KidTripster Teen: 20+ cool yuletide traditions that you’ve likely never heard about
It’s a common belief that the calendar year consists of four seasons, but I contend that there’s a fifth season – the holiday season! It’s that enchanted stretch from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. For me, one of the best places to be during the holiday season is New York City. This city seems extra magical when every corner is decked out in holiday style and flaunting an ineffable festive feeling in the air. When planning a trip, there’s no doubt the usual attractions like the giant tree at Rockefeller Center are always a good bet, but here are some other activities that will add more ho-ho-ho to your holidays.
1. New York Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show
2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx
Housed in the Conservatory at the New York Botanical Gardens, this experience is 100% pure magic. Yes, it’s all the way in the Bronx, but I promise you, this outer-borough excursion won’t disappoint. The conservatory rooms have been transformed into different vignettes of New York City, complete with all its iconic buildings and famous landmarks, and tons of track for the 25 different model trains. What makes these displays so unique is that they’re all made exclusively of plants and other foliage. Things like leaves and pine cones have been reimagined as the beautiful sights of city. Train lover or not, this exhibit is sure to amaze! Cost: Youth (under 2) Free; Youth (ages 2-12) $10-18; Adult $23-30.
KidTripster Tip: Ticket prices includes all-garden passes with access to other exhibits, so plan to spend some extra time checking out NYBG.
KidTripster Tip: This timed ticket event does sell out, so secure your space online in advance to ensure a spot! For the best experience, time your visit to see this wonder after the sun goes down.
2. Holiday Lights at Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx
Another holiday attraction in the Bronx is the Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo. This wondrous walk-through experience includes several acres of the zoo grounds and mesmerizes guests with its glittering, LED light displays of animal-themed creations, custom Asian lantern installations, and animated light shows in the famed Astor Court. Visitors also can enjoy holiday carolers, train rides, cool ice carving demonstrations, and yummy seasonal treats. Don’t forget to check out the awesome zoo souvenirs, too! Cost: Youth (2 & under) Free; Youth (ages 3-12) $23; Adult $30.
3. GingerBread Lane at New York Hall of Science
47-01 111th Street, Queens
This marvel of culinary engineering has garnered a place in the Guinness Book of World Records four years running as the world’s largest gingerbread village. Creator Jon Lovitch will again try to break his own record with this year’s edition, GingerBread Lane. All the handmade pieces are constructed completely of edible gingerbread. They’re designed, baked, and decorated over a full year by Chef Lovitch at his home in Queens. It’s cool to see candy cleverly used to decorate the village like pieces of gum transformed into brick walls and jelly beans converted to colorful rooftop shingles. The icing on the ginger bread cake is that guests get to create their own gingerbread house masterpieces, though this only happens on select dates, so check the website for details Cost: Youth (under 2) Free; Youth (age 2-17) $13; Adult $16; exhibit is free as part of general admission to NYSI.
KidTripster Tip: The museum offers free admission on Fridays (2-5 p.m.) and Sundays (10-11a.m.)
4. Winter Lantern Festival at Snug Harbor Cultural Center
1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island
Get ready to explore an enchanted realm filled with dazzling lights and colors. Almost eight acres of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center have been converted into a wonderland of illuminated art, featuring over a thousand lanterns and dozens of LED installations that reach heights of up to 30 feet! This splendid spectacle is complemented by cultural performances of Chinese dances and other traditional presentations like plate and bowl spinning and hoop tumbling. There also are interactive exhibits, Asian-inspired eats, and a variety of artisan merchants selling their holiday wares. Depending on the week, days and times vary for this event, so check the website for the official calendar. Cost: Youth (2 & under) Free; Youth (3-12) $15-17; Adult $23-25.
5. Holiday lights
Of course, the window displays along Fifth Avenue are always a NYC holiday must-see, but you can get a glimpse of some equally incredible holiday light displays by popping into the lobbies of some popular shopping spots and high-end hotels around town. Here are a few of my favorites.
Designed by the LAB at Rockwell Group, the Brookfield Place Luminaries are an enchanting canopy of multi-colored lights that illuminate Brookfield’s Winter Garden Atrium every year. The luminaries change colors every few minutes and create an entrancing feel that sparks a divine sense of wonder.
Holiday Under the Stars at the Shops at Columbus Circle is an amazing light show at the shops just across from the southwest corner of Central Park. This exhibit displays a dozen massive, 14-foot stars hanging from a 150-foot ceiling that lights up the lobby in full color. There are musically choreographed light shows every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour from 5 p.m. until midnight.
The lobby of the iconic Plaza Hotel is an exquisite sight any time of year, but during the holidays, this place goes full tilt with a dazzling, decked-out tree donning decorations and lights galore. I’m wowed every year!
KidTripster Tip: After gazing at the glistening entrance, head downstairs and grab a treat at the Plaza Food Hall. This gourmet hideaway is full of fine food purveyors, including Todd English that will undoubtedly delight the taste buds.
The ultra-luxurious Lotte New York Palace is known for the sizable, sparkling tree that adorns the outside courtyard. Be sure to also step inside and eye the equally elegant holiday décor in the lobby.
KidTripster Tip: If eating under an extravagant excess of holiday lights is your vibe, Rolf’s in Gramercy Park is the place to go. During the holidays, this German fare establishment fills every square inch of its space with Christmas décor. It’s a little bit of kitsch and a whole lot of festive fun, but make a reservation as it’s a popular spot.
6. Holiday performances
The Rockettes and The Nutcracker shows are perennial holiday favorites, but many don’t know there are other unique live events during the holidays that are equally entertaining. Offerings change from year to year, but there’s always a cool mix of classic Christmas concerts and interesting twists on family entertainment presented on stages all over New York City. A Christmas Carol and Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before are two great options this year, but if you want a full rundown of holiday shows and schedules, check out a complete list here.
KidTripster Tip: If you want to take home a little holiday spirit from Broadway, look for Carols for a Cure. Every year around this time, the Great White Way puts together a compilation of holiday songs recorded by current casts of various shows from Broadway, off-Broadway, and national tours. All proceeds go to help Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.
7. Holiday markets
For me, there’s nothing better than a handmade gift because I think giving or receiving a one-of-a-kind item just feels extra special. It’s true that online shopping with the big chain retailers or Amazon makes gifting super easy, but I think it’s more fun to search through a maze of artisan booths for that perfect something. Luckily, this time of year, New York City has a holiday market on practically every corner. With all the unique options, you’re sure to find something cool for all the people on your gift list and maybe even a little something for yourself! Some of my favorites to hit are Bryant Park Winter Village, Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair, Columbus Circle Holiday Market, and Union Square Holiday Market. Cost: Free to browse!
8. Ice skating
It wouldn’t be holiday time in New York without an outing on the ice. You can hit the iconic rink at Rockefeller Center, but those crowds sometimes can make it difficult to get in a good skate. The good news is that New York City has a surplus of skating spots, all of which are great for a little outdoor fun and perfect for photo ops. Try Brookfield Place, The Standard Ice Rink, LeFrak Center, and Lasker Rink, all of which offer fewer crowds and more rink room. Cost: Varies.
KidTripster Tip: If the weather gets too bad to skate outdoors, head over to Chelsea Piers and skate at the indoor rink.
9. Festive treats
’Tis the season to satisfy your sweet tooth! New York City is always packed with places that present a delectable array of unique holiday goodies. While it’s certain that there’s a scrumptious treat awaiting in most any cafe or bake shop, if you happen to be in these neighborhoods, here are some super sweet spots to check out.
Stop off at the SoHo location of L.A. Burdick Chocolates to sample the chocolate snowmen – made from hand-piped, dark chocolate-clementine ganache, dipped in white chocolate, and capped with a dark chocolate top hat. If you’re in the mood for something “bready,” try a slice of authentic Christmas stollen. This festive German treat is stuffed with spices, sugared orange peels, and almonds.
Struffoli is a puffed pastry mixed with honey and toppings like cinnamon. It’s an Italian Christmas classic, and the go-to place for struffoli is Little Italy’s Ferrara Bakery.
If you’re heading to the Upper East Side, Two Little Red Hens bakery is a must for marvelous mulled cider, eggnog Bavarian cupcakes, and outrageous old-fashioned gingerbread or luscious, lemon gingerbread.
A chill in the air could conjure cravings for hot cocoa – in which case, make a beeline for Sant Ambrœus. Here, the beverage that you desire is comprised of one indulgent ingredient – pure, melted chocolate. The best news of all is that there are several locations on the Upper East Side, as well as outposts in Soho and the West Village, so you easily can fulfill your decadent desires!
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