Holiday Fun In Central Park

This year there are more fun ways to celebrate the holidays in Central Park than ever before!  Whether it’s watching Gus the Polar Bear open his presents or holiday crafts at Belvedere Castle Central Park has something for everyone.  

The park offers the perfect remedy for the stress of holiday planning and shopping.  A walk through around the Pond, over Gapstow Bridge and up to the Literary Walk only takes about 30 minutes there and back, but it can add years to your life during the holiday season, and it’s only a few blocks from Bloomingdales.

A few pointers – dress in layers, especially children.  It’s winter and you’re going to be going in and out of venues to participate in activities.  The constant change in temperature can cause crankiness, that goes for parents as well.

Be nice to tourists from other counties.  Especially if they are spending money.

Skip waiting on line for a Horse Drawn Carriage ride.   It’s not very Christma-ssy (or Kwanza-esque, or Hanukkah – nian) to sit under a blanket and watch an animal suffer for your amusement.

Stop by Wollman Rink even if you’re not going skating – they have great hot chocolate and it’s almost as much fun to watch. 

Download the handy map and Walking Tour on CentralPark.com – it tells all about the best places in the lower half of the park, and explains how to get there.

(Click here for a pdf version of this schedule you can print out for yourself)

Ice Skating at Wollman Rink
 What could offer more holiday fun then Ice skating in Central Park?  It is easily one of the most picturesque activities to be enjoyed on a winter’s night – and unlike the somewhat overwhelming confines of the Rockefeller Center rink you can actually see stars at the Wollman and Lasker rinks. Feel the cold tingle of New York’s crisp winter air, listen to the music, and take in the incomparable surroundings as you glide (gracefully or not so) around either of Central Park’s ice rinks. 
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Columbus Circle Holiday Market
It’s time to shop till you drop at the holiday market at Columbus Circle. More than 100 vendors will be selling a dizzying variety of wares, including imported and handmade holiday ornaments and decorations, antique prints, fine art, toys for kids of all ages, gourmet foods, drinks, baked goods, handcrafted jewelry and leather, golf accessories, candles, bath oils, cashmere, French linens, pet accessories, and clothing and apparel for all ages.  The Market will be open from December 3rd all the way until Christmas Eve. 
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Winter Holiday Lighting in Central Park
Sunday, December 7, 2008
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate the holiday season by attending the 12th annual lighting at Central Park’s Dana Discovery Center. This free event includes exciting holiday activities, live music, and refreshments for the entire family.  The celebration will be held rain or shine. Advance registration not required. For more information, please call (212) 860-1370 

Harlem Meer Social Hour: Exploring Kwanzaa Through Film
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Each month, the Conservancy hosts a different evening program at the Dana Discovery Center, including plenty of time for mingling and talking with like-minded individuals. Light refreshments are served. This month the meaning of Kwanzaa will be explored by watching the documentary film The Black Candle.  This is a free event for adults only. Advance registration not required, but space is limited so arrive promptly to reserve your seat. For more information, please call (212) 860-1370

Castle by Candlelight
Saturday, December 13, 2008
6:00 p.m.

Join the Central Park Rangers for a magical walk through Belvedere Castle.
For more information call  (212) 628-2345

A Winter Festival of Light
Saturday, December 20, 2008
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

In this one-of-a-kind program, award-winning storyteller Regina Ress visits the Dana Center to tell stories about the many beautiful mid-winter holidays that celebrate the light in the darkness. The Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the New Year are all celebrated with captivating stories and brilliant light. Bring the whole family to this multicultural hour, which culminates with a candle-lit procession in which we invite the light to return, and with it, a sweet new year. This event is free for all ages and will take place rain or shine. Advance registration not required. For more information, please call (212) 860-1370.

Hanukkah Menorah-making in Central Park
Saturday, December 20, 2008
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Get into the holiday spirit by creating your very own menorah to take home and use year after year. Drop in anytime between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. 

Free for all ages! Rain or shine. Advance registration not required. For more information, please call (212) 772-0210 

Starry, Starry Night
Saturday, December 20, 2008
7:00 p.m.

Observe the Winter Solstice Central Park style by lying beneath the stars and learning all about the night sky. Meet at the South East corner of the Great Lawn.  For more information call (212) 628-2345.

Christmas Crafts at Belvedere Castle
Sunday, December 21, 2008
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Free for all ages! Rain or shine. Advance registration not required. For more information, please call (212) 772-0210. This event will be held at Belvedere Castle.

Meet St. Nicholas at Belvedere Castle
Sunday, December 21, 2008
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Learn about the patron saint who inspired one of our favorite holiday icons. Don’t forget to bring your wish list to share with longtime Central Park Conservancy volunteer, Ed Bobrow, who will be dressed in full Santa Claus garb. Activity is ongoing from 11:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m.; drop in anytime.  

Free for all ages! Rain or shine. Advance registration not required. For more information, please call (212) 772-0210.

Christmas Crafts at Belvedere Castle
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The staff at Belvedere Castle will lead you in a fun afternoon of Christmas-inspired creativity. Free for all ages! Rain or shine. Advance registration not required. For more information, please call (212) 772-0210. 

Winter Wanderings
Sunday, December 28, 2008
12:00 p.m. 

Join us for a hike through the North Woods of Central Park, then continue wandering through some of the Harlem parks.  The walk will begin at Frederick Douglass Circle (West 110 Street and Central Park West)  For More Information call (212) 628-2345

Family Craft Friday: Kwanzaa Crafts
Friday, January 2, 2009
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

All are welcome to participate in creating a new craft project every week at Family Craft Fridays at the Dana Discovery Center. This new weekly series runs from January 2 through March 27. These activities are guaranteed to be fun for the whole family and are being held in association with the Museum for African Art.  This will be a special Kwanzaa-themed afternoon of creativity. Learn and celebrate the history, practice, and principles of Kwanzaa, and make a Zawadi for someone you love.Crafts are ongoing between 2:00 pm and 4:00 p.m. and free for all ages. Rain or shine. Families only; no groups please. Advance registration not required. For more information you can call (212) 860-1370

Wild Holiday Party: Presents to the Animals at the Central Park Zoo
December 6–7, 13–14, & 20–21

There’s no fruitcake or eggnog at this holiday party! Fishsicles, fruit, and peanut butter are just a few of the tasty treats polar bears and other animals will enjoy during these festive weekends in December.  For more information visit www.centralparkzoo.com.

Christmas Bird Count
Meet at South Pump Station of the Reservoir (85th Street & 5th Avenue)
Sunday, December 14 - 8:00 am

Take part in this annual tradition started by ornithologist Frank Chapman on December 25, 1900. The collected data will be added to an ever-growing database that provides valuable information to research scientists who study early winter bird populations across North America.
Register at http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/ 

Central Park is also a great place to stay fit between holiday parties – check out these events sponsored by the New York Road Runners:

NYRR Joe Kleinerman 10K  
Sunday, December 7 / 10K (6.2M) 
8:30 a.m. 

The legacy of NYRR founder Joe Kleinerman lives on with his namesake 10K. This wintry run not only pays tribute to Kleinerman, who passed away in 2003, but it also benefits a scholarship fund in his name for scholastic runners. $1 of your registration fee goes directly to the fund, and additional donations can be made during registration. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years old.

NYRR Holiday 4-Mile  
Saturday, December 13 / 4M 
8:30 a.m.

’Tis the season to be running! Crank up your holiday cheer with this festive family affair. It’s our present to you—happy holidays!

NYRR Ted Corbitt 15K 
Saturday, December 20 / 15K 
8:30 a.m. 

NYRR honors founding president Ted Corbitt with this 15K on December 20.

Emerald Nuts Midnight Run  
Wednesday, December 31 

DJ Music and Dancing • 10:00 p.m. / Costume Parade and Contest • 11:00 p.m. / Fireworks and 4M Race • Midnight / Central Park, New York

Kickoff the New Year with a spectacular fireworks at the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run. With a costume parade, dancing, all the rest, this four-miler is more of a party than a race. Count down the minutes ’til midnight and then count down the miles ’til the finish line.

Party Location: Dancing and the costume contest are at the Central Park Bandshell, just south of the 72nd Street Transverse in Central Park, New York. The closest entrance is at Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street.

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