Monday December 7, 2009
Actually, he's already here. Word on the street is that he found a great holiday sublet in Tribeca with rooftop reindeer parking and lots of walk-in closets.
If your little ones have been begging for an audience with the man from the North Pole, check out our list of Santa's various office hours at department stores and other locations around town (Santa sure does get around).
This year, Santa is also hosting a cruise (just $1 and a toy donation gets you quality Santa lap time and a personal photo) and visiting Central Park and the World Financial Center.
Find out where to see Santa in New York City this year.
More Fun Family Holiday Activities
- Ice Skating in New York City -- Get out for some fresh air and a spin around the ice. While the Rockefeller Center skating rink may be New York's most famous, there are also several others that don't get quite so crowded during the holiday season.
- Radio City Christmas Show -- The Radio City Christmas Show has been a New York Christmas tradition for more than 75 years. This year, the show is new and improved with cool 3-D effects and light shows.
- See the Holiday Lights and Decorations -- Take a tour of New York's most dazzling holiday lights and decorations.
- Holiday Fun in Grand Central Terminal -- Kids and grownups alike will be wowed by the annual train exhibit and laser light show on the famous Grand Central Terminal ceiling.
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree -- The holiday season in New York isn't complete without a glimpse of the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Friday December 4, 2009
Looking for a unique gift for that special someone? Visit New York City's outdoor holiday markets to find deals on one-of-a-kind goodies from vendors and artisans from around the world.
These annual holiday shopping fairs are now open for business all over the city -- Union Square, Bryant Park, Columbus Circle. At Grand Central Terminal, they've brought the experience of the outdoor holiday market inside.
Now's the time to shop early, beat the crowds and find the best deals on Christmas and Hanukkah gifts.
Check out our directory of NYC Holiday Markets.
Tuesday December 1, 2009
Get ready for the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, December 2nd. Okay, I know that most New Yorkers think they're too cool to attend And it's true that the event is crowded and chaotic and packed with tourists.
Not just crowded, but crowded enough to cause an official NYC Gridlock Alert Day. Seriously, if you've got somewhere else to be tonight, take public transportation and steer clear of midtown.
But the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting is also an iconic New York event and considered by many to be the official start of the holiday season in New York City.
The tree is majestic, the decorations are beautiful, and there are always celebrities on hand to serenade the crowd. This year, you can see performances by Michael Buble, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, The Roots, Shakira, and The Radio City Rockettes.
Tuesday December 1, 2009
Tuesday, December 1st is World AIDS Day, a day designated by the United Nations for raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic.
As of August 2008, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDSÂ estimated that there were 33 million people living with HIV worldwide. Since the AIDS epidemic emerged in the early 1980s , it has claimed more than25 million lives worldwide.
Here in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art will observe World AIDS Day and recognize the losses suffered by the cultural community as a result of AIDS. The Met will shroud or remove from view 15 works of art around the Museum and lower the flags on its plaza to half-staff.
You can help support the global campaign to fight AIDS by visiting Starbucks for a coffee on December 1. Starbucks will donate a nickel to the Global Fund in commemoration of World AIDS Day for every hand-crafted beverage sold .
Learn more about World AIDS Day.
