The holiday season in New York City is so amazing that almost every classic holiday movie takes place in our city. The holidays in New York brings to mind places like Central Park, Rockefeller Center and 34th Street, just to name a few. However, Holidays in The Bronx cannot be underestimated. The Bronx is a borough rich in cultural venues and activities; and the during the holidays all this comes to light. In The Bronx you can find holiday events that cater to everyone whether you live in the borough or are visiting.
Make no mistake about it, The Bronx during the holidays is as magical as any other place in our amazing New York City. From visits to the New York Botanical Garden Holiday train show to touring the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum Storybook Christmas where every room comes alive with Christmas trees inspired by children’s books, Holidays in The Bronx brings you plenty of opportunities to make wonderful holiday memories. Here you will find some of the seasonal events taking place in The Bronx that will surely provide the setting for new traditions and future holiday stories to share with your family.
A STORYBOOK CHRISTMAS at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
December 5 – January 7
Christmas Trees Inspired by Children’s Books and Decorated by Interior Designers
Deck the Mansion’s Halls for a Memorable Holiday Season.
Enjoy this beautiful view of the mansion as you take part on any of the many events that are taking place at the same time.
Holiday First Friday!
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Friday, December 5, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Experience the mansion decked out for the holidays and delight in the merry and mellifluous sounds of live music. Holiday shopping and refreshments add to the fun.
The free Bronx Trolley makes a continuous loop from the #6 Pelham Bay Park subway station to BPMM to City Island.
Registration requested. Cost $12 adults, $10 seniors & students; members free
Annual Holiday Family Day
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m–1 p.m.
Holiday spirit abounds during this fun-filled day. Children and parents alike will delight in holiday storytelling and crafts, meeting Santa and have a professional photograph taken (additional fee), shopping for gifts, and more.
Storytelling at 10:15 and 12:00; holiday crafts and photos with Santa are on-going. At 11:00, we will be joined by special guests and the Morrisania Glee Club for carols.
Space is limited, registration requested. Cost $20 children one year and up; member children $15 (adults and children under one year free).
Purchase tickets online
Holiday Party!
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Saturday, December 6, 7–10 p.m.
Celebrate—and support—the mansion in holiday splendor. See the Storybook Christmas trees and catch up with friends, enjoy cocktails, buffet dinner, caroling, a live auction, and more!
Purchase tickets online
Bronx Arts Ensemble Holiday Concert
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Saturday, December 13, 1 & 3 p.m.
The Bronx Arts Ensemble and Singers present a wonderful holiday concert with music for St. Nicholas.
The concert is free, but space is limited and tickets are required. Call Bronx Arts Ensemble at 718.601.7399 for tickets.
Please note: The museum will not be open for tours on Saturday.
Holiday Candlelight Tours and Victorian Carolers
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Saturday, December 13, 6–8 p.m.
Experience the mansion by candlelight with costumed docents highlighting 19th-century holiday traditions. Victorian carolers add to the festive atmosphere while you enjoy light holiday snacks and wassail in the Orangerie. Plus delight in Christmas trees throughout the mansion inspired by children’s storybooks and decorated by interior designers.
Reservations requested. Cost $12 adults, $10 seniors, students, & members
Bronx Arts Ensemble Holiday Concert
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Sunday, December 14, 1 & 3 p.m.
The Bronx Arts Ensemble and Singers present a wonderful holiday concert with music for St. Nicholas.
The concert is free, but space is limited and tickets are required. Call Bronx Arts Ensemble at 718.601.7399 for tickets.
Please note: The museum will not be open for tours on Sunday.
Celebrating the Holiday Season Jíbaro Style: Parranda Navideña
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, December 13, 8pm
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts will once again present its popular, special holiday event, PARRANDA NAVIDEÑA, featuring a Christmas celebration featuring the unique jíbaro music from the mountains of Puerto Rico with three celebrated masters of the genre. The concert will feature FELITO FELIX Y EL TRIO LOS ANTARES, ODILIO GONZALEZ “El Jibarito de Lares” and LILY Y SU GRAN TRIO.
Tickets are $50, $45, and $25, with a special $10 ticket price for children 12 and under
Call the Lehman Center box office at 718-960-8833 or purchase online at www.LehmanCenter.org
Viennese Christmas by The Hollywood Concert Orchestra
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, December 6th, 2014 – 8pm
Famous Holiday Tunes and the Viennese Music that we all Love!
The Hollywood Concert Orchestra, an ensemble of America’s finest musicians, has become one of the premier ensembles in the world. A “Viennese Christmas” program has been touring for 18 years. The concept of the program was conceived in late 1990s as a tribute to the annual Gala performed in Vienna each New Year’s Eve. This program is a great combination of the famous Holiday tunes and the Viennese music that we all love.
Tickets: $25, $20, $15. Children 12 & under $10 any seat
Call the Lehman Center box office at 718-960-8833 or purchase online at www.LehmanCenter.org
Holiday Train Show
New York Botanical Garden
November 15 – January 19
A must-see New York tradition where enchanting model trains zip past popular landmarks under the twinkling glow of the magical Haupt Conservatory! Step into a city in miniature featuring more than 150 iconic buildings, all re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials.
For more information visit the Holiday Train Show at the NYBG website.
All aboard for Bar Car Nights!
One of New York City’s most exciting holiday outings just got bigger and better!
New York Botanical Garden
Fridays, November 21, December 5 & 19, January 2 & 9, and Saturdays, November 22, December 6 & 20, January 3 & 10; 7–10 p.m.
On these nights exclusively for adults 21 and over, the wintry landscape of NYBG sets the scene for festive and romantic outdoor adventures, with an after-dark viewing of the Holiday Train Show as the centerpiece. Sip a complimentary cocktail as you journey through a series of station stops, including ice sculpture carving demonstrations under the starlight.
Non-Member $35/Member $25 (Adults 21 and over); Special Event ticket required.
Advance tickets recommended; includes one complimentary beer, wine, or cocktail of your choice.
Although your ticket provides access to the entire event between 7–10 p.m., when purchasing tickets you will need to select an entrance time for the Holiday Train Show in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
Have a MasterCard? Start the night off with a champagne pre-party at Shop in the Garden on select nights. Learn more at priceless.com/ny.
For more information and tickets visit the NYBG website Bar Car Nights.
Salute to Wildlife Ice Carving Week
Bronx Zoo
Friday, December 26 – Wednesday, December 31
Ice Sculpting Demonstrations
Daily demos will amaze as artists transform blocks of ice into glistening statues of animals.
Cost: Free with admission
Dates: Friday – Wednesday, Dec 26 – 31
Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Salute to Wildlife Ice Carving Competition
The annual ice carving throwdown will pit many of the area’s best ice carvers against each other. Professional sculptors will test their skills in a competition of creativity as they sculpt artistic interpretations of wildlife. The winner is determined by spectator vote.
Cost: Free with admission
Date: Sunday, Dec. 28
Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ice Sculpture Play Area
Rainforest Canopy Ice Slide and Amazon River Play Area– This giant slide and play area make for the perfect winter photo-op.
Cost: Free with admission
Dates: Wednesday – Sunday, Dec. 26 – 31
Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Note: This activity is weather-dependent
Performances
Arthur‘s Perfect Christmas – Additional activities include character meet-and-greets with everyone’s favorite aardvark, Arthur. The beloved PBS show comes to life story read aloud for kids of all ages.
Cost: Free with admission
Dates: Wednesday – Sunday, Dec. 26 – 31
Time: 11:30 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 2:30 p.m.
Frozen – Elsa, Hans, and Anna from Frozen will perform favorite songs from the movie and bring their characters to life.
Cost: Free with admission
Dates: Saturday, Dec. 27
Time: 1 p.m.
Note: This activity is subject to change
For a complete schedule of activities, please visit www.BronxZoo.com.