It’s Christmastime in the City

It is the most wonderful time of the year! And who does Christmas better than the city that never sleeps? Whether you’re ice-skating in Rockefeller Center, window shopping on Fifth Avenue or watching the snow glisten in Central Park, the holidays in New York are truly magical. From the Thanksgiving Day Parade to the New Years’ Eve ball drop, there are a number of ways to celebrate the season and to give back to those less fortunate. The end of the semester often finds us collegiates in the category of the poor and the needy, so this list includes festivities that are all for free!

Here’s some ways to ’tis the season in all five boroughs:

1. Metamorphisis Lighting

    Winter Garden and Plaza at Brookfield Place

The “City of Lights” turns into the “City of Christmas Lights” during the holidays. Take in the luminous display created by acclaimed artist and theater designer Anne Militello. Featuring strands of mirrored discs and LED lights, the piece is first illuminated to a flicker and become brighter each evening. See the spectacle from dusk to midnight everyday until December 31st. 

2. Etsy Holiday Handmade Cavalcade

    Chelsea Market, Dec 13-14.

Still looking for the perfect gift? Check out Etsy’s seventh annual holiday fair. The weekend includes over 60 of the e-commerce site’s best artists, designers, and crafters setting up shops featuring clothing, jewlry, body products and more. They even have free gift-wrapping and the first one hundred shoppers each day will recieve a goody bag full of products and discounts donated by the vendors!

3. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

Get in the Christmas spirit with over 100 vendors and seasonal eateries at Midtown Manhattan’s prime destination for holiday shopping. The best thing about the Winter Village is that the ice-skating is free! Festivities are open until the end of the season.

4. Lighting of the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah

    Fifth Avenue and West 59th Street

Celebrate Hanukkah by attending the lighting of the largest menorah in the world at Grand Army Plaza. Standing at 32 feet high and 4,000 pounds, the steel holiday icon is a sight to behold. Each evening at 5:30 one candle will be lit. On display until December 5th.

6. Christmas Window Displays

New York City’s department stores spread Christmas cheer by transforming their window displays into magical works of art. Winter wonderlands, toy factories, and beautiful Christmas scenes overflow the sidewalks of Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue. Grab a hot chocolate, bring a friend, and vie over the best Bergdorfs and Macys have to offer. 

7. The Mistletones 

    Fulton Street

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. The Mistletones are a talented group of carolers who have ignited stages all over the country. Their unique look, sound and high energy have gotten endless acclaim since their debut in the Big Apple in 2007. Join the carolers every Friday (1-3 pm), Saturday and Sunday (2-4 pm).

8. GreenThumb Workshop: Wreath Making

    New York Botanical Garden, Bronx

Still looking for the perfect, yet inexpensive gift for mom? Learn how to create your own natural holiday wreath for indoors or outdoors. Supplies will be provided along with natural pine cones and ribbons. Bring your favorite decorations to add as well! Let the fun begin Wednesday December 10th from 5-7 p.m. 

9. Shred-It and Forget It!

   Times Square

Start the New Year off right by shredding up those outlandish, embarassing, and forgetful moments of 2014! An ex-boyfriends old tee-shirt, that failing blue book exam, or an iPhone 4 can, and will be, destroyed. The annual event will take place December 28th from noon until 1 pm in Times Square and is open to the public. What a way to pave the road to 2015. 

Happy Holidays fellow collegiates!

• christmas
• new york