Upcoming Activities -Special Holiday Edition!
We’re taking a week off on Greening the Apple and want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. Instead of the usual weekend list, we’re providing a whole slew of fun suggestions for how to spend your time in New York City the rest of December. If we’ve left something out, let us know in the comments section. See you next year!
Bilingual Story Time at the Queens Library – Winter Wednesdays (through February 1, 2012). 10:30 a.m.
Coney Island Polar Bear Club – A frigid dip in the ocean ought to wake you out of your holiday food coma! Or, you can just watch the winter warriors from a cozy spot on the beach. Sunday, December 25, 1 p.m.
Christmas Tree Tour – The Rockefeller Center Tree isn’t the only place to check out creative decorations in the city! Grab your Metrocard and some walking shoes and trek to the other trees on this list.
Dyker Lights in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn – This historic Brooklyn neighborhood is worth the trip to see elaborate and inventive holiday displays; through December, 5-9 p.m.
Health and Race Walking – Get a head start burning off those extra holiday calories while enjoying Central Park’s beautiful landscapes. Coach Lon Wilson of the New York Walkers Club leads walks at a moderate to brisk pace. Saturday, December 24, 9:30 –11:30 a.m.
Holiday Open House – Visit the Queen’s County Farm Museum for tours of the decorated farmhouse, crafts and mulled cider. December 26-28, noon-4 p.m.
Ice Skate at Citi Pond – Back for its seventh season, Citi Pond at Bryant Park is Manhattan’s first and only free admission ice skating rink. Open daily through February 26, 2012, Friday until 10 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-midnight; Sunday-Wednesday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. For directions to Citi Pond, click here.
Citi Pond at Bryant Park
Klez for Kids – Clarinetist Greg Wall and his band Klezmerfest will lead a musical tour of Eastern European Jewish culture culminating in a festive interactive shtetl wedding at the Museum at Eldridge Street. Sunday, December 25, 1 p.m.
Kwanzaa Celebration – Kwanzaa is celebrated all around the world. Explore this African-inspired holiday by learning about the traditions, culture and meaning of this holiday at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Create a Kwanzaa inspired craft to take home. December 26 at 11:30 a.m. and December 27 at 2:30 p.m., ages 5 and under.
Kwanzaa 2011 – Head to the American Museum of Natural History for their annual Kwanzaa celebration full of stories, songs and dance that honor the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Saturday, December 31, from noon to 4 p.m.
Midnight Run in Central Park – Celebrate the New Year with a toast to your health by participating in a four mile annual fun run. Saturday, December 31, 10 p.m.
Morning Bird Walk – Start 2012 by communing with nature in Prospect Park. Led by the Brooklyn Bird Club. Sunday, January 1, 10 a.m.
Presents to the Animals – It’s the last chance to see animals at the Prospect Park Zoo pounce on their presents of treat-filled bags and boxes. Saturday and Sunday, December 24-25 at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Volunteer – It’s the season for giving, but how about the gift of time? Find volunteer opportunities in the area, because “everybody’s got something to offer.”
World’s Largest Menorah Lighting – From December 20-27 around 5:30 p.m. watch the lighting of this Guinness World Record holding-menorah near Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn.
23rd Annual Coat Drive – Donate a coat through December 31 and help a fellow New Yorker. See the complete list of collection sites for a location near you.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.