World's Largest Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

What: Both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Grand Army Plazas host competitors in the race for the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah. Gather around the 32-foot-high, gold-colored, 4,000-pound steel holiday icon across the street from The Plaza hotel (Manhattan) to kick off the Jewish Festival of Lights; lightings for that one generally take place at 5:30pm, though it's around 3:30pm on Friday Dec. 30 and 8pm on Saturday, bookending the Sabbath. For eight nights, there will be hot latkes, Hanukkah donuts, music, dreidels, and gifts for children.
Across the East River, go to the top of Prospect Park to see its similarly sized rival illuminated; lightings are at 6pm most evenings, with Friday’s at 3:30pm and Saturday’s at 7pm. The Brooklyn organizers typically host a kickoff concert prior to the lighting on Hanukkah’s first night, at which they serve potato pancakes.
When: Saturday Dec. 24, 2016
Where: Manhattan: 5th Ave & 59th St.  |  Brooklyn: Grand Army Plaza at Eastern Pkwy

Native American Market and Social

What: Safe Harbors Indigenous Collective is a new initiative at La MaMa that aims to create a contemporary paradigm in the presentation of Indigenous arts and culture within the broader American theatre by combating stereotypes and supporting vibrant Native communities. Indian Market and Social offers a unique shopping opportunity for visitors to purchase traditional and contemporary works—including silver and semiprecious jewelry, ceramics, fine apparel, hand-woven baskets, traditional beadwork, dolls, paintings, prints, and sculpture—by some of the finest Native American artists.

When: Friday, December 9, 12:00pm – 9:00pm  |  Saturday, December 10, 11:00am- 10:00pm  |  Sunday, December 11, 11:00am – 7:00pm

Where: Ellen Stewart Theatre / The Downstairs / Box Office / Archives & Administrative Office: 66 East 4th Street, New York, NY 10003

FREE

Website

Washington Square Park Tree Lighting

What: This 91-year-old tradition features holiday sing-a-longs with the Rob Susman Brass Quartet and a visit from the big man in the red suit before a giant pine is transformed into a multi-colored illuminating wonder.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 7th, 2016 | 6-7pm

Where: Washington Square Park, NYC

Website

Brooklyn Holiday Book Fair

What: The fifth annual Brooklyn Holiday Book Fair with Honey & Wax Booksellers, Unnameable Books, Terrace Books, Enchanted Books, Tom Davidson Bookseller, Brooklyn Books, Freebird Books & Goods and gift wrapping from Presence NYC.

Choose from hundreds of collectible, rare and unusual to find a perfect gift for the holidays.

Jonathan Tarleton of Nonstop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas will also lead a walking tour along with Nate Storring (editor of the newly released collection of Jane Jacobs essays Vital Little Plans: The Short Works of Jane Jacobs) around the neighborhood explaining the layered legacies of Robert Moses and Frederick Law Olmsted in the borough, especially where Prospect Park and the Prospect Expressway sit in imposing proximity. Copies of Nonstop Metropolis and Vital Little Plans will be available for sale afterwards.

When: Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 | 10am -4pm

Where: Old Stone House: 336 3rd St. Brooklyn, NY 11215

More Info

SLIM CINEMA Vertical Film Festival

What: The night is set up to be a wavy experience that includes a screening of original vertical short films on the “tall screen”, curated and live art from local artists, and 2 DJ sets by J.Robb to lay in the soundtrack. There will also be an open-bar courtesy of CIROC & THE BRONX BREWERY + food provided by NYC’s own Bareburger so come through ready! Expect good vibes and creative exploration.
WILL ALSO HAVE A PROJECTION PHOTOGRAPHY STATION, LIVE TATTOOS, ART HANGING, + MORE. Check for updates on IG & Twitter @slimcinema.
When: December 3, 2016 | 8pm -11:59pm
Where: Genius Event Space: 92 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Cost: $25 click here  |  21+ IDs checked at the door

Astoria Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Celebration

What: This free celebration will feature a kids holiday theater performance, face painting, a dance performance, carolers, train rides, cotton candy, and a tree lighting ceremony as the grand finale!

When: Saturday, Dec. 3rd, 2016 | 2-5pm

Where: Astoria Park Lawn, Queens  | Enter at 19th Street and 23rd Avenue

Fort Hamilton Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Spectacular

What: The Fort Hamilton Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Spectacular is located in the southwestern corner of the New York City borough of Brooklyn surrounded by the communities of Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights. Enjoy this unique and diverse holiday experience at the military base and explore unique gifts created by local artisans and artists, traditional food, carousel, Santa and more.
When: Friday Dec. 2nd, 2016 @4pm  |  Tree lighting @5:30pm
Where: Fort Hamilton (Army Base), Brooklyn, NY 11252

Website

Madison Square Park’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

What: Join us for Madison Square Park’s annual tree lighting ceremony and festivities! The countdown to the illumination of our Tree of Light, a 40-foot balsam fir brought to the Park all the way from Vermont, will begin at 4:55pm.

Our festive celebration will feature a variety of seasonal activities including a Mad. Sq. Hort seed packet activity with Gardener Steph, festive performances from The Sweetback Sisters, The New York Life Singers, and kids performer – and Mad. Sq. Park favorite – Audra Rox. Taste of Home‘s Gingerbread Blvd. will also be onsite to help set the Holiday mood.

Holiday treats will be provided by neighborhood restaurants Black Barn, Hill Country Chicken, Umi Kitchen, Almond, and Shake Shack.

When: Tuesday, December 6th | 3:30-5:30pm

Where: Madison Square Park: 23rd St to 26th St, between 5th & Madison Aves., NY

Light up Luminaries

What: Light Up Luminaries is a free community holiday event to kick off Luminaries, the spectacular light installation and new holiday tradition at Brookfield Place. Join us for fun performances, free ice skating on the waterfront, hot chocolate, sweet treats and more! Hosted by your favorite MC's Tracey and Mason, Santa is the star of the show, arriving red carpet-style at 5:30PM to cast the first holiday wish, then leading a parade to his newly designed winter chalet for photo memory-making. Be sure to bring your wish lists!

Photos with Santa are available for purchase starting at 6PM.

When: Thursday, December 1, 2016 | 5–8PM

Where: Brookfield Place: 230 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281

FREE

Bank of America Winter Village & Tree Lighting at Bryant Park

What: This year, the Winter Village plans to make this beloved event the best to date—and we have a feeling it will be. Expect the usual theatrical ice-skating show, starring Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje from the No. 1 world-ranked ice-dancing team in Canada as well as Javier Fernández (four-time European Champion) and Kimmie Meissner (former Olympian). Jazz group Lapis Luna provides the jams, and you’ll definitely want to stop by to see this year’s celebrity host in the flesh. Check out more than 125 holiday shops and food vendors while you’re there.

When: Friday Dec. 2 @6pm

Where: Bryant Park, NYC

Take A Stroll Through the Life-size Gingerbread Village

What: Wander down to the life-size gingerbread house and ogle—no, salivate—over the candy-covered crib built with ginger “bricks," which is topped with a “frosting-covered” roof and adorned with peppermint sticks, gum drops and more. Better yet, you can actually go inside this house to check out virtual and interactive elements such as a marshmallow snowman and decorate a Christmas tree.
When: December 6 -18, 2016  |  Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat, Sun noon–8pm
Where: Madison Square Park: 23rd St to 26th St, between 5th & Madison Aves., NY

2016 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

What: This iconic and always-packed tree-lighting ceremony is filled with celebrity performances, so you’ll want to arrive early to get a good view. Enjoy a two-hour variety show featuring live music by Neil Diamond, Josh Groban, Dolly Parton and more before 50,000 energy-efficient LED lights covering the 94-foot spruce are switched on inspiring oohs and aahs. This is the only tree-lighting ceremony you can watch live on TV (tune in to WNBC), which is great for anxious New Yorkers—er, all of us—who want to avoid the crowds. 

When: Wednesday, Nov. 30th, 2016  |  7–9pm

Where: Rockefeller Plaza between Fifth and Sixth Aves and 49th and 50th Sts

Southstreet Seaport Tree Lighting featuring Grace VanderWaal

What: The Seaport District NYC kicks off the holiday season with its 33rd annual Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Hallmark Channel.

Held on the Fulton Street cobblestones, the tree lighting evening will include special live performances by Vy Higginsen’s Gospel Choir of Harlem and Grace VanderWaal, winner of the 2016 season of America’s Got Talent, singing songs from her debut EP Perfectly Imperfect out Friday, December 2.

The annual ceremony will occur "rain or shine". In the event of inclement weather, we advise waterproof shoes, ponchos and umbrellas.

When: Tuesday, November 29th, 6:30PM-7:30PM

Where: Fulton Street

17th Annual Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square

What: The evening kicks off at 5:30pm at Dante Park, Broadway and 63rd Street, with the Upper West Side’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony televised live on WABC-TV and featuring American funk and soul singer Sharon Jones.
The festivities continue all evening! Don’t miss over 20 free live music and dance performances, including the Loston Harris Trio, Steve Bernstein’s Universal Melody Brass Dance Party! and DJ D-Nice at the TD Bank Dance Tent, Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could at Kids’ Central, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jack Frost and more at Time Warner Center, WNET’s popular characters, street theater, marching bands, and holiday cheer.
Plus, foodies, eat your way around Lincoln Square! Enjoy sweet and savory samples (nominal cost) from over 30 top local kitchens at the outdoor food tastings, presented by Glenwood.
When: Monday, November 28th at 5:30 PM - 9 PM
Where: Lincoln Square, Manhattan, NYC

GRAND CENTRAL'S THANKSGIVING MARKET

What: Visit the Thanksgiving Market popping up on the Taxi Stand (at Vanderbilt Ave. and E. 43rd St.) for one day only on November 23rd. Six Grand Central dessert shops and bakeries will sell their delicious desserts in time for Thanksgiving. Customers can contact shops in advance to pre-order and pick up at the Taxi Stand during the event.

Participating vendors:
Eli Zabar's Bread & Pastry
Financier Patisserie
Great Northern Food Hall
Jacques Torres Chocolate
Magnolia Bakery
Zaro's Family Bakery
Live music provided by MTA Music

When: NOVEMBER 23, 2016
Where: TAXI STAND (AT VANDERBILT AVE. AND E. 43RD ST.)

Bryant Park Presents Holiday Movies at the Porch: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

What: Get excited for Thanksgiving with a screening of the family-friendly 1973 classic. Showing at 4pm, 4:45pm, and 5:30pm. Running time is 25 mins.

When: Monday, November 21st, 2016 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: Southwest Porch, Bryant Park NYC

Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concert: M.A.K.U. Soundsystem

What: Museo del Barrio in collaboration with Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concerts present M.A.K.U. Soundsystem. Fiery vocals, blazing instrumentals, and irresistible beats makes a M.A.K.U. Soundsystem concert a high-octane experience. Rooted in Colombian and Afro-Colombian traditions, M.A.K.U. Soundsystem mixes funk, Afrobeat, jazz, hip-hop, and Caribbean grooves for a ferociously fun blend that blows audience members out of their seats.
Members: Liliana Conde (vocals, percussion) Juan Ospina A.K.A Prodigio Arribetiao (vocals, bass) Camilo Rodriguez (guitar, gaitas) Robert Stringer (trombone) Felipe Quiroz (synthesizers) Moris Cañate (tambor alegre) Andres Jimenez (drums) Isaish Richardson Jr. (sax and Clarinet)
Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concerts is a program of the Weill Music Institute.
Seats are first come, first served. No RSVP required.
When: November 19th @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: El Teatro @El Museo: 1230 Fifth Avenue  New York, NY 10029
FREE
Website

Lucky Sevens: An Art Salon at El Museo

What: Lucky Sevens: An Art Salon at El Museo, 7 artists, 7 minutes, 7 slides, is a series designed to engage, cultivate, and connect artists, professionals and the public in NYC. Join El Museo del Barrio as we provide a friendly, informal environment for artists and the public to meet and chat. Seven artists will briefly present a selection of works and a reception provides time to meet and ask questions.
Participating artists:
Lionel Cruet | Stephano Espinoza | Camilo Godoy | Stephanie Lindquist | Layqa Nuna Yawar | Eduardo Velazquez | Cristobal Guerra
When: November 15th @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: El Taller @El Museo: 1230 Fifth Avenue  New York, NY 10029
FREE RSVP

Rent The Runway Holiday Pregame

What: The holiday season is upon us! That means time to get your paws on the perfect party frocks for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, office party, tree trimming, and everything in between. Shop for designer dresses while enjoying sips and small bites at Rent the Runway. You'll find designers from Marchesa to Erin Fetherston, all at squee-worthy prices.

When: Nov. 14, 21 & 28: 6:00 - 8:00PM
Where: Rent The Runway: 16 W 18th St 4th Fl, New York

Website

Renegade Craft Fair NYC #RenegadeNewYork

What: We’re welcoming the holiday season in style with with a festive weekend of design, food, music, holiday shopping, and more! Come celebrate the very best of emerging and established handcrafted goods and DIY culture, and take a peek at an array of thoughtfully curated items ideal for gift-giving from over 200makers and artisans.

Enjoy festive vibes and groove to DJ sets by Sugartown Industries, as you browse world-class design and an array of artisanal items including jewelry and accessories, home decor, apothecary, and art! While you’re here, don’t forget to commemorate the occasion with instant archival prints by Magnolia Photo Booth Co., stop by acclaimed Brooklyn-based artist and author ADAMJK’s book signing, and check out a lush forest installation with fresh plants + planters for sale at Tula House. And be sure to grab tasty treats and beverages including sweet and savory crepes, doughnuts and pastries, small batch lemonade, curry plates, and more by a great lineup of local food favorites!

Local Media Partner Time Out New York will raffle off a goodie bag full of handmade products worth over $1,000 from the Fair’s makers. The winner for the raffle will be chosen at random following the Fair. Also, come by Martha Stewart’s American Made experience for free DIY activities from Toyota and Libman, complimentary samples from Torani, and pick up a free screen-printed tote bag!

When: November 12 + 13, 2016 | 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion - 125 W. 18th St. New York, NY 10011

Cost: FREE

Extra: Need a ride? UBER has provided a code for a free $15 ride for all 1st time users for ALL 2016 RCF events! The code is RCF2016 and can be used for all Fairs!
Sorry! Pets are not permitted.

Website

Thank You to our Veterans!

15TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW

What: Presented annually by the New York Transit Museum, this popular model railroad exhibition features Metro-North, New York Central, and subway trains departing from a miniature Grand Central Terminal on a 34’-long, two-level “O” gauge layout. The Museum’s store also offers great gifts for your holiday shopping. Transit gifts are available online at www.nytransitmuseumstore.com.
When: November 14, 2016 – February 2017 | Mon – Fri 8 am to 8 pm; Sat – Sun 10 am to 6pm
Where: NY Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store - Shuttle Passage

Website

2 Days Left - PUFF PUFF - ANDREA KANG SOLO SHOW AT P!Q

What: The complexly sweet characters of Andrea Kang art will take over the P!Q Gifts store in Grand Central October 29- Nov 11 with a show of new art and a supersize window instillation. Her boldly graphic creatures play with our idea of the word “cute” and you may leave wondering if that pink fluffy mouse is giving you the side eye.
The world Andrea Kang’s art is populated with stoic bears, woodland creatures, and animal costumed humans, all through a lens of nostalgia, complex emotions, and graphic beauty. 
A Masters graduate from The Rhode Island School of Design, Andrea creates work in multiple hand crafted mediums as well as designing for major art toy companies and fashion brands.

When: Now thru November 11, 2016

Where: Grand Central Terminal, Shuttle Passage 

Nolita Pop-up: Function of Beauty

What: Beauty start up Function of Beauty offers customized shampoos and conditioners with over 12 billion possible combinations. Take the 5 question hair quiz to determine your hair goals. Customers can watch your shampoo and conditioner being made in store. Each bottle is personalized with your name, special scent and color choice. 

When: Friday, Nov. 11th - Wednesday, Nov. 16   |   11am - 9pm

Where: 219A Mulberry St.
functionofbeauty.com

Show your "I Voted" sticker to get some goodies!

Where: Rochelle - 205 Chrystie St.
What: Old school NY bar - free shot of whiskey

Where: Harding's - 32 E 21st St.
What: Show the bartender you voted and get a $5 house cocktail, beer or wine. The bar will offer free snacks to all guests from 9-10pm and raffle off prizes.

Where: Lo-Res Bar - 136 Metropolitan Ave Brooklyn, NY 11249

What: The downstairs bar at Williamsburg's Nitehawk Cinema will be showing election results and offering all-night happy hour prices on draft beer and well drinks to voters.

Where: Playa Betty's - 320 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10023

What: Get a free shot of their signature Frozen Paloma topped with a blue liqueur floater for voting.

Where: Schmackry's - 362 West 45th Street New York, New York 10036

What: The first 50 customers wearing an "I Voted" sticker get a free T-shirt with the slogan "Make Cookies Great Again!"

Where: The Way Station - 683 Washington Ave. 

What: The Prospect Heights home for "Doctor Who" fans has endless happy hour for voters and free pizza for all from 7-8pm.

Queens Beer Festival #QueensBeerFest

What: The Borough's first annual Queens Beer Festival kicks off on October 15th. Eat, drink, and sip from every Queens-based brewery, along with a curated selection of brews from Brooklyn, Long Island, and Staten Island. LIC Flea & Food hosts the festivities. Come one, come all, grab tickets, and invite friends.
When: Sat. Oct 15 - Sun. Oct 16
Where: LIC Flea & Food: 5-25 46th Ave. LIC, Queens

Cost: $29-$68 Buy Tickets