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The Ultimate Checklist For A Classic NYC Holiday By Christine Wei
Henri Bendel: Inspired by Al Hirschfeld’s drawings, scenes include a dinner party featuring Audrey Hepburn, Sarah Jessica Parker, Woody Allen, and more.
Lord & Taylor: In honor of the store’s upcoming 100th anniversary, vintage windows harken back to gift exchanges, Santa visits, and loving embraces past. Macy’s: Embark on an enchanted forest adventure with crystal trees and magical fairies to boot
Saks Fifth Avenue: All about the Saks Yeti, a “snowflake artist” much hipper than his urban legend namesake. SANTAS A sampling of where you can snap a photo, enjoy a yummy breakfast, or even go on a cruise with the jolly St. Nick. ABC Carpet and Home: A photo op with the “most authentically snugable” Santa of them all? Yes, please! Weekends. Macy’s Santaland: The department store’s 8th floor has transformed into a 13,000-square-foot village www.newyorkfamily.com
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filled with photos, puppet shows, and more. Ongoing. The Plaza Hotel: Meet Santa at a Rawther Fancy Tea in the Eloise tea room, where decadent snacks go hand in hand with sharing holiday wishes. 12/6, 12/13, 12/20. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: Everything’s backward at this Times Square attraction, where a Little Santa will sit in your lap. Ongoing. Rockefeller Center Cafe: A hearty breakfast feast starring Santa and his gift-bearing elves is followed by VIP access to the rink. Through 12/24. Staten Island Zoo: Enjoy a Beastly Breakfast and a special tour of the zoo followed by photos with a very special guest. ZEPHYR Cruise Circle Line: All aboard for a breakfast buffet, dance party, and games at sea with a wayfaring Kris Kringle! 12/14. “NUTCRACKER” SHOWS Many family-friendly renditions of Tchaikovsky’s ballet allow all ages to experience the magical tale of after-hours adventures and good vs. evil battles.
American Ballet Theatre: A cast of more than 100, not to mention sets by a Tony Award winner, makes this Alexei Ratmansky production an extraordinary one. 12/13-15, 12/18-22. Ballet for Young Audiences: A narrator helps the under-12 set follow along a performance specifically tailored for little ones, with a simple but engaging format and small cast. 12/10-12/20. Dances Patrelle (Yorkville Nutcracker): The annual “Yorkville Nutcracker” situates the classic dance right here in NYC, as characters dance at landmarks like Gracie Mansion and Central Park. Through 12/8. Ailey CitiGroup Theater: Clara and the Nutcracker are launched into modern times as they encounter a gingerbread toy and flyswatting candy canes in contemporary choreography. 12/14 & 12/15. New York City Ballet: A tree that triples in height? An onstage snowstorm? Sounds like magic indeed. Through 1/4/14. New York Theater Ballet: Keith Michael’s
! condensed ballet impresses parents and kids alike with Met Opera-grade costumes and energetic choreography in one manageable hour. 12/14, 12/15, 12/22. Peridance Capezio Center: Tchaikovsky’s original score meets new age music for a show like you’ve never seen before. Perfect for veteran families who are looking for something new. 12/14 & 12/15. HOLIDAY MARKETS Clothing, toys, gourmet snacks, and knick knacks aside, many of the bustling holiday markets are a sight to behold in themselves. More to the point, they’re always fun to browse, with or without a shopping list. Grand Central Terminal: This indoor marketplace is a comfortable (warm) and convenient stop for daily commuters hosting 76 venders. Through 12/24. Brooklyn Flea: 70-foot vaulted ceilings, a customer service desk-turned coffee bar, and vintage gifts galore at the famed flea market’s “Gifted” market beckons to hipster fams. Through 12/23. Bryant Park’s Holiday continued on page 16
December 2013 | New York Family
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