Park Here returns to Openhouse Gallery

What: Throughout Park Here, Openhouse Gallery is bringing in NYC food vendors to serve up tasty dishes and drinks. HK Street Cart, Lizzmonade, Macaron Parlour, Mimi + Coco NY, Perfect Picnic NYC, Snap Food Truck, Stuffed Artisan Cannolis, The Jam Stand, YaYa Tea Garden, Filled with Sweets, Robicelli’s, Nolita Mart and Intoxicating Confections lead a rotation of fresh fare. Keith Klein’s Milk Truck will make surprise visits outside 201 Mulberry St. and ScoutMob will descend on Park Here like SantaClaus providing park guests with free food.


In true pop-up form, Openhouse Gallery’s Park Here is a robust collaboration. Fatboy USA decked out the park with imaginative, colorful lounge chairs; NewGrass is throwing down the plush (70% recycled) custom-made grass; MagicMurals.com provided the spectacular life-sized wall art; American Foliage dressed Park Here with colorful foliage and a booming fountain; and LAFCO/Santa Maria Novella is scenting the pop-up park with luxurious aromas.


Check out the full Park Here schedule at ParkHere.info, which includes a fantastic party and fundraiser for 180 Grados as well as well as a free-beer and photo-op Friday afternoon with Who You Love fashion. Follow Openhouse on Twitter for up-to-date news and join us on Facebook for contests and free Fatboy USA giveaways. 


When: Now thru Feb. 15
Where: 201 Mulberry St, NoLita

Good Riddance Day

What: Out with the Old, in with the New! Say goodbye to your worst memory from 2011 once and for all on Good Riddance Day!
Whether you're bidding farewell to pink slips or parking tickets, credit cards or Valentine's Day cards, the one percent or the 99 percent, your bad memories from 2011 will be destroyed, never to be seen again. This is a chance to start fresh in 2012!
A Cintas secure, mobile shredding truck along with a dumpster and sledgehammer will be on hand to discard any of your distasteful, embarrassing and downright depressing memories from this year.
Stationary will be available onsite to write your worst memory from 2011. Can’t make it to Times Square? Submit memories online here to be shredded on your behalf.  Most creative entry wins an iPad2 courtesy of Cintas!
Good Riddance Day is inspired by a Latin American tradition in which New Year’s revelers put artifacts from the previous year into giant dolls and set them on fire.

When: December 28, 2011 12pm-1pm
Where: Broadway Plaza between 43rd and 44th Streets

**Please note: Good Riddance Day is a symbolic event for shredding single memories or ideas. It is not a mass shredding or disposal event, and we are unable to accommodate requests to shred large amounts of paper material.

Haute Holiday Shopping Party

What: The Shop Addicts Haute Holiday Party returns for Part III. Get Pampered!!! by Dessert Spa Massages, Enjoy the Lash Bar @Chic Studios Beauty Section, Facials by Arbonne, Celebrity hair Styles by Gregory purcell........plus every brink purchased enters you into a free raffle for Fashion Week Tickets.
When: Wed, Dec 14 at 6PM - Wed, Dec 14 at 11PM
Where: Veranda Lounge New York: 130 7th Avenue South
FREE

Digital Media Networking Holiday Party

What: The 6th Annual Digital Media Events Holiday Party is just around the corner and you are invited! A great networking event for people in the media/social media world, so bring your business cards with you...oooh and there will be free wine from 6-7pm to really get the party started!
RSVP to: Max@DigitalMediaEvents.com
When: Wed, Dec 14 at 6PM - 10PM
Where: MPD: 73 Gansevoort Street

The Vintage Tea & Swing Dancing Party

What: Join NY's First Family of Tour Guides and the NYC Swing Dancers for a back to back celebration of NYC's old-timey train lines! On Saturday December 17th, lovers of swing dancing as well as dandies and debutantes with tea cozies and finger sandwiches will converge on the 2nd Avenue station to celebrate the Vintage Trains from the 1920s onwards! At 12:30pm, NYC Swing Dancers will occupy the subway cars and dance to live music by live swing and dance music by some of NYC's hottest Vintage Jazz Bands! Once the trains take off (at 12:57pm), the dancing continues until the end of the line; that's when the train u-turns and comes back to the Easy Village. 

Then at 2pm, join (non-political, non-aggro) tea partiers from around the city to enjoy a Vintage Tea party on the Vintage NYC Subway Trains.  Read More>>

When: Saturday Dec. 17 12pm - 4pm

Where: 2nd Avenue Subway Station, M line, Uptown Track.

Hanukkah Festival and Crafts Fair

What: Join in on the holiday shopping, children's activities, entertainment and storytelling.
When: December 18, Noon-5 p.m.
Where: Central Queens Y, 67-09 108th St., Forest Hills
Adults free; children $5. 

A Hanukkah Celebration

What: Interactive performance by singer Louie Miranda and his band. Come early and make your own Star of David.
When: December 18, 2 p.m.
Where: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. Queens
Children $16; Adults $16

Toys For Tots

What: Celebrate the one year anniversary of "Toys for Tots" with an evening of cocktails and dancing. Music by Zeus & Lucas Fable and DJ Rekha strikes again! There will be an open bar and baked goods. And it's not a sweet party without raffles and giveaways!

When: Sat. Dec. 10 @9:30pm

Where: RARE Salon: 317 Church St. 

*Entry with a new & unwrapped toy* RSVP* 212-343-9133

Hermes, Chanel, LV, Gucci Handbag Event

What: The perfect Holiday Gift just got here - save up to 50% on designer handbags from at the Chanel, Hermes, Gucci & Louis Vuitton at this sample sale.

When: Dec. 10 - 11  |  Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

Where: Metropolitan Pavilion: 125 West 18th Street

Christmas Tree & Poinsettia Sale

What: The Annual Christmas Tree and Poinsettia Sale at the Farm! Popular varieties and sizes of trees, evergreen wreaths, and poinsettias will be for sale with the proceeds benefiting the Farm Museum.

When: Saturday Dec. 10, 2011  |  10am-5pm

Where: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park

Festive: Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market

What: Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market (HKFM) is introducing FESTIVE – a curated selection of holiday vendors, who include great gift items from locally handmade soaps, dog treats, and locally harvested honey products to ornaments, handcrafted one-of-a-kind nativity sets, and more!

When: 9am - 5pm | Saturdays and Sundays: Dec 10 & 11 and Dec 17 & 18.

Where: 9th Ave & W 39th St, New York, NY 10018

Holiday Family Fun Day

What: Looking to have some holiday fun? Then show up at the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning for their Holiday Family Fun Day. 

Here is a line-up for the afternoon. 

1:00 pm - Arts & Crafts, Treats, Holiday Movies and Music 

2:00 pm - Drawing of Holiday Raffle

2:30 pm – A special holiday performance from Puppetry Arts Theatre!

Performance seating is limited. Please RSVP to reserve your seat! For additional information, contact the front desk at info@jcal.org or (718) 658-7400 ext. 123.  

When: Saturday December 10th - 1:00 pm

Where: Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning - 161-04 Jamaica Avenue (between 160th & Union Hall Streets)

Free All ages are welcome.

Hands-On History: Snowed In At the Manor

What: Imagine holidays of the 19th century and hear stories written about historic winter fun. As a special treat, make a traditional scented ornament (a pomander, made of citrus fruit, cloves and cinnamon) and much more!

When: Saturday, December 10th - Noon to 3:00 pm

Where: King Manor Museum - Rufus King Park (153 Street at Jamaica Avenue)

Free

Tree Lighting: Washington Square Park

What: The 45-foot tall Greenwich Village tree turns on beneath the Park's historic arch. Don't miss the caroling (complete with complimentary songbooks, courtesy of the Washington Square Association), which is part of the lighting's 105-year-old tradition.
When:  Wednesday, December 7 at 6 pm
Where: Washington Square Park

Tree Lighting: Madison Square Park

What: The tree lighting begins with The New York Life Singers and winds down with some rocking-and-a-rolling courtesy of Audra Rox. Tasty treats & warm sweets to share—what more could you ask for?
When: Tuesday, December 6 at 4:30pm (rain or shine!)
Where: Madison Square Park: Northern Plaza

A Caribbean Christmas Carol

What: It may be hot outside, but that doesn't mean that Christmas isn't just around the corner -- especially here in the Caribbean. The Black Spectrum Theatre Company is pleased to present. "A Caribbean Christmas Carol".  For tickets and additional information, call (718) 723-1800.
When: Saturday, December 10th - 8:00 pm
Where: Black Spectrum Theatre - 177th Street & Baisley Boulevard (Roy Wilkins Park)
How Much: $25

Middle Eastern Music & Dance

What: Extraordinary singer Waleed Albakry performs classic and modern Middle Eastern music by such celebrated artists as Abdal Wahab, Um Kalthom, Abdel Halim, Amr Deyab and Hakim, among others, and includes performances by the amazing belly dancer Jordan.

When: Sunday, December 4th - 3:00 pm

Where: Queensborough Public Library - Central Branch - 89-11 Merrick Boulevard (between Jamaica and Hillside Avenues)

Free

Park Avenue Firs

What: A New York tradition since World War II, the Park Avenue firs will be lit to honor those who have lost their lives defending our country in addition to kicking off the holiday season. Grab the family, come belt out some carols and watch as nearly 40 blocks of trees illuminate the night.
When: Sunday, December 4 at 6:30pm
Where: Brick Presbyterian Church (Park Avenue & 91st Street)

Brookville Park Annual Tree Lighting

What: The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation; Council Member James Sanders; Friends of Brookville Park; The Storm Rydaz, MC; Legacy; P.S. 181 Chorus; the Grace Gospel Tabernacle Church Choir; and the NYPD School Safety Explorers are please to invite you to the Brookville Park Annual Tree Lighting. There'll be caroling, music, refreshments, and other fun for the whole family. For more information, call Susan Diaz at (718) 520-5914.
When: Saturday, December 3rd - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Brookville Park - Brookville Boulevard, Queens (at 143rd Avenue)
How Much: Free

Holiday Sales

December 3-24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 
Christmas trees, wreaths, poinsettias and more. 
Queens County Farm, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Floral Park.
December 11, 18, Noon-6 p.m. 
Artisan market filled with handmade, baked, and vintage goods. 
Bohemian Hall, 29-19 24th Ave., Astoria  

Holiday Party At The New York City Police Museum

What: At the Police Museum's Holiday Party, kids can learn about the daily duties of officers around the world and try on the museum's collection of international uniforms. They'll learn about the holidays of different religions: Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid and Kwanzaa, just to name a few. Guests are encouraged to spread holiday cheer by bringing along a donation for Toys for Tots. 
When: Saturday December 3,2011  |  11:00am-2:00pm
Where: New York City Police Museum: 100 Old Slip, NY, NY 10005
$8/adults; $5/students, seniors & children; free for children younger than 2

Children’s Holiday Book Drive At Pink Olive

What: This weekend, the Park Slope Pink Olive store partners with Milk Bookies, a nationwide charity that encourages kids to donate books to other kids, to host a holiday book drive. If the milk and cookies don't make children feel warm and fuzzy after bringing their own books or purchasing new ones to contribute to the drive, the chance to meet beloved authors Sally Lloyd-Jones, Brett Helquist, and Caitlin Friedman will surely get them excited about giving. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP by emailing concierge@pinkolive.com.
When: Saturday December 3,2011 | 11:00am to 3:00pm
Where: Pink Olive's Park Slope location 167 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.
FREE

Santa is in Town

December 4, Noon-6 p.m. 
Pet photos with Santa! Enjoy a pets' walk and win prizes. Shops at Atlas Park
80-00 Cooper Ave., Glendale.
December 3, 4, 10, 11, Noon - 4 p.m. 
Stop by for your photo with Santa, a toy train exhibit and candy.
45-56 43rd St., Sunnyside.  

Holiday Lightings

December 2, 7 p.m. 
Annual 75-foot holiday tree lighting. Christmas Parade to follow the next day.
Forest Pkwy and  Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven.
December 4, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Corona Holiday Family Celebration with a tree lighting at 5 p.m.
Corona Plaza at 103rd St. and Roosevelt Ave.

Cathedral Crafts Fair

What: Crafts at the Cathedral celebrates its 16th Annual Fair with excellence in arts and crafts in a high quality and well attended 3 day event. Over 60 Artisans will be exhibiting their finest work, accompanied by live music and delicious food. Our goals for the 2011 show are to provide a great environment for skilled crafts people to exhibit and sell their work and to provide a great buying experience for all who come.
When: Friday, December 2, 5 pm- 8 pm
Saturday, December 3, 11 am-6 pm
Sunday, December 4, 11 am- 5 pm
www.craftsatthecathedral.org
Where: 1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York NY 10025 

Holiday Gift Show @ Malu

What: Shop for jewelry, hand bags, candles, health and wellness products, handmade soaps, accessories, chocolates, gift baskets, and ice cream of course! Most of the artisans are locals.
When: Saturday, December 3, 2011 - 2 – 6 PM
Where: Malu: 12-09 Jackson Avenue, LIC

The November Macaron Crawl

What: Meetup with fellow foodies to walk around the neighborhood to taste some of the city's finest macaroons. 
When: Wednesday Nov. 30 6pm-9pm
Where: SW corner of Washington Sq. Park
Website

The City Ice Pavilion Winter Show!

What: The show will feature solo, duets, and group numbers from the skaters here at City Ice Pavilion. All parents, friends, and fans of our skaters are invited to attend the show FREE of charge!
When: Saturday, December 17, 2011 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Where: City Ice Pavilion: 47-32 32nd Place, Long Island City, NY 11101

Holiday Handmade Cavalcade

What: The NewNew craft clan is hosting their final handmade fair of the year. Great opportunity to buy crafty items for the holidays. There will be over 35 crafters, designers, and artists showcasing their hard work this year. Check it out and get inspired!

When: Saturday Dec. 3, 2011 10am-6pm

Where: 70 N. 6th St. Brooklyn, NY

L.A.M.B. & Harajuku Lovers Sample Sale

What: Savvy is bringing back L.A.M.B. & Harajuku Lovers for a fabulous sample sale. 75% off a wide selection of handbags, clutches, totes, cosmetic bags, wallets and more! Credit Cards Only.
When: Tue, Nov 29 at 8AM - 8PM
              Wed, Nov 30 at 10AM - 8PM
              Thu, Dec 1 at 8AM - 6PM
Where: 347 W 34th St, NY 10001 (bet. 8 & 9th Aves.)

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

What: It's back! The Holiday Market at Columbus Circle, easy and accessible for all your shopping needs. Some featured shops are: "The Lil' New Yorker", ValtlineDesign, Wolly Boo, BuggedOut, M Voli E, OverallBaby, LA MUSE KALLIOPÊ,  DeborahJulian & Angie Colombo Jewelry.

When: Nov. 30 - Dec. 24th, 2011 |  Mon-Sat 10:00am-8:00pm  |  Sunday 10:00am-7:00pm  | December 24th 10:00am-4:00pm

Where: Southwest entrance to Central Park at Central Park West and Central Park South|  A/B/C/D or 1/2 to 59th Street Columbus Circle; F to 57th Street; N/Q/R to 5th Avenue/59th Street

5th Annual 3rd Ward Handmade Holiday Craft Fair

What: Come browse all types of creative handmade gifts including jewelry, bags, housewares, paper goods, toys, clothing, winter essentials, culinary treats, and much more! Plus stay warm and merry with live music, DJs, cheap seasonal cocktails, and some quirky surprises. For more information, visit: www.3rdward.com/2011craftfair/
When: Saturday, December 10th, 2011
Where: 195 Morgan Ave. Brooklyn, NY
FREE

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City.The 2011 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit for the first time on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 with live and taped performances from 7 P.M. – 9 P.M., at Rockefeller Plaza.

A Winter Wonderland in Bryant Park

What: Celebrate the season in style with a night of styling, skating and great tastes of the season in Bryant Park's Celsius Lounge. Yes, get a new look for the season from John Frieda stylists for free! Plus enjoy delicious hot beverages and snack on awesome popcorn by Waring Pro. Finally, the first 40 people who arrive get free passes for complimentary rental skates!

When: Wed, Nov 30, 2011 from 3pm-8pm

Where: Celsius Bar in Bryant Park: 445 5th Ave

The J.Crew Sample Sale

What: Enjoy 60% off retail on the Fall/Winter 2011 Collection at the J.Crew Sample sale. Jewelry, shoes and outerwear included plus a limited assortment of Madewell jeans.
When: Tuesday Nov. 29 - Saturday Dec. 3, 2011  |  10am-6pm
Where: 260 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016 

The Make-up Show

What: An Exclusive Luxury Sample Sale. Shop the makeup must haves and beauty secrets of celebrity artists just in time for the Holidays. Get your holiday shopping done for the fashionistas on your shopping list or pamper yourself while meeting the makeup artists who set the trends we see on the runway, the red carpet and your favorite celebrities. The Makeup Show Pop Up Shop is the perfect place to shop sales of over 40 brands that usually reserve these prices for the pros.

When: Fri, Dec 02 at 5:00PM - Sat, Dec 03 at 6:00PM

Where: Metropolitan Pavilion: 123 W 18th St

Friday, December 2^nd 5pm-10pm – $20
Saturday, December 3^rd 10am-6pm – $20
Buy Tickets 

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

What:  Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! The parade travels down Central Park West from 77th Street to Columbus Circle along Central Park South to 7th Avenue, down 7th Avenue to 42nd Street, along 42nd Street to 6th Avenue, down 6th Avenue to 34th Street and along 34th Street to Macy's Herald Square (34th Street). 

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Public Viewing Areas:

Central Park West: West side of street from 70th Street
Columbus Circle & east side of street from 70th to 65th
Columbus Circle: West side of street
7th Avenue: between 58th & 42nd Streets
42nd Street: from 7th to 6th Avenues
6th Avenue: between 42nd & 34th Streets
34th Street: south side of street between Broadway & 7th Avenue

When: Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 9 a.m.

Where: Central Park West & W 77th St, New York, NY 10024

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation

What: The night before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New Yorkers gather to watch the famous giant helium parade balloons get inflated.

A tradition since 1927, the giant character balloons are slowly blown up and brought to life in the streets around the American Museum of Natural History. The enormous balloons take up two full city blocks. Nets and sandbags are used to keep the balloons from escaping during the night.

The action starts around 4pm on Thanksgiving Eve on 77th & 81st Streets between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. Public viewing is from 3 pm until 8 pm. Regular attendees recommend arriving at about 5 pm when the balloons really start to take shape.

When: Wednesday, November 23, 2011, approximately 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Where: Central Park West and Columbus Avenue on 77th and 81st Streets