Rockefeller Center's world famous tree will be lit to great fanfare on December 4th and will be on display until January 7th. (image courtesy Getty Images)
As much as I detest the cold weather, even I can't deny the beauty of the Big Apple during the holiday season. New York City twinkles with lights everywhere you turn, the elaborate window displays of the grand department stores inspire oohs and aahs from children of all ages, and I'm convinced that the melodic sound of bells ringing on the street corners drowns out the roaring traffic. Yes, I love the holidays!
If your travels bring you to New York City this season, here are a few festive suggestions from this starry-eyed local. Happy Holidays!
Afternoon Tea at the Lowell Hotel's Pembrook Room
($44-$66)
If you need a respite from your holiday shopping, take a tea-filled time out at the Lowell Hotel's Pembrook Room - it serves one of the best afternoon teas that I've had in New York City. Ideally located on a quiet street on the chic Upper East Side, the elegant Lowell Hotel is an oasis from the nearby hustle and bustle of Madison Avenue. The ambiance is old-world New York, the tea is perfectly steeped, and the delicious sandwiches & sweets will provide you with the sustenance needed to brave the holiday crowds on Fifth Avenue.
Ellington at Christmas: Nutcracker Suite
The Apollo Theater
Saturday, December 7th. 3PM & 8PM
$35 - $75
Savvy travelers know that no trip to Manhattan is complete without a visit to Harlem and the world famous Apollo Theater. Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite puts a swinging jazz twist on Tchaikovsky's classic score. The second half of the program features Ellington’s Sacred Music. Rarely performed live in New York, this Apollo exclusive features a 16-piece orchestra, the Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir, and tap master Savion Glover. The Apollo Theater is located on Harlem's legendary 125th Street and the thoroughfare is decked out in holiday lights.
Sparkling Lights & Cool Cocktails at Grand Central Terminal
I pass through Grand Central about 3 days a week and I'm usually in a rush but the playful Centennial Holiday Light Show made me stop for a few stress-free minutes. Lighting up the windows on the west wall in festive colors, it will be on display from 5-11PM everyday until December 26th. After viewing the lights, escape to NYC's roaring 20's with a cocktail in the very posh Campbell Apartment - the former apartment of 1920's tycoon John W. Campbell. It has been restored to its original splendor and they make some serious cocktails!
image courtesy MTA/Patrick Cashin
