96th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® Ushers in Start of Holiday Season

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^® returns to usher in the start of the holiday season at the sound of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…Let’s Have A Parade^™! On Thursday, November 24 at 9 AM, the 96^th edition of Macy’s iconic spectacle will bring the nation together in celebration with a dazzling lineup featuring giant character helium balloons, fantastic floats, showstopping marching bands, high-spirited performance groups, whimsical clowns, music stars and the one-and-only Santa Claus. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^® returns to usher in the start of the holiday season at the sound of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…Let’s Have A Parade^™! On Thursday, November 24 at 9 AM, the 96^th edition of Macy’s iconic spectacle will bring the nation together in celebration with a dazzling lineup featuring giant character helium balloons, fantastic floats, showstopping marching bands, high-spirited performance groups, whimsical clowns, music stars and the one-and-only Santa Claus.

Bluey, the star of the hit series Bluey will soar above the streets of New York City as a new giant character balloon in the 96^th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^®.

“Since its first march in 1924 and through the decades, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has served to bring joy to the millions who gather nationwide each year to experience it with friends and family,” said Will Coss, Executive Producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “This November, as we once again set the stage for the start of the holiday season, we are thrilled to showcase another spectacle full of magic and wonder that will help create everlasting memories with loved ones during this special time of year.”

The magic comes together with Macy’s signature ingredients. This year’s 96^th Macy’s Parade will feature more than 5,000 volunteers, 16 giant character balloons, 28 floats, 40 novelty and heritage inflatables, more than 700 clowns, 12 marching bands and 10 performance groups, a host of musical stars, and the one-and-only Santa Claus.

Stars on 34^th Street

The holiday season’s biggest stage for entertainment is the Macy’s Parade and this year a host of stars will join the lineup to celebrate with the nation. Joining the festivities will be Paula Abdul; Big Time Rush; Cam; Jordan Davis; Blue’s Clues & You! host Josh Dela Cruz; Gloria, Sasha and Emily Estefan; Jimmy Fallon & The Roots; Fitz and the Tantrums; Kirk Franklin; Mario Lopez and family; Ziggy Marley; Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles; the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street^®; Sean Paul; the cast of Peacock’s Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin (Adam Devine, Sarah Hyland and Flula Borg); Joss Stone; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue; Jordin Sparks; Dionne Warwick; Betty Who; and Santa Claus. With additional talent to be announced.

Ballooning Icons

Conceived during the Parade’s infancy, the giant character balloons have become a signature of the annual celebration. Since 1927, the world’s most popular characters have been transformed into high-flying art in the sky. Originally inspired by marionettes, the Parade’s balloons first debuted as upside down puppets filled with air which were carried down the Parade route on sticks. The design later evolved to include helium, making them high-flying giants. Over time Macy’s artists innovated creating several types of inflatables including balloonheads (inflated heads sitting atop of a costumed participant), balloonicles (hybrid inflatables with vehicles inside) and most recently, trycaloons (tandem tricycles with an inflated balloon character).

New giants joining the line-up this year include Bluey by BBC; Diary of A Wimpy Kid^® by Abrams Books; DINO and Baby DINO by Sinclair Oil; and Stuart the Minion from Illumination.

Making return appearances to the skies above New York City are giant balloon favorites including Ada Twist, Scientist by Netflix; Astronaut Snoopy by PEANUTS Worldwide; The Boss Baby from DreamWorks Animation; Goku by Toei Animation; a Funko Pop!-inspired Grogu^™ by Funko and in partnership with Lucasfilm; Chase from PAW Patrol^® by Nickelodeon; Pillsbury Doughboy^™ by Pillsbury^™; Red Titan from “Ryan’s World” by Sunlight Entertainment and pocket.watch; Ronald McDonald^® by McDonald’s^® USA; Papa Smurf from The Smurfs^™ by Nickelodeon; Pikachu^™& Eevee^™ by The Pokémon Company International; and SpongeBob SquarePants & Gary by Nickelodeon.

The inflatable lineup also includes a new balloonicle of Striker, the U.S. Soccer Star by FOX Sports. Returning inflatables include Sinclair’s Baby DINOs, the Go Bowling^™ balloonicles; Hot Air Dolly by Universal Orlando Resort, Smokey Bear by the USDA Forest Service; and Macy’s very own special reindeer Tiptoe and Toni the Bandleader Bear.

Floating Fantasy

The Parade’s signature floats transport spectators to magical worlds. These creations take a theme to new heights bringing magic to the streets of New York City and into homes nationwide. Conceived and crafted by the incredible artisans of Macy’s Parade Studio – a design and production facility that includes carpenters, engineers, electricians, painters, animators, balloon technicians, sculptors, metal fabricators, scenic and costume designers – this year’s line-up of floats showcase the animated theatricality that the Macy’s Parade has become world-famous for.

This year five new floats will debut in the Turkey Day celebration. The floating wonders along with their scheduled performers include Baby Shark by Pinkfong and Nickelodeon (Ziggy Marley); Geoffrey’s Dazzling Dance Party by Toys“R”Us (Jordin Sparks); People of First Light by Macy’s; Supersized Slumber by Netflix (Ballet Hispánico); and The Wondership by Wonder (Cam).

The returning float roster and its scheduled performers include 1-2-3 Sesame Street^® by Sesame Workshop^™ (The cast and Muppets of Sesame Street); Big City Cheer by Spirit of America Productions (Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles); Big Turkey Spectacular by Jennie-O (Paula Abdul); Birds of a Feather Stream Together by Peacock^® (Adam Devine, Sarah Hyland and Flula Borg); Blue’s Clues & You! by Nickelodeon (Josh Dela Cruz); The Brick-changer by The LEGO^® Group (Fitz and the Tantrums); Celebration Gator by the Louisiana Office of Tourism (Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue); Christmas in Town Square by Lifetime^® (Kirk Franklin); Colossal Wave of Wonder by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions (Sean Paul); Deck the Halls by Balsam Hill^® (Gloria, Sasha and Emily Estefan); Elf Pets^® by The Lumistella Company^®; Everyone’s Favorite Bake Shop by Entenmann’s^®; Fantasy Chocolate Factory by Kinder^™ (Big Time Rush); Harvest in the Valley by Green Giant^® (Jordan Davis); Heartwarming Holiday Countdown by Hallmark Channel (Joss Stone); Her Future is STEM-Sational by Olay (Betty Who); Macy’s Singing Christmas Tree (Macy’s Choir); Magic Meets the Sea by Disney Cruise Line (Captain Minnie Mouse and Friends); Santa’s Sleigh (Santa Claus); Snoopy’s Doghouse by PEANUTS Worldwide; Tom Turkey (Mario Lopez and family); Toy House of Marvelous Milestones by New York Life (Dionne Warwick); and Winter Wonderland in Central Park (Jimmy Fallon & The Roots).

Strike Up the Band

Bringing the beat to the holiday revelry will be a selection of the most gifted marching ensembles. Joining the line-up are Benedict College (Columbia, SC), Bourbon County High School (Paris, KY), Carmel High School (Carmel, IN), Clovis North Educational Center (Fresno, CA), Delfines Marching Band (Veracruz, Mexico), Macy’s Great American Marching Band (United States), NYPD Marching Band (New York, NY), The Queer Big Apple Corps (New York, NY), South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD), Tarpon Springs High School (Tarpon Springs, FL), University of Missouri (Columbia, MO), and Vandegrift High School (Austin, TX).

Performance Spotlight

Taking entertainment to the next level will be the Parade’s beloved performance groups who bring joy to the masses. This year’s lineup will feature performances from the dazzling dancers of Ballet Hispánico, the hilarious Big Apple Circus, the rhythmic movement of Boss Kids, the artistry of the Fusion Winter Guard, two-steps and high kicks from the Kilgore Rangerettes, the puppeteering skills of Phantom Limb, the iconic stepping of The Sigma Gamma Rho Centennial Steppers, the energetic moves of the St. John’s Dance Team, and the exuberance of Spirit of America Cheer and Spirit of America Dance Stars.

See the Magic Live

For spectators wishing to enjoy the live spectacle in New York City, the 96^th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off from its traditional starting line at 77^th Street and Central Park West. From there the procession will march down its signature 2.5-mile route taking it from Central Park West to Columbus Circle, turning onto Central Park South and then marching down 6^th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas. At 34^th Street, the Parade will make its final turn west and end at 7^th Avenue in front of Macy’s Herald Square.

Public viewing will be set up along designated portions of the route and managed by the NYPD. Spectators should avoid bringing large bags, umbrellas, backpacks, and strollers. The public entering viewing streets may be subject to security search. For additional viewing information, please visit macys.com/parade.

A Nationwide Spectacle

For decades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been one of the nation’s most anticipated and watched holiday celebrations. Viewers nationwide can catch all the action via a special presentation on NBC and streaming on Peacock, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., in all time zones. The TODAY Show’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will be back to host the Emmy^®-Award winning celebration.

In order to create a more inclusive experience for blind and visually impaired viewers, NBCUniversal is proud to present the full NBC broadcast with live audio description on the Secondary Audio Program channel (SAP), provided by Descriptive Video Works. The broadcast will be available with additional audio narration, describing the rich visuals of the Parade.

The pomp and pageantry marching down the streets of New York City is only a portion of the day’s entertainment. Broadway’s best shows will also perform for the national broadcast audience. The show will kick off with a spectacular opening number from Lea Michele and the cast of Broadway’s Funny Girl. With additional Broadway performances from showstoppers A Beautiful Noise, Some Like It Hot,andin celebration of its 25^th anniversary Disney’s The Lion King. Rounding out the theatrics will be the iconic Radio City Rockettes^®.

And the treats keep coming when the stars of Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock on Apple TV+, appear throughout the broadcast. Join Uncle “Travelling” Matt as he goes on an epic journey away from Fraggle Rock friends and family to learn the meaning of the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day” holiday and the impossible to answer question: “What is a parade?”

#MacysParade

For an insider’s look at the holiday procession, fans nationwide should visit macys.com/parade for regular updates including behind-the-scenes content, interactive historical information, educational activities, and more. Fans can also follow @macys on various social media networks and join the conversation using #MacysParade.

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NYC Winter Outing Deals at Restaurants, Broadway, Hotels, Attractions Run Jan 18-Feb 13

NYC Winter Outing,running from January 18 through February 13, 2022, offers visitors and locals an opportunity to enjoy vibrant wintertime experiences at an attractive price point across hotels, dining, Broadway, museums, cultural institutions, attractions, performing arts and tours © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

New York City — NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau, today announced details of NYC Winter Outing, presented by preferred payment partner Mastercard, running from January 18 through February 13, 2022, offering visitors and locals an opportunity to enjoy vibrant wintertime experiences at an attractive price point across hotels, dining, Broadway, museums, cultural institutions, attractions, performing arts and tours. The program will bring together NYC & Company’s three signature programs, NYC Restaurant Week, NYC Broadway Week and NYC Must-See Week, and introduce a new program, NYC & Company’s first-ever NYC Hotel Week—which reservations opened for today at nycgo.com/hotelweek—creating ultimate value across the five boroughs. Further details on NYC Winter Outing are available at nycgo.com/winterouting, and deals will include:

·         22 percent off hotel stays across the City to welcome the year 2022

·         2-for-1 tickets to Broadway shows, attractions, museums, cultural institutions, performing arts and tours

·         Prix-fixe menus at hundreds of exceptional restaurants and neighborhood favorites across the five boroughs.

Give the gift of New York City this holiday season with a trip this January or February, and begin booking accommodations at 22 percent off the standard retail rate for NYC Hotel Week, January 4 through February 13, at nycgo.com/hotelweek. There are currently 115 hotels across all five boroughs participating in NYC Hotel Week, covering a wide range of hotels for every visitor, from major brands to unique independent hotels, and options for every price point from moderate to luxury. Bookings for NYC Restaurant Week, NYC Broadway Week and NYC Must-See Week will open January 11.

“We encourage travelers to give the gift of New York City this year, by taking a trip during a time with lesser crowds and incredible value on premier hotels, exceptional dining, Broadway, world-class arts and culture and more,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company. “We look forward to reintroducing visitors to our vibrant city during NYC Winter Outing this year and reminding locals of the incredible opportunities at their fingertips.”

Mastercard cardholders can enjoy early access from January 6–9 to tickets and reservations for NYC Restaurant Week, NYC Broadway Week and NYC Must-See Week. Additionally, when dining with a preregistered card during NYC Restaurant Week, all Mastercard cardholders will receive an exclusive $10 statement credit (for up to 10 transactions, totaling a $100 rebate) when spending $39 or more on-site at participating restaurants, subject to NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2022terms and restrictions.

“Bringing locals and visitors together to explore New York City’s iconic experiences is truly Priceless,” said Cheryl Guerin, Executive Vice President of North America Marketing & Communications at Mastercard. “Together with NYC & Company, Mastercard is providing people meaningful ways to connect to their passions, whether culinary or travel or arts and entertainment, and create once-in-a-lifetime memories that no other city can offer.”

The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment has partnered with NYC & Company as a sponsor of NYC Winter Outing, to offset participation fees for businesses across the boroughs in response to New York City’s ongoing tourism recovery.

“As we continue along the path of recovery, the Mayor’s Office is proud to support NYC Winter Outing, a program showcasing the best of the City’s dining, arts and culture, and hospitality, as it returns this winter after a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic,” said Anne del Castillo, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

Further details are available today at nycgo.com/winterouting and a full list of NYC Winter Outing offers and participants will be available in the coming weeks. Reservations for NYC Hotel Week deals are open now at nycgo.com/hotelweek for hotel stays from January 4 through February 13. Bookings for NYC Restaurant Week, NYC Broadway Week and NYC Must-See Week will open January 11, for experiences from January 18 through February 13.

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Times Square New Year’s Eve Celebration is Back! And You’re Invited (Properly Vaxxed)

The highly anticipated December 31 Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration is inviting revelers back to Times Square to safely watch the Ball Drop in person with proof of full vaccination and valid photo identification © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The highly anticipated December 31 Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration is inviting revelers back to Times Square to safely watch the Ball Drop in person with proof of full vaccination and valid photo identification. Organized by The Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment, the festivities will also be broadcast for television and internet audiences, and will include a virtual multi-media experience.

“This year, we are ready and thrilled to welcome a full house of revelers back to Times Square to celebrate the New Year,” said Tom Harris, President, Times Square Alliance. “Now more than ever we need to come together to revive our favorite traditions with our loved ones – reflecting on a tough year behind us while looking forward to a new year with hope.”

All in-person revelers are required to be vaccinated. Attendees who are age 5 or over must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the event. Proof of vaccination must include an FDA or WHO approved COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm or Sinovac). Unvaccinated minors under the age of 5 must be accompanied by a vaccinated adult to enter the event. Face coverings are required for unvaccinated minors who are medically able to tolerate a face-covering.

Persons who are unable to get vaccinated because of a disability will be required to present proof of a negative COVID PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the event and if medically able to tolerate a face-covering, wear a mask for the entire duration of the event.

A Times Square New Year’s Eve commercial-free webcast will cover the action and festivities in Times Square, beginning with the Ball Raising at 6 p.m. EST, plus live musical performances, hourly countdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and star-studded interviews as anticipation builds towards the midnight countdown and the famous Ball Drop. The webcast will be streamed live on multiple websites, including TimesSquareNYC.org, NewYearsEve.nyc, LiveStream.com/2022 and TimesSquareBall.net. Embedding codes and additional webcast info is available at: https://www.timessquarenyc.org/times-square-new-years-eve/nye-live-webcast or LiveStream.com/2022.

Additionally, Jamestown, the owner of One Times Square (home of the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Celebration) will bring back its virtual New Year’s Eve experience with the VNYE app. Through the VNYE app, people from across the globe can explore the virtual world of Times Square, play games, and livestream New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square and around the world. Broadcast networks also will be airing elements of the Times Square celebration.

Revelers began celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square as early as 1904, but it was in 1907 that the New Year’s Eve Ball made its maiden descent from the flagpole atop One Times Square. Seven versions of the Ball have been designed to signal the New Year.

New York in 1904 was a city on the verge of tremendous changes – and, not surprisingly, many of those changes had their genesis in the bustling energy and thronged streets of Times Square. Two innovations that would completely transform the Crossroads of the World debuted in 1904: the opening of the city’s first subway line and the first-ever celebration of New Year’s Eve in Times Square.

This inaugural bash commemorated the official opening of the new headquarters of The New York Times, at the time, Manhattan’s second tallest building. The newspaper’s owner, German Jewish immigrant Adolph Ochs, spared no expense to ensure a party for the ages. The night was such a rousing success that Times Square instantly replaced Lower Manhattan’s Trinity Church as “the” place in New York City to ring in the New Year. Before long, this party of parties would capture the imagination of the nation, and the world.

When two years later, the city banned the fireworks display Ochs arranged to have a large, illuminated seven-hundred-pound iron and wood ball lowered from the tower flagpole precisely at midnight to signal the end of 1907 and the beginning of 1908.

On that occasion, and for almost a century thereafter, Times Square sign maker Artkraft Strauss was responsible for the ball-lowering. In 1914, The New York Times outgrew Times Tower and relocated to 229 West 43rd Street. By then, New Year’s Eve in Times Square was already a permanent part of our cultural fabric.

The Ball has been lowered every year since 1907, with the exceptions of 1942 and 1943, when the ceremony was suspended due to the wartime “dimout” of lights in New York City. Nevertheless, the crowds still gathered in Times Square in those years and greeted the New Year with a minute of silence followed by the ringing of chimes from sound trucks parked at the base of the tower—a harkening-back to the earlier celebrations at Trinity Church, where crowds would gather to “ring out the old, ring in the new.”

The Ball is a geodesic sphere, 12 feet in diameter, and weighs 11,875 pounds,  covered with a total of 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles of varying sizes, and illuminated by 32,256 LEDs (light emitting diodes). For Times Square 2022, 192 Waterford Crystal triangles introduce the new Gift of Wisdom design represented by a central wheel with wedge cut petals of knowledge growing ever forward.

Today, New Year’s Eve in Times Square is a bona fide international phenomenon. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people still gather around the Tower, now known as One Times Square, and wait for hours in the cold of a New York winter for the famous Ball-lowering ceremony. Seeing it live is an experience that should be had once in a lifetime.

Thanks to satellite technology, a worldwide audience estimated at over one billion people watch the ceremony each year. The lowering of the Ball has become the world’s symbolic welcome to the New Year.

More information at TimesSquareNYC.org and TimesSquareBall.net.

Iceless Curling and Cozy Igloos Return to Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

Cozy Igloos by Prime Video are heated, clear structures decorated with seasonal decor that provide an intimate setting to enjoy festive food and drinks in a private space with some of the best views of the iconic Bryant Park skating rink and Bank of America Winter Village (Photo Credit: Angelito Jusay for Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park)

NYC’s celebrated Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, featuring the city’s only free-admission skating rink, holiday market and delicious food offerings, has returned for its 20^th season, Friday, October 29, 2021 – Sunday, March 6, 2022. 

Tickets are now on sale for Curling Café and Cozy Igloos by Prime Video at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. The two wildly popular activities are returning to Winter Village with a new look.

As the first-ever ICELESS curling experience, the Curling Café offers guests a dedicated curling lane where two teams of up to 4 people each can experience “street” or iceless curling for 90 minutes. Each lane is accompanied by a private, heated dome where their teams can warm up and share seasonal drinks and bites between games.

Cozy Igloos by Prime Video are heated, clear structures decorated with seasonal decor that provide an intimate setting for family and friends to enjoy festive food and drinks – including mulled wine and hot chocolate – in a private space with some of the best views of the iconic skating rink.

More information and reservations for the  Curling Café and Cozy Igloos by Prime Video at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park can be found at wintervillage.org.

Curling Café and Cozy Igloo adult and family packages, for either 1-4 or 5-8 guests, will be available and must be reserved online. Hours for Cozy Igloos are Monday through Friday from noon to 9:30pm and from 11:30am to 11pm on weekends. Hours for The Curling Cafe are from 3:30pm – 9pm Wednesday through Friday, 11:30am – 9pm on Saturday, and 11:30am – 7pm on Sunday.

All igloos and equipment will be sanitized by the park’s dedicated team between each and every booking. Please note that reservations cannot accommodate parties larger than 8 people unless you book more than 1 dome. For more information on Bryant Park’s safety practices, visit wintervillage.org.

While still proceeding with an abundance of caution for the safety of its guests, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is thrilled to be welcoming back its most popular attractions this winter season:

• The Rink: the only free-admission ice skating rink in NYC is open daily. The Rink is completely outdoors, and skate time and rentals can be reserved in advance online. New skate reservation dates will be released on a rolling basis throughout the season. Masks are encouraged, and Bryant Park is continuing to implement additional cleaning protocols throughout the day to ensure high-touch surfaces and shared rental equipment are sanitized and safe for use.
• Holiday Shops: the open-air holiday market are open daily through January 2, 2022, and features more than 170 new and returning merchants. 
• Small Business Spotlight presented by Bank of America: four New York City minority-owned small businesses with annual revenue of $1 million or less will have the chance to showcase their products in a rent-free booth, made possible by Bank of America, as part of this season’s Holiday Shops. 

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Kids 5-11 Get COVID Vaccination, Free Admission at NYC’s Natural History Museum

The American Museum of Natural History is offering COVID-19 vaccinations to children ages 5-11, and giving free admission for up to four people © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Make your child’s COVID-19 vaccination truly memorable and rewarding with free admission for up to four people! The American Museum of Natural History, along with all New York City vaccination sites, is now offering COVID-19 vaccinations to children ages 5–11. The Museum vaccination site is open seven days a week, from 10 am to 5 pm.

Though the site accommodates walk-in appointments, scheduling an appointment in advance is strongly recommended. To schedule a vaccination appointment, visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or call 877-VAX-4NYC (or 877-829-4692). Note that a parent or guardian must be present during vaccination appointments for children ages 5–15. For ages 16–17, a parent or guardian must be present or reachable by phone during the vaccination appointment. To help with capacity at the vaccination site, we request that only one parent or guardian join each child for their vaccination. Enter the Museum at the West 77th Street entrance to access the vaccination site.

All those who get vaccinated at the Museum will receive a voucher for free admission for up to four people.

This month, the Museum is also presenting two free virtual programs about COVID-19 and vaccines. You can learn more and RSVP at the site:

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children

Tuesday, November 16, 7 pm ET

What should your family know about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine for kids? Join Dr. Sallie Permar, chair of the Department of Pediatrics, and Dr. Jay K. Varma, professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine as they discuss the science and public health policies behind the development of vaccines and the authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for children—and take your questions.

RSVP

Teen SciCafe: Health Equity, Racial Inequality, and COVID-19

Friday, November 19, 4:30 pm ET

In this program for students ages 14 and up, join Dr. Torian Easterling, first deputy commissioner and chief equity officer of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, to find out how and why the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected communities of color across the U.S., and how to work for health equity in the future.

RSVP

Winter Village With Free Skating, Holiday Market Returns to NYC’s Bryant Park

NYC’s celebrated Bank of America winter Village at Bryant Park, featuring the city’s only free-admission skating rink, holiday market and delicious food offerings, has returned for its 20^th season,Friday, October 29, 2021 – Sunday, March 6, 2022 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

NYC’s celebrated Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, featuring the city’s only free-admission skating rink, holiday market and delicious food offerings, has returned for its 20^th season, Friday, October 29, 2021 – Sunday, March 6, 2022.  While still proceeding with an abundance of caution for the safety of its guests, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is thrilled to be welcoming back its most popular attractions this winter season:

• The Rink: the only free-admission ice skating rink in NYC is open daily. The Rink is completely outdoors, and skate time and rentals can be reserved in advance online. New skate reservation dates will be released on a rolling basis throughout the season. Masks are encouraged, and Bryant Park is continuing to implement additional cleaning protocols throughout the day to ensure high-touch surfaces and shared rental equipment are sanitized and safe for use.
• Holiday Shops: the open-air holiday market are open daily through January 2, 2022, and features more than 170 new and returning merchants. 
• Small Business Spotlight presented by Bank of America: fourNew York City minority-owned small businesses with annual revenue of $1 million or less will have the chance to showcase their products in a rent-free booth, made possible by Bank of America, as part of this season’s Holiday Shops. 

Last year’s featured small businesses were sustainable candle and soap company TREE*STAR, Brooklyn-based bakeshop Annie Mae’s Bakery, custom-designed hat shop Harlem’s Heaven Hats, and Tibet Tree of Life, a business selling incense, shawls, and other products made in the Himalayan region.

The Lodge by Prime Video: a covered, outdoor après skate escape is where visitors can cozy up with a festive cocktail, enjoy delicious food, watch the ice skaters or admire the tree.

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New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players Return to In-Person Performances, Announce Fall Season

The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, here performing the G&S classic, “Mikado,” in 2019, are returning to in-person performances.  The Fall Season of NYGASP will kick off with Season Reopening Celebration on Oct. 24, 2021. H.M.S. Pinafore on Dec. 29, 2021- Jan. 2, 2022 at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (East 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues). New Year’s with NYGASP on Dec. 31, 2021 will be at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater at Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th Street). The season continues with The Pirates of Penzance Jan. 5-9, 2022 and The Gondoliers April 7-10, 2022 at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (East 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues).  © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

(New York) The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players (NYGASP), one of America’s most preeminent professional Gilbert & Sullivan repertory companies, announces their Fall 2021-22 season at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (East 68^th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues) which includes Season Reopening Celebration, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Gondoliers. In addition,  NYGASP is continuing their 40+ year tradition of New Year’s with NYGASP at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater at Symphony Space. 

Under the dynamic leadership of Artistic Director Albert Bergeret, who has been hailed as “the leading custodian of the G&S classics” by New York Magazine, NYGASP has created its own special niche in the cultural mosaic of New York City and the nation. Since its founding in 1974, the company has presented over 2000 performances of the G&S masterpieces throughout the United States, Canada, and the U.K. captivating audiences of all ages. NYGASP’s productions are charged with engaging contemporary entertainment values while retaining respect for the famous duo’s comedic and musical genius.

Season Reopening Celebration

Sunday, October 24, 2021 – 3 PM

Join the fun as the NYGASP repertory Company and Orchestra engage in a romp through favorites from the G&S canon – including the first rate opportunity to indulge in audience requests performed impromptu after intermission. Old friends, fresh new faces, and our loyal orchestra members can’t wait to share the glee of the G&S repertoire with our cherished friends and fans who “plough the sea”!

H.M.S. Pinafore

Wednesday, December 29, 2021 7:30 PM
Thursday, December 30, 2021 2 PM* and 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 2, 2022 3 PM

This early satirical sendup helped Gilbert and Sullivan chart a new course for modern musical theatre. The captain’s daughter has caught the eye – and the heart – of two men at once: a lowly sailor and the pompous Sir Joseph Porter. Only a bumbling baby-farmer named Little Buttercup can unravel this mess of mistaken identities and mismatched marriages. Filled with infectious tunes and featuring a rousing finale, it’s no wonder this classic comedy still makes a modern-day splash!

*Bring Your Grandparents Day – Thurs Dec 30 at 12:45PM

Respect your elders with a pre-show Family Overture (Musical and plot introduction made entertaining for the entire family) and a backstage tour following the performance. Free to all ticket holders.

New Year’s Eve With NYGASP

December 31, 2021 7:30 PM

Join us for an intimate and engaging version of our merry New Year’s Eve celebration at Symphony Space’s 160 seat Thalia Theater. The best of NYGASP will perform their personal G&S favorites followed by the Company’s signature tour-de-force challenge – audience requests from the G&S repertoire performed impromptu. Topped off with a champagne toast to the New Year and a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne!

The Pirates of Penzance

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 7:30 PM
Thursday, January 6, 2022 7:30 PM
Friday, January 7, 2022 7:30 PM
Saturday, January 8, 2022 2 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 9, 2022 3 PM

Set sail with this classic comedy that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theatre history. On the coast of Cornwall, a band of tenderhearted pirates celebrates the coming of age of Frederic, who was mistakenly apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday. Now, Frederic has vowed to devote his life to the extermination of piracy – until a ludicrous leap year snag threatens to keep him apprenticed to the pirates for life! Throw in a bevy of beauties, a brash Pirate King, the delightfully stuffy Major-General Stanley and you’ve got what The New York Times calls “AN ENDEARING PRODUCTION WITH HIGH MUSICAL STANDARDS AND SPIRITED PERFORMANCES.”

 The Gondoliers

Thursday, April 7, 2022 7:30 PM
Friday, April 8, 2022 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 9, 2022 2 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 10, 2022 3 PM

Are you seeing double? You will during The Gondoliers, as two different groups with two different storylines collide in one boisterous and joyous show. After much confusion, lots of exuberant dancing, and jolly Italianate musical ensembles, the stage is set for leaving all concerned, including the audience, with feelings of pleasure!

The NYGASP 2021-22 season is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State’s 62 counties. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Ticket from $25 – $105. Season subscriptions available. Children and Student discounts also available. For information on all shows and to purchase tickets and/or subscriptions visit www.nygasp.org  

See also:

RUSH TO SEE THE NEW YORK GILBERT & SULLIVAN PLAYERS’ ‘MIKADO,’ SHOWPIECE OF ITS 45TH SEASON

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Registration for Sunday’s NYC TD 5 Boro Bike Tour Extended to Friday, Aug 27

Registration for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour through New York City taking place on the new date of Sunday, August 29 has been extended AGAIN and will now close at noon on Friday, August 27 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Registration for New York City’s TD Five Boro Bike Tour taking place on the new date of Sunday, August 29 has been extended AGAIN and will now close at noon on Friday, August 27.

Out of towners, new #TDFBBT registrants, and others have another opportunity to pick up their rider packet at Packet Pickup this Saturday from 12 to 5 PM. Bike New York will be conveniently located on the north side of Battery Park near Battery Place and Greenwich St.

Can’t make it on Saturday or assign a Proxy to pickup your packet for you? You can stop by Packet Pickup before you head to the start line on the morning of the Tour between 6 and 9 AM.

Note: You should plan to attend Packet Pickup on Saturday if you have an issue regarding your registration. #TDFBBT Solutions staff will not be able to troubleshoot registration issues at Sunday Packet Pickup. All riders that need to attend Packet Pickup on Sunday are responsible for picking up their packet before their assigned start wave. Plan for long lines and the possibility that you will miss your start wave time. If you miss your assigned start wave you may start in the following start wave.

This popular event offers an unmatched opportunity to ride 40 miles through New York City’s five boroughs car free, in a festival atmosphere. Though typically the event hosts 32,000 riders, this year, registration is capped at 20,000 (more room to ride).

Here’s a sneak peek 👀 at what you can expect on event day this year:

Fully supported rest areas with bike maintenance and medical care ⚕️

Snow cone trucks at three rest areas: FDR, ConEd, and Commodore Barry 🍧

Numerous cooling stations to help you beat the August heat ☀️

Entertainment stops with local musicians and performers. )Check out one of the performers, Music With a Message, here) 🎤

Brand new Finish Festival location at Empire Outlets in Staten Island, conveniently located next to the ferry (don’t forget to bring your cycling shoe covers with you to the Finish Fest!) 🎉

Stress-free bike parking located at the Finish Fest 🚲

Celebrate your achievement with an ice-cold beer! Food and New Belgium beer will be sold at the Clinton Hall Beer Garden on Level 4 at the Finish Fest. Make sure to bring your ID and cash or card! 🍺

10-minute post-Tour Guided Stretching Sessions led by Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Sports Health experts at NYU Langone Health, from 11am-3:30pm 🤸

Frozen treats courtesy of our partners at TD Bank 🍨

Fix-a-Flat competition with Trek Bicycle 🔧

Plus activities with partners at Primal Wear, Nesquik, Chameleon Coffee🤩

REGISTER NOW »

If you have already registered you can visit the Tour website for updates on how the tour is responding to NYC’s COVID-19 mandates, details on Packet Pickup, the 2021 Tour Route map

#TDFBBT

See past coverage:

32,000 CYCLISTS TAKE OVER NYC STREETS FOR 41ST TD FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR

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15th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party Returns to Governors Island for Encore, August 14-15

By Laurie Millman, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

One of the hottest places to be this summer is on Governor’s Island for the hot jazz of Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra, as they return for an encore of the immensely popular Jazz Age Lawn Party on August 14-15, 11am – 5pm. 

The 15^th annual festival is a multi-generational, friends and family affair where for a brief time you are transported back to the Roaring 20s.  Attendees dress up to the nines in 1920s lawn party fashion –  dapper linen suits, suspenders and straw hats; sequined and beaded flapper-style dresses, chandelier earrings and feathers in the hair, or lawn party styles with dropped waists and white satin ribbons. Many bring an elegant picnic lunch complete with fine china, silver utensils, flowers in vases, and fluted wine glasses.

Tickets are still available and need to be purchased in advance through eventbrite.com from www.jazzagelawnparty.com or directly at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/jazz-age-lawn-party-18523813336.

Family from both coasts meet up at the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island © Laurie Millman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Governors Island ferry (https://www.govisland.com/plan-your-visit/ferry) runs from Lower Manhattan (in the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street; indoor parking across the street) and from Brooklyn (Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park). Roundtrip fares are $3/adult; free for seniors, children under 12, military. There is currently no additional surcharge for bringing on a bicycle (you can also rent bikes, surreys, pedal cars, and scooters on the island). All passengers ride free on departures before noon on Saturday and Sunday. The ferries, which are wheelchair accessible, now have extended service back to Manhattan until 10pm on Saturday

See also:

ROARING 20S RETURNS WITH JAZZ AGE LAWN PARTY ON GOVERNORS ISLAND

Gatsby-esque Jazz Age Lawn Party is Joyful Escape on Governors Island

Gatsby-esque Jazz Age Lawn Party is Joyful Escape on Governors Island, New York City’s Island Retreat

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Registration Opens for TD Five Boro Bike Tour Taking Place August 22

Registration has just opened for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, taking place on August 22, 2021. Only 20,000 spots are available, compared to the 32,000 pre-pandemic © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Registration has just opened for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour taking place on its new date of Sunday, August 22, 2021, when 20,000 cyclists ride through New York City on 40 car-free miles.

Bike New York and its city government partners announce that the popular ride will once again welcome bike lovers from across New York and around the country.The event, which typically draws 32,000 riders, still affords the headiest experience of biking 40 car-free miles of New York City’s busiest roadways, seeing all the spirit and diversity of the five boroughs’ neighborhood.

Bike rentals and lodging blocks with special discounted rates at select hotels are available for riders coming from out of town. The New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge is offering special rates for bookings through July 20.

Standard registration is $112; VIP registration is $350.

With only 20,000 spots, register as soon as possible.

More information about the tour at the FAQ page, https://www.bike.nyc/events/td-five-boro-bike-tour/faq-2021/ or contact info@bike.nyc. To register, go to https://bikenewyork.enmotive.com/events/register/2021-td-five-boro-bike-tour.