Big Fun In The Big Appleby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 20 Oct 2007 05:50 PM It's no secret that New York City gets even busier during the holiday season. In my previous blog I detailed some of the seasonal events going on in "The Big Apple" during the months of October and November. This blog provides you with more information on the major holiday happenings that get underway in the city in late November and December. But, before I do that I wanted to tell you about a unique arts festival that is often overlooked given that it runs during a time when other, more famous events are being held in New York. The 25th Next Wave Festival The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is one of the most well respected arts spaces in the city. The academy often makes news for its presentations of avant-garde music, dance and theater. Each year BAM hosts an annual Next Wave Festival, which runs through December 16th. This year marks the festival's 25th year and to celebrate the Compania Nacional de Danza from Spain; "Krum," an Israeli play performed by Poland's premier theater company, in Polish; and "Ship in a View," by a Japanese dance-theater troupe will be among the international artists performing. Now, on with the city's other "biggies." Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade You can read about my obsession with this parade here. To me, the parade embodies what life in a big city is all about. The annual holiday parade with its huge character balloons is an event that is known the world over and attracts millions to New York City each year. If you aren't big on crowds, you may want to skip the parade and watch the balloons being inflated the evening before (Wednesday, November 21st) from about 4 to 6 p.m. on the Upper West Side, on 77th and 81st Sts. between Central Park West and Columbus Ave. The parade itself starts at 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 22nd, but people begin lining up by 5:30 a.m. The balloons, floats and bands start at 77th St., travel down Central Park West to Columbus Circle (59th St. at Broadway), and then head down Broadway to finish at Macy's Herald Square on 34th St. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting The tradition of stringing a massive Spruce tree with tens of thousands of lights and setting it aglow in Rockefeller Center started back in 1933. Today the annual lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree is broadcast on live TV. But, there's nothing like seeing it done in person. These days because NBC airs the event live, the lighting now features top name celebrities who entertain the masses. This year's lighting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, November 28th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The tree will be lit until January 6, 2008. The Rockettes Holiday Show The world famous high kicking Radio City Rockettes will once again be starring in the popular holiday show at New York's Radio City Music Hall. The Christmas Spectacular is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. If you want tickets to this year's show I would recommend getting them now. The Spectacular runs from November 9th through December 30th. Tickets range from $40 to $70 and can be purchased online. Other New York-Related Articles: New York's Most Popular Seasonal Activities Big Apple On A Budget---Remember the "S" Word New York's Must-See Attractions---The Empire State Building New York's Must-See Attractions---The Statue of Liberty Little People in the Big Apple: Central Park Zoo and FAO Schwartz Little People in the Big Apple: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Patriotic Travel Destinations-Taking A Cruise of New York Where To Get Your Chocolate Fix In New York Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments  Valorie Delp (49340) 21 Oct 2007 03:47 PMHere's an insider's parade tip: Go to the East side and walk across the park. You won't be on the side walk but you'll end up in Central Park on a grassy hill that puts you a few heads above the crowd below. What's great is it's not real crowded, so if you have little ones in tow they can both wiggle a little w/o annoying the person next to you and. . .see. ;-) It is a bit of a hike but well worth it IMO. (From, your local annual parade going representative! ;-)) Valorie Delp (49340) 21 Oct 2007 05:32 PMYeah well. . .it only took us four years to figure that one out. So I figured I'll spare someone the years of going and not being able to see! ;-) Community Tags holiday travel, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, new york city, new york, Rockettes Discuss this article
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