The Spirit of the Holidays Get Underway In New York City
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
There is a hint of the holidays making its presence in New York City as the snowflakes hit the ground leaving enough remains to build a small snowman, the air giving off a frigid chill. This is the time that streets come alive with colorful lights and animated Santa scenes. Scrumptious Godiva hot chocolate provides lasting warmth and loving comfort to those that take a sip.
World-famous Rockefeller Center is gearing up for its annual tree-lighting ceremony set to take place on Wednesday, November 28th, 2018 in the middle of the plaza. The Norway Spruce stands over 72 feet tall and at the very top of the tree will sit a dazzling Swarovski star designed by architect, Daniel Libeskind. The star features 3 million Swarovski crystals adorned with 70 triangular spikes, sure to mesmerize your spirits.
A 27-year tradition continues to thrill generations upon entering the New York Botanical Gardens. Amongst some of the most unusual and enchanting flowers, ferns, and seasonal plants is the Holiday Train Show. The tracks stretch through the entire garden area, music playing in the background and kid-friendly programs designed for the entire family taking place for the next month. Gaze in awe at the unbelievable holiday lights as model trains chug through over 175 re-created New York City landmarks, all imaginatively made from bark, leaves and natural materials. See the Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Yankee Stadium, the newly added One World Trade Center, the historic Battery Maritime Building and lots more.
Ready to brave the chilly winter cold in the heart of Manhattan? Put on your heavy coat, gloves, socks and ear muffs and head over to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. See the quaint and original holiday shops with unique gifts waiting for that special member of your family, sip on a warm cappuccino, show off your skating skills on the ice rink, listen to holiday carolers and marvel at the enormous Christmas tree with its colorful lights illuminated by the backdrop of the NYC skyscrapers. This is the true meaning of a wonderful holiday evening.
Perhaps what gets the most amount of attention and adoration this time of year are the stunning department store windows that come alive to tell their own remarkable story while bringing love and good will to the shoppers who enjoy standing and staring.
On November 15th, 2018, complete with winter wonderland conditions, Macy’s Herald Square unveiled “Believe in the Wonder of Giving.” Santa was even on hand for the festivities with his singing snowflakes and his collaborator, Astronaut Sunny the Snowpal. A total of six windows share a common theme of friendship, family, adventure and teamwork this year. There were life size ice sculptures of a toy soldier, snowman, an elf, Santa and the symbolic Macy’s snowflake. Each of the window scenes give off an enigmatic energy as LED lights serve as the backdrop to the animation.
Barneys New York has taken the spirit of giving to new heights. This year they have partnered with Save The Children, a non-governmental organization that promotes children’s rights, and provides relief and support to children in developing countries. The theme for each of the windows is ‘Make Change.’ “Giving back has always been an important part of the Barneys New York DNA, and education is one of the pillars of our Barneys New York Foundation,” said EVP, Communications and Marketing, Tomm Miller in an official press statement. “This holiday season, we are so proud that ‘Make Change’ brings the spirit of change to everything from our window displays to our social media, supporting Save the Children’s vital work with children across the country.” Starting small goes a long way and that is evident with the penny that appears in more than one of the window scenes.
“The Grinch that Stole Christmas” is stealing the hearts of those that visit the windows of Bloomingdales. Each window leads its onlookers through the story of a gruff Grinch who ends up becoming a happier and more spirited Grinch due to a youngster’s generous holiday spirit. The animation comes to life making us all feel like children for more than just that distinct city block.
Bergdorf Goodman is treating its visitors to a candy-coated holiday winter. On November 14, 2018, they debuted their window theme, inviting shoppers in to celebrate and enjoy a buffet of sweet treats as they enjoyed each story displayed in the windows. David Hoey, senior director of visual presentation, was so excited with this year’s theme. “This year our artistic team became faux-pastry chefs dishing up a wall-to-wall profusion of sculpted confections. Everything candied, iced and lavish.” Designers contributed to each window scene; gingerbread cuckoo clock, a chocolate boutique, licorice carousel, cotton candy dream, peppermint pandemonium and plenty more.
Don’t forget to check out the Louis Vuitton windows on Fifth Avenue to see some of the most breathtaking Christmas trees decorated with head-turning ornaments making your way from window to window. It will surely leave you in awe.
Whatever your religion may be, paying a visit to the most irresistible city in the nation will put you in the holiday spirit of love and generosity for the rest of this year. And the ultimate end to this year is seeing the iconic ball drop in the middle of Times Square as millions of adventure seekers count down the minutes to the start of a new year.
Photo Credit: courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman, Joe Schildhorn/BFA, Barneys, Genevieve Rafter Keddy
