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New York City has been, and continues to be, an American Mecca when it comes to Christmas. Every year tens of thousands of people trek cross-country (or just cross-borough) to attend the Holiday Tree Lighting in Rockefeller Center.
However, New York’s Christmas history goes back much further than the tree-lighting tradition. In 1809 Washington Irving coined the term Santa Claus, adapted from the Dutch “Sinterklaas,” and created the legend that the jolly St. Nicholas traveled around New York on a magical flying horse and delivered presents to all the good little girls and boys. Since then Christmas and New York City have remained linked in the public eye, and heart. From Miracle on 34th Street to Elf, many of our most beloved Christmas films are set in Manhattan. Eloise celebrates her Christmas’ in the Plaza Hotel and ice skates at Rockefeller Center.
With all of this Christmas spirit buzzing just beyond Fordham gates, students have literally hundreds of opportunities to soak in some well-deserved Christmas cheer. Olivia Salomon, FCRH ’12, is very familiar with the NYC Christmas spirit.
“Last year I spent basically all of December in the city taking in the sights,” she said.
While the Rose Hill campus does offer some impressive Christmas spirit (see the newly installed apple cider in the caf) some truly spectacular holiday sights, sounds and tastes abound just a short Ram Van ride away. Short on Christmas cash? Not to worry, most of these events are free of charge.
Dyker Heights Lights
Well worth the subway trip, the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn is home to some of the most fantastic Christmas lights in all of New York.
“Ever since I was little I have been taking pictures with Santa in Dyker Heights,” Evelyn Swiderski, FCRH ’12, said. “It’s incredible.”
Complete with life-size gingerbread houses, larger-than-life Santa Claus statues, opportunities photos with Santa himself and miles of lights in every color and shape imaginable, a walking tour of the neighborhood is sure to impress. Dyker Heights is located on 11th Avenue and 83rd Street in Brooklyn, and is accessible by the R train (take the D to 36th Street and switch to the R).
American Museum of Natural History
The museum will exhibit the Origami Holiday Tree, themed “Origami A-Z.” The tree stands 13 feet tall and will be covered with over 500 origami creations ranging from apatosauruses to zebras. Volunteers begin folding in July in order to complete the project in time for Christmas. Not only will the tree be available for viewing from Nov. 23 through Jan. 3, but volunteers will also be on staff to give free origami lessons.
Fifth Avenue Store Fronts
Beginning almost immediately after Thanksgiving the Fifth Avenue store windows become a winter wonderland. Macy’s, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Barney’s and Bloomingdales are all within a 25- block radius of each other (20 city blocks = one mile). Not only are the stores home to some magnificent Christmas scenes, but Macy’s Santa Land provides a one-on-one encounter with the man himself, Santa Claus.
“There is nothing like Fifth Avenue displays on Christmas,” Noelle Mulqueen, FCRH ’12, said. “It’s like a bomb of glitter and glee exploded.”
Maps of the Fifth Ave. walking route are available at www.gonyc.com. Remember, it is always free to window shop.
FAO Schwartz
Just around the corner from the Fifth Avenue windows is the famous toy store, FAO Schwartz. This is a perfect outing for Christmas fans young and old. The store transforms into Santa’s workshop for the winter months. Take a tour, and possibly knock out some holiday shopping all in one trip.
For those willing to spend a little money, for a lot of fun the following activities and events are perfect for spreading Christmas cheer.
Ice Skating
Another time-honored Christmas tradition is offered at several locations throughout the city, the first, and most famous of which is the Lasker Ice Skating Rink located in Rockefeller Center. Skate rentals will run roughly $10 here, with a $14 - 17 admission fee. The pond at Bryant Park also offers reasonable prices for an afternoon of fun. Admission to the rink is free and skate rentals cost $12. Finally, the Wollman Rink, located in Central Park, offers rentals for $5 and admission for $10 - 12. Each of these rinks is currently open and operating, and will continue to be until the beginning of April.
The Nutcracker
The New York City Ballet will perform George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker through Jan. 2nd this season. The ticket prices range from $20 - 96 depending on seats. This traditional ballet is both critically acclaimed and enjoyable for even the most inexperienced ballet enthusiast.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
This annual celebration runs through Dec. 30th. The show features the famous Radio City Rockettes, appearances by Santa Claus and often several celebrity guest stars. Not only is the show itself spectacular, but it is very much part of New York’s Christmas history. Tickets cost anywhere from $42 - 250, but the show will not disappoint.
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