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

 

The Art of Ethical Negotiation, part of a series of master classes in the NYRS program, takes place in the wood paneled boardroom at the Real Estate Board of New York. It’s an intimate venue that allows 30+ participants to engage in a lively discourse about bargaining and winning. It’s less about revealing real estate war stories and more about successful professionals discussing best strategies. For the past several years, it’s been led by Warburg’s President Frederick Peters and his life long friend, veteran investment banker Alec Haverstick, a principal at Bessemer Trust. Following is my take-away on guidelines for conducting a successful negotiation. 

 

By definition, negotiation is a communication process between two or more parties whose aim is to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. For a smooth real estate transaction to occur, good relationships must be fostered and all sides must win.

 

Establishing strong alliances with our co-brokers is arguably as important as developing trustworthy relationships with our buyers and sellers. Over the course of our careers, we may be fortunate to close handfuls of repeat deals and even more referral business with each buyer and seller, but we will interact with our co-broker colleagues week after week and year after year. The agent whose email offer pops up suddenly in the sellers’ agent’s Outlook Inbox without having made a preliminary “feeler” phone call misses not only an opening to build rapport but also the opportunistic chance to learn something about motivation, rejected offers, and even emotional triggers. The agent who is arrogant, overbearing or confrontational reveals an adversarial hand and foreshadows an unwillingness to be a cooperative ally during the next all important step of preparing the co-op board presentation.

 

Advisors, Advocates and Architects

 

As advisors to our buyers and sellers, effective agents mix product knowledge with the realities of the marketplace. Armed thoroughly with as much information as we can uncover, our task is to persuade each side to raise or lower expectations while always advocating for each side and portraying the parties in the best light. Cultivating good will between buyers and sellers, we refrain from speaking badly of the other, filter any negative comments, defuse any bad feelings and keep emotions in check to maintain distance and objectivity. When we promote mutual understanding, we make room for empathy and flexibility to follow.

 

As architects of the deal, we devise a bargaining structure at the outset when a bid is first offered or received, and we prepare for successive moves. While each negotiation is different and there’s no one size fits all formula, generally all offers merit a counter. A token response to even low bids signals good faith to continue the bargaining dialogue. When that occurs it’s important to add the qualifying caveat “but unless your next offer is significantly higher, I won’t be able to get you another response.” If we were to follow the textbook negotiation sequence, there would be three moves of diminishing amounts. Compromise or splitting the difference is best reserved to bridge a narrow gap at the end of the progression.

 

In a successful negotiation each party needs to have a vested interest in the exchange in order to feel good about the outcome. If the time is too long, momentum and even interest are at risk; if too short, a deal that’s won too easily is questioned. Hitting the pause button when negotiations are moving too quickly to take a 24 hour breather from communication helps each side to reset to consider the other. Adding reverse psychology to a stalemate—“This isn’t working, so let’s move on to another property/buyer”—often gets a deal back on track.

 

Managing the negotiation process requires self discipline. Part of the negotiating skillset is the ability to listen. The agent whose silence makes room for the other side to speak stands a better chance of advancing a position. Allowing the principals to think they originated a compelling maneuver and complimenting them goes further than taking personal credit.

At the bargaining table there’s no room for ego, hostility or bullying. I’m always especially pleased to do a deal with another NYRS agent. There’s no question that to reach an agreement, we will demonstrate mutual respect and good faith and will treat all parties fairly. It will be win-win as we exchange bargaining chips as equal counterparts aligned to make deals happen.

 

Last Monday night I taught a negotiating class to a group of senior agents at The Real Estate Board of New York with a banker friend with decades of negotiating experience. What we have both learned over the years is that negotiating is a complicated and intricate dance best performed by cool heads who are able to remain non-adversarial. Emotion, unless judiciously and sparingly deployed, tends to be the enemy of successful outcomes over time. Keeping the conversation rational is one of the most significant reasons principals are drawn to agents. As I say to my agents at Warburg, the buyers and sellers are capable of being emotional all by themselves.  If that is how YOU are going to behave, what value are you adding? This is the purchase or sale of their home; they’re ALREADY emotional.

And here are a few other ideas we discussed during the session:

- Most agents imagine that negotiating takes place between a buyer and a seller to arrive at a deal. While of course this is true, it is merely the LAST in a series of negotiations which have taken place to bring the parties to that place.  Every step of the way involves negotiations: they begin with the first meeting between agent and seller. What will the commission be? What will the price be?

- Frequently the most complicated negotiations are those between the members of a couple. Agents are always trying to figure out who the “decision maker “ is. In my experience it is usually more complicated than that. Both members of a couple are usually involved, although often one is the spokesperson. Complications arise when the members of the couple want different things. In those situations the agent requires a full complement of psychological as well as business skills to reconcile the factions.

- It is crucial to know when to speak and when to remain silent. It’s remarkable what you can learn if you do not talk too much. As a culture we tend to be uncomfortable with silence: we like to fill it. A skilled negotiator always uses this fact to leave silences hanging, waiting for the other side to fill them, sometimes with unexpectedly useful information. 

- Time management can determine the success or failure of any negotiation. Especially in the last stages, when the parties are close but unable to bridge a final gap, a breather can open the way to a solution. I urge my agents to walk away for a day when the need to win overcomes the desire to be reasonable. It is remarkable what a breather can do in restoring everyone’s focus on the actual goal – consummating the deal so the buyer gets the property and the seller gets paid.

Every skilled professional has his or her store of wisdom about what makes negotiations flow to a successful conclusion.  The process is endlessly fascinating to me; each deal is distinct and in negotiating each I learn so much about myself, my clients, the people on the other side, and the ever refracting  face of human nature.

This year there will be 39 hungry attendees at our house for Thanksgiving. As we move furniture around and I roll endless pie crusts, I am inspired by the holiday, as every year, to ruminate on what I feel grateful for. As I noted in this blog last year, part of our holiday tradition (and one that will clearly take a while this year) is that we go around the tables and each person takes a moment to give thanks for whatever is good in his or her own life. So in that mode I want to share my professional gratitude list for 2012 here:

- I remain profoundly grateful for the continued recovery and vibrancy of the New York real estate market. Relatively low inventory, remarkable absorption rates for newly constructed or converted apartments, and buyers with a renewed sense of purpose about purchasing in the city have driven 2012 to be a banner year for our industry.

- I am grateful that the election is over. Now we can all get on with the rest of our lives and the President and Congress can, with any luck, get on with the business of trying to steer the ship of state through the parlous waters which surround it.

- I am proud and gratified by the way so many New Yorkers responded to the epic and in many cases disastrous proportions of Hurricane Sandy. In my offices alone we collected thousands of dollars worth of supplies for distribution, and many agents and staff members traveled to the hardest hit areas to help out. From all over the city and the Northeast, aid and helping hands have poured in, eager to do whatever they could to alleviate the suffering of the many people who lost their homes, their possessions, heat, power, access…creating a wave of refugees within our own municipal borders.

- Equally impressive is the way our industry has risen to the occasion: owners of all sizes and types of buildings have made vacant apartments available to those whose homes are no longer habitable. I am always proud to be a New Yorker, but I am particularly so when our reputation for standoffishness and indifference to the plight of others is put to the test and disproved. New Yorkers are, in my experience, both friendly and generous – quod erat demonstrandum (“which had to be demonstrated”).

- I am grateful that developers are once again as active as they can be in Manhattan. With so little inventory, and with the anticipated tax changes already impacting sellers’ decisions about whether listing their homes makes financial sense, we need all the new construction we can get. Newly constructed properties all over the city, from Walker Tower on West 18th Street to the two new condos on East 79th, are selling briskly, with buyers lined up to enjoy high quality new construction in top locations, some of which, like the Macklowe conversion at 737 Park, are in locations heretofore available only to co-op purchasers.

The country and our city face considerable economic challenges in the near term. Nonetheless, it has been an exciting and successful year in the residential real estate business. I am grateful that the homes we sell continue to represent a stable investment and, for many, a reliable hedge against untoward events as we move towards the new year.

I have spent the last three days at the National Association of Realtors conference in Orlando, Florida. Although I am no fan of Orlando, which seems to me like a place without a place, the conference was, as it always is, a fascinating experience in a number of ways. The amount of new technology on display is dazzling, and not just for real estate professionals. Online document management and e-signature applications will be altering the way business is transacted in the legal community and the venture capital and hedge fund worlds as well as in real estate deals of every stripe. It makes me realize, yet again, what a backwater our ultra sophisticated home town remains for the real estate professional and his clients. The rest of the country has sprinted ahead of us in listings search and client interaction software, while we in Manhattan have remained in a minimally competitive environment which has stifled competition and innovation. At last this is about to change, as the RLS, our local version of an MLS, will launch before year’s end, opening our city to the enormous grab bag of applications which have been enjoyed by the rest of the country for years.

In addition to the technology, there were some great facts, both general and specific, and a few nuggets of real wisdom imparted by the speakers at the many sessions the Warburg team attended. Here are four of my favorite facts gleaned from the presentations:

- nationwide, the average age of realtors is 55. Nationwide, the average age of buyers is 31. Do these age groups speak the same language?

- the average mobile user looks at her device over 300 times per day!

- in the past year, the frequency with which e-mail was opened on a mobile device increased by 34%,while the frequency of desktop openings decreased by almost 10%

- 28% of the average worker’s day is spent reading and responding to e-mail. (I would argue that the percentage is probably higher for real estate professionals. But for everyone, the amount of time we spend manipulating our mobile devices when we should be interacting or speaking with others, especially with the person sitting directly across from us at a restaurant table, is appalling. We have all reverted to the 18 month old stage of parallel play!)

And finally, my favorite bit of wisdom, expressed by real estate coach David Knox in his training for real estate managers: remember that people ASK for advice but what they actually WANT is feedback. Too many sales managers, when asked for advice by the agents who report to them, actually give it! This is a poor idea for two reasons: first, advice almost always inspires a defensive reaction (especially in men).  Almost no one actually likes being told what to do. Second, it doesn’t breed self-reliance to TELL someone what to do. Feedback, on the other hand, consists mainly of questions rather than statements. “What do you think a good solution would be?” “How might she react if you suggest that?” I find, when I remember to practice the art of giving feedback, that the person sitting across from me almost always already knows what they should do. My role is to reinforce and refine this response.

Although in theory I know that feedback is the way to go, it always helps to be reminded. Giving advice makes ME feel good, because I feel I have solved the problem. But this ego gratification pales in comparison to the benefit, for both me and my team, of giving feedback. Feedback builds confidence and competence in the people around me. As a spouse, as a parent, as an instructor, and as a business owner, this lesson is my most important take away from the week-end in Orlando.

I spent Sunday afternoon at a wedding in West Orange, New Jersey, from which I had a wonderful broad panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline. It looked particularly resplendent glowing in the late afternoon sun, and I was overwhelmed by its beauty, which seems particularly poignant and fragile after the events of the past week. Was it really possible that, beneath the surface of this soaring hymn to modernity, the discordant notes of hunger, cold, lack of access to care, homelessness and vulnerability to crime continued to sound so widely in the wake of the disaster of Sandy? And what are we, as citizens of this unique metropolis which is so much a part of our lives and our souls, to do to protect it and its residents from a future likely to include more such occurrences?

Moving backwards doesn’t seem realistic. We can’t depopulate Williamsburg, or Dumbo, or the Lower East Side, or Tribeca, or the Financial District; nor should we. These neighborhoods have been active parts of our city for hundreds of years. And in every case, the residents have developed the sort of passionate neighborhood attachment which will make them rally to revive their homes and the surrounding areas, working extra hard to bring the environs back to their pre-flood vitality. So how do we most appropriately respond? I see a couple of possibilities:

First, we have to make sure that all our neighbors are OK, which they are emphatically not at the moment. This is a moment when we should all be reaching out to help the residents of Breezy Point, or Staten Island, or the Rockaways. I am partial to the Mayor’s Fund, which can be accessed at http://www.nyc.gov/html/fund/html/home/home.shtml  as a venue for donations, but many of the churches and temples around the city have been very active as well. We all need to do our part, with donations, volunteer time, or both.

Second, we all need to look to a level of disaster preparedness which we have not heretofore envisioned. Generators should become standard for residential buildings lying in the flood zones, and they cannot be located in the basement! Elderly residents of high rises need security plans which do not leave them without light, water, and communication for extended periods of time. The most vulnerable  neighborhoods need evacuation strategies AND security plans which prevent them from descending, within days, to the sort of war zone where residents feel they need firearms to protect their possessions! And the list goes on…

Finally, the largest and most complicated issue is how to mitigate the disastrous effects of these events going forward. And there are any number of ideas about that – sea walls, oyster beds, tidal marshes – no one really knows what will be most effective and clearly a more in depth study is necessary before any conclusions are drawn. But two things do seem clear: as the climate changes and waters both rise and warm, larger, more unpredictable events are almost certain to be part of our evolving weather picture.  And we need to do something about it. The financial impact and personal devastation caused by these storms is such that there can be no real argument against a broad, multi-faceted plan of action to minimize the chaos they cause. We cannot afford to forget and wait for things to go back to normal. Normal is changing, and we, and the city we love, need to change with it.