Keeping your sanity through the holidays:
The holidays are in full swing with sidewalks crowded with holiday shoppers marveling at the store window displays and capturing bargains along the way.
Please remember that restrooms are a challenge to find in NYC! Pace yourselves well, especially with young children in hand. The major department stores, hotels and restaurants are good restroom stops. The lines are going to be long at the museums and theater, so plan ahead and don’t wait until the last minute!
The traffic will continue to increase daily until the first of the year. Allow extra time to get to your destination. This is going to be especially true in taxis now that the new waiting time rate has increased from 20 cents a minute to 40 cents a minute adding about an extra dollar on each trip. The tree at Rockefeller Center is a major attraction and the crowds around it daily are significant.
No time for a leisure full afternoon tea? There are a variety of quick snacks at reasonable prices with healthy options. Pret A Manger is a good option for fresh sandwiches, salads and soups. Dishes, located on 45th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue is a great place for lunch if you can tolerate the lines. They move quickly, and the wait is worth it. Kati Rolls on 46th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues offers a version of burritos done Indian style with Tandoori cooked chicken, lamp and beef in a flatbread. If you like it extra spicy, just ask when you place your order and they’ll be happy to add extra chilies.
Central Park Roads Reopen to Cars
The regular weekday closing of Central Park roads will be suspended starting Monday, November 20. The roads will be open to cars on weekdays from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., but will be closed to vehicular traffic on holidays and weekends, through Tuesday, January 2, 2007.
Kaleidoscope The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has announced that Grand Central Terminal will have a dramatic sound and light show designed by the same people that produce effects for the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt called: Kaleidoscope. The show will run for 11 minutes from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM through the end of the year.
Spanish Painting from El Greco to Picasso: Time, Truth and History
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue at 89th Street. A large-scale exhibition focusing on key Spanish artists of the last five centuries. Presenting works from the great masters such as El Greco, Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Salvador Dalí, this exhibition will feature over 150 paintings from the sixteenth to the mid-twentieth century. Runs through Wednesday, March 28, 2007.
1st German Christmas Market in New York City, South Street Seaport, Pier 17. The Market starts on November 25th until December 24th, 2006. Enjoy the colorful market with all its Christmas gifts, food and drinks from Germany. Everything is imported and you will feel like you are in Germany. Try a cup of Gluehwine or the delicious Gingerbread. www.germandelights.com. Runs through Sunday, December 24.
Holiday Model Trains in Action, Citigroup Building at 601 Lexington Avenue between 53rd Street and 54th. An animated world with a huge network of trains circling a multi-level New York landscape with tiny people in motion, scenes at a carnival, a logging camp, an ice skating rink, and more. Free. www.citigroup.com. Runs through Friday, December 29.
Friday, December 1
Tartan Fair, First Presbyterian Church, Fifth Avenue at 12th Street. There is something for everyone at this annual fund raiser that brings the community together; white elephant, art, books, baked goods, antiques, Christmas decorations, silent auction items. Friday 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Admission is $5.00 up to 6:00 PM, Friday after 6:00 PM and Saturday Admission is $2.00. Students and Seniors *Saturday only* $1.00. Note: The dealers arrive early for the best selection, so plan accordingly. Runs through Sunday, December 3. Vesper Service of Music Sunday, December 3rd, 4:00 PM. First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, Messiah George Frideric Handel, The First Presbyterian Church Choir and Soloists with Harp and Orchestra, Dr. William Entriken, Conductor
Saturday, December 2
14th Annual Christmas Bash NYC, The Puck Building, 295 Lafayette Street. The 14th Annual Christmas Bash will be held at The Puck Building on 12/2/2006 from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM, passed hors d'oeuvres, top shelf open bar $100 in advance and $125 @ the door (cash only at the door) Music by The Billy Lawlor Band and DJ Dave. This year’s special guest is Joe Ganniscoli from The Sopranos. www.christmasbashnyc.com.
Teddy Bear Tea, the Ritz Carlton, Central Park. Atelier restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park , 50 Central Park South. Children and adults are invited to enjoy a memorable afternoon of Teddy Bear Tea and FAO Schwarz Toy Soldier Story Time. Price per person is $80.00 inclusive of tax and gratuity. Saturday December 2nd, 9th and 16th 2:00pm to 3:30pm. Due to limited space, a seven-day advance payment and reservations are required: 212-521-6122.
Holiday Market at Columbus Circle, Urban Space Management, Southwest entrance to Central Park, overlooking Columbus Circle. The Holiday Market at Columbus Circle will offer imported & handmade holiday ornaments & decorations, children’s toys, antique prints & fine art, gourmet food, drinks & baked goods, flowers, pet toys & sweaters, clothing & accessories, French linens, cashmere, bath oil and candles, golf accessories, handmade leather goods & jewelry, & more. Runs through Sunday, December 24th.
Also check out the market at Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal and Union Square for vendors showing unusual gift items at reasonable prices.
Holiday Crafts Park Avenue, Park Avenue and 66th Street. This show is ranked among the top 5 craft shows in America and for decades New Yorkers have known it to be the best place to find extraordinary handmade gifts. It is now the only major craft show in New York during the holiday shopping season. For more info, visit www.artrider.com. Runs through Sunday, December 3.
Sunday, December 3
15th Annual Double Dutch Holiday Classic, Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th Street. Teams from Europe, Japan and the United States compete to win the "Best in the Show Award". 8 of the last 10 years, teams from Japan have won the award. Called "rope skipping" in Europe and Canada, 2 people turn ropes in eggbeater fashion while 1 or more people jump, often doing unbelievable acrobatic routines. Will this become an Olympic event?
Monday, December 4
Salmagundi Annual Thumb Box Exhibitions, 47 Fifth Avenue. Salmagundi continues the tradition of fine art on a smaller scale, the Annual Thumb Box Painting Exhibition. Paintings by contemporary members. Through Friday, January 5th.
Thursday, December 7
Antiques & Fine Art at the Armory, Wendy Show, The 7th Regiment Armory, Park Avenue at 67th Street. Featuring over 60 International dealers presenting an array of antiquities through the 21st Century, the show will run Thursday, December 7 to Monday, December 11. Hours are 11:00AM-8:00PM, Thursday and Friday, and 11:00AM-7:00PM, Saturday, Sunday and Monday; $20 per person with journal. Through Monday, December 11.
Friday, December 8
Gingerbread Homes for Animals, hosted by Rational Animal and the ASPCA, Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue. 4th annual Gingerbread Homes for Animals™ pastry exhibit. Rational Animal, the ASPCA, will present this event along with The French Culinary Institute, PastryScoop.com and HEART. Portion of funds raised goes to the Picasso Veterinary Fund. Runs through Sunday, December 17.
Tuesday, December 12
Nan Kempner: American Chic, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fifth Avenue at 83rd Street. This Costume Institute exhibition celebrates the cool glamour, spare elegance, and iconic style of one of the most renowned members of the Best-Dressed List’s Hall of Fame, the late Mrs. Thomas L. Kempner, through a selection of her favorite designers and couture ensembles. Call us for private shopping tours at 212-370-1319 and let us know what you wish to purchase, size and price ranges.
Thursday, December 14
Display of the Original New York Ratification of the US Bill of Rights, Federal Hall National Memorial, 26 Wall Street, The original New York Ratification of the US Bill of Rights will be displayed in New York for the first time in 216 years. In addition to the free display, the National Park Service and the National Archives host a free related exhibit, interpreters in period costumes and various family activities. New York City is rich in history and we’d love to create a personalized experience for you. Runs through Sunday, December 17. 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on the 14th and Friday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. After that, there will be a copy of the document on display and the original returns to Washington, DC.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Chanukkah, begins.
Sunday, December 24
Christmas Eve services vary from location to location. Check the venue of your choice for the time of the service. St. Patrick’s Cathedral’s midnight service requires a ticket.
Monday, December 25
Christmas
Tuesday, December 26
Kwanzaa is a non-religious African American holiday which celebrates family, community, and culture. It is celebrated for seven days: December 26 - January 1. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili. The kinara is the center of the Kwanzaa setting and represents the original stalk from which we came: our ancestry.
Saturday, December 30
New York National Boat Show, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Main Entrance, 35th Street and 11th Avenue, 212-984-7000. World's first & longest running boating event features 1000+ vessels from major U.S. and international manufacturers as well as 200+ vendors selling everything needed for getting out on the water--electronics and engines, accessories and nautical gifts items, finance and insurance, gadgets and gear. Runs through Sunday, January 7.
Monday, December 31st in Times Square
There are a variety of options for you for New Year’s Eve including yacht cruises, a mini-marathon in Central Park with fireworks, or we could book a dinner reservation for you with your very own place saved for you in Times Square to watch the Ball Drop, or you could arrive hours early and wait.
THE EVENT
5:00 PM
The Revelers
Revelers start arriving late in the afternoon on New Year's Eve. By approximately 5:00 p.m., the Bow Tie of Times Square (42nd to 47th Sts. between Broadway & 7th Ave.) is fully closed to traffic. Revelers are directed by the NYPD to gather in separate viewing sections. As one section fills up, the revelers are directed by police to the next viewing section. As the evening progresses, revelers continue to fill the Times Square neighborhood along Broadway and Seventh Avenue moving uptown from 43rd St. to as far as Central Park.
6:00 PM to 6:03 PM
Raising and Lighting the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball
The celebration begins with the Korbel Champagne lighting and raising of the New Year’s Eve Ball atop One Times Square. Aaron Heck from the Korbel winery will Join Tim Tompkins and Jeffrey Straus, co-organizers of Times Square 2006, to flip the big Korbel switch which lights the New Year’s Eve Ball. As the lit Ball reaches the top of the flagpole, Grucci’s Grand Illuminations will present a twenty-one second fireworks salute!
6:04 PM to 6:19 PM
Pontiac Garage Stage – Musical Performance by Puddle of Mudd
The Times Square New Year’s Celebration gets started with a musical performance by Puddle of Mudd from the Pontiac Garage Stage atop the setback roof at Two Times Square. A pyro effect draws the attention of the revelers to the Pontiac Garage Stage. The performance concludes with another pyro effect.
6:20 PM
TS2006 Music Soundtrack and Performance Rehearsals
The revelers now gathered in Times Square in anticipation of the New Year are entertained by cheerful and fun background music provided by the TS2006 soundtrack and performance rehearsals.
6:30 PM
Pom-poms, Balloons, Hats, Ear Warmers, Gloves, Eyeglasses, Necklaces, Confetti Bags and MetroCards
The Times Square Alliance sanitation crews clad in bright red uniforms begin to distribute many thousands of fun handouts to the Times Square revelers for cheering in the New Year. In addition to pom-poms and confetti bags, Chevrolet provides New Year’s Eve hats and ear warmers. Korbel Champagne provides bright red balloons tied with gold Mylar ribbons. Panasonic provides eyeglasses, necklaces, and paper blowout party favors. Coke is supplying warm red gloves, and Philips is providing a free MetroCard for a safe ride home after the celebration.
6:58 PM to 7:01 PM
Hourly Countdown with Carson Daly
As we approach the New Year, Carson Daly will appear on the Countdown Stage to say “Happy New Year”, and lead the Times Square revelers in counting down to the end of each hour as a thirty second video countdown is displayed on the giant Coke sign accompanied by special sound and pyrotechnic effects.
7:58 PM to 8:01 PM
Hourly Countdown #2
As we approach the New Year, a celebrity guest will appear on the Countdown Stage to say “Happy New Year”, and lead the Times Square revelers in counting down to the end of each hour as a thirty second video countdown is displayed on the giant Coke sign accompanied by special sound and pyrotechnic effects.
8:30 PM to 8:33 PM
Times Square Alliance Security Officers and Sanitation Workers
At the Countdown Stage, Times Square Alliance security officers and sanitation workers discuss their Times Square New Year’s Eve experiences, and demonstrate the festive New Year’s Eve handouts that are currently being distributed to the revelers.
8:58 PM to 10:01 PM
Hourly Countdown #3
As we approach the New Year, a celebrity guest will appear on the Countdown Stage to say “Happy New Year”, and lead the Times Square revelers in counting down to the end of each hour as a thirty second video countdown is displayed on the giant Coke sign accompanied by special sound and pyrotechnic effects.
10:01 PM to 10:06 PM
Anderson Cooper Reports on the Big Events of 2005
CNN will provide The Times Square revelers with a look back at the biggest events of 2005.
10:08 PM to 10:13 PM
Interview of Times Square Revelers
At the Countdown Stage, Times Square Revelers are interviewed about their Times Square experiences.
10:15 PM to 10:25 PM
A Times Square Salute to our Armed Forces
The USO Troupe of Metropolitan New York performs a medley of songs on the Chevy Stage in honor of the men and women of our armed forces. As we celebrate the New Year, we sing out a special message of support and praise for these brave men and women.
10:30 PM to 10:40 PM
ESPN New Year’s Eve Special – Musical Performance by The Troggs
The Troggs perform their 60’s classic “Wild Thing” on the Countdown Stage.
10:42 PM to 10:57 PM
Pontiac Garage Stage – Musical Performance by P.O.D.
P.O.D. performs on the Pontiac Garage Stage atop the setback roof at Two Times Square. A pyro effect draws the attention of the revelers to the Pontiac Garage Stage. The performance concludes with another pyro effect immediately followed by red foil confetti throughout Times Square.
10:58 PM to 11:01 PM
Hourly Countdown with Regis Philbin
As we approach the New Year, Regis Philbin will appear on the Countdown Stage to say “Happy New Year”, and lead the Times Square revelers in counting down to the end of the hour as a thirty second video countdown is displayed on the giant Coke sign accompanied by special sound, confetti and pyrotechnic effects.
11:02 PM to 11:12 PM
Panasonic’s Times Square Sing-Along
Regis Philbin leads the annual Panasonic Sing-Along on the Countdown Stage. As the words appear on the giant Panasonic Astrovision screens, Regis and the revelers will sing the classic tunes “New York, New York”, “Winter Wonderland”, and “Auld Lang Syne”.
11:13 PM to 11:23 PM
Pontiac Garage Stage – Musical Performance by OK Go
OK Go performs on the Pontiac Garage Stage. A pyro effect draws the attention of the revelers to the Pontiac Garage Stage. The performance concludes with another pyro effect immediately followed by red foil confetti throughout Times Square.
11:25 PM to 11:30 PM
FOX’s New Year’s Eve Special - Musical Performance by Nick Cannon
Nick Cannon performs “Dime Piece” on the Countdown Stage.
11:34 PM to 11:40 PM
NBC's New Year’s Eve Special - Musical Performance by Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige performs on the Chevy Stage. The performance concludes with a ten second pyro hit atop the Chevy Skylifts at 43rd Street immediately followed by gold foil confetti throughout Times Square.
11:42 PM to 11:48 PM
ABC’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve - Musical Performance by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey performs on the ABC Stage at Military Island. The performance concludes with a ten second pyro hit atop the Chevy Skylifts at 43rd Street.
11:49 PM to 11:54 PM
World Premier of Univision Music’s Anthem for FIFA World Cup 2006
World Premiere musical performance on the Countdown Stage by top Latin recording artists Ana Bárbara, Pablo Montero, Mariana Seoane and Anaís of the high energy song “¡Arriba, Arriba!” especially created for FIFA World Cup 2006.
11:59 PM
The Sixty-Second Countdown
The Times Square 2006 Special Guest and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg push the Waterford crystal button that signals the descent of the New Year’s Eve Ball, and lead the final sixty-second countdown to the New Year atop the Countdown Stage located at Duffy Square, the center island on Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets.
The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball
The lighted Ball descends 77 feet in sixty seconds. The Ball is a geodesic sphere, six feet in diameter, weighing approximately 1,070 pounds. The Ball is covered with 504 Waterford crystal triangles, 696 multicolored Philips light bulbs, 96 high intensity strobe lights, and 90 rotating pyramid mirrors.
12:00 PM -- New Year's Day
2007 Sign
At the stroke of Midnight, the light bulbs on the New Year’s Eve Ball are turned off as the numerals of the New Year “2007” burst to life shining high above Times Square.
Fireworks By Grucci
A spectacular two minute display of Grucci fireworks brilliantly illuminates the sky around Times Square..
Times Square Confetti Release
The world-famous New Year's Eve confetti is released from the rooftops of buildings throughout Times Square creating a celebratory blizzard of 2,000 pounds of colorful confetti as revelers welcome the New Year.
12:15 AM
End of Show
New Year’s Eve Midnight Run, New York Road Runners, Central Park, 212-860-4455 Usher in 2007 with speedy style! Featuring a costume parade, dancing, and fireworks, this four-miler is more of a party than a race. Count down the minutes ’til midnight and then count down the miles ’til the finish line.
