It’s been there, Rockefeller focused it. This season, keep the yuletide morning memorable and high with excursions that bring joy.
What Dickens
Nestled in the Catskill Mountains, Dickens on the Delaware in Callicoon, NY, is a Sullivan County tradition. On December 14, from noon to 5 p.m., expect a Victorian-inspired holiday wonderland. Boutiques, galleries and restaurants welcome visitors, and vendors dress in Victorian clothing.
Must-sees include cider and beer tasting with Seminary Hill Brewery and Shrewd Fox, an alpaca wreath-making and photo workshop, and petting with Buck Brook Alpacas. Don’t miss the Farm Arts Collective performance of ‘Dickens’ at 2pm starting at Callicoon Warehouse and traveling through the streets of the town.
To round off the festivities, ride a horse and carriage ride, catch theatrical performances from the works of Dickens and be serenaded by carolers while drinking cocoa, eggs and mulled wine.
On a festive road
Now in its 33rd year, the Holiday Train Show returns to the New York Botanical Garden in Bedford Park in the Bronx, opening in November. 16 and until January. 20.
Located in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, adults and children alike will watch in this greenhouse as model locomotives and carriages roll through nearly 200 botanical replicas of NYC’s historic buildings.
Stop by and see miniature versions of the original Yankee Stadium, the Apollo Theater, Radio City Music Hall and more, all forged from natural materials ranging from leaves and seeds to acorns and cinnamon sticks.
To see all this magic under the glow of special lights at dusk, check out Holiday Train Nights, hosted on select evenings and featuring festive carolers.
Part of the period
Head to Westchester County this holiday season to capture more Victorian-era charm. Specifically, time travel with a celebratory tour of the Armour-Stiner Octagon House, an eight-sided mansion unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
A National Historic Landmark, this 1870s-era house is the only house designed to imitate Donato Bramante’s 1502 Tempietto in Rome. During the yuletide season, it is decked out in magnificent holiday decor inspired by the period and Christmas trees.
Dream big
Santa Claus is coming. . . The Garden State. Big time. In true Jersey fashion, expect incredible winter fun when the American Dream Mall unveils its Holiday Dreamland.
Standouts include Nickelodeon Universe’s Nick the Halls, an immersive experience with activities inspired by Nickelodeon characters, which runs from November. 15 to New Year’s Day. Or get lost, literally, in the holiday-themed mirror maze, with twinkling lights and mirrors galore come December. 8 to January. 5.
Sea Life Twinkling Tides is an underwater attraction filled with holiday lights and maybe a few glimpses of Deep Sea Santa and elves (November 29 to New Year’s Day).
The winter wonderland offers an ice rink and Santa’s grotto.
Christmas in Connecticut
From November. 29 through Christmas Eve, the Greenwich Reindeer Festival returns for its 16th annual celebration at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses in Connecticut. Pose for a photo with Santa, mingle with the reindeer and participate in various activities at Santa’s Workshop.
Can’t shake it? Check out the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail, a free year-round attraction where you can visit the locations of 22 holiday movies filmed in the Nutmeg State.
World class
Now is the time to enjoy the best views of the big city from the highest tower in the country. ONEderland’s One World Observatory experience began in November. 20 and lasts until January. 5.
Prepare to take a bump in this so-called “snow globe in the sky” as you marvel at sweeping views of the Big Apple below, or hop on a life-size sled for a photo opp.
At One Dine Restaurant, toast the Grinch cocktail.
#holiday #spirit #tristate #celebrations
Image Source : nypost.com