Hanukkah in New York

By Go City Expert

Looking for ways to celebrate Hanukkah in New York? (Or Chanukah. Both are fine.) We’ve got your list, with everything from family days to a Hanukkah Christmas party that will go into the wee hours.

Hanukkah Family Day-The Jewish Museum

Looking for a fun family activity to celebrate Hanukkah? Check out the Jewish Museum’s Family Day. Participants will make a Hanukkah lamp with found objects, visit the galleries, and watch a performance. Families will also participate in other projects, including a group one, which takes place throughout the day. December 15. [caption id="attachment_3450" align="alignnone" width="413"]

Photo Courtesy of the Jewish Museum[/caption]

Large Menorah Lighting

While the world’s largest menorah is in Manhattan, a close runner-up can be found in Brooklyn. It’s been a Hanukkah fixture since 1985, and during Chanukah, thousands of people come out to see it being lit. Revelers will be greeted with live music and latkes, and gifts are given to every child. Note: The rabbi who lights the menorah is assisted by a 60-foot boom lift, something worth seeing in and of itself.

Chanukah on Ice

You might have celebrated Chanukah at Grandma’s or a neighbor’s...but have you ever celebrated it on the ice? Well, you can do just that at Lasker Rink, in the north corner of Central Park. A DJ will play music throughout the evening, and special guest appearances are promised. Guests will also be treated to delicacies like latkes and donuts. And—ta da!—there will also be a giant hand-carved ice menorah. (It will be lit during the festivities, which take place December 22. Now that’s Hanukkah in New York!) And if you’re hankering for more ice skating, check out our tips here!

Menorahs and Manhattans

Want to imbibe some Manhattans while crafting a menorah? Of course you do. Head to the 92nd Street Y and you can do both. (The program is part of the Bronfman Center for Jewish life; check out their other programs as well.) December 14.

Xmas-Hanukkah @ Slate

If you’re looking for more of a party atmosphere, there's the Xmas-Hanukkah @ Slate event. Billed as an event for young professionals, it’s got a DJ, dance floors, and music ranging from hip hop to Israeli and Top 40. Dec. 24 (although technically it goes til 4 AM the next day.)

Continue reading

Blog

Valentine’s Day Itinerary

February 5, 2020 Ah, Valentine’s Day. The holiday actually began as a Western Christian Feast Day in honor of two saints named Valentinus. It became associated with romantic love in the 14th century—although no one is really sure where that association came from, or why. Today, there's a lot of pressure surrounding the holiday. It needs to be perfect! Or at least, very, very good. It needs to be incredibly romantic! Yet, effortlessly casual. It needs to be quintessentially New York! Well, that part we can help with. We’ve got the Valentine’s Day itinerary that ticks all the boxes. The romance part of it is up to you. Tartine Start off your day with a lovely breakfast/brunch. The West Village has all the right vibes, and many places there actually serve breakfast, as opposed to brunch, where patrons often can't actually eat until around the time the rest of would call lunch.. You might consider heading to Tartine (their website says they thrive on love, so there you go.) Go traditional, with Eggs Benedict, or maybe French toast with homemade brioche and smoked bacon. The more adventurous might want to try the Tunisian breakfast, with poached eggs, wilted spinach, chickpeas and Sriracha, or perhaps just a latte and croissant. Mais oui! Top of the Rock After that, why not a stroll uptown? (OK, it’s February, so perhaps a very brisk stroll.) The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is the perfect place to take in New York from on high. They have indoor and outdoor viewing decks and unbelievable views of the city. On a clear day, you can see, you know. It's quintessntially New York, and a perfect part of your Valentine's Day itinerary. The Rink at Brookfield Place From there, take advantage of one of New York’s great outdoor winter activities--ice skating! (It is winter, after all.) Head to the Rink at Brookfield Place, with plenty of public skating sessions and spectacular city (and Jersey) views. Plus it’s small-ish (and thus cozy.) You can also dip inside Brookfield Place itself for refueling. Maybe Blue Ribbon Sushi? Or the For Five Café—the coffee is from a micro-roasting facility in Queens. Yes, Queens. For more of a scene, check out the rink at the Winter Village at Bryant Park. It’s louder, more crowded, and quite fun, plus you can always run into the glorious main branch of the Public Library on Fifth Avenue if you get cold. Photo courtesy The Rink at Brookfield Place Museum of Sex If you’re feeling frisky, perhaps head to the Museum of Sex as part of your Valentine's Day itinerary? The museum actually presents a wide array of exhibitions designed to look at the history, evolution, and culture of human sexuality, such as a current interactive exhibit that charts the history of the carnival. Courtesy of Museum of Sex Central Park Zoo If it’s not too cold, you can head to the Central Park Zoo. There’s nothing more romantic that gazing at a red panda. (No, seriously, there’s a high aww factor.) Make sure to watch one of the animal feedings, and pose for some pics with your faves. It’s a beautiful spot in its own right, with more than six acres and a panorama of the city spread out around it. Did you know that the zoo's precursor was first open in 1864, and was the first public zoo in New York City? It’s also appeared in countless books and films, like Madagascar. Just some trivia in case a quiet moment stretches on too long. Central Park Carousel As long as you’re in the park, why not head to the carousel? No matter your age, it’s hard not to be charmed by this iconic landmark, which has been around for almost 150 years. Four carousels have been on the site since 1871; this one was built by a Brooklyn firm in 1908. It too has appeared in literature and films, like the classic Catcher in the Rye. And at $3 (yes, $3) a ride, it’s arguably one of the city’s best deals. Romantic and thrifty—a winning combination. One if by Land, Two if By Sea If you’re lagging, and the day is waning, it’s time to briefly part and reunite for dinner. You can go old school at One if By Land, Two if By Sea, a beautiful restaurant as well known for proposals as it is for the food and the ambience. It’s got the ambience and the candlelight and the classic white tablecloths, and it's supposedly haunted by the ghost of former owner Aaron Burr. (Yes, that Aaron Burr.) They have a special Valentine’s Day menu (both lunch and dinner), with such choices as lobster gnocchi, pan-seared scallops, and Beef Wellington. We told you it was old school. Looking for something less traditional? Try the incredibly cool Llama San, known for its mix of Peruvian and Japanese food known as Nikkei. (The menu is so minimalist that it basically contains no information at all.) The food combinations are often unusual and unexpected—think aged duck over cilantro rice, with a banana slice and nasturtium leaf. Yes, that is an actual dish. And finally, wind down your evening with a nightcap. Depending on where you are, you might check out the underground speakeasy-style Little Branch in the West Village. It's too cool for a website, but you can’t go wrong with the classics, or you can try a winter-perfect Penicillin, with scotch, ginger, honey, and lemon. It’s a drink and a cough drop! Photo courtesy One if by Land, Two if by Sea With this array of choices, your Valentine’s Day itinerary has a lot going for it. And if it doesn’t work out the way you planned, well, as the ballplayers say, there’s always next year.
Go City Expert
Blog

Best Photos of Tribute in Light 2016

Enjoy some of our picks of the best images from yesterday's moving Tribute in Light, which happens every year on September 11th. Lady Liberty #statueofliberty #landmark #tributeinlight #1wtc #wtc #worldtradecenter #instacity #911 #nyc #newyorkcity #newyork A photo posted by Albert C. Lee (@albertclee) on Sep 12, 2016 at 8:41am PDT Tribute in light... #september11 ----------------------------------------------------- • • • • • • • • • • • #newyorkcity #nyc #nycprimeshot #nycprime_ladies #usaprimeshot #what_i_saw_in_nyc #newyork_instagram #icapture_nyc #city_of_newyork #Made_In_NY #ig_nycity #ig_unitedstates #ig_all_americas #just_newyork #TeamCanon #agameoftones #MoodyGrams #ig_masterpiece #topnewyorkphoto #ig_worldclub #watchthisinstagood #instagoodmyphoto #itsamazingoutthere #weekly_feature #nyloveyou #featuremeinstagood #nbc4ny #abc7ny #fox5ny A photo posted by Alex & Candice (@fallinginlovewithnyc) on Sep 11, 2016 at 3:14pm PDT To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. - Thomas Campbell . 09.10.16 Tonight's preview of the #TributeinLight and its reflection, from Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City . Designed as a solemn, yet uplifting memorial to those who died at the World Trade Center, the Tribute in Light comprises of 88 7,000-watt xenon light bulbs positioned into two 48-foot squared, echoing the shape and orientation of the Twin Towers. . The display debuted on March 11, 2002, the sixth month anniversary of the attacks. On Sept 11, 2003, it became an annual memorial. . Shooting with @killahwave and @gigglegiver2 Welcome back to NYC Alexa, enjoy the rest of your stay. . #NeverForget 💙 . #amazing_longexpo #agameoftones #awesome_photographers #artofvisuals #freedomthinkers #heatercentral #huffpostgram #igpodium_night #ig_global_life #ig_shotz_sept16 #igpowerclub #igworldglobal #igglobalclub #igshotz #ig_nightphotography #main_vision #phototag_it #longexposure_shots #photooftheday #special_shots #urbanromantix #usaprimeshot #weekly_feature #worldbestgram #worldbestshot A photo posted by Gigi A (@gigi.nyc) on Sep 10, 2016 at 9:31pm PDT 15 years later.. . . . . . #artofvisual #streetshared #imaginatones #illgrammers #agameoftones #hypebeast #moodygrams #theimaged #ThisIsMyCommunity #streetactivity #streetmagazine #shotaward #Thecreatorclass #heatercentral #justgoshoot #createexplore #urbanromantix #watchthisinstagood #what_i_saw_in_nyc #justliving2016 #way2ill #igworldclub #createcommune #fatalframes #thecreative #streets_vision #instamagazine_ #hboutthere #menwithurban A photo posted by 🗽👁🇦🇱🕋 (@thousand.visions) on Sep 11, 2016 at 8:09pm PDT I never forget how brave NYC fireman and police officers were that day... . I never forget how many brave people volunteered to help... . We are strong.... And we will never forget.... . ============================ "Check Out" @mattpugs ============================ 9/11 memorial lights 2016 ============================ . . . . . . #splendid_shotz #arist_world #ig_dynamic #folkvibe#ig_great_shots_nyc #weekly_feature#igglobalclub #newyorkcity #nightshooters #sky_high_architecture #mycity_life #canon_photos #nationalgeographic #ig_great_shots #picture_to_keep #longexpoelite#rsa_streetview#igshotz#inspiring_photography_admired#ig_mood#fatalframes#earthpics#beautifuldestinations#instagramnyc#topnewyorkphoto#newyork_instagram#artofvisuals#awesome_earthpix#igpowerclub #instagram A photo posted by Craig's Beds (@craigsbeds) on Sep 11, 2016 at 6:31am PDT I can still feel you here. #Honor911 A photo posted by MISSHATTAN (@misshattan) on Sep 11, 2016 at 12:14pm PDT Never Forget. 🙏🏻9/11/01🙏🏻 =============================== ⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️ It's Black and White Sunday time again ⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️ Join the movement folks. Every Sunday post at least one Black and White photo and be sure to tag. #bnw_sundays for a chance to be featured. @bnw_sundays =============================== 🎞Shot info🎞 • Date: Sept 7th, 2016 • Location: NYC • Camera: Nikon D5500 • Lens: Nikkor 55 - 300mm f/ 4.5 -5.6 • Focal Length: 66mmmm • Shutter: 30 seconds • Aperture : f/9 • ISO: 100 • Shot: @mefototripods Roadtrip / Auto Mode • Shot in RAW • Edit: Lightroom / Photoshop / Instagram =============================== Big thank you to the pages who have featured my pics recently🙏🏻👊🏻🙏🏻 Your support is greatly appreciated @ =============================== Be sure to check out all my very talented friends I have tagged in the pic 💪🏼👍🏻💪🏼 =============================== #blackandwhitenyc #pocket_bnw #bnw_diamond #bnw_captures #rsa_bnw #icapture_nyc_bnw #bnw_life #love_bnw #blackandwhite #blancoynegro #bnw_magazine #bw_photooftheday #blackandwhitephoto #bw_society #superhubs #cbviews #ig_mood #ig_all_americas #igs_america #igglobalclub #inspiring_photography_admired #artofvisuals #globalcapture #master_shots #livetravelchannel #sky_high_architecture #awesomeglobe #exklusive_shot #ig_nightphotography A photo posted by Killian Moore (@killianmoore) on Sep 11, 2016 at 6:13am PDT Never forget! Tribute lights lit up in remembrance of 9/11 ========================= www.nadiablockphotography.com ========================= #SuperHubs #ig_today #igs_world #igmasters #citybestpics #lifeonourplanet #ig_captures #special_shots #travelnoire #ig_all_americas #weekly_feature #ig_mood #igrecommend #wildnewyork #hubs_united #icapture_nyc #what_i_saw_in_nyc #seeyourcity #gramoftheday #igs_NYC #instagramnyc #hot_shotz #aov #agameoftones #boss_properties #folkgood #incredible_masterpiece #amazingphotohunter #ig_exquisite #newyorklike A photo posted by NADIA BLOCK (@bklyn_block) on Sep 12, 2016 at 5:36am PDT Tonight was a truly incredible experience that I'll never forget. Flying over the #TributeInLight on the 15th anniversary of 9/11 🇺🇸. #NewYork has been my home for the last 7 years but seeing the city light up from this perspective brought me back to the excitement of the 1st day that I arrived. I couldn't be more proud to be associated and working with #NewYorkCity right now, this place really is the best city on earth 🙌🏽. Huge thank you to my friends at @flynyon and @nycgo for making this special experience possible 🚁🎥 #SeeYourCity 🗽. (🎶: "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra, Jay Z Re-Mix) A video posted by TOM JAUNCEY (@tomjauncey) on Sep 12, 2016 at 1:37am PDT If you found other images that particularly moved you and you would like to share them with us, tag #newyorkpass and @newyorkpass on Instagram.
Go City Expert
Blog

Remembering September 11 in NYC

No event in history has shaken up New York City like the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers on September 11th, 2001. This year, 15 years after the event, we still remember even though we have rebuilt the city and the scars are no longer visible. Every year on September 11th, New York City commemorates the tragedy through powerful displays and moving tributes. Here are some that you can see this weekend, on the 15th Anniversary of 9/11. [spacer height="20px"] Tribute in Light [caption id="attachment_826" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Tribute in Light from Brooklyn Bridge Park | Photo by Mark Lennihan/AP[/caption] [spacer height="20px"] Since 2002, 88 7000 Watt Xenon lights beam into the sky every year from Ground Zero of the World Trade Center Twin Towers, giving powerful tribute to the iconic towers on the New York City skyline. The Tribute was originally supposed to be temporary, but since 2013 has been run every year on September 11. The lights are lit at sunset on 9/11 and are turned off at sunrise on 9/12. The tribute is easily visible from pretty much anywhere in and around Manhattan. For the best views, try Brooklyn Bridge Park. [spacer height="20px"] National September 11th Memorial and Museum [caption id="attachment_828" align="aligncenter" width="801"] 9/11 Memorial Fountain at Night[/caption] [spacer height="20px"] [caption id="attachment_831" align="alignleft" width="302"] ‘Raising the Flag at Ground Zero’ by Thomas E. Franklin (Photo: 2001 The Record (Bergen Co. NJ)/Getty Images)[/caption] The National September 11 Memorial and Museum has recently acquired a long-lost flag pictured in a photo (left) of three firefighters lifting it from the rubble. You can now view the flag at the museum. Brand new art exhibit called Rendering the Unthinkable: Artists Respond to 9/11 opens on September 12th, showcasing responses and emotions tied to the even through artistic expression. On September 11, the 9/11 Museum and Memorial will be open only to the families of those affected and closed to the public, including New York Pass holders. The annual Commemoration Ceremony will live stream, starting at 8:46am. The Museum and Memorial reopens on September 12th. [spacer height="20px"] 9/11 Tribute Center [caption id="attachment_834" align="aligncenter" width="800"] 9/11 Tribute Center[/caption] [spacer height="20px"] The 9/11 Tribute Center is a small museum, founded and operated by the September 11th Families Association. It connects visitors with the authentic experiences through photos, video, audio recordings and artifacts. Leading up to the 15th anniversary, the Tribute Center will feature an increased number of their daily #My911Story presentations, which are designed to connect visitors with real survivors, their families and volunteers through their personal stories. The Tribute Center will be be open to the public after 1pm on September 11th. [spacer height="20px"] NYPD Parade [caption id="attachment_836" align="aligncenter" width="800"] NYPD Officers at the 9/11 Memorial | Photo by Jin Lee[/caption] [spacer height="20px"] The New York City Police Department will hold a special parade on Friday, September 9th to commemorate the 122 officer lost during or after 9/11.
Go City Expert

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

  • Thick check Icon