The 5 Best Holiday 2014 Light Shows In NYC
It wouldn't be the holidays without some traditional lighting displays. Come see New York at its most magical time at one of these five festive events. By Carly Petrone.
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Spend an evening this holiday season checking out the decked out houses in Dyker Heights. Even Santa himself can't stay away. Rumor has it you'll find him strolling the streets most nights taking a look at all the lit up houses and décor. Each house seems to out do the other with blow up holiday characters, light displays, oversized nutcrackers, and plenty of other festive decorations. It's definitely worth the subway ride. Lights will be on display through early January after sundown.
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Head over to Brookfield Place to see Anne Militello's latest light installation called Metamorphosis. This new piece of work features a palette of colors and light patterns to honor the holiday season. Each night, the installation illuminates the plaza through a harmonious interplay of colors, starting with a gentle flicker of candlelight and transforming into a brighter, more colorful display throughout December. Make sure to stop by in January to see the return of Militello's Light Cycles, the light display that was originally commissioned by Arts Brookfield last year.
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Whether you're waiting for your train or you're just stopping through, Grand Central Station is the perfect place to take a moment and enjoy the holidays. Don't miss this year's annual light show displayed against the beautiful ceiling designed by Paul Cesar Helleu. On your way out, grab a last minute gift at the Holiday Fair in Vanderbilt Hall or satisfy the inner child in you and check out the 13th Annual Holiday Train Show inside the New York Transit Museum.
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It's okay to act like a tourist around Rockefeller Center during the holidays. Who can resist getting glimpse of the beautiful Christmas tree that lights up the entire plaza? Take a picture by the 76-foot tall Norway Spruce and enjoy the light show against the nearby buildings. Go ice skating below or grab a glass of mulled wine at nearby Morrell Wine Bar & Café to take in the magnificent view. Seeing all the nearby trees lit up at this time of year just makes New York even more magical. Stroll through nearby 5th Avenue and see what all the holiday decorated store windows. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree will be lit until 8 p.m. on January 7th.
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If you live in the Bronx, you're probably familiar with the Garabedian Family's Christmas House. This festive family has been decorating their front lawn for the past 29 years with lights, an elaborate Nativity scene, and nearly 200 animated figurines that dance to upbeat holiday music. Almost every inch of their home is decorated with Disney characters, all dressed in gowns that the designer family has sewed themselves. This Garabedians have been entertaining the neighborhood (and beyond) since 1974 – come be a part of the tradition.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
