7 Most Beautiful Christmas Windows in NYC

Crazy Thanksgiving weekend has gone so quickly. Hope you enjoyed it - eating and shopping!
Now what? Christmas is coming and holiday windows are on their way, too.
Please don't feel guilty to visit stores - it's window watching! Holiday widow displays of stores are like a Christmas-themed parade or fashion show. This show is free and open to public.
Why don't you just go and enjoy?

1. Saks Fifth Avenue
611 5TH Avenue New York, NY 10022

The theme this year is "Land of 1000 Delights", which includes magical landscapes of colorful candy and festive fashion.When you check out the windows, make sure to stick around for the multicolored ten-story tall light show, which the department store is most known for during the holidays. The extravaganza will play daily from 5 to 11pm every ten minutes until Jan 2.

2. Macy's Herald Square

151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001

Macy’s in Herald Square showed off its legendary display titled "Believe,” which inspires onlookers to have faith in the magic of the holiday season.Each of the six windows portray iconic holiday scenes created by designer Roya Sullivan, which includes Santa’s “Communication Station,” a Christmas-themed pinball machine, the North Pole and more.

3. Barneys New York
660 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10065

The luxury retailer’s theme this year is “Love, Peace and Joy.” Instead of Santa and his friends, you’ll find creative interpretations of love, peace and joy created by incredible artists, including Rob Pruitt, Nick Cave, Ebony G. Patterson, Studio Job and Trey Parker and Matt Stone of Comedy Central’s South Park. 

Make sure to take pictures of yourself making either a heart or peace sign with your hands or jumping for joy in front of the displays. If you share these images using the hashtag #LovePeaceJoyProject, Barneys New York Foundation will donate $5 per photo to great causes such as STYLEFUND, a fashion initiative to help women be more confident in how they dress and The Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation, which teaches children to never give up.

4. Bloomingdale's
1000 Third Avenue 59th Street and Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022

Bloomingdale’s has partnered with a group of visual artists to create chandeliers which embody their artistic definition of the word "light." There are eight windows in total, designed by Inma Barrero, Erika deVries and Jonah Meyer, Abby Modell, Sean Augustine March, Susanne Bartsch, Allison Eden, Esmeralda Kosmatopoulos and George Kroenert.
At the end of the holiday season, these one-of-a-kind designs will be auctioned off for the store’s holiday charity partner the Child Mind Institute.

5. Tiffany & Co.
727 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022

This Tiffany-blue display called "Make the World Sparkle," will certainly dazzle any passerby on Fifth Avenue.Due to post-election protests between 56th and 57th Streets, the jewelry connoisseurs felt the need to cancel their official unveiling ceremony, where celebrity guest Reese Witherspoon was expected to make an appearance. Regardless, the windows are still pretty spectacular and totally worth checking out.

6. Bergdorf Goodman
754 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Bergdorf Goodman’s iconic display is dubbed “Destination Extraordinary,” which depicts a dreamlike scene of lush, verdant gardens. Each of the five and extremely green displays are a unique destination, including titles such as The Winter Garden, The Hitch Hiker and Bird’s Eye View.

7. Lord & Taylor
424 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018

Lord & Taylor showed off its 79th display titled "Enchanted Forest," which takes onlookers through a whimsical journey on Fifth Avenue. Each of the five windows portray scenes from a winter wonderland, including 34 hand-sculpted animals and over 350-square-feet of LED walls that bring each vignette to life.

Source: TimeOutNewYork.com

5 Best Ice Skating Rinks in NYC

We all agree that Winter came to visit NYC last weekend, finally.

I saw people on the street frowning for fierce wind and freezing weather. Yes, actually it was me who complained and blamed the most. Now, I'm gonna switch my attitude to optimism to optimize Winter fun in NYC. Let's be friends with the weather and have a blast by ice-skating in the city! Here are 5 best ice skating rinks in NYC.




1. Wollman Rink in Central Park
South Part of Central Park, 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065

Surrounded by trees and iconic skyline view of buildings, the rink itself gives you unforgettable scenery of New York that it has been featured in films such as Love Story and Serendipity.

The rink opens at 10 a.m. every day, closes at 2:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and has different night skating hours Wednesday through Sunday. The youth fee is $6.00 daily, and for adults it’s $12 Monday through Thursday and $19.00 Friday through Sunday. Skate rentals are $9.00. Or, to avoid the lines and enjoy an unlimited snack buffet inside a warm tent, reserve one of 32 VIP passes for $75.

 2. Lasker Rink in Central Park

Northern Part of Central Park, 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065

If you want to enjoy ice skating without long waiting and stay as long as you want, Lasker Rink in the northwest corner of Central Park will be a perfect destination for you.

Hours vary with night skating available on Fridays and Saturdays. Cash-only entrance for adults is $8; kids is $4.00. Skate rentals are $7 and you can either bring your own lock or rent one for $3.25.

3. The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center, 600 5th Ave, New York, NY 10020

Especially if you are planning to see the legendary Christmas tree lights and holiday decoration at Rockefeller, make a special day with ice skating even though you need to be prepared to wait for a while. It is definitely worth it.

Adult rates range from $25 to $32 depending on standard, holiday or peak times, and children under 11 and seniors are $15. Skates are an additional $12. If you are an early bird, you can reserve a 7:00 am first-skate pass for $45 to $55, or indulge in the VIP package for $60 to $125 (depending on the date).

4. The Rink at Winter Village in Bryant Park

Bryant Park, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets

One of the best ice skating rinks in the city which is actually free if you bring your own skates is the popular rink located in the Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park. Holiday markets will add a lot of fun before and after your skating time.

Open every day from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Skate rentals are $15 ($19 from November 20 to January 3). Lockers are free but locks cost $9.

5. The Rink at Brookfield Place
Three World Financial Center, 230 Vesey St, New York, NY 10281

This rink located outside Brookfield’s Winter Garden opens for the season November 12 this year. The rink welcomes back United States Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petkhov for the 2016-17 skating season.

Open weekdays, 1 – 8:30 p.m.; weekends, 10:15 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. A 90-minute skate session is $15, and individual and family season passes are also available. Skate rental is $5, and if your little one needs some help, skate aids are $15 for 30 minutes.

Source: http://redtri.com/new-york/outdoor-ice-skating-rinks/

The 3 Best Places with NYC Skyline Views

What image pops into your head when you think of NYC?

The breath-taking city view of a skyline is my answer. So, whenever my friends visit me from other city or country, I always recommend them to see a skyline view as one of must-do-things in NYC. Among lots of places, the below are the best three that would make you speechless. Depending on the weather, you will feel totally different even in the same place, which is kind of addicting. I'm sure you can't stop visiting there over and over.


1. Top of the Rock
Rockefeller Center Observation Deck, Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020

The place I like the most. You can look down the whole Central Park and Manhattan Midtown. On top of that, you can see Empire State Building, the symbol of NYC from this observation deck!

Hope you guys experience the view in this video!

2. One World Observatory
One World Trade Center Observatory Deck, 285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10007

"Positioned on top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, on levels 100, 101, and 102 of the 1,776 foot tall One World Trade Center building, One World Observatory™ provides unique, panoramic views of New York City, its most iconic sites, and surrounding waters."

Start at One. See Forever. One World Observatory. Now Open. from One World Observatory on Vimeo.



3. Empire State Building
350 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118

The Empire State Building, an American cultural icon, is a 102-story skyscraper located on Fifth Avenue between West 33rd and 34th Streets in Midtown, Manhattan, New York City.

>>Check out the next post "5 Best Ice Skating Rinks in NYC"<<

5 Things To Know To Optimize Your Thanksgiving Day in NYC

D-10.
Guess what the D-DAY is.

Yesss, it is Thanksgiving Day, a traditional kick-off of the holiday season in the United States. And we all LOVE holidays. That's why I'm counting days! Since it is the most exciting season of the year, let's find more about the holiday itself and other events to optimize Thanksgiving Day experience in NYC.


1. What is Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated in Canada and the United States. It was originally celebrated as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Several other places around the world observe similar celebrations. Although Thanksgiving has historical roots in religious and cultural traditions, it has long been celebrated by everyone.

2. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The most eye-catching parade and a beloved tradition in NYC! It is the annual pageant of giant balloons, floats, cheerleaders, clowns, marching bands, theater and Broadway in New York performances and celebs is one of the best NYC events in November. If you don't like to stay outside in chilly weather, you can watch it on TV. But I strongly recommend to go outside and feel the festive mood.

View 90th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in a larger map.

The 90th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade begins at 9 am on Thanksgiving Day, which is Thursday, November 24, 2016.

3. Black Friday

Here we go, shopping! Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving Day. Since 1932, it has been regarded as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season in the U.S., and most major retailers open very early (and more recently during overnight hours) and offer promotional sales. A popular explanation of the phrase Black Friday is that this day represented the point in the year when retailers begin to turn a profit, thus going from being "in the red" to being "in the black"

Check this link and know more about 2016 Black Friday deals.

4. Cyber Monday

Another shopping day! Cyber Monday is a marketing term for the Monday after the Thanksgiving weekend in the United States. The term "Cyber Monday" was created by marketing companies to persuade people to shop online. The deals on Cyber Monday are online-only and generally offered by smaller retailers that cannot compete with the big retailers.

Cyber Monday is larger for fashion retail. On the past two Cyber Mondays, there were an average of 45% more clothing deals than on Black Friday. There were also 50% more shoe deals on Cyber Monday than on Black Friday. Cyber Monday has become an international marketing term used by online retailers across the world.

Check this link to know more about 2016 Cyber Monday deals.

 

5. Feeding NYC

We're going to stuff not only our stomach and shopping bags, but also those of our neighbors. Join Feeding NYC two days before Turkey Day to help prepare, package and deliver holiday feasts to more than 35,000 New York City families in need. With packaging shifts available or even the option to just donate, there are plenty of ways you can help this Thanksgiving. 

>>Check out the next post "The 3 Best Places with NYC Skyline Views"<<

Resources: wikipedia,timeoutnewyork, theblackfriday.com

5 Things To Know To Optimize Your Broadway Show Experience in NYC

Brrr... It's getting chilly outside.

We all know how fierce NYC wind is - forget holding an umbrella when it's rainy. So what are you gonna do it gets colder and colder? Please don't say that you are going to do couch potatoing - that's not cool at all.

Why don't you watch Broadway show instead? There are tons of shows - also many ways to get a discount! I'll take you to a quick guide on how to optimize your Broadway show experience in NYC. Are you ready?!

1. What is Broadway Show?

Broadway show, commonly known as Broadway, refers to the theatrical performances presented in the 41 professional theaters with 500 or more seats located in the Theater District and Lincoln Center along Broadway, in Midtown Manhattan, NYC. Along with London's West End theatres, Broadway theatres are widely considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world. The great majority of Broadway shows are musicals.

The Theater District, where many theaters are seated every one block or two, is a popular tourist attraction in NYC. According to The Broadway League, for the 2015–2016 season (which ended May 22, 2016), total attendance was 13,317,980 and Broadway shows had US$1,373,253,725 in grosses.


2. Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway

The classification of theatres is governed by language in Actors' Equity Association contracts. To be eligible for a Tony, a production must be in a house with 500 seats or more and in the Theater District, which criteria define Broadway theatre. Off Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway shows often provide a more experimental, challenging and intimate performance than is possible in the larger Broadway theatres. 

Some Broadway shows, however, such as the musicals Hair, Little Shop of Horrors, Spring Awakening, Next to Normal, Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights, Fun Home and Hamilton, began their runs Off-Broadway and later transferred to Broadway, seeking to replicate their intimate experience in a larger theatre.

3. Top 10 Broadway Shows (as of November 2016)

1. The Lion King
2. Wicked
3. The Book of Mormon
4. The Phantom of the Opera
5. Aladdin
6. Matilda
7. School of Rock - The Musical
8. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
9. Cats
10. A Bronx Tale

           



       

4. How to Get Discount Tickets?

• TKTS Discount Booths : Same-day theatre tickets at up to 50% off

The TKTS ticket booths sell Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, music, and dance events tickets at discounts of 20–50% off the face value. I suggest you to go to a TKTS Discount Booth early in the day. To help plan ahead, you can browse real-time listings on its website or on your mobile device with the official TKTS app.

• TodayTix : Discounted theater tickets today and this week

TodayTix sells discounted or full price theater tickets for purchase directly from its moble app and website, booked same day or up to a week ahead of time. If you have time to plan ahead or have a specific show to watch in your mind, TodayTix gives you more options to choose from.

• Broadway Week

Broadway Week in NYC is a ticket deal offered by Broadway producers and NYC & Company which lets you buy two-for-one tickets to certain shows for a limited time. There are two Broadway Weeks in a year, so check the calendar in advance to grab this opportunity.

• Rush, Lottery, and Standing-Only Tickets

Anyone willing to wake up and get to the box office early, spend some time in a line, or stand during the show, can get greatly discounted tickets to the majority of shows on Broadway. Or if none of those appeal, several Broadway shows now offer digital or online lottery options. Check this link to find out what discounted tickets are available for your next musicals.

5. Extra Tips

• The more you prepare for the show, the more you have fun. 

Listen to some popular tracks, read the lyrics. If there is a film or book with the same title of the show you are going to watch, I strongly recommend to see/watch it before heading to a theater.

• Optimize your student discount.

Take advantage of being a student. Go to a theater website and see if it offers any student discount.

• "Stage dooring" - Meet the actors!

Wait for the show’s stars to make an appearance for autographs and a few kind words with fans after the show.

>>Check out the next post<<

"5 Things to Know to Optimize Your Thanksgiving Day in NYC"

Sources: Wikipedia, broadway.com, tdf.org, todaytix.com, playbill.com

Top 7 Events to Optimize Your November in NYC

Hooray~ Holiday season is around the corner!

It means there are tons of fun things to do in NYC. Fifth Avenue stores and departments already changed clothes with holiday theme. If you pass by parks, you will notice holiday markets opened displaying gifts and Christmas ornaments. I know some of you already marked your calendar for Black Friday shopping. Last but not least, I'm one of the people waiting for Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!

Let's take a look at Top 7 events that will optimize your November in NYC.


1. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
  - The 90th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade begins at 9am on Thanksgiving Day, which is Thursday, November 24, 2016.

Let's kick off the start with the most exciting parade of the year. This is one of the big festival in NYC which is sponsored by Macy's. Come out and watch the annual pageant of giant balloons, floats, cheerleaders, clowns, marching bands!

>>Link to Thanksgiving Post "5 Things To Know To Optimize Your Thanksgiving Day in NYC"


2. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
  - November 30, 2016 - January 7, 2017. 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City. The 2016 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit for the first time on Wednesday, November 30, with live performances from 7–9pm, at Rockefeller Plaza. Thousands crowded the sidewalks for the event and millions watched it live across the globe.

3. Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- November 11, 2016 through January 2, 2017. 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020

It's cold outside, huh? Watching a wonder show in a theater is a perfect way to spend your winter. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular 2016 literally kicks off the holiday season in NYC. Since 1933, the tap dancers, flying Santa and of course the Rockettes have put on one of the city’s most classic Christmas spectacles.

4. Thanksgiving, Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sale
  - Date varies depending on a brand and location.

Can't stop thinking of shopping? This is the time for you to rush and shop! Take all advantages of holiday sales in the city of shopping. Check the list of brands, sale dates and coupons in advance and plan out smart. Some offline stores close on Thanksgiving or open late at night.

>>Link to Thanksgiving Post "5 Things To Know To Optimize Your Thanksgiving Day in NYC"


5. Ice Skating In A City Park
  - Wollman Rink in Central Park, 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065
  - The Rink at Winter Village in Bryant Park, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets
  - The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Rockefeller Center, 600 5th Ave, New York, NY 10020

Are you ready to enjoy cold weather? But you don't wanna go too far to go skiing? Ice skating rinks are waiting for you in the city. Make a plan to visit top 3 ice skating rinks, Wollman Rink in Central Park, The Rink at Winter Village in Bryant Park, and The Rink at Rockefeller Center. If you have your own ice skates, you can save a lot!

>>Link to Ice Skating Rinks Post "5 Best Ice Skating Rinks in NYC"


6. Holiday Markets In A City Park
  - Union Square Holiday Market, Union Square Park, Southern Side
  - Winter Village at Bryant Park Holiday Shops, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets
  - Columbus Circle Holiday Market, Columbus Circle, 59th Street and Central Park West

Here is another wonderful shopping experience you can have only in winter in NYC. Just drop by and take a look what these markets have. You will be fascinated by fine jewelry, unique art works, good quality home goods, and delicious eats. Some big brands also join and sell their best sellers.

7. The New York City Marathon
  - Across all five NYC boroughs

Are you a healthy nut? Have you attended marathon before? Why don't you challenge yourself by attending annual New York City Marathon? Thousands of runners will take to the streets for the NYC Marathon, which travels across all five NYC boroughs. The starting line is in Staten Island at the Western end of Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and participants run through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx before crossing the finish line in Central Park.

>>Check out the next post<<

"5 Things to Know to Optimize Your Broadway Show Experience in NYC"

Resources: TimeOutNewYork, Rockefeller Center, theblackfriday.com, newyork.com, urbanspacenyc.com

About Me

Marketyst

Aspiring integrated marketing professional equipped with in-depth knowledge of marketing analytics, digital marketing, and brand management. Detail oriented and organized, I observe situations and problems carefully, and develop new ideas and solutions. Always asking “why”, I am not afraid to express curiosity and have a passion for learning.


Pioneer

My life is full of trying new things! I love to explore new places and meet new people from various backgrounds - please tell me your stories. I'll try to learn your language and your culture. I learned Mandarin and studied abroad in Shanghai for a year. Also took French 101, but now I remember only 'Hi, my name is Heena', sadly. My future plan includes learning Spanish, so let me know if you're interested in helping me out or learning Korean from me.


Life Lover

People, books, music, nature, and NYC are resources of my inspiration. Having a fun conversation with you, finding a book that I want to read over and over, all kinds of music including my singing at a karaoke, going hiking, and getting around the city make me cherish every moment in my life.