Even though I hate the cold, I enjoy living in New York City during the holidays. The place becomes a winter wonderland with beautiful decorations everywhere you walk. Tonight the Rockefeller tree is lit at 6pm and mobs of people go early to watch it happen and then stay for the live performances. Let’s get excited about it, shall we?
The merriest time of the year gets people to smile more, it’s a fact. As you pass strangers on the streets after work, your face illuminates from brightly lit Christmas lights on the streets, and your smile turns up at the corners because the holidays are a cheerful thing. Lights are glowing and you hear and feel the buzz of Christmas. You know going home for the holidays is just around the corner and long days at the office won’t be so bad…. so why not have a little hop in your step?
I want to help you get that hop in your step if you haven’t got it yet. Starting with a roundup of all the jolliest events of the year. Thanks to our app, asembl, your ultimate guide to the holidays in NYC is here. Share with your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. Holiday events are to be shared around.
Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting
Rockefeller Tree lighting
It’s the best time to be in NYC this week because you get to see all the Christmas lights go up. This Wednesday, 12/5, from 6-8pm, the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree takes place. You have to get there early so you can get a good spot. There will be live performances following the Christmas tree lighting that are festive, fun and bursting with festive spirit. Tell your friends to meet you there or go solo. This is the type of event only New Yorkers are blessed to be part of. Sign up here.
Tree Lighting Sing-along at Bryant Park
Ice skating and Christmas tree lighting in Bryant Park
Another beautiful tree lighting will take place this Thursday, 12/5, at 6pm in Bryant Park. If you can’t make it to the Rockefeller Tree Lighting, have no fear, this one at Bryant Park is pretty miraculous, full of winter wonderland vibes. Bring your friends, your kids, your mom, your great grandmother, because this event is filled with… wait for it…fireworks, Santa, ice skating, live music… should we go on? Sign up here.
23rd Annual Central Park Holiday Lighting
Central Park Holiday lighting
At the 23rd Annual Central Park Holiday Lighting event you’ll watch a live ice carving demonstration, sing carols on the Plaza, meet Santa and warm up with hot cocoa and cookies. This event takes place Friday, 12/5, at 5:30pm and is the perfect way to begin your weekend. It even includes lighting a flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer. The light show will be spectacular, and you won’t want to miss! RSVP here.
Go caroling at the Grand Illumination event and keep warm with free hot cider
Do you secretly enjoy Christmas carols? This Friday, 12/7, at 7pm, there is a beautiful event on the Great Lawn in the Upper West Side that you just can’t skip. You’ll get to join in on the Christmas carols and enjoy delicious hot cider and cookies (for free!) Plus there will be a bunch of people going on the after dark Holiday Lantern Walk in the Park, a beautiful and scenic route that gives you more gulps of Christmas cheer. Share with festive friends, and get more info here.
Chelsea Symphony’s annual concert
Ring in the holiday spirit with the Chelsea Symphony’s annual concert on Friday, 12/6, at 6pm. Ever been before? The symphony is a one-night special with festive music and fun traditions. There’ll be a holiday concert silent auction and wine reception. Don’t miss out on the performers! You’ll be graced with award-winning composers and a special guest narrator. Sign up here.
LuminoCity Festival on Randall’s Island Park
The LuminoCity Festival on Randall’s Island is an Immersive Wonderland of Lights that has three theme parks: Winter Fantasy, Wild Adventures, and Sweet Dream. There are over 23 sets of larger-than-life light art displays, a curated holiday night market and four special themed nights featuring live performances and interactive programming. This is the event to go to! And don’t worry you have time to make it there. LuminoCity will be open until January 5th! Pick the best date for you and some friends. RSVP on asembl.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
Did you love going to the Nutcracker during the holidays? Well then this might be the perfect event for you. Share the joy of the holidays with your loved ones, family or friends at the annual musical holiday stage show presented at Radio City Music Hall. It’s a 90-minute show that features more than 140 performers and combines singing, dancing, and humor with traditional scenes. Learn more and book here.
Have fun with these fun festive events if you’re in NYC! And for those not in NYC, sorry but asembl is only in the NY area.. at least for now. Keep an eye on the “Holiday” category so you don’t miss out on something extra special this holiday.
x,G
Gracie Deale 
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