THE ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS TREE

It’s that time of year again and our favorite! The holidays are upon us and tonight is the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. It is a favorite event every year! Steeped in rich tradition and drawing people from around the world to watch, this spectacular event is a “must do” when visiting New York City. Lights, festivities and entertainment all lead up to the official lighting. The crowds will be huge and, once the tree is officially lit, many will take to the ice rink to finish the evening skating. It is a joyful evening. Hope to see you there! If you are not in the area or want to avoid the crowds, the entertainment and lighting will be televised – a great treat to watch.

FUN IN THE CENTRAL PARK SNOW

With so much snow on the ground in Central Park, it is takes a major effort to keep the park clean, accessible and ready for winter fun. The Central Park Conservancy works hard all year to keep the park beautiful, but it takes an extra effort during winter. There is so much to enjoy in a snow covered Central Park. There is ice skating at Wollman Rink, Lasker Rink or the Conservatory Water. You can cross country ski through the meadows and on the bridal paths. And there is sledding on Pilgrim Hill and Cedar Hill. There are ice festivals, a fitness series, walks and guided tours of the winter park. For a complete list of activities, visit the Central Park Conservancy website and then visit the park! Spring and the explosion of daffodils and tulips are just around the corner.

FAVORITE TREE

Standing tall and majestic over Rockefeller Center and the winter ice rink, sparkles the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.  Gleaming and twinkling for the thousands who come to gaze upon it, it thrills all who see it.  But the holidays are over and the Christmas Tree is gone.  What happens to it?  The Christmas Tree lives on as it is donated to Habitat For Humanity.  Its mighty limbs and trunk are used to build and repair homes lost and damaged in natural disasters and also to build affordable housing.  It is a noble tree and continues to do noble work.

THE BIG DADDY OF CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

The 2016 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on November 30th from 7 – 9 pm.  Above the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, the giant tree will be illuminated with thousands of lights.  With music, entertainment and celebrity stars braving the cold to entertain, it promises to be a fun-filled evening.  The Tree Lighting is a wonderful event that has been a tradition since 1933 and thousands will line the sidewalks attempting to get a view.  It is also televised.  The tree tradition was originally started in 1933 by Depression Era construction workers who put up a small tree and decorated it with cranberries, gum wrappers and tin cans.  What many do not know is that on January 9th, when the tree comes down, the tree is milled and treated and the lumber used for Habitat For Humanity.  That makes seeing the tree even more special!  If you cannot make the Tree Lighting then seeing it at sometime over the holiday season is a must. Giant and brilliant with lights, it is a tradition not to be missed.                                                  www.powerhiking.com

A Tradition Since 1924

Since 1924 New York has had the Thanksgiving Day Parade.  A event of fun and excitement for the whole family, thousands brave the cold each year to watch and thousands more enjoy it on TV.  The parade originally started with live animals from the city zoo and, taking only a couple of years off during WWII,  has evolved to the giant balloons that thrill millions today.  It is truly a wonderful family tradition and we are looking forward to it.  Hope you can enjoy it too.  Happy Thanksgiving!                                      www.powerhiking.com

Festival in Little Italy

If you have not yet visited Little Italy to celebrate the Feast of San Gennaro, you do not want to miss out. San Gennaro is the patron saint of Naples and New York City has been celebrating this festival in Little Italy since 1926.  Mulberry Street is awash in red, green and white decor and the festival is worth a visit and lots of fun!

FOOD TRUCK FUN

Hope you had a chance to visit the annual street food competition.  This is the 12th year of the competition as street food truck vendors vie for the coveted Vendy Cup.  A select few gather on Governors Island and prepare their best fare.  What a fun tradition and what fun tasting.  Yummy!

NEVER FORGET

NEW IN MANHATTAN

Stunning views of Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center are what you get at the new Terrace at the updated restaurant on the 8th floor of Saks Fifth Avenue.  Casual and with a limited menu, it is only open in good weather  and is a perfect spot to relax. The time to visit is now.  Enjoy!

WASHINGTON SQUARE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Don’t mis the first concert tonight in Washington Square.  It is the start of the Washington Square Music Festival with a different concert each week in June.  Every concert is free and this has been a tradition in NYC since the 50s. It is the second oldest outdoor series of free music concerts in the City.  What fun in a beautiful park!      www.powerhiking.com