When I was growing up in this fine city my mom used to take me to see two things every year for the holidays. We always went up 5th Avenue to see the storefronts. From Macy’s to Saks, stopping for lunch and hot chocolate along the way. I loved it when I was a kid, but I’ve never done it since (unless I happened to be shopping).
1. Dyker Heights lights. This was the second thing I’d do with both parents. Although I remember going to Canarsie too. I HAVE been back to DH as an adult and it’s just as much fun as I remember it. These folks are not to be outdone, but you can also catch some nice Christmas decorations in neighboring Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst and also Carroll Gardens. Yeah, basically any Italian neighborhood.
2. Yerba Buena in the East Village is serving Mexican Hanukka dinners. Sounds interesting! It ends on Wednesday so hurry up if you want some of those spicy latkes!
3. Ice Skating. Since childhood, the only times I’ve ever been ice skating again were on Christmas Day. But ’tis the season for thermals and falling on your ass for fun. Of course, my own rink preference is Prospect Park in Brooklyn because there are less tourists (and it’s local). Manhattan has it’s fair share of rinks including Central Park, Bryant Park and the most famous, Rockerfeller Center.
4. Dinner and Chinese. Celebrate like a Jew! I don’t know if this is a universal thing or it’s just unique to NY (because we luvs our Chinese food here) but Christmas Day is the day the tribe goes out for Chinese and a movie. Historically, it was because those were the only things open. Now it’s just a tradition as NY doesn’t really shut down.
5. Latkes and Applesauce. A Hanukka show at the Merkin Concert Hall. I just grabbed it off the internet, so don’t shoot the messenger if it sucks.
6.Kwanzaa Celebration. Forces of Nature dance troupe at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. Again, never been.
7. Dog Caroling. Bark! The Herald Angels Sing takes place in Prospect Park every year. Organized by Fido, an off-leash community, it’s a chance for humans to embarrass themselves while their dogs get treats. December 11th from 8-10am in the Long Meadow but dogs must be on leash by 9am. Bring your dog and a video camera.
8. Grand Central. It’s one of those places I never plan to go, but if I find myself there, I’m always impressed by it’s awesomeness. Apart from the shops and architecture being cool any time of year, the holiday season at GC brings us two things…a great craft show (no freezing your ass off at Union Square) and a spectacular light show.
9. Met Museum. If the gigantic tree and crowds at Rock Center aren’t your thing, there’s a calming holiday experience to be had at The Met. The Christmas tree at The Met is, dare I say, “just lovely”. There are lighting ceremonies for the rest of the month and separate choir concerts.
10. Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Yeah, I dunno. I think my mom brought me one of those years we marched up 5th Avenue. I guess it’s something to see once in your life.