first Wednesday after Thanksgiving. Check out the view on the Fifth Avenue side of Rockefeller Center. Other tree lighting ceremonies take place at Metropolitan Museum, South Street Seaport and the New York Botanical Gardens. The American Museum of Natural History features an origami tree with bright, colorful, folded paper ornaments. Lincoln Center has a multicultural celebration with free admission that includes tree lighting and refreshments.
Central Park has a Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration and Kwanzaa festivities, and the cherry and hawthorn trees growing on Park Avenue are lit to honor all faiths and all people who have given their lives for our country. The World's largest Menorah is lit in honor of Hanukkah each day during the holiday, and Sunday's celebration includes singing, dancing and free potato pancakes. Another giant menorah is set up at Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza.
New York City's store windows are elaborately decorated during December according to themes that are kept secret until the windows are unveiled. Many can be viewed with a walk down Fifth Avenue, including Lord and Taylor, which has animated window displays, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman. Other decorated windows include Macy's, Barney's and Bloomingdale's. There is no charge to enjoy the holiday window displays.
Ice skate in December at Bryant Park, New York City's only ice skating rink that offers free admission. Bring your own skates or rent a pair at that park. Visit Bryant Park for the annual lighting of the Bryant Park Holiday Tree that features ice skating stars and musical performances. Don't miss the holiday shops at Bryant Park, which include more than 100 booths each year.
