Travel with Terri

Holiday Sights and Sounds:  Unique events to enjoy this holiday season

By Terri Farris

The holiday season in Florida is definitely unique. Holiday lights are often found in palm trees,  Santa rarely has to be concerned about coming down the chimney and catching his pants on fire and shopping for holiday gifts can be followed by an afternoon at the beach – without a jacket.  Sometimes, though, it is nice to head north for at least part of the holiday season to a place where sweaters, scarves and gloves are part of the season.  This month I would like to share with you some unique holiday happenings further up the east coast should you choose to take a few days out of the busy season to travel.

New York City is often the destination of choice for holiday travelers.  Everyone is familiar with the window displays at Macy’s, Sak’s Fifth Avenue and many other department stores.  And I doubt there is anyone who does not know about the Christmas tree and ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center.  But did you know there is an ice skating rink just eight blocks from Rockefeller Center at Bryant Park that is much larger and often far less crowded?  Located at 42^nd Street and 6^th Avenue, The Pond at Bryant Park becomes an ice skating rink during the holiday season.  There is also an old-fashioned outdoor holiday market in the European tradition throughout the park.  This free holiday fair features more than 120 artisans and merchants from around the world.  One talented artisan showcasing her handcrafted designer jewelry this season is Brooklyn resident Wendy Culpepper (www.wendyculpepper.com).  Wendy grew up in Florida and her Florida roots inspired the creation of her “Alligator” collection!  (http://www.bryantpark.org/amenities/thepond.php)

Just down the road from Bryant Park is Grand Central Terminal the sight of the Grand Central Holiday Fair held for the past 11 years in Vanderbilt Hall.  In the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal visitors are treated to a breathtaking holiday light show on the famed Astrological Ceiling.  The New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex in Grand Central Terminal also presents a Holiday Train Show where visitors can view model trains running through a beautiful holiday landscape that includes models of New York City landmarks.  Admission to both holiday events is free. (http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/)

While the lights of the big city will attract many visitors during the

Christmas in Hershey

holiday season, those wanting a quieter holiday will find plenty of lights in the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania.  Christmas in Hershey, the town-wide season celebration will light up this already delightful locale with more than 3 million lights!  Hersheypark, the town’s popular amusement park will be transformed into a holiday village with rides, Santa and his nine live reindeer, live entertainment, shops, food and of course, chocolate!  The park will feature N.O.E.L.!, a light show synchronized to jingle-rocking Christmas music and featuring more than 125,000 lights.

For even more sparkle, check out Hershey Sweet Lights “A Holiday Drive-Thru Spectacular” where guests drive their vehicles along a 2.3 mile route through a wooded hillside and enjoy nearly 600 light displays.  Hershey Sweet Lights also features “sweet sounds” with a customized radio broadcast bringing guests the sounds of the season as they drive along.

Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey will be offering holiday packages.  The Hershey Lodge will offer “Christmas in ChocolateTown”, a holiday dinner musical.  The Hotel Hershey’s Chocolate Spa is offering a Holiday Spa Day package featuring their Peppermint Pattie Scrub and other delights!  (www.christmasinhershey.com)

The holiday lights continue south into Baltimore with its version of “Miracle on 34^th Street” in the Hampden neighborhood.  Now in it’s 62^nd year, this neighborhood of rowhouses string Christmas lights across 34th Street to create a spectacle of lights that is surely visible from outer space!  It all began when Bob Hosier was a teenager living on the street.  He strung lights in a tree in his family’s yard.  Neighbors joined in and began to decorate their lawns.  From those humble beginnings it grew into a holiday event that draws visitors from around the world.  This is a talented group of neighbors with one displaying overhead musical trains and another with a hub cap Christmas tree!  (http://www.christmasstreet.com/)

Just east of Baltimore in Annapolis, Maryland visitors can experience a spectacular drive-through holiday lights show at Sandy Point State Park on the bay.  Displays include Dino-lights, Winter Fairy Tale, Teddy Bear and Maryland-themed light displays. On Saturday, December 12^th over 70 power and sailboats adorned with colorful holiday lights transform the Annapolis harbor into a sea of lights during Maryland’s oldest lighted boat parade. The event ends with a fireworks display over the harbor.  (www.visitannapolis.org) For more subdued Christmas lights join the Watermark Tour group for a Candlelight Stroll through historic Annapolis.  Glowing lanterns light the way as guides dressed in Colonial period attire share the stories of past holidays. (http://www.watermarkcruises.com/events.htm)

Wherever you decide to spend your holiday season, I wish you and yours a joyful, peaceful season filled with the sights and sounds that make you happy!  

Terri is a freelance writer with regular columns on travel, chocolate and bar reviews.  She is busy each month visiting new places to bring unique travel destinations and events to you.  Yes, it is a sacrifice – but she is willing to do that for her readers!  You can see more of Terri’s writing at www.examiner.com where she is the National Chocolate Examiner and at www.barzz.net.  You can contact Terri at tfarris60@hotmail.com.