Magdalena O'Neal

Multiply your fun with this New York City itinerary that takes you through the best-of-the-best of NYC. Plus, explore bonus adventures that take you from the most delicious cannoli in NYC to a late-night deli for a sandwich piled high with pastrami. Just like the New York Lottery is only available in New York, these are things to eat, see and do that can only be found in NYC. From a hidden garden perfect for a photo opp to a chocolate egg cream after a Broadway show starring your favorite actor, we’ve curated “bonus” spots just steps away from every iconic NYC adventure.   Just like the New York Lottery Bonus X scratch-off games give you the opportunity to multiply the feeling of multiplying your winnings (with the chance of multiplying your winnings up to 50x!), these bonus activities will help you multiply your fun. With the new Bonus X Scratch-Off Games from the New York Lottery, you have a chance to win prizes up to $3,000,00 plus Bonus Games for an extra chance to win cash. So start planning your perfect only-in-New-York adventure, follow @newyorklottery for the latest ways to play and find your favorite Bonus X Scratch-Off Games at your local retailer to play today. Play the new Bonus X Scratch-Off Games from the New York Lottery Catch the latest Broadway show Photograph: Shutterstock    Whether you’re seeing a limited-run play with your favorite star in the lead role or a beloved musical that’s been running for years, a Broadway show is one of those only-in-New York

It’s a New Year, which means it’s time to hit reset and decide on a few resolutions for 2025. Maybe this is the year you finally launch your own business, reach a new income goal or cross a few more destinations off that ever-growing travel bucket list. But what if you could do all of that at the same time? Meet Fora, the modern travel agency helping people turn their travel passion into a thriving business.  Perhaps you’re the friend with a Google Maps that looks like a treasure map, dotted with the best boutique hotels or resorts that cater to every family member's preferences and interests. Or maybe your remote job has taken you from snow-capped mountains to crystal-clear seaside resorts, leaving your friends perpetually texting and inquiring where you are now. Now, you can turn that globetrotting expertise into unforgettable trips for clients—whether it’s designing an action packed adventure safari in Kenya or curating a wine tour in France for aspiring sommeliers.  Best of all, you don’t have to navigate the time-consuming (and expensive) process of starting a travel agency from scratch. Fora provides everything you need to get started, including training and VIP perks and amenities at over 125k hotels. Plus, you’ll join a vibrant community of other explorers, ensuring you’re never navigating the industry alone.  Eager to learn more? Here are five reasons to enter the New Year on your own terms as a Fora Advisor. Whether you’re passionate about travel and want to help pl

With Broadway about to be blitzed by [Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical,] the feel-good musical tale of a top-secret mission that changed the course of WWII, it seems fitting to reveal a few secrets about the hilarious and best-reviewed show in West End history.  How did a dead body, a fake love letter and the creator of 007 come together to catfish Hitler? And how did a brilliant, endlessly inventive troupe of actors take their insanely joyful show from London’s fringe to conquer the West End, winning the 2024 Olivier Award for Best New Musical? We’ve got all the answers! The year is 1943 and the Allies are losing the war. Between cigars and tumblers of single malt, a few well-meaning, occasionally inept British intelligence operatives—with the approval of Winston Churchill—are about to gamble the world’s future on a stolen corpse. Whether it’s the inspired performers or their countless characters, you’re bound to cheer on these underdogs as they gleefully trample across class, gender and nationality, skewering privilege, bureaucracy and jingoism to save the day for democracy. Since this British invasion of Broadway hinges on classified information, here are a few strictly confidential facts about Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical, for your eyes only. The story is incredibly true  Photo courtesy of Matt Crockett   Seriously, when someone says, “You can’t make this stuff up,” this is what they mean. It’s a real-life spy caper so sensational that it inspired three books an

There are certain shows that stand the test of musical theater time, inspiring audiences to return year after year to laugh, cry and get totally freaked out. In that final category, the widely beloved musical Little Shop of Horrors belongs to a plant-store-sized category of its own. The show has delighted (and provoked lifelong fears of horticulture) since its debut. It is now in its sixth succulent year at Off-Broadway’s Westside Theatre, which promises an up-close view to the blood-soaked chaos of one very, very dangerous plant.   Celebrated as the best musical revival of the decade, Little Shop of Horrors follows Seymour, a sweet but downtrodden florist’s assistant whose life is changed when he discovers a strange plant he names Audrey II. After a lifetime of yearning for more than what the lonely little shop on Skid Row has to offer, Audrey II brings Seymour sudden fame and fortune. It also harbors a secret—instead of water, it can only bloom from human blood. As Audrey II grows, chaos ensues in this delightfully scary tale of love and ambition gone terribly wrong.  With a score that is a musical theater masterclass from the EGOT-winning duo Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, soaring performances from three-time Tony-nominee Sherie Rene Scott and recent Hamilton star Nicholas Christopher, Little Shop of Horrors is the perfect holiday treat for (almost) everyone on your list. Plus, with tickets starting at $58, it’s a steal for an evening of, literally, killer entertainment. T

It’s no secret that Christmas is one of the best times to be in New York City. Every neighborhood’s charm factor grows exponentially as festive decor adorns blocks big and small, restaurants offer cozy menus bursting with nostalgic seasonal flavors and the city’s performance venues brim with spectacular holiday shows. The New Victory Theater is no exception to the latter. Located on 42nd Street in the heart of NYC’s famed Theater District, New Victory aims to “open new worlds to young people and families through extraordinary performances, education and engagement programs,” and to that end, puts as much emphasis on the tastes and perspectives of its younger audience members as it does on its adult visitors. Photo by Maike Schulz; provided by New Victory Theater With the forthcoming Yuletide Factory, Las Vegas-based Cirque Mechanics is back for their sixth appearance at New Victory, this time with a circus of “merry daredevils” primed to delight guests of all ages (last year they brought the celebrated Zephyr to the theater). Like all of Cirque Mechanics’ unique offerings, Yuletide Factory promises to deliver a spellbinding acrobatic showcase that all audiences will love.  If all that’s not enough to convince you, here are a handful more excellent reasons to see Yuletide Factory at the New Victory Theater this holiday season. Mesmerizing performances from some of the world’s greatest acrobats Photo by Maike Schulz; provided by New Victory Theater Every Cirque Mechanics sh

If you're in the city  and have a passion for tech, fashion or exploring unique experiences, you’ll want to check out the Meta Lab pop-up, open now until December 31. This temporary installation isn’t your ordinary eyewear showcase—it’s an interactive playground and a tribute to L.A.’s creativity, combining the heritage and style of Ray-Ban with cutting-edge Meta AI. I stopped by the pop-up to browse the glasses, immerse myself in the exhibits and features of the space and take some inspiration for my perfect day in L.A.! Here’s a rundown of all the things you won’t want to miss at the pop-up and a couple of places my new Ray-Ban Meta Glasses inspired me to visit in the city. 

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ve probably wondered why an owl never soared through your bedroom window with a Hogwarts acceptance letter (just us?). Nevertheless, you’ve likely still dreamed of snagging your wand at Ollivanders, flying on a broomstick during the Triwizard Tournament and finally learning if the Sorting Hat would place you in Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin. Maybe your Hedwig is still en route from England (fingers crossed!) but until then, there’s Harry Potter New York, where you can dive into all things Harry Potter and satisfy those cravings for Quidditch, wands and a cold mug of Butterbeer.  The official Harry Potter New York store is located at 935 Broadway in the Flatiron District and houses a large collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products—from toys to rare collectibles—all under one roof. You’ll feel like Ron or Hermione could walk through the door at any moment as you browse props from the movies and exclusive merchandise, including a custom Golden Snitch wand and personally embroidered Hogwarts house robes just in time for the holidays. Inside the store, you’ll forget that the acceptance letter never arrived and experience the magic firsthand. Here are a handful things that will help you have a truly enchanted day at Harry Potter New York.  Visit Ollivanders Wand Shop Photo courtesy of Harry Potter New York No witch or wizard is complete without their wand! Inspired by Ollivanders in Diagon Alley, the Harry Potter N

Want to have an iconic winter date in NYC? Head to After Hours at Top of the Rock Observation Deck, which is now open until midnight every night. At the crown jewel of New York City, you can experience the nighttime glitter of the holiday season from 70 floors above the street—and then rise three more floors on the brand-new Skylift that takes you straight into the skyline. While you’re exploring the reimagined Rock Center, have a romantic skate date at The Rink, stop for a rinkside dinner for two at Jupiter and then cap off your night with a cocktail in the clouds at the Weather Room on the 67th floor.  If you’re fitting a trip to Top of the Rock into your busy holiday to-do list, don’t forget to grab an Express Pass to score immediate entry at any time on the day of your choice, priority elevator access and a 20% discount at the gift shop. Whether you’re looking for a heart-pounding experience or can’t wait to create a lifetime memory high above the city, here are five ways for locals to rediscover the “hidden” gem of Rockefeller Center during After Hours at Top of the Rock. See you at the top!  See the skyline from Skylift Photo courtesy of Rockefeller Center The new Skylift experience sends you and your date three more stories above the 70-story Top of the Rock on a revolving, open-air glass platform for even more stunning views. It’s an intimate, epic experience that makes you feel like you’re floating high above the city’s skyscrapers, letting you take in breathtaking

The most wonderful time of year is just around the corner, which means one of the city’s most unforgettable skating experiences is back at The Shops at Oculus. Winter Whirl Roller Rink—this year presented by Sonic the Hedgehog 3—returns for another season along with all the trimmings to make your holiday merry and bright. But taking a spin around this fabulous roller rink is just one piece of the holiday pie. The Shops at Oculus is your one-stop destination for shopping, dining and fun—and the perfect place to catch the spirit of the season.  If you’re looking for some holiday cheer, look no further than The Shops at Oculus. Find the perfect gift, grab a bite to eat and strap on a pair of skates, all within the architecturally stunning transit hub that is The Oculus. The countdown is on, so here are a handful of ways to get into the holiday spirit at The Shops at Oculus, from shopping and dining to skating or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere. For a full list of holiday events, visit The Shops at Oculus website here and follow on social @westfieldworldtradecenter.

  When the moment arises for interactive and playful enjoyment, it’s worth grabbing it (with both hands). Meta Lab, LA, is one of those moments. The pop-up—which is free to the public—opens on November 8 in West Hollywood, ready for whenever you want hands-on (but actually hands-free) creative playtime. There, you can try out and purchase Ray-Ban Meta Glasses—experiencing features like Meta AI, open-ear audio for hands-free listening, voice command capabilities for calling and messaging and a 12 MP camera that directly uploads to Instagram—all while exploring and drawing inspiration from LA’s vibrant culture. Photo provided by Ray-Ban Meta   Blending together the best of creativity and technology, Meta Lab is a free pop-up specially crafted for anyone who loves to experiment. Visitors can demo the glasses that come in a range of styles, create hands-free content using Ray-Ban Meta Glasses (a favorite for the likes of Tinashe), and even purchase the glasses for themselves or friends and family for the Holidays. Through the theme of custom culture, there will be two waves of installations and activations featuring sounds by musician Tierra Whack, DIY style from Wisdom Kaye and Brain Dead, and lowrider-inspired work by artists Jacqueline Valenzuela, Armando Flores, Erick Padillo and Estevan Oriol. These will celebrate the diverse vibe of the city, while the installations will serve as a backdrop to experiencing the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses and their capabilities first-hand. Phot

If you’re making plans in New York City this winter, your itinerary is probably full of once-in-a-lifetime activities that can only happen here—like seeing a Broadway show or the Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center. But there’s only one way to truly see everything this magical city has to offer: from the sky. Luckily, you can do exactly that at One World Observatory, one of our favorite destinations in New York.  Perched atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the world-famous One World Trade Center, the Observatory offers breathtaking, 360° views of the bustling city below. Imagine seeing cars stream over the Brooklyn Bridge and the endless sight of skyscrapers—all from over 100 stories up. Plus, the Observatory’s climate-controlled space allows you to escape those frigid winter winds and get cozy with your family and friends.  Since opening in 2015, the Observatory has drawn locals and visitors alike. While the views alone would be reason enough to visit, this holiday season, the Observatory will also offer three floors filled with seasonal food options, must-see interactive exhibits, luxurious cocktails and more. In the winter, the Observatory transforms into ONEderland, a holiday-inspired retreat perfect for festive photos and gifts that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Here are five more reasons why One World Observatory is a must-visit addition to your New York City holiday itinerary.

Just minutes from the Dallas Design District, the Hilton Anatole is your go-to for a quick, fun getaway with family or friends. But come holiday season, it’s the stuff Christmas dreams are made of. This year, the hotel is pulling out all the stops, transforming into a Bavarian holiday wonderland with a side of Texas flair. Think cozy European Christmas market vibes, glowing lights, breakfast with Santa and a few surprises that’ll keep everyone—from the little elves to the grown-up kids—grinning ear to ear. Forget the passport and freezing temps; the Anatole’s Bavarian Village is your ticket to a Euro-style Christmas market, right here in Dallas. You’ll find twinkling lights, artisanal crafts and seasonal treats that’ll make you feel like you’ve walked straight into a holiday postcard. Whether you’re on the hunt for last-minute gifts or just soaking in the holiday cheer, the vibe is pure magic. Photo courtesy of Hilton Anatole For a bit more action after wandering through the Bavarian Village, a ticket to the grand Ferris wheel lets you soar high above the action, giving you epic views of both the hotel bedecked grounds and the Dallas skyline. Romantic escape? Fun for the whole family? This Ferris wheel has all the holiday feels. Of course, no Bavarian holiday is complete without a Christmas tree, and the Anatole’s got you covered with a Christmas Tree Maze. Get lost in a sea of sparkling decorations and dazzling lights—ideal for adventurers of all ages and anyone with a sof