What have you always wanted to do? Working with your travel professional, discuss your likes and dislikes.  This will help you to meet your budget and goals at the level of service that you desire. Be honest about the pacing of your trip. Do you want free time mixed with structure?  Should all restaurant reservations be made in advance, or do you want to stroll through a neighborhood and discover something on your own?

Start with the itinerary and make sure that works for you. Only then, consider hotel options so that you can walk to most places. The selection of hotels in most large cities will provide lots of options at different price points. Value added breakfasts, upgrades and amenities need to be considered against just a lower priced option where a run-of-the-house room has you looking at a wall out your window. It’s the value of the experience as a package rather than just a low price with lots of additions to it. 

This is especially true when considering a cruise. Many of the less expensive cruise packages add so many on board extras items that the final price skyrockets.  It might be best to consider a more expensive and more all inclusive cruise as the better value.

When looking at a package from a supplier, consider if the offer has included gratuities for all the guides and drivers, or if this will be your responsibility to handle each time the tour ends.  Having local currency and understanding what an appropriate gratuity should be can be confusing.  Those companies that include the gratuities make the experience seamless for you since those fees have been included.

Maximizing your time on any trip will help you be able to enjoy it more.   A great Travel Professional can offer a package of services at less cost than if you just ask for a specific cost for each line item.  Working as a team with a local Destination Specialist, the local specialist can see the local ingredients, and use them to create your trip from touchdown to takeoff.  Different ingredients have a different cost.  Sitting in the VIP seats at a concert, sporting event or Broadway theatre are going to cost more than side or rear orchestra.  You can save a lot by booking a fabulous show that has availability, versus one that is sold out commanding high prices.  Have a discussion with your Travel Advisor and local specialist to discuss options at various price points.  Schedule a call with your Travel Advisor and her/his Specialist to describe in detail the experiences that you are interested in to make sure that they really do meet your goals. They work as a team to create the perfect trip for you.

Combining ingredients can save both time and money for you. If you request line items, then you may simply eliminate your wish list options due to the stand alone price which may not be necessary at all.  Ask for the package at your price goal and see what can be created for you to make the entire trip work correctly.

Travel Professionals offer advice just like your doctor or attorney.  Their time and expertise are valuable.  Those fees will be included in
the final quote so the more information that you provide from the beginning, the more time that you will save in the creation of the trip. It’s faster and easier to chat by phone than work by e-mail back and forth.

Checklist to help you help your Travel Advisor provide a quote more quickly:

• Your first and last name, address, phone, fax, e-mail.
• First and last names and ages of all guests.
• Purpose of the trip: Corporate Incentive, Board of
  Director’s Meeting, leisure birthday celebration, honeymoon, Corporate or
  Personal Anniversary Celebration, girl’s weekend etc.
• Arrival and departure day and date…Friday, June 15 –Sunday, June 17, 2012.
• Flight details that come closest to what best will meet your needs.
• Total budget per room night.  Please understand that many apartments are more expensive than hotels.  Many hotels
  have kitchenette facilities that will allow you to keep things in a refrigerator and use a microwave.  
• The configuration of the hotel rooms with each person’s name in the request: i.e., one king for Susie and John Smith, connecting to a room with two beds with the names of the guests in each room, Alice (12) and John (14).
• The total budget per room night goal.
• A list of must/see, must/do activities.  If children will be on the trip, how do they spend their time after school and on weekends? This allows your Travel Advisor to work with the local Destination Specialist to create programming options that are custom designed to match the interests of the children so that they learn and the program is more fun.
• The total budget goal for the entire trip. If you do not have a budget, that’s fine. Think carefully about what will work for you and share it.  If you were going to purchase a house or apartment, you would have a budget to provide to the broker.  This is exactly the same thing and will maximize your time to receive the information that works for you.

Please do let us know if you have any questions about creating a trip. It would be our pleasure to help you! Send an e-mail to kittgarrett@dnykg.com with any comments or questions that you may have.

Impact: 50 Years of the CFDA is a collaborative partnership between the Museum at FIT and the CFDA. Conceived by CFDA President Diane von Furstenberg, Impact is an ode to the illustrious designs of the CFDA’s many members and marks the organization’s 50th anniversary in 2012.

Combine your visit with personalized shopping in the Garment District and save up to 70% off retail….I Really Can Get It For You Wholesale with lunch…. http://www.dnykg.com/dine-discover/

Musical appreciation can be a visit to the Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong museum in Queens or attending a live musical production.

Families love going to Dizzy’s Coca Cola to enjoy a dinner before the show. Doors open at 6:00 PM.  The performers are on an elevated platform with floor to ceiling glass wall overlooking Central Park at Columbus Circle.  It’s a beautiful way to see and hear the performance.

I live in the West Village with 10 of the best world class jazz clubs within walking distance to my apartment.  Combing a walking tour of the neighborhood with lunch at once of the jazz clubs is a fun way to spend the day. 

The best NYC jazz spots that not only welcome kids, they cater to them include:

Jazz for Kids at the Jazz Standard – Kips Bay
116 East 27th Street between Park Avenue South and Lexington Avenue
Sundays at 2pm, doors open at 1pm
$5 suggested donation, brunch costs extra.
Every Sunday afternoon, the talented Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra—a varied group of tri-state area musicians, some as young as 10—take to the stage under musical director David O’Rourke to play tunes by the likes of Charlie Parker, George Gershwin and Miles Davis. This is a pretty cool experience on a bunch of levels: jazz for kids, by kids, in a actual jazz club, where you can feast on barbecued brunch treats from the famed Blue Smoke restaurant upstairs.

Jazz Kids! – Greenwich Village
55 Bar, 55 Christopher Street between Seventh Avenue South and Waverly Place
Sundays, February 26, March 25, April 29, May 27 at 2pm
$5
The last Sunday of every month, singer Amy Cervini puts on an interactive, hour-long jazz show specifically aimed at children ages 2 to 6. Little jazz lovers hear her belt out a variety of short and sweet tunes, and are encouraged to get up and dance, sing along and even play with the instruments (when they’re not being used by the pros, of course).

Jazz for Young People Family
Concerts – Upper West Side
Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater, 60th Street and Broadway
Saturdays, February 11 and April 21 at 1 and 3pm
$12-$28
Lincoln Center hosts three jazz concerts for kids throughout the season, each one with a different theme. The February 11 edition asks What is Improvisation? and features drummer Matt Wilson and his Arts and Crafts ensemble. On April 21, families will learn What is New Orleans Jazz? through interactive music and movement activities.

WeBop – Upper West Side
Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, 60th Street and Broadway
$330 for an eight-week session
Lincoln Center offers top-notch jazz education programs developed by celebrated jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. During the weekly class, tots between 8 months and 5 years are grouped by age and learn the fundamentals of jazz by listening to live and recorded music, and trying out a variety of percussion instruments like maracas, bongos, congas, tambourines and the glockenspiel. Visits from jazz pros round out the fun. The winter term is sold out for most age groups so plan early if you want to snag a spot in the spring or call us for a private group session at 212-370-1319.

Harlem-based Jazzmobile presents free outdoor concerts throughout the five boroughs. Every July, the organization partners with the Central Park Conservancy to produce Great Jazz on the Great Hill, a one-day-only concert and swing dance party.

Which is your favorite jazz venue?  

Date: Monday, January 23, 2012

Time: 11AM – 3PM

Location: Sara Roosevelt Park (Intersection: Grand St, & Chrystie St.)

January 23rd marks the first day of the 2012 Lunar New Year, which will be kicked off with 600,000 rounds of colorful firecrackers, prepared by highly trained detonation specialists, a traditional Lunar New Year practice believed to scare away evil spirits. Expected attendees include local politicians, community leaders and dignitaries.

After opening ceremonies, a dozen Lion, Dragon and Unicorn dance troupes will march down the main streets of Chinatown (Mott, Bowery, East Broadway, Bayard, Elizabeth, and Pell) to help ring in the New Year. A massive festival will be in the heart of Chinatown that will feature all-day cultural performances by traditional and contemporary Asian and Asian-American singers and dancers, along with food vendors and promotional booths

Estimated Attendance: 200,000 

Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival

Date: Sunday, January 29, 2012

Time: 11:30 AM – 4:00PM     Festival & Booths

Time: 1:00 PM    Parade starts

Location: Starts at Little Italy and goes through the main streets of Lower Manhattan/Chinatown (Mott, Canal, Bowery, Chatham Square, East Broadway, Eldridge, Hester, Forsyth  & Grand St.) and ends at the Lower East Side on Grand St by Sara Roosevelt Park.

Cultural Festival & Booth: Sara Roosevelt Park (Canal & Forsyth St.)

The Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & New Year’s Day Firecracker Ceremony was founded in 1999 to provide New York’s Chinese American community with a large scale celebration on par with those in San Francisco and Los Angeles. In recent years it has surpassed it, the event has grown into a New York City-wide affair and New York’s biggest winter tourist attraction, luring thousands of visitors from all over the United States and the world.

With the dog parade 5 years ago and 4 years ago the Pig race, 2- colorful float, 20 antique cars, 200 cultural performers & 3000 marchers participating making the parade more exciting. Last year, a record 500,000 spectators flooded the streets of Chinatown to welcome the year of the Rabbit.  A truly pan-Asian spectacle, the Parade features cultural performers and organizations from all across Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and Hispanic & American dancer, bands and cultural float

A colorful spectacle featuring floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dancers, antique cars, beauty queens, Asian & Hispanic musical performers, magicians and acrobats, and local organizations. The floats will feature various cultural performances and special guests. Over 6,000 individuals will march in the Parade, which will span every major street in Chinatown. This is the biggest winter parade in the East Coast and a national and international tourist attraction. Elected officials, celebrities and community leaders are scheduled to take part in the Parade, which will be covered by local, national and international media. An outdoor cultural festival will take place at the Sara Roosevelt Park by Canal St & Forsyth St that will feature booths and performances by musicians, dancers, and martial artists.

Estimated Attendance: 500,000

Remember all the fabulous Chinese restaurants.  Take advantage of Restaurant Week’s pricing.

Seneca Village:

Seneca Village was located in what is now Central Park.  The Central Park Conservancy is offering a free walking tour on Monday, January 16 from 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM to learn about Manhattan’s first known community of African-American property owners.  Learn about the history of the village, the property owners, and what New York City was like at the time.

The temperature is estimated to be sunny and 37 degrees.  Bundle up and make sure that you wear good walking shoes. 

Tour meets Inside the Park at 85^th Street and Central Park West 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, normally closed on Mondays, will open its doors from 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM.  Enjoy the new American Wing’s suite of elegant new galleries encompasses 30,000 square feet for the display of the Museum’s superb collection.

This final phase of the American Wing renovation project is comprised of twenty-six renovated and enlarged galleries  on the second floor. The new architectural design is a contemporary interpretation of nineteenth-century Beaux-Arts galleries, including coved ceilings and natural light flowing through new skylights. The redesign, which has added 3,300 square feet of gallery space, also allows for a chronological installation of the American paintings and sculpture, and improved pathways connecting to adjacent areas of the Museum.

Twenty-one of the new galleries—including the eighteen sky-lit Joan Whitney Payson Galleries—have been created for the display the
American Wing’s extraordinary collection of paintings. Its origins date back to the 1870s, thanks to the strong support of founding Trustee-painters Frederic Edwin Church and John Frederick Kensett. For the first time, the paintings collection will be shown on a single floor, enhancing accessibility and coherence of the display.

Remember that Mountain Top Closes January 22, 2012…. http://www.dnykg.com/theatre-reviews/

Call us to create a personalized experience for you and your group and learn about the history of New York from the arrival of the Dutch to now at 212-370-1319.

The theatre selections are terrific.  Check out Kitt’s Picks for my personal way to match your interest with the show: http://www.dnykg.com/theatre-reviews/

Dining is delicious and especially fun when you can save money and check off that restaurant that you have always wanted to try with over 300 restaurants participating  during the 20 days of “Restaurant Week”:  http://www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek/?gclid=CL7pz4vgw60CFegSNAodVRRECA

Day activities include exploring a museum with free admission:

African Burial Ground
Memorial Site
Center for Book Arts
Drawing Center
Federal Hall
Federal Reserve Bank of NY
Fisher Landau Center for Art
General Grant National Memorial
The Grolier Club
Harbor Defense
Museum of Fort Hamilton
Herbert and Eileen Bernard Museum of Judaica
Hispanic Society of America
Maritime Industry Museum at the State University of NY
Museum at the Fashion
Institute of Technology
National Museum of the American Indian
New York Public Library
NY Transit Museum Annex at Grand Central Terminal
Nicholas Roerich Museum
Queens County Farm Museum
Scandinavia House
Society of Illustrators’ Museum of American Illustration
Socrates Sculpture Park
Swiss Institute
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
Bldg 92/Brooklyn Navy Yard Museum

For more delicious savings, check out our Discover New York’s Insider Access Tours: I Really Can Get it For You Wholesale!  And save up to 70% off retail with lunch, taxes and gratuities included.  http://www.dnykg.com/dine-discover/

For a really fun itinerary for a quick weekend in New York

Friday – Sunday

Fun Weekend in New York

Friday:

Morning arrival and check into the hotel of your choice Let us know you budget goal per night

Afternoon: Garment Center Shopping Spree

Evening: Dinner to be determined  Let us know your cuisine preference

Saturday:

Morning: Rehearsal studio to learn a number with a cast member from the show that you will see that night.  Let us know the show that you prefer.

Afternoon free to explore one of the free museums!

Evening: Pre-theatre dinner and show of your choice (let us know which show) and try out the restaurant week offerings!

Sunday,

Morning: Walking tour of the High Line with a guide to show you the great changes taking place in the neighborhoods and a nibble tour through the Chelsea Market.

Afternoon: Transfer home.

Check out: Shared Stories: Inspirational Ideas that can also be included  http://www.dnykg.com/testimonials/

sales@dnykg.com for more information.  Remember to provide your complete contact information and budget goals.

From the blockbuster Hugh Jackman on Broadway, Sunday, January 1st, to the 9 Tony Award winning Billy Elliot, Monday, January, 9^th, the following Broadway productions are closing too: Bonnie & Clyde, Friday, December. 30, Private Lives with Kim Cattrall on Saturday. December 31, Follies, Sunday, January 22, The Mountain Top, Sunday, January 22. Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin, Friday, January 13, 2012.

For additional tips about New York, Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/DiscoverNewYork

The designer gowns, shoes, handbags, jewelry and artwork  are displayed by lot so that you can correlate it to the catalogue quickly.  What is most amazing is to see this collection amassed through private rather than royal wealth. Elizabeth Taylor kept this significant collection as memories for herself. Now, the proceeds of the sale will benefit so many others. What a true legacy to leave to be able to help so many others!What is most amazing is to see this collection amassed through private rather than royal wealth. Elizabeth Taylor kept this significant collection as memories for herself. Now, the proceeds of the sale will benefit so many others. What a true legacy to leave to be able to help so many others!What is most amazing is to see this collection amassed through private rather than royal wealth. Elizabeth Taylor kept this significant collection as memories for herself. Now, the proceeds of the sale will benefit so many others. What a true legacy to leave to be able to help so many others!What is staggering is the jewelry collection was created by private wealth and rivals royal collections. The pieces were presented to Elizabeth by her 7 husbands and several magnificent pieces were gifts from Michael Jackson.  Now, the proceeds of the sale will benefit so many others.  What a true legacy to leave to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

It’s hard to believe that she saved so many clothes, handbags and shoes. The jewelry is stunning and the notations about who gave them to her, when and why, make it a walk down memory lane for all of us over a certain age.

Remember shopping at auction:

(Q) What am I paying?

(A) Buyers pay the purchase price (hammer price plus 20% Buyer’s Premium) plus shipping charges and Loss Damage Liability charges and any sales, use or value added taxes (VAT) that may be due. Unless exempted by law, US-based purchasers must pay applicable state or local sales or use taxes, if they take possession of their property in California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Texas. For international buyers, the terms of sale are Delivered Duty Unpaid (DD), and duty and sales tax will have to be paid by the client prior to shipment. If you have a valid reseller’s certificate for the purchase, you must seek reimbursement from the applicable government entity or other organization.

For shopping on line: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/searchresults.aspx?intSaleID=23606#action=refine&intSaleID=23606&sid=4342f921-8a30-4a32-9e17-7f61ed14b1e0

Let us know how you enjoy your visit to Christies!

For more tips about what’s happening in New York City, “Like” Discover New York’s Facebook page for automatic updates https://www.facebook.com/#!/DiscoverNewYork

If you walk, follow path of windows:

Bloomingdales, 59^th Street and Lexington Avenue

Barneys, 60^th Street and Madison Avenue—Lady Gaga Workshop is on the 5^th Floor

Coach, 57^th Street and Madison Avenue

Tiffany, 57^th Street and Fifth Avenue

Bergdorf Goodman, 58^th Street and Fifth Avenue

Henri Bendel, 55^th Street and Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue, 50^th Street and Fifth Avenue

Lord & Taylor, 38^th Street and Fifth Avenue

Macy’s, 34^th Street and Sixth Avenue

For tips about New York, Like, Discover New York, https://www.facebook.com/#!/DiscoverNewYork

These tree lightings (and menorah, snowflake and even a few building illuminations) are much less crowded, way cooler (one even comes with a performance of The Nutcracker) and feel like community celebrations, not events for tourists.

Here are 20 awesome holiday illuminations in New York City.

American Museum of Natural History Origami Holiday Tree, Upper West Side, Central Park West at 79th Street

On view Monday, November 21-Monday, January 2.

Free with suggested admission: $19 for adults, $10.50 for children 2-12, free for kids under 2.

There aren’t any actual lights involved, but I love this tree. It stands 13-feet tall and has 500 origami creations dangling from its limbs. This year’s motif pays tribute to the largest animals and objects in the museum, with folded paper ornaments inspired by the blue whale and The World’s Largest Dinosaurs. Throughout the holiday season, volunteers will be on hand to teach the art of origami to visitors. If you just must have lights, check out the two illuminated 19-feet tall holiday barosauruses (barosauri?) on the museum’s front steps.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche , Upper East Side,  1000 5th Avenue at 82nd Street

On view Tuesday, November 22-Thursday, January 5. Lightings occur Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 4:30pm; Friday and Saturday at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30pm.

Free with suggested admission: $25 for adults, free for children under 12.

The Met’s Christmas tree is a magical, only-in-New-York display. It stands 20-feet high and is placed in front of the 18th-century choir screen from the Spanish Cathedral of Valladolid in the Medieval Sculpture Hall. The arbor is adorned with 18th-century Neapolitan cherubs and angels, and at its base is an exquisite nativity scene. There are spectacular tree lighting ceremonies every day the museum is open.

South Street Seaport Christmas, Tree Lighting – South Street Seaport, Historic Front Street from Fulton to Beekman Streets

Friday, November 25 at 6pm

FREE

Always the first major outdoor NYC lighting of the season, the South Street Seaport Christmas tree stands 40-feet high and will be illuminated the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Today show personality Jill Martin hosts the festivities, which include performances by the Darren Wallis Jazz Trio featuring Brooklyn’s own Soul Tigers Marching Band, the Big Apple Chorus and Ronnie Spector, roaming costumed characters, and an appearance by Santa, who’ll pose for free photos until 8pm. If you can’t make the tree lighting, you can still drop by the Seaport throughout the season to enjoy the tree and free performances by The Mistletones Carolers, the Big Apple Chorus, the Young New Yorkers’ Chorus, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and Cantori New York. Visit the website
for a complete schedule.

Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square, – Upper West Side,  Tree lighting is at Dante Park, Broadway and 63rd Street. Festival is at various locations in the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District. Visit the website for a complete list.

Monday, November 28 at 5:30pm

FREE

The tree lighting at Dante Park kicks off this huge holiday neighborhood celebration. From Columbus Circle to 68th Street, enjoy tons of free entertainment, in-store activities, shopping discounts and much more. This year, kid-centric attractions includes performances by Joanie Leeds & the Nightlights, Dance Parade, Inc. and the Big Apple Circus, awesome roving puppeteers from Arms-of-the-Sea Theater, a children’s book reading by former NYC mayor Ed Koch and incredible ice sculptures by Okamoto Studio. While admission to this awesome event is free, attendees are encouraged to drop off new or gently used coats as part of New York Cares Coat Drive. Visit the website for a list of drop-off locations at the festival.

Holiday Lighting Extravaganza at the Winter Garden –Financial District, World Financial Center, 200 Vesey Street near West Street

Tuesday, November 29 at 6pm

FREE

The lovely glass atrium is decorated with 100,000 lights, transforming it into a twinkling snow globe. Afterward, the New York Theatre Ballet performs its kid-friendly one-hour rendition of The Nutcracker. If you’re busy that evening, you can also catch the ballet performance at 12:30pm that afternoon.

Sunnyside Christmas Tree Lighting – Sunnyside, Joe Sabba Park, 50th Street and Queens Boulevard

Tuesday, November 29 at 6:30pm

FREE

The Sunnyside Chamber Of Commerce sponsors this neighborhood lighting featuring a performance by the Sunnyside Drum Corp and a visit with Santa.

The Pond at Bryant Park Tree Lighting – Midtown West between 40th and 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue

Tuesday, November 29 at 7pm

FREE

The only free ice-skating rink in the city hosts this annual tree lighting. Entertainment is yet to be determined but will certainly include lots of skating performances.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree – Midtown East, Rockefeller Plaza between 48th-51st Streets

Wednesday, November 30 at 7pm

FREE

We are not recommending that you go, especially with kids (we went once; never again!). But if you’ve just gotta see the famous Norway Spruce illuminated with 30,000 LED lights and topped with a massive Swarovski crystal star, then arrive early (like 4pm) and read up on other fun things to do near Rock Center.

Christmas in Richmond Town & Traditional Tree Lighting – Staten Island, 441 Clarke Avenue

Sunday, December 4. Festival begins at 10am, tree lighting is at 5pm

Tree lighting is free. Admission to the festival is $8 for adults, $5 for children 4-11, free for kids under 4. Additional fees for certain activities.

Enjoy an old-fashioned holiday in the historic village. Watch the tinsmith create glittering tree ornaments, listen to Christmas carols and stories, snap photos with Santa, browse the holiday market and take a horse and wagon ride. The free tree lighting caps off the day of fun.

Charles A. Dana Discovery Center Lighting – Harlem, Central Park, enter at 110th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues

Sunday, December 4 at 4pm

FREE

The Central Park Conservancy kicks off the holidays by decorating the Victorian-style center with thousands of LED lights. Old Saint Nick will drop by and say hello to little ones (it’s usually a little nutty to make for a good photo op). Families can also enjoy cookie decorating, live music and crafts.

Carl Schurz Park Tree Lighting and Caroling – Upper East Side, East End Avenue at 86th Street

Sunday, December 4 at 5pm

FREE

Neighbors come together to sing Christmas carols, enjoy cookies, candy canes and hot chocolate, and watch the tree light up. Song books are even provided.  Make it an interfaith night by sticking around for the lighting of the park’s giant menorah at 6pm.

The Lighting of the Park Avenue Christmas Trees – Upper East Side,  Brick Presbyterian Church, 91st Street and Park Avenue

Sunday, December 4 time to be determined

FREE

Why watch just one tree lighting when you can see a block’s-worth of fir trees come alive with white lights? These arbors were first illuminated in 1945 to commemorate those lost in World War II. Today, this tradition continues in honor of the brave men and women who make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The lighting begins with a brief ceremony outside the Brick Presbyterian Church.

Brooklyn Borough Hall Annual Christmas Tree Lighting – Brooklyn Heights, Borough Hall Plaza, 209 Joralemon Street at Court Street

Monday, December 5 at 5:30pm

FREE

Details are scarce but this annual community tree lighting promises live music and refreshments.

Madison Square Park – Flatiron District, Fifth Avenue at 23rd Street

Tuesday, December 6 at 4:30pm

FREE

This green space was host to America’s very first community holiday tree. That tradition continues this year with a lighting in the Northern Plaza followed by a kids’ concert by AudraRox.

Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID – Park Slope, s’Nice, 315 Fifth Avenue at 3rd Street

Tuesday, December 6 at 6pm

FREE

Usually this organization lights a tree at neighborhood hot spot the Old Stone House. But due to construction in Washington Park, this year’s tree is located in the garden of s’Nice, a local cafe. In addition to the illumination, families can enjoy live music by Roly Poly Guacamole and the Middle School 51 chorus, hot chocolate and other goodies, and a visit with Santa.

Washington Square Park Christmas Tree Lighting – Greenwich Village, The Arch, Fifth Avenue and Washington Square North

Wednesday, December 7 at 6pm

FREE

The Washington Square Association welcomes the Rob Susman Brass Quartet for sing-along carols and holiday songs (complimentary songbooks will be provided). Santa Claus has promised to drop by to help illuminate the beautiful 45-foot-tall Christmas tree under the Washington Square Arch.

Holiday Lights – Battery Park City, South Cove, southern end of South End Avenue

Thursday, December 8 at 5:45pm

FREE

A cappella group The Accidentals croons during this annual illumination, and Santa even puts in an appearance. Please bring an unwrapped gift for donation.

Peace Tree at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine – Morningside Heights, Amsterdam Avenue at 111th Street

Friday, December 16 at 11am

FREE

Students from the Cathedral School will put up their annual Mitten Tree alongside this lovely arbor, decorated with 500 paper cranes, an Asian symbol of harmony, longevity and peace.

World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah Lighting – Upper East Side, Grand Army Plaza, Fifth Avenue at 59th Street

Tuesday, December 20-Wednesday, December 28 Friday at 3:30pm, Saturday at
8:30pm and 5:30pm on all other days

FREE

Christmas trees don’t get to have all the fun. After all, Hanukkah is the festival of lights. This massive 32-foot tall, two-ton menorah will be lit every night of the holiday.

Grand Army Plaza Menorah Lighting – Park Slope, Intersection of Vanderbilt and Flatbush Avenues

Tuesday, December 20-Wednesday, December 28

FREE

We don’t yet have confirmation of this event, but if it runs as usual, the details will be as follows: Each night of the holiday, the menorah will be lit and revelers can enjoy hot latkes, gifts for the children and live music.

UNICEF Snowflake, Fifth Avenue at 55th Street

The enormous, 3,000-pound crystal snowflake was first lit for the season last week on the eve of Universal Children’s Day. But you can marvel at it throughout the holiday season.

Let us know which is your favorite!