If your travels this holiday season will bring you to any of these cities, be sure to enjoy their Winter Wonderland celebrations.
New York City
Start your travels uptown at the Apollo Theater where Coco-Cola is sponsoring their Winter Wonderland on December 15th at 2 p.m. After visiting Santa, listening to talented choirs, and enjoying other activities, head to the annual Apollo Amateur Night Holiday Special at 7:30 p.m.
New to the Big Apple is The NYC Winter Lantern Festival at Sung Harbor Cultural Center in Staten Island. The festival features over 40 larger-than-life LED displays like the interactive Tunnel of Lights. Enjoy the festival until January 6, 2019. For more information, visit nycwinterlanternfestival.com.
While shopping, take time to enjoy the window displays on Fifth Avenue. Bergdorf’s theme this year is Bergdorf Goodies, which highlights sweet treats and Tiffany’s display is honoring Holliday Heroes. Don’t forget about the tree at Rockefeller Center and the gigantic decorations displayed through midtown Manhattan.
New Orleans, LA
The festive atmosphere that dominates the streets of New Orleans continues during their holiday season.
This holiday season, NOLA is celebrating their Tricentennial with a new parade, The Jingle on Boulevard. The parade will start at Crowder Boulevard and continues to Lake Forest Plaza. Set for December 15, the parade will feature marching bands, souvenir throws, and celebrities.
If caroling is your thing, then join the Caroler at Jackson Square on December 16 to sing the sounds of the season to the passers-by and shoppers.
Enjoy the 32nd Celebration in the Oaks Holiday light festival until January 1. Lights are stretched across 25 acres from the Botanical Gardens, Carrousel Garden Amusement Park, and Storyland. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets and obtain more information can be found at the New Orleans City Park website.
Since one of the highlights of Christmas is shopping, do yours on Magazine Street. You are bound to find a gift for that hard-to-please person somewhere along their 6-mile strip of stores, stands, and restaurants.
District of Columbia, DC
While in DC, delight in the Smithsonian National Zoo ZooLights festival of dazzling light displays, food, and holiday activity. Enjoy this free event nightly from 5 to 9 pm until January 1, 2019.
Every year, the U.S. Botanic Gardens does its part to celebrate the season. The theme for 2018 is famous U.S. train stations like St. Louis’ Union Station. All the displays are made from leaves, barks, and other natural material. There is no charge and the displays will be available to view until January 1. If you attend on Tuesdays and Thursday, you will also be treated to a holiday concert.
In addition to the festivities in DC, here are some nearby performances that will continue to delight your Christmas spirit.
Celebrate Kwanzaa with Harambee – This is a free celebration set for December 28 at 11 am. For more information contact the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus at (202) 633-4844.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker at The Music Center at Strathmore – Performances are set for December 18 and 19. For more information and tickets visit www.strathmore.org/events-and-tickets/hip-hop-nutcracker
Step Africa’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show – Performances run from December 14- 30. If you are not familiar with the black tradition of stepping, this will be a wonderful opportunity to learn. Get more information at Step Afrika.
Ora Cook is a coach, blogger, and inspirational speaker devoted to helping women restore their confidence and fulfill their purpose. She encourages women to travel for therapeutic and recreational purposes and offers the knowledge they need to do so. You can read more of Ora’s writings at www.oracook.com.
