What to do during the Christmas season in NYC? Here are some virtual and in-person activities – Telemundo New York (47)

NEW YORK – We are just a day away from the start of the New York City Christmas season, a time that is known for lighting up the Big Apple not only for its decorations but for all the activities it offers for its visitors and locals. However, this 2020 is different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the city still offers different options not to lose that Christmas spirit and to help those most affected during this season.

NYC & Company, the New York City tourism company, brings a list of suggestions for this season.

Those who cannot visit the city this year can access virtual content experiences with the seal Only-In-NYC, which include digital performances by dance companies such as Alvin Ailey, the American Dance Theater, and concerts at Carnegie Hall, St. John the Divine Cathedral and Lincoln Center.

“We invite New Yorkers and visitors to safely enjoy this holiday season in New York City, with fewer crowds, significant savings, and more outdoor activities than ever before.”Said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “From ice skating rinks to colored light displays, cultural exhibitions and Christmas shopping ”.

Here is a selection of Christmas-themed events, attractions, and more activities this season in New York City:

Emblematic Traditions of New York City:

1. Macy’s Virtual Thanksgiving Day Parade (November 26 in Manhattan): This holiday tradition has been transformed into an exclusive television experience that will air on our sister network NBC for everyone to enjoy safely from the comfort of home. This year’s 94th Annual Parade will feature Broadway performances of “Hamilton,” “Mean Girls,” “Jagged Little Pill” and “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.”
2. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Virtual Lighting (December 2 in Manhattan): The 88th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on December 2 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with no public access. However, everyone is invited to watch the national broadcast live, from home through our sister network NBC. The 75-foot-tall Norway spruce arrived at Rockefeller Center last weekend.
3. Descent of the traditional New Year’s Eve sphere in Times Square (From December 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021 | Manhattan): This year, for the first time, the event will be televised with only the traditional ball descent, live performances and special guests are yet to be announced.

Ice skating rinks:

1. Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink (Until March 2021 | Manhattan): It’s the city’s only free outdoor ice skating rink in Midtown, this time with fewer people to allow for physical distancing. Advance ticket purchase required.
2. The ice rink at Brookfield Place: The rink at Brookfield Place offers skaters of all skill levels a place to take lessons or skate on their own while taking in the view of the Hudson River and the surrounding cityscape.
3. Wollman Ice Rink in Central Park (Until March 2021 in Manhattan): The iconic Wollman skating rink offers a spectacular view of the New York City skyline, coupled with programs geared toward the whole family, ideal for visitors and local skating enthusiasts.

Christmas markets, retail stores, and general shopping

1. Grand Central Virtual Christmas Fair (Until December 24 | Manhattan): This Christmas attraction returns virtually with handmade household items, toys, art, accessories, jewelry, body and bath products, and clothing for men, women and children.
2. The Holiday Under the Stars Fair at Columbus Circle (Until December 24 | Manhattan): Every day from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the shops of Columbus Circle, where 12 14-foot stars hang from the ceiling and illuminate, to the rhythm of Christmas music, the Great Room overlooking Central Park.
3. The Christmas fair in Bryant Park (Until March 2021 | Manhattan).
4. Macy’s Christmas Showcases (Nov. 19, 2020 – Jan. 1, 2021): Expressions of will be the centerpiece of the iconic Macy’s windows, in the form of a letter of appreciation to first responders, essential workers, protesters for equality and New Yorkers who showed their courage and hopeful spirit during a difficult year.

Cultural events

1. Christmas Train Show at New York Botanical Garden (Through January 31, 2021 | The Bronx): The miniature trains run through an enchanting display of famous New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, and other favorite sites. Due to limited capacity and this year’s tickets, the exhibit can only be viewed by a member, sponsor, corporate member, or partner of the Bronx community.
2. The Origami Christmas Tree at the American Museum of Natural History (From November 25 to January 10, 2021 | Manhattan): An annual tradition that is over 40 years old, the origami tree is a favorite holiday offering in New York City. This year’s tree displays 1,000 colored origami cranes, representing peace and good wishes as the city continues to face the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. The Metropolitan Museum’s Christmas Tree and Hanukkah Lamp (November 27 to January 6, 2021 | Manhattan): The Metropolitan Museum continues a Christmas tradition with the presentation of its Christmas tree, a magnificently lit blue spruce with twenty feet of lights and an 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene. The Met will also have a spectacular silver Hanukkah lamp on display.
4. Sing for hope at Hudson Yards (From December 1 to 31 | Manhattan): A baby grand piano and seven upright pianos, painted by Hudson Yards-inspired artists, will be on display in “The Shops.” The pianos will be played by Broadway artists and Juilliard students. In early January, all pianos will be delivered and donated to communities, homes, and others who benefit from the healing power of the arts.
5. Winter activities at the Queens Botanical Garden (December 5-6 | Queens): Celebrate the holidays with a host of winter activities in the garden: garland making workshops, winter tree tours, beeswax candle making, and a holiday sale in the gift shop.

Christmas light shows and displays

1. Harlem Christmas Light Show (November 16 to December 31 | Manhattan): Every Christmas season, Harlem’s 125th Street is lit up with more than 10,000 holiday LED lights across nine blocks, from Broadway to Fifth Avenue. The annual event Turn on the lights will air live this year, allowing everyone to see the iconic road illuminated with festive lights and display cases, as well as a caravan of decorated floats roaming through Harlem to safely greet the county’s resident community.
2. Christmas lights at the Bronx Zoo (From November 20 to January 10, 2021 | The Bronx): During this festive celebration, visitors can enjoy five animal lantern safaris, as well as Christmas-themed music, ice-carving demonstrations, costumed characters, stilts, souvenirs, and seasonal treats like hot chocolate.

For information on other events and activities in the city visit this page.

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