BY: CHARLIE
Dear Charlie is an advice column that allows readers to ask Charlie for guidance on how to deal with problems. Whether it’s about love, friendships, or frustrations, Charlie is here to give you tips and ideas for tackling life’s everyday challenges. Readers can ask Charlie for advice through DM via our Instagram @liubknews, or anonymously through this form.
I know we are still feeling that the year started a few months ago, especially for college students. The time went by so fast during this fall semester, but it is time to wake up because I have to inform you that Christmas is only 48 days away and New York knows it. For that reason, the Christmas spirit is back in the city that never sleeps.
With the end of the semester around the corner, thanksgiving break coming up, and a bunch of assignments to do, it can be really hard to get into the Christmas mood because our minds are probably on other things. Still, no worries, I am here to give you some advice that is going to help you get into the Christmas spirit.
One of the things that I really loved to do since Nov. 1 is listen to Christmas music, especially Mariah Carey’s song “All I Want for Christmas is You”, that song brings me into the mood, so starting to listen to Christmas songs can help to bring your mind into the festive spirit.
In the same way, decorating your room, lighting a gingerbread candle, building a gingerbread house, or baking sweets with Christmas decorations or flavors can be helpful to you too.
I know there are more options than these two options, but the good news is that we are in the city that is known for having the most beautiful decorations, places, and activities for Christmas and all of them have been here since October.
So here I will leave some recommendations for you about places and activities that you can visit to get into the mood and have fun as well.
Bryant Park Winter Village
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park opened on October 27, 2023, and it’s an incredible experience. During your visit, you can take a look at the different little Christmas shops, take a step to skate in the Ice Skating Ring, or just enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate, however, they have a bunch of food options. This would definitely be a good plan to hang out with your friends and enjoy letting go of your stresses for a bit.
Holiday Train Show
Starting on Nov. 17, 2023, and ending on Jan. 15, 2024, the Holiday Train Show will be at the New York Botanical Garden. It’s a unique experience where you can see indoor and outdoor trains. The NYBG glow is an outdoor color and light experience. Also, the Bar Car Nights will be back, featuring the Holiday Train Show and cocktails. The special evening will feature food, music, and experiences, making the best night out.
Rockefeller Center
If you want to go for the traditional Christmas path, visiting the Rockefeller Center is a good option for you. The skating rink is open and in addition to the rink, the Après Skate Chalets presented by Balsam Hill, where the visitor can warm up inside cozy chalets and also enjoy a seasonal menu of drinks. It will be from Nov. 1, 2023, to Jan. 15, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. In the same way, The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic is an immersing sugar rush fantasy that you will never forget and it’s going to be working from Nov. 5 to Jan. 4. Finally, the Arrival Tree Ceremony will take place on Nov. 11, and the Lighting Tree Ceremony will occur on Nov. 29. This place is definitely going to put you in a special Christmas spirit.
Christmas is the best time of the year, so despite the time going so fast and the semester almost being done, don’t forget to take advantage of the activities that the city is offering and also all the things that you can do at home with your family and friends. It is time to get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy!