Posts Tagged ‘holiday’

The Fourth of July brings out the kid in all of us — the ice cream, the hot dogs, not to mention the fireworks. Catch some the biggest shows in the country right here in the area. Below are some top picks for Saturday:

NYC
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
This year, the nation’s largest celebration is moving across town to the Hudson River. Get there early to snag a spot to view the 26-minute festivities and hear patriotic tunes from the New York Pops.
When: Fireworks start around 9pm; Free.
Where: Hudson River bet. 24th & 50th St., 212-494-4495, macys.com/fireworks.

Long Island
Fireworks Spectacular at Jones Beach
Long Island’s biggest and best display includes vibrant colors and awesome sounds simulcast to a musical array of patriotic songs.
When: Fireworks start around 9:30pm; Free.
Where: Jones Beach State Park, Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, 631-321-3510, nysparks.com.

New Jersey
Oceanfest
The biggest seasonal event on the Jersey Shore happens every year in Long Branch. The annual family-friendly festival starts with crafts, carnival acts, sand sculpture, live music and food vendors, and ends with a thrilling fireworks display.
When: Fireworks start around 8pm.
Where: The Promenade, Long Branch, New Jersey, 732-222-0400, longbranchchamber.org.

If you joke about putting a menorah atop the Christmas tree, you know what it’s like to celebrate two holidays. And while your kid loves the idea of setting out latkes for Santa, sometimes you feel caught in between traditions.

Are You Chanukah or Christmas?, a cute softcover children’s book by Felicia Miller-Stehr (illustrations by Rosalinde Block), follows a little girl through the streets of Manhattan as she polls friends and neighbors on which holiday makes their season bright. From a dog walker to a taxi driver, each gives insight into their December rituals in fun rhyming text.

The moral of the story says it plain and clear: “It doesn’t matter how you celebrate or what holiday you choose. As long as it’s with the ones you love you just can’t lose!”

Available at areyouchanukahorchristmas.com.

You know all the usual department store suspects, but the idea of waiting in Santa’s mile-long line makes you want to move to the North Pole. Let the tourists have him, and head to these off-the-beaten path places to put in your holiday wish. Don’t forget the camera.

ABC Carpet & Home
Santa is located on the 1st floor, and every kid gets a small gift to take home.
When: Saturdays & Sundays through 12/21, 12-4pm.
Where: 888 Broadway at 19th St., 212-473-3000.

Atlas Park Photos with Santa
Take a picture with his jolliness at this Queens shopping center.
When: 12/6-12/7, 12/13-12/14, 12/19-12/23, 11am-6pm; 12/24 11am-3pm.
Where: The Shops at Atlas Park, 8000 Cooper Ave. at 80th St., Glendale, theshopsatatlaspark.com.

Estella
This children’s boutique hosts an annual visit from St. Nick.
When: 12/14 & 12/21, 12-1pm.
Where: 493 Sixth Ave., bet. 12th & 13th St., 212-255-3553.

Santa at the Marsh
The Marine Park Civic Association welcomes Santa’s annual visit.
When: Sat. 12/6, 11am-3pm.
Where: Salt Marsh Nature Center, Marine Park, East 33rd St. & Ave. U, Brooklyn, 718-421-2021.

Santa’s Winter Garden
Take a keepsake photo (for a fee) with Santa Claus in the World Financial Center’s Winter Garden — all proceeds benefit Project Sunshine.
When: 12/12/-12/14, Fri. 10am-1pm & 2-7pm, Sat.-Sun., 10am-1pm & 2-5pm.
Where: WFC Winter Garden Mezzanine, Vesey St. & West St., worldfinancialcenter.com.

South Street Seaport
Santa is located at the Pier 17 Atrium, 3rd floor.
When: Through 12/24; Tues.-Fri., 1-4pm, Sat., 12-2pm & 5:30-7:30pm, Sun., 12-2pm.
Where: 19 Fulton St., 212-732-8257, southstreetseaport.com.

Still Hip
Photographer Stephanie Powell brings the North Poll to Clinton Hill, with a wintery backdrop at this local children’s shop.
When: 12/6-12/7, 2-6pm; $10.
Where: Still Hip, 283 Grand Ave., Brooklyn, 718-398-0008.

The Fourth of July brings out the kid in all of us — the ice cream, the hot dogs, not to mention the fireworks. Catch some the biggest shows in the country right here in the area. Below are some top picks for Friday:

NYC
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
The nation’s largest celebration kicks off with a big bang — and big crowds. Get there early to snag a spot, and tune to 1010 WINS for musical accompaniment.
When: Fireworks start around 9pm; Free.
Where: East River bet. 23rd & 42nd St. Enter the FDR Drive at 23rd, 38th and 42nd St. only. Or explore the view from South Street Seaport, Long Island City, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park or Greenpoint, macys.com.

Roosevelt Island Fireworks Festival
Skip the chaos and head to Roosevelt Island’s Southpoint Park to watch the fireworks on the East River. Kids will enjoy entertainment like face painting, balloon twisting, juggling and music.
When: Gates open at 5pm; $20 (advance purchase required).
Where: Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island, rioc.com.

Long Island
Fireworks Spectacular at Jones Beach
Long Island’s biggest and best display includes vibrant colors and awesome sounds simulcast to a musical array of patriotic songs.
When: Fireworks start around 9:30pm; Free.
Where: Jones Beach State Park, Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, nysparks.com.

New Jersey
Oceanfest
The biggest seasonal event on the Jersey Shore happens every year in Long Branch. The annual family-friendly festival starts with crafts, carnival acts, sand sculpture, live music and food vendors, and ends with a thrilling fireworks display.
When: 10am-10pm, fireworks at 9:30pm.
Where: The Promenade, Long Branch, New Jersey, longbranchchamber.org.