There's a lot to love about NYC as the holiday season approaches, and Snug Harbor is providing us with one more.
Beginning Nov 28, the Staten Island botanical garden and cultural center will dedicate 7 acres of its grounds to the first-annual NYC Winter Lantern Festival, part photo-op, part holiday market and all-things festive.
"I think of the NYC Winter Lantern Festival as an immersive, creative and unique display of lights and art, an awe-inspiring place for everyone to enjoy,” Conglin Miao, one of NYC Winter Lantern Festival Producers said in a statement. "I wanted to take a classic Chinese tradition and transform it into an unforgettable event in the United States."
Photograph: Courtesy NYC Winter Lantern Festival/JMT Media
There will be 40 LED installations, including a Holiday Zone and Light Tunnel, but the typical Christmas and Hanukkah happenings are taken up a notch with gorgeous Animal Kingdom, Panda Paradise and traditional Chinese lights, all of which will stretch up to 30 feet tall. In addition to an Instagram paradise for those who can't resist a holiday selfie, there will also be Chinese art and dance performances, retail vendors, a food court and more.
Photograph: Courtesy NYC Winter Lantern Festival/JMT Media
“We couldn’t be more excited about the NYC Winter Lantern Festival,” said Aileen Fuchs, President and CEO of Snug Harbor Cultural Center's Botanical Garden. “Visitors will have the chance to explore our grounds in a completely different light—literally!
NYC Winter Lantern Festival will be here until Jan 6, and tickets start at $23, $15 for children. Score your tickets here.
Photograph: Courtesy NYC Winter Lantern Festival/JMT Media
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As they say in Game of Thrones, "Winter is coming." No need to hibernate inside, though—our guide to the best winter activities for kids in NYC will make the season better than ever. Prepare for fun ice skating in NYC, delicious hot chocolate and cool Christmas events for kids.