HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
New York City offers many holiday trees to admire. It's one of the joys of being out and about in New York in December.
Seeing a beautifully decorated tree is one of those moments that stay with you throughout the year. And coming back over time reminds us of the comforting nature and renewal of the holiday period. Here is a brief recap of notable trees from around the city, courtesy of ChristmastimeInNewYorkCity.com.
For tips and advice on navigating New York City, be sure to check out: Getting Around and into NYC.
• Rockefeller Center
The signature New York Christmas tree lives up to its hype. The ice rink below, the graceful architecture above and the magnificent multi-colored light-laden tree captures a city moment that is hard to match
• American Museum of Natural History Origami Tree
A feast for the eyes with its artistic origami ornaments. It's more of a nature lover's tree with all those animal connections. The clean, uncluttered ensemble reflects an Asian influence.
• Cathedral of Saint John the Divine Peace Tree
Set amidst the grandeur of the Cathedral, the annual Peace Tree provides a great place to take a break and reflect on the importance of peace in our daily lives and in the larger context of the world. Hundreds of white origami cranes create an ethereal wintry look. Indirect lighting sets off the entire tree, located in the Narthex (entry foyer) of the Cathedral.
• South Street Seaport Chorus Tree
A stunner of a tree augmented by the hustle and bustle of the Seaport, Santa's Story Hour on Saturdays, the Big Apple Chorus and the brand new ice rink (now scheduled to open in mid-December) makes this 50 foot white lighted tree a must-see.
• Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
The indoor live tree is decorated with hand-made children's ornaments such as birds, crystals, stockings, bells, bulbs and other decorations. Think simple but sweet. Welcoming you to the Center is a big wreath, spiced up with multi-colored lights.
• The Park Avenue Memorial Trees
These trees are located on Park Avenue, from East 97st Street to East 48th Streets in Manhattan. The sweeping totality of 50 blocks of the Park Avenue Memorial Trees makes Park Avenue feel like your own elegant driveway. The affect is pleasing to the eyes and the soul. It's about beauty and remembrance and the best that the holidays have to offer. This effort was started way back in the 1940's as a way to remember our fallen war heroes.
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
Perhaps the most classical, old-fashioned tree in Manhattan with its delicate gossamer ornaments and Neapolitan baroque crèche, the Met's annual presentation is very moving. The special shows with lighting and singing create special Christmas moments Friday and Saturday nights.
For more great Christmastime events in Manhattan, check out Manhattan Event Listings.
• Borough Hall Christmas Tree
A lovely tree set off the 9/11 Memorial a few steps from the ferry landing for the past several years. Donated and decorated by local garden center owner, Fred Ariemma, annually, this year the economy is forcing a break though there are some decorations around the memorial.
It is still worth riding the free ferry over to see Staten Island's Borough Hall Christmas Tree just a few steps from the ferry terminal building then walking along the to 9/11 Memorial to pause and reflect. The Borough Hall Christmas Tree lighting is presided over by borough president James P. Molinaro.
For more Christmastime events in Staten Island, check out Staten Island Event Listings.
• Borough Hall
With so many nationalities represented in Brooklyn, the tree is a wonderful unifying image. Placed on the plaza of Borough Hall, the tree is lit 24 hours a day and can be enjoyed by all.
• Dyker Heights Private Homes Lights Extravaganza
A private home lights lalapalooza with no worries about carbon imprint. While things may be a little toned down this year, this neighborhood has embraced its role as "a sight to see." Best times to go are between 7pm and 9pm in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Focus on the area between 10th and 13th Avenues along 84th Street. Try and walk it as there will be a lot of cars inching along. Envision an ambling walk with mittens on.
For more Christmastime events in Brooklyn, check out Brooklyn Event Listings.
- New York Botanical Garden
For more Christmastime events in the Bronx, check out: Bronx Event Listings.
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