Dr. Marion Wilson, superintendent of Staten Island’s District 31, was removed from her post on September 20 amid allegations of making racially charged statements, including a purported declaration of “no more white principals” in the district. Wilson, who has denied these accusations, has been reassigned to a role at the New York City Department of Education’s Manhattan headquarters, where she will serve as a facilitator in the Leaders in Education Apprenticeship Program (LEAP). This program focuses on promoting racial equity in the development of future school leaders.

The controversy surrounding Wilson centers on claims that she made discriminatory remarks against white principals, a charge that has sparked considerable online debate. Earlier this year, the New York City Department of Education conducted an investigation into the allegations, concluding that they were unsubstantiated. Despite this finding, the accusations continued to circulate, fueling tensions within the district and beyond. Wilson, who has worked to improve educational outcomes on Staten Island, reported receiving death threats related to the allegations.

In a statement responding to the investigation, Wilson reiterated her commitment to fostering excellence in all schools under her leadership. “The accusations that I sent those text messages are completely false,” she said. “I have always made strides to build relationships with educators, school leaders, parents, and community members with the intention to serve all students and families to the best of my ability.” Her defenders, including the United Federation of Teachers, have also voiced support, emphasizing her dedication to the district’s students and school communities.

However, new recordings obtained by complainants have added another layer to the controversy. According to reports in the New York Post, Wilson was allegedly caught on tape making racially charged remarks to Black parents, including a statement where she purportedly said, “I said no more white principals. I meant it.” Another recording allegedly features her saying, “Us Black folks got to stick together.” These recordings, tied to a discrimination complaint, have reignited scrutiny of her leadership.

The allegations have also played a significant role in a pending discrimination lawsuit filed by Heather Jansen, a former white principal of PS 46. Jansen claims she was removed from her position by Wilson in June 2023 and has pointed to the alleged text messages as evidence of bias. This lawsuit has drawn renewed attention to the accusations against Wilson, even as the Department of Education maintains that none of the claims have been substantiated by its investigations.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Wilson’s supporters continue to stand by her. State Assemblyman Michael Reilly, who has worked with Wilson during her three-year tenure as superintendent, described her as a professional and a strong advocate for students, parents, and teachers. “In her three years as superintendent, I have only known Dr. Wilson to be professional with me and my staff and an ally for our public schools,” Reilly told The Post. As Wilson transitions to her new role, the fallout from the accusations remains unresolved, casting a shadow over her career and the district she once led.

City of yes: A little more housing in every neighborhood

By Mayor Eric Adams

  Our city is facing a generational housing crisis with a vacancy rate at 1.4 percent, and half of all New York renters are paying more than 30 percent of their income in rent. The only way to solve this crisis is simple: build more. That requires all of us to say ‘yes’ to a little more housing in every neighborhood and ‘yes’ to ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ plan — the most pro-housing zoning proposal in New York City’s history.

   There is a growing chorus of voices all across the city saying ‘yes’ to our City of Yes proposal. Last week, the New York City Planning Commission held an all-day hearing on the proposal with over 200 New Yorkers testifying — the majority of which voicing their support. And they weren’t alone. Last week, the borough presidents in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, as well as LGBTQ+ advocates and AARP also stood up to proudly say ‘yes’ as well.

   If passed, City of Yes would allow us to finally address the longstanding housing shortage that has made life difficult and unaffordable for far too many hardworking New Yorkers. Everybody has a story: The would-be homeowners outbid by cash buyers or a private equity firm, the firefighter who cannot afford to live in the neighborhood he serves, the older New Yorker who has spent a lifetime in the family business only to find herself unable to pay rent on a fixed income, and the new parents who cannot afford a big enough apartment to raise their family. These are the everyday New Yorkers impacted by this housing crisis.

   The crisis reached its peak because for too long, New York City has been at the mercy of folks who have said ‘no.’ In our administration, we continue to proudly say ‘yes’ — ‘yes’ to a little more housing in every neighborhood.

   The changes we are proposing will do more than just add new buildings. The Department of City Planning estimates that our City of Yes plan could produce as many as 108,850 new homes over the next 15 years. These are not just numbers, they are homes that will allow New Yorkers to stay in the city they love, retire in the communities they grew up in, and welcome new generations of young people, families, and immigrants.

  We know that New Yorkers feel strongly about the character of their neighborhoods, and we respect that. That’s why the Department of City Planning held extensive outreach and engagement with New Yorkers, including holding 10 public information sessions and two years of meetings with impacted stakeholders to make sure we did this right. We want to build more and protect what New Yorkers love about their neighborhood, and we can do just that. City of Yes allows us to meet this crisis head on and ensure that no one neighborhood has to carry the responsibility of delivering all the housing the city needs. 

  From the very start of this administration, we have been advocating for bold, forward-thinking solutions to deliver the housing that New Yorkers need and make our city more affordable. We have already notched important victories, including creating the second-most new affordable homes in one year, producing the most new supportive homes and homes for formerly homeless New Yorkers ever, and connecting more New Yorkers than ever before to permanent homes with CityFHEPS housing vouchers.

  Together, with the City Council, we recently delivered an adopted budget that invests $2 billion more in capital funds across Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026 to the Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the New York City Housing Authority’s capital budgets. In total, our administration has committed a record $26 billion in housing capital in the current 10-year plan, ensuring that our dollars go towards solving this housing crisis.

  It is time for a powerful new housing agenda — one that acknowledges the need to build more housing is more important than preserving the old ways of doing things. By building a little more housing in every neighborhood, we can set our city on course for a more equitable and affordable future. Our administration is saying ‘yes’ and we are calling on the City Council this fall to stand with us and vote ‘yes’ for the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity.

Jessica Beauvais was convicted of aggravated manslaughter and leaving scene of incident

NEW YORK (AP) — A woman who struck and killed a New York City police detective after speeding through an NYPD roadblock while driving drunk was sentenced Wednesday to more than 20 years in prison.

A jury convicted Jessica Beauvais, 35, of Hempstead of aggravated manslaughter and other charges in October. She was arrested in April 2021 following the death of 43-year-old Anastasios Tsakos.

Tsakos, a father of two and 14-year veteran of the police department, was struck and killed around 2 a.m. on April 27, 2021, while assisting officers at the scene of another fatal crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens.

Beauvais had a blood alcohol content that was nearly twice the legal limit for driving two hours after the accident, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, and she also was without a valid license.

“Her license had been suspended, she was drunk and had smoked marijuana,” Katz said in a news release Wednesday. “For everyone’s safety and wellbeing, including her own, the defendant should not have been behind the wheel of a car.”

Source: Woman gets more than 20 years for striking, killing NYPD detective while drunk driving

New York City is the birthplace of hip-hop. Fifty years on, the artistic movement now spans the globe. I have the pleasure to interview Hip-Hop Pioneer Ralph McDaniels and talk about Music and NYC. From the start, music videos have been essential in hip-hop’s ability to penetrate NYC culture and become a global phenomenon. Videos allowed different expressions of hip-hop to be front and center—fashion, hair, dance, graffiti, and design—providing insight into the culture as it developed in real-time.

Ralph McDaniels was one of the earliest pioneers in the medium. “Uncle Ralph,” as he is affectionately known, rooted his career in the visual elements of hip-hop with one of the earliest music videos shows on-air, Video Music Box. 

He also directed and produced groundbreaking videos from artists such as Nas and Wu-Tang Clan. We recently spoke with the multitalented VJ about his early days, favorite eras in hip-hop, and most memorable on-air interviews. 

TellTell us about your New York City upbringing.

Ralph McDaniels: I was born in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, spent some time in Flatbush, [Brooklyn], and moved to Queens Village. That’s where I grew up.

My family is from Trinidad. Many people in hip-hop have a Caribbean background—from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados. The first time I went to Jamaica I was shooting a music video, and it amazed me that everywhere I went everyone had speakers blasting music in front of their home, just like hip-hop fans did.

Where did some of NYC’s biggest hip-hop moments happen in the ’80s and ‘90s?

RM: The Ark was one. We used to do these parties on Beverly Road near Flatbush Avenue. The first time Mary J. Blige or Diddy did anything in Brooklyn was there. LL Cool J, Fugees, Wu-Tang. I was bringing artists to the community. It was ushering in a time that we didn’t always have to go to Manhattan for big-name events. It was important for artists to reach fans where they were in their boroughs. 

There was the Tunnel, at 27th Street and the West Side Highway. Funkmaster Flex (radio host and DJ), Chris Lighty (music industry executive) and Jessica Rosenblum (nightlife promoter) put that place on the map. It was one of the spots that you could see hip-hop in its purest form.

The Palladium on 14th Street. There were some iconic performances here—Jay-Z and Biggie [who performed together at a fashion show in 1996]. Now I believe it’s an NYU dorm. 

In the 1980s, hip-hop came from the Bronx and ended up downtown Manhattan. Sugar Hill and all those artists from that era ended up performing at the Roxy. That was where Basquiat and all those people in the downtown arts scene were mixing with hip-hop, where art and music collided.

You began your show when it was hard to do something independent of a major network. How did you pull it off?

RM: I started Video Music Box in 1983. I got the idea when I was working as an engineer for a local, municipal New York City TV station [WNYC-TV] fresh out of college. They had a fire department show, an NYPD show, a housing department show. Looking at all the monitors, I thought, “I would like to see something on these channels that I was interested in.”

There was no such thing as music videos back then. MTV started in 1981, but no one really saw it because not many people had cable. This is a time when there were antennas on the TV to get reception.

Some videos came into our studio of R&B artists performing. It wasn’t meant for TV, just for us to become aware of who these artists were. I thought, “What if I played these on TV and talked over them?” I was already a DJ, so I knew how to play music and talk over it—I figured I could do the same with videos. The station told me to plan out what I wanted to do. And that’s how Video Music Box came to be.

From early on in your show you were interviewing big artists. How were you able to make that happen?

RM: Personal relationships. I was a pretty popular DJ in Brooklyn and Queens. Because I went out to the clubs, album-release parties and networking events, I had the opportunity to talk to artists directly. I would tell them about the show and invite them to the station or meet them wherever they were performing that night. So I built this one-on-one rapport with some of the biggest names in hip-hop.

They weren’t getting the same publicity that pop artists were getting, so they were happy for the exposure. As time went on, they knew who I was because they were watching the show, so it got easier to book artists.

Could you see the potential for superstardom early in artists’ careers?

RM: Nas says I have the ability to see that somebody is hot before it happens, no matter what genre.

With Lil’ Kim, for example, she changed everything. First of all, she was a part of Notorious B.I.G.’s camp, and it was clear that anything that he was a part of was going to be a success. But the way she dressed and her whole persona was just different. Before her, you never really heard a woman curse in hip-hop. Guys were like, “Hey, you can’t say that,” and all of the women in the club were like, “Yes we can!” She used to be at my parties just hanging out with her friends, so when she became an artist, I already knew who she was.

Bad Boy [Records] was so hot. I knew Diddy from Uptown Records. He was an intern. Actually, he styled a video that me and my partners directed, Father MC’s “Treat Them Like They Want to Be Treated,” and he danced in it. I was paying attention to anything he had going on because I could tell he was going somewhere. He had a pulse on what was happening.

What other music videos have you worked on?

RM: Nas’ “It Ain’t Hard to Tell,” his second single off of Illmatic. Shaggy’s first video, “Oh Carolina,” which we shot right on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. Black Moon’s “Who Got da Props” we filmed in the Meatpacking District when there was nothing much over there. We set up a couple of lights and did it in three hours.

Another popular one I did was Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.” I knew RZA back when he was going by the name Prince Rakeem on an indie label [Tommy Boy]. A few years later he said had something new, Wu-Tang, and he showed me a video he created for “Protect Ya Neck.” I played it on my show before they even had a record deal. They kept growing and he came back and sent me “C.R.E.A.M.,” and I was like, “Whoa! What is going on here?” I knew it was something so different. In that video I wanted to take them out of Staten Island because I wanted to show people they were everywhere. So part of that video is filmed in Harlem and part in Times Square. 

You’ve seen New York City develop over the years. What is your perspective on hip-hop here?

RM: The thing with hip-hop is it was always underground. That still exists. There are all these gems around NYC that exist that you have to be on the scene or know somebody on the scene to know where it is. 

Hip-hop wasn’t allowed in certain places back in the day. But hip-hop is everywhere now. You can’t escape it. That’s exciting. When I started hearing it in sports arenas, that’s when I knew hip-hop made it. I never thought hip-hop would be what it is—but I’m happy it is.

How to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop in NYC this summer:

• Hip-Hop started in New York City 50 years ago, on August 11, 1973. Celebrations include free concerts such as “Birth of a Culture,” Grandmaster Flash and Friends in the Bronx’s Crotona Park on August 4, and BRIC Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Weekend on August 11–12.
• Beatstro, the hip-hop inspired Mott Haven restaurant, offers a menu blending Southern comfort and Puerto Rican cuisine. Visit for happy hour from 4–8pm or a Beats n’ Brunch on weekends.
• Join expert dance instructors for free Dance in Times Square Ailey Extension classes, including a hip-hop workshop on June 30 and a Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration on August 10.

Viviane Faver 

It is well known that New York City is home to a diverse and dynamic population, including young creatives who are pushing the boundaries of community and culture in new and unexpected ways. This is especially true in the Black community, where a number of “Rising Stars” are leading the way and exemplifying the wide range of expressions within the Black experience.

One of these rising stars is Uncutt Art, a Queens native who created the “Protect Yo Heart ” graffiti, which can be seen in cities all over the world, including New York. Uncutt introduced the movement at Art Basel in 2014 with a mural in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. Over the years, “Protect Yo Heart” and his #ProtectYoHeART stencil have organically gained recognition and popularity, leading to over 3 million social media posts and over 1 billion likes on Instagram. Celebrities like Madonna and Paris Hilton have also shown support for the movement.

Nine-Year-Old High School Grad is Making Black History

Uncutt started writing the phrase on sidewalks 10 years ago as a way to promote self-love. He is now being invited to exhibit his work in galleries rather. This month he was invited to exhibit one of his sculptures in a gallery In Brooklyn. In addition, his new project is to make ‘Protect your heart’ a national holiday on April 23rd with annual events to follow. He has been in contact with the mayor’s office to discuss the idea and how important it is to remind people to have self-love.

“Initially, I was just trying to connect souls through my Art in the black entrepreneur and artist communities, and the human community of broken souls. We often ignore mental health, especially among the isolated and marginalized. For me, my Art has always been the answer. Finding the right words to express myself and reach and touch people in a certain way was always my goal. Over the years, many have told me and written public testimonies about how they feel seeing the words “Protect Yo Heart” on a mural in New York, LA, or Miami. People want to believe in something. I want to help people believe in themselves. When you are at that breaking point, what you think about yourself is the only thing that matters. “

Uncutt’s journey as an artist has not been easy, as he explains that being an artist is difficult, especially for Black artists who face challenges finding the right gallery or representation. However, he advises new artists to never stop working on their craft and to go out and build relationships with galleries by attending art shows and meeting gallery owners in person. He also suggests moving around and meeting new people, to not be “locked into one community”, as this can help expand their network and increase their exposure.

Uncutt explains that street art is unique in that it cannot be bought, and the people who appreciate it in the street are different from those who would buy it in galleries. The challenge is finding the right circle for your art and not being undervalued. For Uncutt, his art is about community and bringing people together, and he wants people to identify with their inner selves.

Finally, Uncutt advises struggling artists to always remember that they need help and to surround themselves with supportive people who believe in their work. “Making money with my Art is not my goal. I want to help people identify with their inner selves. It’s about fostering community and bringing people together.”

As one of this year’s most iconic vacation destinations, New York City will once again host festive dining, shopping, culture, and entertainment experiences and events across all five boroughs.

According to NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, the fourth quarter is historically the strongest quarter of the year, accounting for approximately 30% of visitors to the city. This early and vibrant holiday season comes amidst New York City’s continued tourism recovery, with 6.5 million people expected to visit between Thanksgiving and New Year.

NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon says a total of 56.7 million people are expected to visit New York before the end of 2022 — approximately 85% of 2019’s record tourism levels.“A trip to New York City during the holiday season is magical whether it’s your first visit or an annual tradition. From mid-November to January, we expect roughly 6.5 million people from around the world to visit the City. The five boroughs witness a transformation that includes iconic experiences along Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center as well as new holiday markets, pop events, and performances that create memories of a lifetime.” 

Following are festive events, performances, and activities across the five boroughs to celebrate the holiday season in New York City:

ANNUAL BIG EVENTS:

·   Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 24 | Manhattan

The classic NYC celebration featuring larger-than-life helium balloons, fantasy floats, clowns, performance groups, Broadway’s biggest musicals, celebrity appearances, and more is back for its 96th iteration. The parade will begin at its traditional starting line at West 77th Street and Central Park West and conclude in front of the Macy’s Herald Square flagship store.

·   Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 30 | Midtown Manhattan

The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center has been a tradition for more than eight decades, lighting up Rockefeller Plaza each holiday season. The lighting ceremony on November 30 will feature performances and classic Christmas songs by soon-to-be-announced artists, and the tree will be on view through mid-January.

·   Lighting of the Largest Menorah in Brooklyn

December 18–25 | Prospect Heights, Brooklyn                                                                                                    

Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza will light the largest menorah on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, with live music, hot latkes, and gifts for children.

·   New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop

December 31–January 1 | Times Square, Manhattan

The Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will sparkle in Times Square all season, but watching its descent in person on New Year’s Eve is a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime way to ring in the New Year. Millions view the broadcast event in NYC and around the globe along with spectators in Times Square on December 31. 

CHEERFUL PERFORMANCES:

·   DREAM BIG: Big Apple Circus Returns to Lincoln Center for 45th Anniversary

November 9–January 1 | Upper West Side, Manhattan

The Big Apple Circus is back for its 45th anniversary season and invites visitors to experience the excitement of its dazzling newest extravaganza: DREAM BIG! For eight weeks only, Big Top at Lincoln Center will be home to astonishing wonders and daring acrobatics, setting imaginations soaring to the most astounding, awe-inspiring heights.

·   Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

November 18–January 2 | Midtown Manhattan

The beloved holiday tradition once again returns to Radio City Music Hall for its annual musical stage show, which has dazzled audiences of all ages for nearly a century. With incredible costumes, festive songs, synchronized high kicks, new acts, and several shows daily, now is the time to return and enjoy this festive custom.

·   A Christmas Carol, a one-man show on Broadway

November 21–January 1 | Midtown Manhattan

In this astonishing Broadway adaptation, Tony Award-winning actor Jefferson Mays tackles more than 50 roles in this season’s limited run of A Christmas Carol at the Nederlander Theatre. The beloved Dickens story featuring notable characters—Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the four ghosts—will be making its return for the first time since 2019 and will enchant theatergoers with its redemptive story.

·   George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker Presented by New York City Ballet

November 25–December 31 | Upper West Side, Manhattan

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center returns for its annual performance featuring exquisite costumes, magnificent sets, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score that transports audiences to a land of twirling snowflakes, leaping candy canes, waltzing flowers and more. 

On November 27, TDF Autism Friendly Performances will present the first-ever Autism-Friendly Performance of New York City Ballet’s production of 

The Nutcracker. 

·   The Christmas Show at St. George Theatre

December 9–11 | St. George, Staten Island

The beloved theater presents its annual Christmas Show, a two-hour production filled with high energy and a rhinestone-studded series of songs and dances that the whole family will enjoy. The show also serves as a fundraiser for the St. George Theatre Restoration, Inc., over its limited three-day run.

·   Amateur Night Holiday Show at the Apollo

December 10 | Harlem, Manhattan

The Apollo Amateur Night Holiday Special showcases talented young alumni of the show’s “Apollo Stars of Tomorrow” segment. The program captures the spirit of young performers all hoping to follow in the footsteps of music legends like Ella Fitzgerald and H.E.R., whose careers were launched on the stage of the Apollo.

·   The Magic Flute Holiday Presentation at The Met Opera

December 16–January 6 | Upper West Side, Manhattan

The Met Opera’s abridged, English-language version of Mozart’s magical fairy tale is a classic holiday treat for audiences of all ages, bringing the charming story and enchanting music to life. This year’s series will feature Maestro Duncan Ward, making his company debut conducting Julie Taymor’s irresistible production.

·   The Brooklyn Nutcracker at Kings Theatre

December 17 | Flatbush, Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Nutcracker transforms familiar characters and scenes from the holiday classic to represent the diverse traditions and vibrant culture of Brooklyn. From the old Dutch Brooklyn to the iconic Flatbush Avenue, the production is fresh and full of virtuosity and celebrates the borough’s spirit.

·   The New York String Orchestra at Carnegie Hall

December 24 | Midtown Manhattan

A favorite of Carnegie Hall audiences for more than 50 years, the New York String Orchestra returns for its annual Christmas Eve concert conducted by Jaime Laredo and will feature some of the nation’s most celebrated young musicians performing alongside guest artists, including Venezuelan violinist Rubén Rengel, who joins the orchestra for J. S. Bach’s virtuosic Concerto in A Minor.

·   Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration at the Apollo Theater

December 30 | Harlem, Manhattan

The Apollo Theater will host its annual Kwanzaa Celebration featuring Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theater in a powerful evening of music, percussion, and modern and African dance. This year’s celebration will feature special guest artist Pauline Jean and will celebrate the season with moments of unity, and self-determination, as well as with sharing and giving back to local communities.

WINTER EXHIBITIONS AND CULTURAL EVENTS:

· The Seaport’s NYC Celebrations

Throughout the holiday season | Lower Manhattan

It’s the most wonderful time of the year as the historic cobblestone streets of The Seaport and Pier 17 turn into the ultimate destination for holiday celebrations. Festivities include the Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on December 18 and decorations throughout the streets.

·   SPECTACULAR FACTORY: The Holiday Multiverse at ARTECHOUSE

November 19–January 8 | Chelsea, Manhattan

ARTECHOUSE, a pioneer in innovative digital and experiential art, will hold an immersive and enchanting holiday art experience, perfect for the whole family. SPECTACULAR FACTORY: The Holiday Multiverse will be open to the public for guests to immerse themselves in a multiverse of holiday villages. Visitors will float among giant swinging jingle bells, crash the party of a thousand nutcrackers, join a thrilling train ride through wreaths, take a spin in the candy cane carousel, and more.

·   Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden

November 19–January 16 | Bedford Park, The Bronx

The Holiday Train Show—a favorite holiday tradition—has been making memories for over 30 years. Visitors will see model trains zip through an enchanting display of more than 190 replicas of New York City landmarks, each delightfully re-created from natural materials such as birch bark, lotus pods, and cinnamon sticks.

·   Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche at The Met Fifth Avenue

November 22–January 8 | Upper East Side, Manhattan

A NYC tradition, The Met’s Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche exhibition—an adorned tree with a nativity scene around its base—comes from a collection of 18th-century Neapolitan figures donated by American artist and collector Loretta Hines Howard in 1964.

·   Fifth Avenue Presents: The Fifth Season and Brand-New Open Streets

November 27 throughout the holiday season | Midtown Manhattan

Fifth Avenue’s holiday celebration, The Fifth Season, returns for its second year to bring cheer to Manhattan’s most iconic avenue. The Fifth Avenue Association will once again welcome guests from around the world to enjoy the iconic holiday windows and breathtaking decorations. New for this season, Fifth Avenue will launch Open Streets. This new program will not only close Fifth Avenue to all vehicular traffic but also open the sidewalks to a variety of food vendors and musical performers from local choirs and instrumental ensembles.

·   Apollo Winter Wonderland

December 10 | Harlem, Manhattan

Under the twinkling lights of its famous marquee, the Apollo Theater invites audiences to bring their family for holiday-themed activities including picture-taking with Santa Claus and amazing performances. This event is hosted by the Apollo’s Tour Director and Ambassador, Billy Mitchell. 

·   The Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History

November 21 throughout the holiday season | Upper West Side, Manhattan

The delightfully decorated 13-foot Origami Holiday Tree, celebrating its 50th anniversary, will have a Gems of the Museum theme, featuring 50 specially created gold-colored models for the golden anniversary.

·   Holiday Wreath Workshop at Wave Hill

December 3–4 | Riverdale, The Bronx

Create natural wreaths using a grapevine base and fresh greens harvested by Wave Hill gardeners, as floral designer Hanako Shimamoto shares simple techniques for designing one-of-a-kind decorations. 

LIGHTINGS:

·   Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards

Throughout the holiday season | Hudson Yards, Manhattan

The Shine Bright experience will once again return to Hudson Yards. Featuring over 2 million twinkling lights, Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards, presented by Wells Fargo, will see the neighborhood adorned with 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees dressed, and 16-foot-tall illuminated set pieces in the shape of hot air balloons arranged through the Public Square and Gardens with a 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece suspended in The Great Room of The Shops and Restaurants.

·   NYC Winter Lantern Festival: Journey to the East

October 21–January 8 | St. George, Staten Island

The NYC Winter Lantern Festival is back for its fourth year to transform a new venue, SIUH Community Park in Staten Island, into an immersive world of light. Visitors will enjoy over eight acres of luminescence in addition to a live DJ, projection mapping, food vendors, and more.

·   NYC Winter Lantern Festival: Illuminate the Farm at Queens County Farm Museum

November 11–January 8 | Glen Oaks, Queens

Back for its second year, the NYC Winter Lantern Festival will transform Queens County Farm into an immersive and radiant oasis with festive lights and handmade lanterns in the shape of flowers, tractors, farm animals, and more.

·   Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

November 16–January 8 | Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Explore the garden after dark at the illuminated Lightscape, which will celebrate the beauty of nature with an enchanting one-mile trail through BBG’s 52-acre landscape. Sold out in its first season, this year’s after-dark, illuminated spectacular features new works of art alongside returning favorites. Enjoy the Winter Cathedral tunnel, Fire Garden, and Sea of Light, as well as new site-specific light, works by local artists, accompanied by a curated soundtrack.

·   Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

November 18–January 8 | Bronx Park, The Bronx

With more than 360 lanterns representing nearly 90 animal and plant species, Bronx Zoo’s family-centric holiday lights festival will connect visitors with real wildlife and wild places. During the evenings, the park comes to life with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns (with some life-size, some larger-than-life-size), and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. The celebration is complete with seasonal treats, classic holiday music, and other festive entertainment. The beloved tradition is sure to enchant visitors of all ages, making it the perfect way to kick off the holidays this year.

·   NYBG GLOW

Select dates from November 18–January 14| Bedford Park, The Bronx

Discover the beauty of the New York Botanical Garden through NYBG GLOW, which will illuminate the garden’s landmark landscape and historic buildings after dark with a newly expanded 1.5-mile colorful experience. Building upon sold-out evenings the past two years, the event will expand across even more of the garden’s magnificent collections, making it a can’t-miss experience this holiday season.

·   Amaze Light Festival at Citi Field

Select dates from November 20–January 8 | Flushing, Queens

Amaze Light Festival welcomes visitors of every age to feel the spirit of the holidays in a universe of sparkle, music, food, dance, celebration, and wonder. Guests will be greeted by the lovable characters Zing and Sparky from the Amaze storybook, who bring the stage dancers, singers, and light show to life with their magic powers. Visit the holiday market and then stop in and grab a treat at Sparky’s Sweet Spot. Enjoy savory and sweet culinary treats, as well as specialty drinks and cocktails. Zip down Zing’s icy Thrill Hill, take in the wonder on a train ride, write a letter to Santa, and make traditions and memories that last a lifetime.

·   Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights

December 1–31, except the 24th & 25th | Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

Head to Brooklyn to experience the extravagant Christmas light displays in Dyker Heights, also known as “Dyker Lights.” This guided bus tour, departing from Manhattan, offers visitors a special experience to view the uniquely decorated homes, learn about the history and stories of the neighborhood tradition, and more.

·   Holiday Tinker Festival: Santa’s Workshop & Tree Lighting

December 3 | Flushing, Queens

Lewis Latimer House Museum will be holding its annual tree lighting and hosting fun winter activities, perfect for families and children of all ages to enjoy. Locals and visitors alike are invited for one night only to test out mini winter experiments at the North Pole, build an edible snowman at the Elf Tinker Shop or enjoy gingerbread arts and crafts with Mrs. Claus.

ICE-SKATING RINKS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:

·   The Rink at Rockefeller Center

November 5 throughout the holiday season | Midtown Manhattan

The world-famous ice-skating rink will return for the holiday season for visitors to skate under the iconic Christmas tree, a quintessential NYC experience. In collaboration with Coach, Rockefeller Center will unveil this year’s activations, including a bespoke holiday gift shop, a custom hospitality cart serving special treats, and live onsite patch customization for a curated line of Coach products. Santa will join visitors on the ice in December.

·   The Rink at Bryant Park

October 28 throughout the holiday season | Midtown Manhattan

Enjoy NYC’s free 17,000-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink at Bryant Park’s Winter Village. Visitors can also enjoy the Holiday Shops, free shows, events, activities, and eats and drinks at The Lodge.

·   Wollman Rink in Central Park

October 23–throughout the holiday season | Midtown Manhattan

The Wollman Rink’s 2022–2023 ice season reopens to the public, inviting visitors to kick off the season and enjoy skating in Central Park with the picturesque Manhattan skyline in the background. This year, Wollman Rink is partnering with Culture Pass, as well as the expansion of the Wollman Rink Access Program, to help provide access to New Yorkers who have historically not been able to afford to visit the rink.

·   Classic Harbor Line Holiday-Themed Cruises

Throughout the holiday season | Manhattan

Enjoy four-course holiday brunch cruises, a Cocoa and Carols cruise, and more holiday themes, while sailing across the East and Hudson Rivers with views of the NYC skyline and Lady Liberty.

·   City Cruises Holiday-Themed Cruises

Throughout the holiday season | Manhattan

Enjoy a NYC Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s dining cruise, among others, featuring festive decor, meals, and stunning views of the City while sailing across the East and Hudson Rivers from the glass-enclosed deck.

·   NYRR Midnight Run in Central Park

December 31–January 1 | Midtown Manhattan

Visitors are invited to start the new year off on the right—and left—foot at the NYRR Midnight Run. Join the fun and celebrate as 2022 comes to a close; the countdown to 2023 begins at 11:59 pm, and at the stroke of midnight, a fireworks display will light up the night sky and kick off the start of the 4-mile race.

·   Coney Island Polar Plunge

January 1 | Coney Island, Brooklyn

Each year on January 1, members of the Polar Bear Club and anyone else brave enough to participate venture into the frigid waters at Coney Island. Watch hundreds of daring souls plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, where the temperature of the water hovers right above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the air temperature can be well below freezing. The event is free, but instead of admission, participants are encouraged to donate to community organizations.