Must Do Holiday Events in Brooklyn

It's the most wonderful time of the year.  Holidays are here and I have a couple of places in Brooklyn to visit, from tree lighting, where to take the best picture with old St. Nick and the best holiday show.



Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting in 2015-

1. Shore Road Park Christmas Lighting -Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
Wednesday Dec 2, 2015
Free
State Sen. Martin Golden kicks off the festive evening at Shore Road Park, which includes Hot Chocolate, small gifts from Santa and the tree lighting. Revelers are encouraged to bring a donation for Toys for Tots.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2015/12/02/shore-road-park-tree-lighting

2. 10th Annual Dumbo Holiday Tree Lighting- Dumbo, Brooklyn
Thursday Dec 3, 2015
Free
Pearl Street Triangle for an evening of entertainment, including excerpts from The Gelsey Kirkland Ballot's Nut Cracker, steele drums by Jah Pan, hot chocolate, a visit and photo with santa and caroling.
Guest are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy appropriate for children 14 and younger in support of the Big Brooklyn Holiday Toy Drive.
http://dumbo.is/blogging/10th-annual-holiday-tree-lighting-is-december-3/http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2015/12/02/shore-road-park-tree-lighting

3.McKinley Park Christmas Tree Lighting-Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Thursday Dec 3, 2015
Free
Hosted by State Sen. Martin Golden, who's joined by jolly old St. Nick. Enjoy hot chocolate as Santa distibutes a small gift to each child.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/mckinley-park/events/2015/12/03/christmas-tree-lighting-ceremony

4. Atlantic Ave-Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
Friday Dec 4, 2015
Free
Watch the christmas tree at the Belarusian church light up while enjoying complimentary treats and performances by local Public School students. Santa on hand to hear kid's wish list.
http://atlanticave.org/treelighting/

5. Carroll Park-Carroll Garden, Brooklyn
Friday Dec 4, 2015
Free
Community Organization's the Court Street Merchant's Association and friends of Carroll Garden Park host this annual illumination. Santa helps flip the switch and there is food and fun in the Park House near the play ground. Canned goods and non perishables are collected for donation for @City Harvest.

6. 9th Annual Columbia Waterfront District Tree Lighting
Friday Dec 11, 2015
Take your picture with old St. Nick, refreshment from local restaurant, live music by Afro Latineers. Bring your kids for a surprise from Santa.
http://www.carrollgardensassociation.com/9th-annual-community-tree-lighting/

7. Fort Greene Park Holiday Tree Lighting-Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Free
Sunday Dec 6, 2015
Join friends, neighbors, the Fort Greene Park Conservancy and Santa Claus for an evening of caroling with free hot chocolate and holiday cheers.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fort-greene-park/events/2015/12/06/2015-fort-greene-park-holiday-tree-lighting

8. Grand Army Plaza Menorah Lighting-Park Slope
Free
Sunday Dec6 through Tuesday Dec 13, 2015.
The Menorah is lit and revelers enjoy hot latkes, gifts for children and live music.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/holiday-lightings

9.Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting-Midtown East
Free
Wednesday Dec 2, 2015
http://heavy.com/news/2015/11/rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-2015-lighting-performers-go-up-hours-come-down-history/

10. Pitkin Ave 6th Annual Tree Lighting at Zion Triangle- Brownsville, Brooklyn
Free
Friday Dec 4, 2015
Old St. Nicks, hot cocoa and cupcakes, music, caroling, special guest and more.
http://pitkinavenue.nyc/

11. Bedford Stuyvesant Third Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony-Bedford Stuyvesant
Free
Wednesday Dec 3, 2015, 6 pm.
West Plaza of Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration
Photos with Santa, christmas gifts and more. Music will be provided by Grammy Award Winning Artist Jeff Redd.

12. Lady Moody Triangle Tree Lighting-
Free
Thursday Dec 10, 2015
St. Nicks and State Sen. Martin Golden. Hot chocolate, caroling and a special visit from Santa Claus who will bring gifts for the kids.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2015/12/10/christmas-tree-lighting

Best Holiday Shows in Brooklyn

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas- Gowanus Canal
Friday Dec 11, 2015- Sunday Dec 27, 2015
After years of performing this family favorite at the now closed Brooklyn Lyceum, the show moves to a huge brand new venue. thew Redwood Studios for its 7th annual run.
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2433028

2. Annie- Flatbush, Brooklyn
Tuesday Dec 15-Sunday Dec 20, 2015
This revival is helmed by Martin Charninn the show's lyricist and original Broadway director and is playing at Brooklyn recently re-opened King's Theatre.
http://www.kingstheatre.com/search-results?indexCatalogue=main%2Dsearch&searchQuery=annie&wordsMode=0

Ice Skating Rinks

1. Rockefeller Center-
https://therinkatrockcenter.com/

2. Central Park-
http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/iceskating/4

3. LeFrak Center Lakeside- Prospect Park
Hours, rate and skate rental vary. Click on the link for updates.
https://www.prospectpark.org/visit-the-park/places-to-go/lefrak-center-lakeside/


Best Places To Take Pictures with Santa.

1. Items of Interest- Park Slope, Brooklyn
Friday Nov 2 through Wednesday Dec 23, 2015
Visit website for complete schedule and to make an appointment.
http://www.itemsofinterest.com/santa/

2. Sinter Klass at Wyckoff Farm House Museum- East Flatbush, Brooklyn
Sunday Dec 6, 2015 1pm-4 pm.
http://wyckoffmuseum.org/events/

3. Kings Plaza- Mill Basin, Brooklyn
http://www.kingsplazaonline.com/Events/Details/254943


Holiday Train Show-

1. The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show- Bronx
Nov 21-Jan 18, 2015
http://www.nybg.org/hts15/

2. The New York Historical Society's Seasonal Exhibit Holiday Express Holiday Express, toys and trains from the Jemi Collection- New york
http://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/holiday-express-toys-and-trains-jerni-collection-0

3. The Annual Holiday Train Show- New York Transit Museum Gallery- Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall
http://www.nycgo.com/events/holiday-train-show-at-grand-central-terminal1


Make sure to click on the link of your choice for schedule and prices.
                                   

                                         

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday

What to do over the Holiday break

Best things to do this winter break with the kids!

• Central Park: Ring in the new year without spending a buck. No cost firework.  Tuesday Dec 31, 2013. From 10 PM- 2 AM.http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2013/12/31/central-park-fireworks-and-nyrr-midnight-run

• Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park: New Year's Eve fire work. Fire works, hot chocolate and Holiday Entertainment. Celebration starts at 11 pm. http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/new-years-fireworks   

• New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train. The Holiday Train Show is back and bigger than ever! Holiday Week: (Mon Dec 16-Wednesday Jan 1) 10 am-7 pm. http://www.nybg.org/exhibitions/2013/holiday-train-show/index.php

• Prospect Park ice skating. Brand new ice rink in Brooklyn's own Prospect Park. Mon-Thurs. 11 am-6 pm, Friday & Saturday 9 am-10 pm, Sunday 9 am-8 pm. Weekdays $6 for adults, Weekends $8 for adults. Free for children under 12, $5 for skate rentals.http://www.lakesideprospectpark.com/

• McCarren Pink, Williamsburg. Open daily from 11 am-10 pm. $8 adults, $5 students, $5 seniors (60 and older), $4 children under 12 and skate rental $5. http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/iceskating/12

•  Dyker Height, Brooklyn: Check-out their awesome Christmas Displays and it's free. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dyker-Heights-Christmas-Lights/149275121790027

• The  Brooklyn Children's Museum located at 145 Brooklyn Ave(St. Marks): Arts and Crafts at this New Year's Eve Workshop, little ones will craft their own festive hats to wear on New Year's Eve. Dec 31, 2013, from 11:30 am- 2 pm. Ages 1-5, check-out what else the y have going on! http://brooklynkids.org/

• Jewish Children's Museum located at 792 Eastern Parkway: While the kids are off from school, visit the Jewish Children's Museum for a week of arts making fun. Suminagashi workshop, design your own stain glass window and add your creative touch to the JCM kids mural.             General Admission is $13, ages 2+ includes all activities. From 10 am-5 pm. http://www.jcm.museum/ArticleFiles/11x17.pdf

• The Bronx Zoo Conservation Society  located at 2300 South Blvd, Fordham RD. Ice Carving Week. Visit the Zoo to enjoy Wildlife-themed Iced Sculptures, an ice carving competition,  Polar Bear themed Ice playground, Ice Playground and enjoy cheerful tunes from carolers.  Until Dec 31, 2013, from 10 am-4:30 pm. Admission $16.95, Senior $14.95, Children 3-12 $12.95 and children under 3 are free. http://bronxzoo.org/

• New Victory Theater located at 209 W 42nd Street, between Seventh & Eighth Ave. Mother Africa, This African Circus Show features Stilt Walkers, Ethiopian Jugglers and Kenyan Contortionists performing to the beat of Traditional instruments like the Djembe and Mbria. Exuberant afro-beats radiate from the stage. Now through Sun, Jan 5 2014. For ticket information, click on the link. http://www.newvictory.org/Home.aspx

        More on what to do for this Holiday break, click on the link. 

http://mommypoppins.com/kids/things-to-do-over-holiday-break-with-nyc-kids-2012

R&B Christmas in Brooklyn

Brooklyn this is a ONE NIGHT ONLY Concert. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts is bringing you an R&B Christmas. Chart topping R&B artists perform their biggest hits, as well as Christmas Favorites.

Enjoy the smooth vocals of Charlie Thomas' Drifters ("Under the board walk", "Up on the roof").

The Coasters ( "Yakety Yak", "Poison Ivy")

Blue Magic featuring Original lead singer Ted "Wizard" Mills ("Slide Show")

Shirley Alston Reeves, original singer of The Shirelles ("Will you still love me tomorrow").

If you are an R&B lover get your tickets now. I'm pretty sure this will be a sold-out event and what a great Christmas gift.

So Brooklyn get your tickets at http://tickets.brooklyncenter.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=42

This Event takes place on December 21, 2013 at 8 PM at Walt Whitman Theatre. Remember ONE NIGHT ONLY!

2013 Pitkin Ave Tree Lighting.

Rain did not stop the Pitkin Ave Tree Lighting from going on.  Ole Saint Nick made his way in style via  New York City's Fire Truck.

Tents was up to cover you from the rain. Hot Chocolate to keep us warm, Cupcakes for the children.  Live Jazz Band, DJ, Santa's helpers, toys for the children and Santa Claus. 

From the young to the young came and celebrated with us on this festive event and posed with good ole' Saint Nick. 

When you get a chance, visit our tree at Zion Triangle, located at Legion St and Pitkin Ave.

Pitkin Ave Tree Lighting Event

 Tis' is the season and  Brooklyn is at it again, this time in Brownsville Brooklyn. Come join them on their Pitkin Ave Tree Lighting.

There will be: 

1. Santa Claus
2. Hot Cocoa
3.  Cupcakes 
4. Music & Caroling  
5. Special Guest and more.

Pitkin Ave Tree Lighting takes place Friday,  Dec 6, 2013 on  Zion Triangle at Legion St. and Pitkin Ave.

For more info, 718-922-9600 or PitkinaveBID@yahoo.com 

https://www.facebook.com/pitkinbid

Here is the first of many Holiday Events in Brooklyn." Brooklyn Comedy Festival Winter Wonderlandia".

Here is the first of many Holiday Entertainment/Event for What's up New York? Keeping up with Brooklyn.

I always say, "Laughter is good for the soul" and what better timing, on the Holidays. This is the part I must love, finding events in Brooklyn for the Holidays and help others in need.

Brooklyn Comedy Festival is having their first Annual "Brooklyn Comedy Festival Winter Wonderlandia".

 http://bkcomedyfestival.com/, https://www.facebook.com/events/134759513377034/

They are teaming up with New York Cares to collect gently use coats for their Coat Drive and Toys for their Winter Wishes Program. http://www.newyorkcares.org/

For every Coat and/ or toy that is donated at Winter Wonderlandia, you will receive 3 raffle tickets and a chance to win tons of prizes from local businesses. 

This Event takes place in the middle of the holidays, Dec. 13, 2013. Tickets go on SALE Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013.

Location: The Paper Box

17 Meadow St. 

Brooklyn, New York 11206

 http://paperboxnyc.com/

Tickets are $10 in advanced and $15 at the door.

Doors open at 8 pm, Show starts at 9 pm and after party following right after until 2 am. 

For tickets: http://www.ticketfly.com/

Have nothing plan with the kids on their Holiday Break. Here are just a few things to do in the Big Apple.

Photo by What's up New York?

 With the kids being home for this Holiday Season and don't have anything plan. We have come up with a few things to do with your children during this Holiday Break

What better then to intrigue the mind of young ones. Museums that will be open during this Holiday Break.

1. Brooklyn Children Museum:  Kwanzaa Celebration,  Wed, Dec 26-Sunday, Dec. 30. Come join them on the Seven Principals of Kwanzaa, Nguzo and Saba.http://whatsupnewyork411.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-brooklyn-childrens-museum-said-to.html
2. Children Museum of Manhattan: The tot spot offers special programming all week. http://www.cmom.org/visit/calendar
3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art:The Metropolitan Family Program, Holiday Food Program.  http://www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/family-programs/holiday-family-programs
4. The Jewish Museum: Whimsical Puppet Creatures  http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/site/pages/calendar_main.php#/?i=4
5.  Museum of Moving Images:Clayton Creatures Workshop Astoria   http://www.movingimage.us/families/visiting
6. Museum of the City of New York: Hands on activities East Harlem          https://boxoffice.mcny.org/public/show.asp
7. New York Transit Museum:  The underground Museum offers a pair of daily programs for tots.                         http://mta.info/mta/museum/pdf/NYTM_ccalendar.pdf

Please check for scheduling. Click on Links.                                                

Macy's Holiday Windows unveiled today.

                                        Macy's Holiday Window 

Macy's windows depicting Scenes from Miracle on 34th St., second set of windows with changing Holiday Theme will be unveiled today at 151 West 34th St. New York City.Macy's home to some of New York's most Beautiful  HOLIDAY WINDOWS display.   Windows will be in displayed on Thursday Nov.15, 2012 and will be on display through Dec 31,2012.  

The Macy's Day Thanksgiving Day Parade.

   The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual Event

Thanksgiving Day Parade

The parade started in 1924, tying it for the Second-Oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the Unite States. The 3 Hrs Event is held in New York City starting 9am- on Thanksgiving.

Macy's department store employee were first generation immigrant in the 1920.  In 1924 the parade was staged by the  store.  Dressed in vibrant customs, Macy's employee and professional entertainer marched from 145th in Harlem to Macy's Flagship Store on 34th street. Floats, Professional Bands and live animals  borrowed fro Central Park Zoo.    Through the 1930's the parade continue to grow with crowds over 1 Million lining the parade route in 1933. 

The first Mickey Mouse entered in the parade in 1934. The parade was suspended 1942 and 1944 due to World War 2.  The parade resumed in 1945, using the same route that it followed until 2008.The Thanksgiving Day Parade became a permanent part of American Culture after being featured in the 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street.

The parade is also known for there live music, and other performances.  College and High School Marching Band from across the Country.  The  Radio City Rockettes are classic performers.  Cheerleaders, and dancers chosen by National Cheerleaders Association.  The parade concludes with the arrival of Santa Claus to ring the Christmas and Holiday Season.  

More than 44 million people view the parade on Television.  The first televised was locally  the 1939 as an experimental Broadcast .  There was not broadcasting the parade in 1940 or 1941.  

The parade takes place in Manhattan.  Originally the parade started from 145th in Harlem and ended at Herald Square (Six mile route).  A new route was established in 2009, from  77th St and Central Park West, it goes South along central Park to Columbus Circle, then goes East along Central Park South, then makes a right at 7th Ave and South to Time Square at 42nd St the parade turns left and goes East, then at 6th turns right again at Bryant Park. Heading South on 6th Ave, the parade turns at 34th St (Herald Square) and proceeds West to the terminating point at 7th Ave where the floats are taken down.

Since 2001 Macy's Studio has partnered with Universal Orlando Resort to bring balloons and Floats from New York to the theme park in Florida every year.