Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets

Bryant Park:                     November 28th to January 2nd

Columbus Circle:              November 28th to December 24th

Union Square:                  November 19th to December 24th

Grand Central:                  November 14th to December 24th 

Bryant Park: lt has more than 100 kiosks full of ornaments, gifts and decorative items with Christmas motifs, striking balls and Christmas trees are great works of art. Next to the kiosks you can find small stalls with all type of food. Link https://goo.gl/EmY2PA.

Columbus Circle Holiday: Is known internationally as one of the most elegant and beautiful places for holiday shopping. Located at the entrance of Central Park on 59th Street and Central Park West, visitors get lost in gleaming halls of art, jewelry, household items and delicious meals from local craftsmen and designers, link https://goo.gl/N0h2GO.

Union Square: its a Christmas market, one of the favorites in New York, attracts over 1 million visitors, located in the Union Square. This place is usual acquire natural Christmas trees to decorate home, plus crafts, candles, hats, scarves, food, among many other items. Link: https://goo.gl/U1wOmI.

Station Grand Central Christmas Market: located inside the legendary Grand Central Station train, so it's a perfect plan for a snow day or intense cold, you can find over 70 stalls where you can buy all kinds of Christmas souvenirs, link: https://goo.gl/XteQLJ.

Our advice:

  • When you are visiting the market, you can also remember Bryant Park ice skating is free, you only have to rent skates, do not forget to bring padlock so you can use it as a locker and save money by renting one.
  • In the market of Columbus Circle be sure to try a glass of apple cider or hot chocolate and after buying, visit the Central Park, you can find it next to the Colombus Circle.

Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

Date of ignition:     Date is not confirmed yet, 7:00pm to 9:00pm  

Date shutdown:     January , 2021 Date is not confirmed yet, 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Start time:             Every day from 5:30 in the morning
                               Until 11:30 at night

Christmas officially begins after the Thanksgiving and after turns on the Christmas Tree on the Rockellefer Center. It is decorated with 45,000 LED lights, drive for 8 kilometers of electric cables and topped with a Swarovski star.

For the special date there is always a programming gala that starts at 7 pm, on Christmas and New Year the tree is on the 24 hours.

Our advice:

  • The event is free, its attended by thousands of people and is followed by millions of them through television around the world.
  • If you are lucky enough to be in New York that day, We recommend you to go a couple of hours before the exhibition if you want a good location. Otherwise, you'll probably have to watch the whole ceremony through the giant screens installed in different parts of the Rockefeller Center. For More information, visit: http://goo.gl/MMO9S8 

Black Friday

Black Friday

Date:       Friday after Thanksgiving
                November 27th  2020

Black Friday is the start to the holiday shopping season, where merchants offer their best and strongest discounts, rebates, promotions and offers in retail stores, department stores and large chain supermarkets appliances. The day after Thanksgiving in the US, it’s celebrated only on the last Friday of November. It has routinely been the busiest commercial day of the year; consumers are in lines from the night before to try to get the annual offers in this day. Recently it has been celebrated Cyber Monday (Cyber Monday), where most brands offer discounts on purchases are similar to those offered online in Black Friday.   

Our advice:

When you buy online do not forget the coupon registration, often you will see a box to enter a discount code or promotion, these are little used and may be an unexpected source of savings, you will find from free shipping or delivery immediate no extra charge, to additional savings, up to 25%.

In local New York newspapers bring local advertising for the Black Friday deals and coupons you can use to greater savings. If you want to buy online, you'll want to see the deals offered by different stores. The best way is to go directly to the website of the store in the days before, to read what discounts apply during Black Friday. You can also find the time and location of the nearest store.

Macy's Opens at 3:00 am or 4:00 am, there will be lines but it has very good deals, so its worth it!

Toys "R" Us in Times Square has Toys, toys and more toys.

Abercrombie & Fitch will have long lines.

The products are selling fast, so it would be better to set the alarm and arrive early, get the best deals and find clothing that fits you the way you want.

Ice Skating

Ice Skating

During the winter, New York prepares it's ice rinks for skating fans in different parts of the city.

Bryant Park: During the winter season, the ice rink is opened, which is known as "The Pond". It is a classic, located in the heart of Manhattan it's the only free track for those who bring their own skates. You can also rent skates. It has lockers to store belongings, if you want, you can bring a padlock and you wont have to pay for this service.

Hours: Daily: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm. Free entrance           

Central Park: The ice rink is called ''Wollman Rink'', located at the corner of Central Park South and Sixth Avenue this track is the largest of all but it isn't free, for those who want to see people skate, you will also have to pay.

Hours: Daily from 11am to 5pm. You have to pay an entry fee.               

Central Park Lasker: It's a pool during the summer and ice skating rink during the winter, located in the middle of the park between 106th and 108th streets.

Hours: You can check the timetables by clicking here. You have to pay an entry fee.  

Rockefeller Center:  The most photographed and filmed Rink Ice in New York City. We have seen it in films and series, every year when the Christmas tree is shining, there are lots of cameras transmitting for all around the world from there. Located at the foot of the building Rockefeller Center. Only 150 skaters are allowed at a time. The best time to go is during business hours and in the morning.

Hours: You can check the timetables by clicking here. You have to pay an entry fee.

Chelsea Piers Sky Ring: Located at the docks on the Hudson River (Pier61) is an indoor track. The interesting thing about this track is that it is widely used for training equipment figure skating and hockey teams so you will see a different atmosphere comparing to others.

Hours: You can check the timetables by clicking here. You have to pay an entry fee.

Our advice:

  • In all cases, the outdoor courts are prepared in November and open to the public at the end of the month, usually coinciding with Thanksgiving and remains open for about 3 to 4 months, depending on weather conditions.

New York Marathon

New York Marathon

Date: First Sunday of November

Time: Starts at 8:30 a.m.

The emblematic Annual New York City Marathon is 26.2 miles or 42 kilometers long,  spanning the five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Manhattan to get to finishing line in  Central Park. With the participation of 48,000 runners, including professional athletes, amateurs, local and about two million enthusiastic spectators that encourage runners along the route. There is a church chorus that sings on the streets the day of the marathon.  You will find enthusiastic people around, in bars and restaurants.

Our advice:

Here are some places where you can appreciate the Marathon:


• Corner of Bay Ridge Parkway and Fourth Avenue.
• Hall Street and Lafayette Avenue in Clinton Hill.

If you would like to see more details, click here.

Thanksgiving Parade

Thanksgiving Parade

Date:                       Last Thursday of November (November 26th, 2020

Start Time:             9:00 am

Macy’s thanksgiving parade is a show that lasts three hours, with floats, bands, choreography, famous people and the gigantic balloons with different characters shapes; these are the main attractions of the parade.

It starts on 77th street and West Central Park, it goes down to Columbus Circle, from there, the parade goes around and from 7th avenue until 42nd street, where it goes to Sixth avenue until 34th street where the Macy’s herald square is.

Our advice:

  • According to the organizers, the best location to see the parade is at South Central Park, from Columbus Circle until Sixth Avenue.
  • Not good locations are around Macy’s Herald Square and Sixth avenue, from 38th street to 34th, because there are going to be a lot of T.V. cameras and communication media.
  • Go with warm clothes, the temperature can drop and you will be outside for a good time.
  • It’s recommended to be there before 6:30 am to get the best spot and bring your chair
  • If you go with children, it’s better to see the parade from the beginning on Central Park West, in case your children get bored, there is a park in front of Tavern on the Green, between Central park and 67th Street.

Macy's Thanksgiving Eve Balloon Blow-up

Macy's Thanksgiving Eve Balloon Blow-up

Date:             Wednesday before Thanksgiving 

Time:             Between 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

The protagonists of the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade are the giant balloons flying over the heads of the participants. Testing and inflating balloons are similar to the parade. The inflating balloons protocol is made a day before the parade. The entrance is on 79th Street and they start to inflate the balloons around 4:30 pm. Trials with the inflated balloons are made around the Museum of Natural History from Columbus Avenue to 77th Street, Central Park West and return to 81st street.

Our advice:

Around 5:00 pm most of the balloons begin to take its shape, at 9:00 pm they all should be inflated, this time is the perfect one for pictures. The balloons are kept earthbound by giant nets.

Try to arrive early so you can get good pictures because on this season, it gets dark earlier.

Bring snacks and water, once you leave the viewing area, you will not be able to re-enter because it takes a lot of time, so definitely bring things to eat and drink, or dinner in advance is the best.  For next year, try to make a friendship with someone who lives on 81st Street between 77th Street Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.

Latin America Cultural Week

Latin America Cultural Week

Date:           November 2020   Unconfirmed date

On this date in New York, the Latin American Cultural Week is celebrated, where the rich cultural heritage of Latin America shares film, music, literature, theater, visual and arts performances, it also gives a chance to be played by the Latino artists.

Our advice:

Check the link at the end of this paragraph, you will find all the schedules, sorted by events and participants in alphabetical order for easy location. Many of the events are free, others with moderate costs: http://www.lacw.net/participants.php

New York Dinner Cruise with Buffet

New York Dinner Cruise with Buffet

Starting point: Chelsea Piers

Check Out: 7pm (Embarkation begins at 6:30 pm)

Duration: 3 hours

 

The cruise offers a spectacular way to see the city of New York. Hop on board the boat at the dock 61 in the afternoon and get ready for a night full of fun and entertainment. Before dinner, you will have the opportunity to tour the ship while the crew loose the moorings for the fabulous three-hour tour through the port of New York. Then you are invited to the free buffet and you can try your favorite dishes, including desserts, salads, meats and casseroles.

All food is freshly prepared in the kitchen of the boat and served in the style of buffets luxury cruise liners. Enjoy leisurely dinner while listening to music and watch through the windows the Manhattan skyline.

Entries: can check the calendar and prices by clicking here. The local operator accepts both print and electronic bond bonds. If you travel with a mobile device, simply show your photo identification and present your electronic voucher on your smartphone or digital tablet the day of travel.

Our advice:

  • Tickets can be collected at the kiosk next to the pier until one hour before the cruise. In the rare case of a schedule change, they will contact you with updated information.
  • Smoking is not permitted inside the boat.
  • Children 2 years old and younger do not pay (not including food).
  • Attire: For men, appropriate attire would be pants and polo or button-down shirt. In the case of women, long pants or ankle or elegant summer dress is recommended.
  • Please note that drinks are not included in the price, except for the option premium. If you consume alcohol, the best option is to pay for the first class because it includes open bar.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular "The Rockettes"

Radio City Christmas Spectacular "The Rockettes"

Location:         Radio City Music Hall

Date:               From November 6 to January 3, 2021

Duration:         2 hours and 20 minutes

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular production of the 2018  festivities is held from November 11th to december  31th, 2018, it is the most famous Christmas work of the United States, starring the world famous Rockettes. The show, premiered in 1933 has become a true Christmas tradition of the city, don't miss it, its a spectacular experience.

The Rockettes: This Christmas The Rockettes takes Radio City Music Hall (considered by the experts the best equipped theater), only the largest indoor theater in the world can host the most spectacular Christmas celebration. Once you enter, you will be amazed by its classic beauty, at an emblematic place in New York City.

The show features dazzling costumes, dynamic dance numbers and stunning special effects!!! The huge stage lights up while The Rockettes perform their distinctive precision dance and a visually stunning staging.

Presence the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, for this act, The Rockettes dress like Wood soldiers and they fall on each other simulating dominoes chips. It is time for the truly special and unforgettable function!

Tickets: You can buy the tickets by clicking here, when you reserve it, you can access the documentation of your bonus, which you have to print. You can pick up your tickets at the theater box office the presentation day, one hour before the start. The bonus and your ID are required at the theater box office on the day of the performance to receive your ticket and your seat number.

Our Advice:

It is a wonderful show that is worth to enjoy with family. Every year the show brings something different, no matter if you've already seen it, you'll surely enjoy it again.

They have wheelchair seats available; go to the "Special requirements" area and ask for the wheelchair when you are making the payment

Keep in mind that the seats can not be chosen, they are determined by the organizers depending on the purchase order.

No changes or cancellations are allowed. Check carefully that you have correctly selected the day and time before you formalize your reservation.

Children under 2 years old do not pay entrance, however they can not occupy a seat, they must sit in the same place as their responsible parents or guardians.

Christmas Markets
Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting
Black Friday
Ice Skating
New York Marathon
Thanksgiving Parade
Macy's Thanksgiving Eve Balloon Blow-up
Latin America Cultural Week
New York Dinner Cruise with Buffet
Radio City Christmas Spectacular "The Rockettes"