From time to time, our marketing partners will share special events and offerings with us to pass along to our readers. This month, the Mandarin Oriental, New York has shared the following with us and we hope that you will enjoy their creativity and accommodations. Call us for bookings are 212-370-1319 X 1500.
Special Holiday Happenings at the Mandarin Oriental, 80 Columbus Circle include: Hansel and Gretel Holiday Package with the Metropolitan Opera, Available December 24, 29, 2007 or January 1, 4, 8, 11, 23, 26, and 31, 2008, the package includes:
- One night for two adults/two children in a Premier Corner Hudson River View Room with adjoining Superior Room, or one night for two adults in a Central Park View or Hudson River View Room
- Four orchestra prime seats to the Met’s Hansel and Gretel
- Holiday Afternoon Tea for four in Mandarin Oriental’s scenic Lobby Lounge overlooking Central Park.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ Holiday Package with The New York City Ballet, From November 23 - December 30, 2007, The Nutcracker™ Holiday Package includes:
- One night for two adults/two children in a Mandarin Executive Suite with adjoining Grand Park View Room, or a Corner Hudson River View Room with adjoining Superior Room.
- Special “Sweet Tickets” to a New York City Ballet performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ which includes premium center orchestra seating, complimentary souvenir book, 10% discount in the gift shop, and a complimentary keepsake photograph with one of the characters from the performance
- Nutcracker Toy for up to two children ages 12 and under
- Jacques Torres gourmet chocolate holiday Nutcracker
Romeo & Juliet Holiday Romance Package, Give the gift of ballet this holiday season with Mandarin Oriental and New York City Ballet’s Romeo + Juliet Holiday Romance package. Included are tickets to an encore performance of Peter Martins’ new, acclaimed production of Romeo + Juliet with music by Sergei Prokofiev, scenery and costumes by Danish painter Per Kirkeby and danced by New City Ballet and students from the School of American Ballet. This contemporary interpretation debuted last spring to sold-out audiences. Performance dates are January 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, and 15. After the performance, a luxurious night for two in accommodations with complimentary upgrade await at Mandarin Oriental, sited by New York Magazine as Manhattan’s most romantic hotel.
Holiday Jingle Tea, Your private horse and carriage awaits you at the hotel for a jingle bells tour around Central Park. After dashing through the snow, you and your guests will return to Mandarin Oriental, New York for a deliciously decadent Holiday Afternoon Tea in the Lobby Lounge with stunning, scenic 35th floor views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
Hot Cocoa On-The-Go, Throughout the holidays, guests can savour the flavor of the season with Mandarin Oriental, New York’s signature Jacques Torres cocoa in Traditional, White Hot or Wicked Chilli flavours to-go in sleek keepsake thermoses that will keep guests toasty warm while shopping, carriage riding through Central Park, carolling in Rockefeller Center or seeing the city’s array of holiday sites and window displays.
The remaining gridlock alert days for this holiday season are:
* Friday, December 7
* Thursday, December 13
* Friday, December 14
* Wednesday, December 19
* Thursday, December 20
* Friday, December 21
Empire State Building Observatory’s hours of operation will be as follows:
Monday, December 24th: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday, December 25th: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Monday, December 31st: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
(Last elevator ascends 45 minutes prior to closing)
All other dates and times will remain as normal. (Open 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM seven days a week.) Contact us for fast track tickets and avoid the lines!
Wednesday, November 28
75th Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Illuminating Rockefeller Center for its 75th year, the Christmas tree is an icon of the Holidays in the City. The tree is illuminated from 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM daily, all day on Christmas Day and 5:30 AM–9PM on New Year’s Eve. The world’s favorite tree will be lit for the first time this holiday season on Nov. 28 and be on display until Jan. 6, 2008.
Saturday, December 1
Unique shopping items can be found around town in the following locations from now until Christmas Eve:
- Bryant Park
- Columbus Circle Union Square
- Grand Central Terminal
- Lincoln Center
A Tartan Christmas, First Presbyterian Church, Fifth Avenue at 12th Street, Holiday Shopping Saturday Admission $2.00 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
New Museum of Contemporary Art opens, 235 Bowery, 212-219-1222, www.newmuseum.org. Free admission this weekend to celebrate their opening.
Silversmiths to the Nation: Thomas Fletcher and Sidney Gardiner, 1808 – 1842. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, 212-879-5500. The silversmithing firm established in Boston (1808–1811) and Philadelphia (1811–1842) by Thomas Fletcher and Sidney Gardiner produced silver of unprecedented quality and grandeur. This exhibition is the first devoted entirely to their work and its role in commemorating the U.S.'s pride as a nation. Runs through Sunday, February 24, 2008.
Annual Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, 212-879-5500. The Museum continues a long-standing holiday tradition with the annual presentation of its Christmas tree, a favorite of New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. A vivid 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene—embellished with a profuse array of diminutive, lifelike attendant figures and silk-robed angels hovering above. Runs through Sunday, January 6, 2008.
Free Citigroup Model Train Exhibit, Citigroup Center, 153 East 53rd Street, 212-559-1747. Elaborate, multi-level model railroad is set in 1950s New York with miniature scene stories depicting the times. Over 30 trains travel an intricate maze of railroad tracks over bridges and through tunnels on a fantasy journey. Come on board! Runs through Friday, December 28.
Singles New York: WeekendDating.com, www.weekenddating.com, Central Park West at 79th Street. 718-757-6933. Singles New York: WeekendDating.com Date & Time: Saturday, December 1, 2007 11:00 AM-4:00 PM Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th Street New York, NY 10024 Cost: $44 Description: New York City NYC Singles New York Dating: mingle at the Museum of Natural History. Mingle, group tour, space show and much more.
Crafts Park Avenue, Gramercy Park Armory Artrider Productions Inc., 26th St. and Lexington Ave. 800-649-0279. Holiday Crafts Park Avenue will take place at the Gramercy Park Armory on Lexington Avenue and 26th Street. Runs through Sunday, December 2.
Sue and Edd’s Fabulous Christmas Show, The Duplex Cabaret Theater, 61 Christopher Street, 212-255-5438. Bright funny cabaret celebrating the holiday season. Performances are 12/1 at 7:00 p.m., 12/5 at 7:00 p.m., 12/14 at 9:00 p.m. and 12/16 at 3:00 p.m. Join Sue and Edd and their special guests to "sing" in the holiday season. Runs through Sunday, December 16.
Holiday Market at Columbus Circle, Urban Space Management, SW entrance to Central Park, overlooking Columbus Circle, 212-529-9262 The Holiday Market at Columbus Circle will offer imported and handmade holiday ornaments and decorations, antique prints, fine art, toys, gourmet foods, drinks, baked goods, handcrafted jewelry and leather, golf accessories, candles, bath oils, cashmere, French linens, pet accessories, clothing and apparel, and more. Runs through Monday, December 24.
Sunday, December 2
Miracle on Madison Avenue, The Children's Aid Society, Madison Avenue between 57th and 86th Streets, 212-949-4800. A charity shopping event to support New York’s children in need. Madison Ave companies will donate 20% of the day’s sales to The Children’s Aid Society’s health care programs. Andy Phillips of the Yankees will kick off the event at noon.
16th Annual Double Dutch Holiday Classic at the Apollo Theater, national double Dutch league, 253 west 125 Street, 212-865-9606. The 16th annual double Dutch holiday classic at the Apollo theater will have teams from around the u.s., Japan and Europe competing in double Dutch (rope jumping) from 1:00 PM -4:00 PM. Call for tickets 212 531 5305 or 212 307 7171. Teams from Japan have won “best in the show” 9 of the last 11 years.
Magnificent Mammals and Their Extinct Relatives, American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5200. Children are invited to sketch the Museum’s amazing dioramas, fossil mounts, and early natural- history paintings with educator Amy O’Donnell.
Hanukkah Events in Central Park, Central Park Conservancy, Central Park, 212-860-1370. Celebrate Hanukkah in Central Park! Hear The Story of Hanukkah with Robin Bady, Make Your Own Menorah and other Hanukkah Crafts! FREE/All ages/Registration required for some events. For more information on these events, please call 212-860-1370 or visit the Central Park Conservancy’s website at www.centralparknyc.org.
Swing Dance, New York Swing Dance Society, St. Jean The Baptist Church Hall, 184 E. 76th Street (at Lexington Avenue), 212-NYN-YSDS. Dance to the sounds of Roy Gerson Orchestra; $15 General Admission $11 Seniors; Dance lesson at 7 PM; dancing 8:00 PM – midnight; DJ plays between sets.
December 2nd World Aids Day Benefit Dinner: Chefs for a Cure, Crema Restaurante, 111 w. 17th Street (Between 6th and 7th Avenues), 212-694-4477. On Sunday December 2nd 2007, in honor of World AIDS Day, the Zagat and Michelin rated Crema Restaurante with Executive Chef/owner Julieta Ballesteros will join the inaugural Chefs For A Cure event. The restaurant will donate 15% of the evening’s sales to contribute to amfAR’s critically important research programs.
Tuesday, December 4
Happy Hanukkah!
The Over-Successful City, Part 2: Neighbourhood Character in Face of Change, Municipal Art Society, Municipal Art Society, 457 Madison Avenue, 212-935-2075. How can neighborhoods guard against the pitfalls of "oversuccess?" Panel discussion moderated by Matthew Schuerman of the NY Observer. With Rev. Calvin Butts (Abyssinian Dev. Corp.), Errol Louise (NY Daily News), Ron Shiffman (Pratt Center), Michelle de le Uz (Fifth Avenue Committee). $12 non-members, $8 members & students at 7:00 PM.
Saturday, December 8
Bust CraftAcular Event, Bust Magazine at The Metropolitan Pavilion, The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, 212-675-1707. Shop over 200 of the BEST handcrafters from all over the US! Now in its 3rd year, the Bust CraftAcular event lets you shop for beautiful, unique handmade goods in a festive atmosphere full of good vibes and awesome DJ entertainment.
Music of the Holidays, New York City Master Chorale, St. Paul the Apostle (60th and Columbus), 917-326-1422. Under the baton of Artistic Director and Founder, Dr. Thea Kano, New York City's premier Symphonic Chorus will perform non-traditional arrangements of traditional holiday favorites as well as classical works by Poulenc, Lauridsen, Rachmaninoff, and others on Sat., Dec. 8, 2007 at 8:00 PM. Tickets $35, $35, $15.
Sunday, December 9
Tuba Christmas, Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, 516-942-0889. Hundreds of Tuba and Euphonium players descend upon the Rock Center Ice Rink each December to fill the city with the joyous sounds of the holidays "tuba-style". Founder Harvey Phillips is the emcee. Christian Wilhjelm conducts.
Hanukkah Events in Central Park, Central Park Conservancy, Central Park, 212-860-1370. Celebrate Hanukkah in Central Park! Hear The Story of Hanukkah with Robin Bady, Make Your Own Menorah and other Hanukkah Crafts! FREE/All ages/Registration required for some events. For more information on these events, please call 212-860-1370 or visit the Central Park Conservancy’s website at www.centralparknyc.org
Christmas in Central Park, Central Park Conservancy, Central Park, 212-860-1370. Celebrate Christmas in Central Park! Enjoy the spectacular Central Park Holiday Lighting, Meet Saint Nicholas and Make Christmas Crafts! FREE/All ages. Registration required for some events. For more information on these events, please call 212-860-1370 or visit the Central Park Conservancy’s website at www.centralparknyc.org.
Music of the Holidays, New York City Master Chorale, St. Paul the Apostle (60th and Columbus), 917-326-1422. Under the baton of Artistic Director and Founder, Dr. Thea Kano, New York City's premier Symphonic Chorus will perform non-traditional arrangements of traditional holiday favorites as well as classical works by Poulenc, Lauridsen, Rachmaninoff, and others on Sun., Dec. 9 at 3:00 pm. Tickets $35, $35, $15.
Tuesday, December 11
Beer Ball 2007, Village Pourhouse, 64 Third Avenue, 212-979-2337. Cocktail attire is required as we celebrate the holidays with friends, food and our favorite beverage: beer! Top off your evening with a taste of the exotic ginger beer while feasting on an assortment of beer themed appetizers and savory desserts. Beer Ball 2007 will also benefit two charities: MaroonEffect.org and Toys for Tots.
Wednesday, December 12
Benjamin Franklin, Writer and Printer, The Grolier Club, 47 East 60th Street, 212-838-6690. The Library Company of Philadelphia’s eighty plus artifact exhibition Benjamin Franklin, Writer and Printer, takes a fresh look at Franklin’s dual relationship to the book as printer and author. On display will be the Library Company’s preeminent collection of Franklin imprints and the only known copy of the first novel published in America. Runs through Saturday, February 2, 2008.
Sunday, December 16
The Pipes of Christmas, Madison Ave Presbyterian Church. Produced by the Clan Currie Society, 921 Madison Ave (at 73rd St.), 908-273-3509. The Clan Currie Society's ninth annual edition of this Christmas classic includes the bold sounds of the pipes and drums, and the harmonious blending of brass, strings and percussion, to the poetic and lyrical words that complement them, the Pipes of Christmas is a festival for the soul.
Saturday, December 22
Christmas in Central Park, Central Park Conservancy, Central Park, 212-860-1370. Celebrate Christmas in Central Park! Enjoy the spectacular Central Park Holiday Lighting, Meet Saint Nicholas and Make Christmas Crafts! FREE/All ages. Registration required for some events For more information on these events, please call 212-860-1370 or visit the Central Park Conservancy’s website at www.centralparknyc.org.
Tuesday, December 25
Merry Christmas to all!
Wednesday, December 26
Happy Kwanzaa!
Kwanzaa in Central Park, Central Park Conservancy, Central Park, 212-860-1370. Celebrate Kwanzaa in Central Park! Make Kwanzaa crafts and hear the story of Kwanzaa. FREE/All ages/Registration required for some events. For more information on these events, please call 212-860-1370 or visit the Central Park Conservancy’s website at www.centralparknyc.org. Runs through the 27th.
Friday, December 28
Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows presented by Toyota, Advanstar Communications, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 800-331-5706. The show features more than 800 new model street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, ATVs and watercraft from major manufacturers. It also showcases custom cruisers and sport bikes, concept bikes, vintage bikes, a history of motocross display and exciting action events. You can purchase the latest gear and accessories from exhibitors. Runs through Sunday, December 30.
Saturday, December 29
Global Weekend Program: The City Celebrates Kwanzaa, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5200. Visitors are invited to attend a colorful cultural festival of African and African-American music, dance, workshops, and crafts that commemorates the seven principles of Kwanzaa at the American Museum of Natural History.
New York National Boat Show, Javits Center, Main Entrance: 35th Street & 11th Avenue, 212-984-7000. The world's longest running recreational boating event offers consumers first looks and first opportunities to buy the latest boats, electronics, gear and nautical gifts from the top U.S. & European manufacturers and local retailers. Daily fishing & boating seminars plus special features provide entertainment, education and fun for all. Runs through Sunday, January 6.
Monday, December 31
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise, New York Water Taxi, South Street Seaport, Pier 17. Ring in 2007 in comfort and style. You'll be treated to a cocktail, great views of Manhattan and the fireworks from our open top deck. Hors d’oeuvres, open bar (beer, wine, soft drinks), champagne, party favors and music, all in our climate-controlled cabin. Our 42’ TVs and Bose sound system will be tuned in for the Times Square countdown. Call us for reservations at 212-370-1319 X 1500.
New Year’s Eve Bash, Planet Hollywood, Times Square, 212-333-7827. Home of the Fox TV's live broadcast! Ring in the New Year with full dinner buffet, open bar, DJ, balloon drop, champagne toast, live broadcast of the ball drop on over 50 large screens and monitors and special celebrities!
New Year’s Eve at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square, Hard Rock Café, 1501 Broadway at 43rd Street, 212-343-3355. 5 hours Premium Open Bar, Passed Hors d'oeuvres, Buffet Dinner, Champagne Toast at Midnight, Dessert Bar, Party Favors, Coat Check, DJ spinning Hip-Hop, Rock and Top 40, Live Countdown of Ball Drop on the largest screen on Broadway, Breakfast to Go. 9:00 pm – 2:00 am, General Admission, 21+, $225
Helpful Information About New Year’s Eve in Times Square:
On October 4, 2007, the co-organizers of New Year’s Eve in Times Square (Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment) unveiled the new LED Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball at a press conference at Hudson Scenic Studio in Yonkers, New York. 2008 year marks the 100th birthday of the New Year’s Eve Ball, a universal symbol of celebration and renewal.
The new Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball is more than twice as bright as the old one, with enhanced color capabilities and state-of-the-art LED lighting effects. Waterford Crystal crafted a beautiful new design for the crystal triangles on the Ball. Philips Lighting provided new solid state lighting technology that substantially increased the brightness, energy efficiency, and color capabilities of the Ball. And Focus Lighting developed a spectacular and unique lighting design for the new Ball on its 100th birthday.
“We should all look this spectacular at our 100th birthday party” said Jeff Straus, President of Countdown Entertainment, “The combination of Waterford Crystal and Philips LED technology have created a dazzling new look for this world-wide tradition of celebrating the New Year.”
“Times Square has always been an arena where the latest and greatest cutting-edge technology is unveiled and showcased. It’s also a neighbourhood that’s rich in tradition – from Broadway to Tin Pan Alley to Restaurant Row,” said Tim Tompkins, President of the Times Square Alliance, “and the New Year’s Eve Ball, like Times Square, is an exciting blend of technology and tradition. This year, the Ball has been re-envisioned and re-invented, just as Times Square is constantly re-inventing itself. It’s that same spirit of renewal and new beginnings that brings people here from across the globe, in person or in spirit while watching from home, on New Year’s Eve every year.”
What streets will be closed for the celebrations?
The New York Police Department will begin closing down access to Times Square starting at 43rd Street and Broadway and moving north as revellers arrive. The exact times that these blocks close to pedestrian and vehicular traffic will depend on when the revellers begin arriving. It is likely that there will be no vehicular traffic on either Broadway or Seventh Avenue as of approximately 4:00 p.m. Vehicles will most likely have difficulty travelling across town after 6:00 p.m. above 42nd Street as far north as 59th Street. If you are planning to come to Times Square and join in the festivities, you are advised to enter from Sixth or Eighth Avenue. Your chance of getting a viewing spot near the Ball (at Broadway & 43rd Street) increases the earlier you arrive. The blocks will be closed off as they fill up northward, street-by-street, as the police deem necessary.
What should I wear and what should I bring?
Dress warmly. Remember that you could be spending an extended period outdoors in potentially below-freezing conditions. You should be well-prepared and well-insulated. Many layers, synthetics (such as Gore-Tex and polypropylene), wind-resistant and water-repellent outerwear and a good hat are the keys to staying warm.
Finally, remember to drink lots of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Not only is public drinking illegal in New York City, but both caffeine and alcohol will dehydrate you. Dehydration is very common and can sneak up on you in cold weather.
How much confetti is dropped in Times Square on New Year's Eve?
More than 4,000 pounds (2 tons) of confetti.
