew’s – 2010 marks the 7^th year for the Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bart’s.  Open November 15 – December 24, 2010 from 8am to 8pm daily.  On Park Avenue at 50^th street.

Holiday Window Displays

Lord & Taylor Holiday Window Displays (424 Fifth Avenue at 38th Street)
Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Window Displays (Fifth Avenue and 57th Street)
Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays (611 Fifth Avenue between 49^th and 50^th Street)
Barneys New York Christmas Window Displays (660 Madison Avenue at 61st St.)
Bloomingdale’s Christmas Window Displays (Lexington Avenue between 59th Street and 60th Street)
Macy’s Christmas Window Displays (Herald Square, between 34th and 35th on Broadway)

Most department stores run their holiday displays from mid-November to mid-January.

Not Just For Kids

The Museum of the City of New York 2010 Children’s Holiday Party- Arts, crafts, magic shows, a buffet supper and meeting with Santa Claus is enough to get any child in the holiday spirit. (Museum of the City of New York 1220 Fifth Avenue; Monday, December 13, from 3-6pm; visit http://www.mcny.org/public-programs/all/CHP2010.html  212-534-1672 

Ninth Annual Grand Central Holiday Train Show November 22, 2010-January 17, 2011; New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex; Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St.  between Vanderbilt & Lexington Avenues.
The New York Transit Museum Gallery at Grand Central Terminal is returning with its 9th annual Holiday Train Show which features a full train track with a fully functioning train and miniature New York City background. The vintage trains made by Lionel, American Flyer and Louis Marx & Company, which date as far back as the 1920s, will also be on display.  www.mta.info/mta/museum/whatsnew.htm

 

New York Botanical Garden  Holiday Train  Show

November 20, 2010 – January 9, 2011 – The New York Botanical Garden- Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road.  The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is a beautiful scene of The Big Apple built entirely out of plants and natural material like seeds, bark and leaves. A few of the included landmarks are the Brooklyn Bridge and The Statue of Liberty constructed by Paul Busse. The miniature trains are also incredibly impressive works of art to view and run the familiar New York City Landscape.   www.nybg.org/hts

New York Zoos

Winter Fest at The Central Park Zoo – Enjoy the beauty of the Zoo at the best time of year – the winter holidays.  On Fridays and Saturdays in December, hours will be extended to 6:30 pm so you can stop by in the afternoon or after work for a stroll under the lights.  Visit cold weather creatures, enjoy family activities and Wildlife Theatre in the Zoo gallery, and watch the animals get gifted during holiday enrichment sessions.  The snow monkeys will forage from trees strung with tasty fruits, red pandas will unpack gift boxes brimming with treats, and polar bears will receive frozen fish-cicles. www.centralparkzoo.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/presents-to-the-animals.aspx

Also enjoy holiday shopping at the Zootique, take a family holiday photo, and treat yourself to cookies and cocoa in the café.  Activities take place from 2pm-6:30pm.  December 3-4, 2010; December 10-11, 2010; and December 17-18, 2010.

Hess Clydesdale Carriage Rides at The Bronx Zoo-

Weekends November 6 through December 19 & December 26-31, 2010.  Beloved Clydesdale horses Ranger, Jesse, and Monty will take guests on festive wagon rides around the zoo.  Other features will include a petting zoo, ice carvings and puppets.   Saturdays and Sundays throughout the holiday season.  Special winter activities continue in December.   $5 per person for ages 3 and up.   http://www.bronxzoo.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/horse-drawn-carriage-rides.aspx

Hotels, Museums, Trees and Lights

Carolers in the Lobby of The Carlyle Hotel

Holiday Victorian-style carolers will bring memories to your heart.  Be serenaded by your favorite holiday melodies in The Carlyle’s famed lobby.  On December 22^nd and 23^rd, 2010, carolers will perform from 5:30-7:30pm.  On Christmas Eve, enjoy the Victorian Vocal Quartet from 5pm-9pm and on Christmas Day from noon-2pm and again from 5pm-7pm. 

Also stop by to enjoy Madeline Tea at The Carlyle’s famous Bemelmans Bar.  Madeline Tea is a delightfully playful afternoon for children and parents alike.  Guests can listen and sing along to tunes from the Madeline Song Book with Tina de Varon while dining on Madeline’s Children’s Buffet, afternoon tea, or an a la carte menu for adults.  Every Saturday with seatings at 10am and 12:30pm.  Don’t forget to check out the gingerbread house on display in The Gallery.  It’s an endless source of temptation for both young and the young at heart.  Located at 35 East 76^th Street. www.thecarlyle.com  212-744-1600

Victorian Holiday Lighting (At the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center – Inside the Park on 110^th St between 5^th and Lenox Aves)  - Sunday, December 5, 2010  - 3:00pm to 5:00pm.  Celebrate the season in Manhattan’s Victorian winter wonderland at the Central Park Conservancy’s 14^th Annual Holiday Lighting.  Enjoy hot cocoa, live carolers, cookie decorating, crafts and an opportunity to take photographs with Father Christmas.  FREE.  No advance registration.  All ages welcome.  For more information, call 212-860-1370.  http://support.centralparknyc.org/site/Calendar/1253496182?view=Detail&id=112081

Origami Christmas Tree at the American Museum of Natural History – For over thirty years the museum has celebrated the holiday season with its origami tree.  This year will be no exception as it will be decorated with the theme of discovery, from dinosaur digs to space exploration.  Also, don’t miss the two 19-foot Holiday Barosaurs lit up for viewing as well.  Tree viewing begins on November 22, 2010 and will remain up until January 2, 2011.  Central Park West at 79^th Street.  212-875-5456 www.amnh.org

Christmas Tree at The Metropolitan Museum of Art-  November 23, 2010-January 6, 2011.  The Museum will display its Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche.  The twenty foot spruce will be adorned with 18^th century Neapolitan angels and Cherubs flanking the nativity scene in the Museum’s Medieval Sculpture Hall.  Lighting ceremonies are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 3:30pm and 4:30pm, and Fridays and Saturdays at 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm.   1000 5^th Ave  at 82^nd Street.   www.metmuseum.org 212-535-7710.

Park Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony– Sunday, December 5, 2010 6:30pm.  The Brick Presbyterian Church located at 91^st Street and Park Ave.  Every year since 1945 the firs that line Park Avenue have been lit to remember and honor those who have lost their lives in our nation’s wars.

Tree Lighting Celebration at Citi Pond inside Bryant  Park- Thursday, December 2, 2010  at 6pm.  www.bryantpark.org

Lighting of the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah- This 32 foot tall, two ton candelabra will be lit at the Grand Army Plaza at Fifth Avenue and 59^th Street.  The nightly lighting ceremonies will be accompanied by folk dancing and holiday jelly donuts.   The festivities take place on December 1 – December 9, 2010 at 5:30 pm and 3:30pm on Fridays.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting- Tuesday, November 30, 2010.  7pm-9pm.  The Norway Spruce will be illuminated by 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights on five miles of wire!  www.rockefellercenter.com

Chorus Tree at South Street Seaport – Don’t miss the tree lighting on Friday, November 26^th 2010 at the South Street Seaport’s Historic Cobblestone Area – South Street and Fulton.  6pm.  Soon enough, the bright lights of New York City are going to be drowned out by the beautiful lights of the holiday. The South Street Seaport is kicking it off with a traditional tree lighting ceremony where a 55 foot Norway Spruce will be lit up the day after Thanksgiving.   Santa will be available for complimentary photos from 6:30pm-8pm.  Carolers perform Fridays at 6pm and 7pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm and 4 pm through Christmas.  It provides a festive break from the holiday madness.  www.southstreetseaport.com

 

Santa

Macy’s Santaland and Puppet Theatre- Visit the real Santa Claus at Macy’s Santaland located on the 8^th floor of Macy’s Herald Square.  Open daily from 9am to 9pm, from Friday, November 25 through Saturday, December 24, 2010.  Admission is free.

Santa Pub Crawl- For the over-21 crowd, this holiday season you can follow Santa and his helpers to local bars for the Santa Pub Crawl.  The 2010 Santa Pub Crawl New York City will take place on Friday, December 10^th.  For more information, visit www.spcnyc.com.

 

Ice Skating in New York

The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center – www.therinkatrockcenter.com  212-332-7654

Citi Pond at Bryant Park – Citi Pond is the centerpiece of Bryant Park’s winter season.  The 170’ x 100’ rink features free admission skating in addition to high quality rentals.   Open October 29^th, 2010 until February 27^th, 2011.  Sunday through Thursday, 8am – 10pm and Friday and Saturdays from 8am –midnight.   www.citipondatbryantpark.com

Trump Wollman Rink – Located in Central Park, the rink is near the east side of the Park, just steps from the Central Park Zoo and The Plaza Hotel.  It offers ice hockey, a skating school and party facilities.  For more information including rink hours call 212-439-6900 or visit www.wollmanskatingrink.com.  

Best Places for Hot Chocolate

Dylan’s Candy Bar – Visit the upper level of this Willy Wonka like candy store for a mug of hot chocolate topped with either cookies, birthday cake or, of course, candy. One size $7.00  www.dylanscandystore.com  1011 Third Ave.

La Maison du Chocolat – The grand daddy of chocolate shops has a tasting salon in the back where hot chocolate lovers are in for a real treat.  Try the semi sweet or very dark blends for an over-the-top, hot chocolate experience.  One size: $8.00  1018 Madison Avenue (between 78^th and 79^th St.)  212-744-7117  www.lamaisonduchocolat.com

Sant Ambroeus – 1000 Madison Avenue (between 77^th and 78^th St.)  212-570-2211  www.santambroeus.com . Their hot chocolate is beyond!

Lexington Candy Shop – Sit at the counter and have an old New York experience as you and your children will enjoy the classic Nestle’s cocoa.  One size: $1.50 or $2.95 made with milk.  1226 Lexington Avenue at 83^rd Street.  www.lexingtoncandyshop.com.

Francois Chocolate Bar at Mauboussin – Located on the fourth floor of jeweler Mauboussin, on the Upper East Side.  Indulge in Payard’s signature sweets which are on full display.  You can buy some fabulous jewelry while you’re at it! 714 Madison Avenue (fourth floor) 212-759-1600.

 

Holiday Lights Bus Tour

Year after year New York is the top destination for Holiday travels.  Come get a taste of why Christmas in New York makes the season bright for so many.  See the lights, the music, everything that makes New York spectacular during the holidays!  On this guided bus tour through New York you will see the city’s famous holiday lights!  Come see Rockefeller Center’s Holiday splendor.  Rockefeller Center’s lighted Christmas tree and its outdoor skating rink are just some of the many sites you’ll enjoy on this unforgettable tour of New York City and its Holiday lights.   The tour runs approximately 3 hours daily at 7pm, 7:30pm, or 8pm, November 23, 2010 – January 1, 2011.  Tickets range from Free for children under the age of 5, $33.95 for children between the ages of 5-11 and 48.95 for Adults.  There is a $5 savings for tours booked online.  Reserve online or call toll free at 888-880-9108. 

http://www.nytours.us/?event=offer.detail&offerId=5170

  

 

 Christine Miller Martin, Managing Director – 212-439-5194 / cmartin@warburgrealty.com

 Hunter Hulshizer, Salesperson – 212-439-4564 / hhulshizer@warburgrealty.com