With winter setting in and the holiday season in full swing, New York City is lighting up. Although this year things are different as we all do what’s necessary to stay safe, there is nothing quite like winter in the city. The lights are bright, snow covers the trees, and a sense of connection and community runs deep.
There are opportunities to enjoy the wintertime outdoors this month besides the usual window shopping and ice skating. We’ve highlighted a few outdoor events you can check out below. However, many winter traditions have gone digital this year to keep the festivities going safely. In a year with so many changes, you may even find a new tradition this year.
Outdoors
LuminoCity Festival – Randall’s Island
This multi-acre outdoor winter wonderland takes you on a 45-minute journey through dazzling lights and whimsical art installations. The route takes you through lands inspired by mysterious forests, forgotten ruins, and outer space, all with the sparkling backdrop of NYC.
Staff are prioritizing guest safety with time slot tickets and health screenings before entering the festival.
Event dates: 11/29/20–1/10/21
20 Randall’s Island Park, New York
Click here for more information
Dumbo Flea – Dumbo
Credit: Brooklyn Flea
On Saturdays in December, the Manhattan Bridge Archway becomes a holiday flea market with over 40 vendors. There is plenty to do, with live music, a new neighborhood scavenger hunt each week, and a myriad of photo ops with the holiday decor. If you’re still in the holiday shopping mood, you can find unique jewelry, meticulously crafted furniture, one of a kind art prints, and so much more you can’t find anywhere else.
An abundance of food and drink options are available and nearby for you to enjoy while you shop outside. Hot chocolate, espresso creations, baked goods, and candies are all within reach from the dozens of vendors and shops in the area.
Event dates: Saturdays in December 2020, 10AM–4PM
80 Pearl Street, Brooklyn
Click here for more information
Manhattanhenge – Manhattan
Eight days a year, the sun rises over Manhattan perfectly aligned with the city’s grid of streets. This beautiful sunrise will happen twice in January, giving you a couple chances to get outside and see your city in a new light.
Bundle up and turn east on January 11 and 12, when the sun will rise between the highrises, flooding the east/west streets with golden light. You’ll want to find a nice wide cross street for the best views!
Event dates: 1/11/21–1/12/21
Click here for more information
Botanical Garden GLOW – Bronx
Credit: New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden has transformed into a colorful, twinkling experience this winter. The garden is laced with intricate light displays and art installations, making it look like it never has before. Every night includes live music performances, ice sculpting, and dancing. Food, drink, and holiday shopping are also available.
Tickets are limited to ensure proper social distancing, so dates are selling out quickly! Reserve yours today to experience the gardens in a whole new way this year.
Event dates: 11/27/20–1/9/21
2900 Southern Boulevard, The Bronx
Click here for more information
Virtual
Lincoln Center at Home
Lincoln Center is making much of its programming accessible to everyone at home this season. They have a full slate of programming including New York City Ballet, New York Philharmonic, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Opera Guild, and more.
Virtual classes, live events, pre-recorded performances, and video roundtables are available from the comfort of home. Every day is full of programming, including wintertime classics like The Nutcracker and holiday jazz performances.
Event dates: All winter long
Click here for more information
Virtual Classes and Talks at 92Y
Credit: 92Y
92Y is a respected institution bringing together culture, art, and science with classes, performances, and riveting talks. This year they have adapted to presenting their high quality events online which means you can now enjoy the same programming from home!
Upcoming events include cooking classes, roundtable discussions on pop culture and science, in-depth interviews with artists, intimate musical performances, and more. Some highlights include Dr. Anthony Fauci in Conversation with Alan Alda, a behind-the-scenes look at Broadway’s Moulin Rouge! The Musical , and HAIM in Conversation with Lindsay Zoladz.
Event dates: All winter long
Under the Radar Theater Festival
The Public Theater is revamping its annual theater festival as a free virtual event this year. For almost two decades, the Under the Radar festival has been a platform for new voices in theater to reach a wider audience. And with this year’s virtual performances, that platform has never been bigger.
For its 17th anniversary, the festival will showcase works from Abigail Browde, Teatro Anónimo, Tara Ahmadinejad, Inua Ellams, and more.
Event dates: 1/6/21–1/17/21
Click here for more information
Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Each year, the Brooklyn Academy of Music honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an event of activists, artists, and public figures. This year the program will be held virtually for free as a moment to reflect on the past year, and to find inspiration from Dr. King on how to move forward.
Artists performing include PJ Morton, and poets Timothy DuWhite and Ashley August.
Event date: 1/18/21
Click here for more information
Outsider Art Fair
True to its name, the Outsider Art Fair features self-taught artists outside of the typical art world bubble. This year’s festival will be held both online and in person to provide accessibility to all. The featured curated gallery will be held at Electric Lady Studios, an art studio founded by Jimi Hendrix in 1969.
Virtual viewing rooms of the galleries will be available online through the fair’s website. If you do wish to view in person, the art fair has been dispersed across multiple venues with timed appointments at each to increase safety for all.
Event dates: 1/28/21–2/7/21
Click here for more information
globalFEST 2021
Credit: globalFEST
With concerts canceled for most of 2020, many of us have been craving live music and discovering new artists at music festivals. For the first time ever, globalFEST is going virtual to introduce you to top talent from around the world. Tune in and you’re guaranteed to find a new favorite.
This year the festival is teaming up with NPR Music’s Tiny Desk concert team to present the performances. You can watch the premiere on NPR Music’s social media pages.
Event dates: 1/11/21–1/14/21
Click here for more information
Holiday
Camp Yampire
Camp Yampire is a free virtual “summer camp” experience for adults. What started as a video chat with friends and family has grown to an event series for people to connect while staying safe indoors.
This December, campers are excited for 12 Days of Holiday Joy. Activities include games, karaoke, movie screenings, holiday decoration show-offs, ugly sweater contests, and more! Stay safe and connected with others this winter in a supportive, creative environment.
Event dates:
12/13–12/24
Click here for more information
A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House
Credit: Merchant’s House Museum
The Merchant’s House Museum is bringing its eighth anniversary reading of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to home screens. See this classic story told in the 1832 Merchant’s House, all dressed up for the season with holly and greenery. Enjoy this virtual performance from home with a warm mug of your favorite winter drink to create an instant tradition.
Event dates:
12/18–12/24
Click here for more information
Kwanzaa Celebration with The Apollo
The Apollo Theater continues its celebration of Kwanzaa for the 14th year running virtually this year. Featuring Abdel R. Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, this virtual performance is a celebration of shared culture, tradition, and community.
This year, the Apollo is honoring essential workers and their families who have taken on great responsibility this year. The event is available through Facebook, YouTube, and the Apollo’s website.
Event date:
12/27 at 7PM
Click here for more information
Lunar New Year with the NJ Symphony Orchestra
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will begin February with a weeklong celebration of the Lunar New Year, held virtually. The Peking University Alumni Chorus and Starry Art Group Children’s Chorus will perform along with other traditional performances and craft and cooking demonstrations.
The music will be directed by Xian Zhang. Watch along on the orchestra’s website or YouTube page with live text commentary on the performances.
Event dates:
2/1/21–2/6/21
Click here for more information
This winter, there are options for everyone, no matter if you’re staying inside or enjoying crisp weather. If you’re still looking for something to do, contact one of Triplemint’s New York real estate agents . They are neighborhood experts and are always on top of local happenings. And don’t forget to tag @TriplemintRealEstate to share your adventures with us.
