‘Tis the season to be dazzled! From latkes to whiskey, from model trains to midnight runs, to music making with the masses, this December abounds with delightful holiday events. For the singer in you, the runner in you, the drinker in you, the pet lover in you, for the spark in you which loves to be in awe, there is something in which to delight.
Here, Triplemint’s NYC real estate agents have a short round-up of some of December’s most special, unique, or just plain fun happenings in the City.
Holiday Train Shows – Various Locations
The holidays are officially here, which means train shows and self-transportation through the bedazzled city streets of NYC to the icy caps of the North Pole are in order. Time to take yourself and the kids or yourself and a date to a holiday train show like in times of old.
The New York Transit Museum hosts its 18th annual Holiday Train Show, where model trains meander their way from Grand Central Terminal through the city’s most iconic landmarks, all set against a funky, colorful, and whimsical backdrop designed by cartoonist Julia Wertz.
Might you be interested in something for just the two of you? The New York Botanical Garden hosts its Holiday Train Show amidst a miniature replica of Central Park. Over 25 model trains whistle their way past 175 iconic buildings meticulously crafted of leaves, bark, and other natural materials, while thousands of lights twinkle overhead.
The show is for the whole family, but on the Garden’s Bar Car Nights, it’s an exclusively adults-only event. Grab your spiked hot chocolate and cozy up around the fire pits for an evening complete with dueling piano singalongs, DJ sets, and an after-dark viewing of the Holiday Train Show.
Event details:
New York Transit Museum: November 21, 2019–February 23, 2020
New York Botanical Garden: November 23, 2019–January 18, 2020 (Bar Car Nights: 7-10:30pm)
Hello Panda Festival – Queens
The first-ever lantern festival coming to Citi Field, this is the largest lantern festival in North America, it promises to be dazzling, indeed. Honoring the traditional Chinese art of lantern making, over 120 lantern exhibits are on display, each handcrafted by world-class artisans.
The event also features cultural performances, a unique holiday market including booths like jade carving and calligraphy, and 60 international food vendors curated by The World’s Fare.
Event details:
December 6, 2019–January 26, 2020 5-10pm
Brooklyn Whiskey Festival – Greenpoint
Oh, the many forms of the holiday spirit. Get ready for a rip-roaring good time at the Brooklyn Whiskey Festival, where over 100 styles of whiskey make their way from whichever barrel they’ve been aged to your discerning palate. Whiskey not your thing?
This event is for everyone – whiskey drinkers, vodka, gin, and other spirit-drinkers, and even craft beer drinkers. It’s for live-music lovers, food eaters, and even designated drivers. It’s an event for everyone. Except people under 21, of course.
Event details:
December 7; Two sessions: 2-5pm & 6:30-9:30pm
Jingle Ball – Midtown
What do Lizzo, Taylor Swift, Jonas Brothers, Monsta X, and Fletcher have in common? They’ll all be rocking out on the national Jingle Ball tour, which in NYC takes place at Madison Square Garden. Sponsored by iHeartRadio, Jingle Ball has been delighting fans for over 20 years with some of the most famous artists and bands of the day.
This year’s NYC event features eleven acts belting out their most-famous hits, will be broadcast nationally on the CW Network, and—special surprise—features Taylor Swift rocking it on her 30th birthday.
Event details:
December 13
PetCon – Chelsea
The holidays are for everyone, and that includes you, your family, your loved ones, and of course, your best friend. This holiday season, doll up your Dalmation, brush down your Burmese, and walk yourselves over to PetCon – the season’s premier conference for pets and their adoring pals.
Dubbed the “event that brings together the world’s most influential and social savvy pets” by Good Morning America, PetCon is where you and your BF rub shoulders with celebrity pets, discover new and innovative products, and even adopt a new friend. The Verge has declared, “PetCon is one of the most persistently joyful events I’ve ever been to,” and we think that is reason enough to attend.
Event details:
December 14
Latke Festival – Prospect Heights
Yes, everyone, it’s that time of year again – time to get your latke on at the 11th annual Latke Festival. This year’s festival not only celebrates the tastiest and most creative potato pancakes in the city, but for the first time ever features a latke recipe contest for home cooks! Whether traditional or modern, enter the contest and your latke could win a spot at a booth alongside latkes from some of NYC’s top restaurants.
Rather just sample the savories? There is plenty of that to be enjoyed, and to top it all off (along with a dollop of sour cream), all net proceeds go to the Sylvia Center, a non-profit that teaches cooking and healthy eating habits to underserved communities.
Event details:
December 16
Make Music Winter Festival – Various Locations
On the Winter Solstice, the city erupts in song. On any corner, in any borough, in myriad styles, instruments, and genres, the people of New York come together in music. This day – the longest day of the year – is a day to unite, a day to inspire, a day to come out from under a shell. It’s a day to sit and enjoy, or sing for the crowd yourself. It’s a day when the audience becomes the artist, a day of music by the people, for the people.
This volunteer-run event in its eighth consecutive season is completely free, totally joyful, and all-inclusive. This December 21st, get out of your home, turn any corner, and celebrate the solstice in song.
Event details:
December 21st: all day and night, everywhere
New Year Midnight Run – Central Park
Finish up the old and start the new year in health, community, and fun: join in on the New York Road Runners’ Midnight Run. Your night counts down at 11:59pm, and at the stroke of midnight, a dazzling fireworks display kicks off your four-mile run and your new year. Join thousands of runners through Central Park’s “inner loop” this New Year’s Eve, and consider your New Year’s Resolutions off on the right foot.
Event details:
December 31st: Midnight
Still not sure what to do this December? Triplemint’s New York real estate agents are neighborhood experts ready to answer your questions. Remember to tag @TriplemintRealEstate and share your festive moments with us!
