NYC - December Free / Cheap Events Preview - New York City

Mountie Mondays At Bryant Park
Mondays through December 31, 2007
11:00 am to 2:00 pm or 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Located between 40th and 42nd streets and Fifth and Sixth avenues

New Yorkers can't get enough of their friendly and well-dressed Canadian neighbors! From now through December 31, officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will be stationed at The Pond at Bryant Park every Monday. Join the Mounties for a meet and greet and celebrate Canadian activities in the park. Visitors can even take home a free keepsake photo with their new Mountie friends in front of the Holiday Tree, all compliments of the Canadian Tourism Commission. For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks or call 311 and ask for the Urban Park Rangers.

Meet St. Nicholas at Belvedere Castle in Central Park
Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 11:00 am
Mid-park at 79th Street

Do you know where Santa Claus comes from? Learn about the patron saint who inspired his character at Belvedere Castle in Central Park. 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. FREE! Fun for all ages. Advance registration required for groups. For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks or call 311.

Battle Prattle Walking Tour At Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn
Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Meet at the Fort Greene Park Visitor Center
Enter the park at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park

Ever wonder why the names Putman, Greene and Lafayette are so popular with parks and on street signs? Find out why during this informative walk through Fort Greene Park and learn why the city devotes so many sites to these namesakes. For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks or call 311 and ask for the Urban Park Rangers.

Winter Waterfowl Prowl at Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 9:00 am
Meet at Mauro Playground in Queens

Join the Urban Park Rangers for a special winter waterfowl prowl in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. With the Rangers, you’ll have exclusive access to the beautiful Willow Lake where mergansers, ruddy ducks, buffleheads and many more unique waterfowl come to spend the winter. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Fun for all ages. FREE. For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers or call 311 and ask for the Urban Park Rangers.

Central Park Tours: Unlocking The Sanctuary
Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Meet at the Gapstow Bridge at the Pond (at 62 Street, west of East Drive)

We’re going to unlock the gates! Hallett Nature Sanctuary is a rocky four-acre woodland wildlife preserve in Central Park that is filled with birds, plants and natural mystery. The last special visitor was a wild coyote! For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks or call 311 and ask for the Urban Park Rangers.

Hess Presents Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo Visit the Bronx Zoo and get to enjoy all the wonderful Holiday Lights strung out in many delightful shapes...but that's not all! There'll be costumed characters as well as ice sculpting and so much more!!! So get into the festive holiday spirit early this year and head on over to the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo this year! November 16 - January 6, 2008 (with staggered dates....look below) Further Details regarding staggered dates to come as/when they're made available. Closed December 24 & 25 The following is from a previous year. Stay tuned for updates regarding price of entry. The following is information from last year (2006): Admission to Holiday Lights is $10 for adults, $7 for children (2-12 years) and seniors (65+.) Parking is $7 for cars and $15 for buses. Bring a group of 10 or more and receive a Group Sales discount by calling 718-220.5198 or visit www.bronxzoo.com to purchase your Holiday Lights adventure (advance sales required for discount.) You could learn more about the Bronx Zoo by visiting New Yorkled's related page.

HOLIDAY MARKETS In NYC Following are a list of Holiday Faires taking place in some hot areas. From all sorts of artistic nick-nacks and such to many other Holiday Items and Wares. There's plenty of shopping fun for everyone. So head on over to our Holiday Markets Page now to see what's coming up.

Visit as well: NY Botanical Garden Page on New Yorkled New Yorkled NYC Christmas Events Page Official Website

The Annual Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx November 23, 2007-January 13, 2008 Taking place once again at the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory within the Bronx' NY Botanical Garden is this Seasonal treat wherein all are welcomed to enjoy the magical Holiday Train Show. With replicas of over 100 NY Landmarks stretched across the Conservatory (from the Statue of Liberty and Apollo Theater to winter scenes in Central Park) all are sure to be pleased by this stunning display as trains and trolleys travel throughout and enter and exit tunnels and bridges. "Set amid evergreens and lights, it's a fantastic world sure to enchant the whole family. And there's something new to see every year. Additions to this year's landscape include the Jewish Museum, a much larger interpretation of the Brooklyn Bridge, and an historic Bronx firehouse. So begin a new tradition with your family--Come for the magic of this year's Holiday Train Show and return to see what new surprises it holds." Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day Visit their site to learn more about pricing and such.

~ Past Events ~

Fowl Play At Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx
Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 9:00 am

Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (Enter the park at West 246th Street and Broadway)
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a scenic bird walk along Van Cortlandt Park’s John Kieran Nature Trail. Along the way, you’ll stop at the lake, where mergansers, ruddy ducks, buffleheads and other unique winter waterfowl abound. As you head into the woods, you’ll be greeted by the chirping of songbirds and if you look closely, you might catch a glimpse of a wintering raptor or two. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Fun for all ages. FREE. For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers or call 311 and ask for the Urban Park Rangers.

Tour The Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument
At Fort Greene Park In Brooklyn
Sunday, December 2, 2007 at 1:00 pm

Meet at Fort Greene Visitor Center (enter park at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park)
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an exploration of Fort Green Park’s Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument. Learn all about the park’s history including this 148-foot tall structure that was built in 1908 as a memorial to Revolutionary War prisoners who lost their lives aboard treacherous prison ships. Fun for all ages. FREE.
For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers or call 311 and ask for the Urban Park Rangers.

Discover The Natural History Of Cunningham Park, Queens
Sunday, December 2, 2007 at 11:00 am
Meet in parking lot on Union Turnpike at 196th Street

Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore the forests of Cunningham Park, one of the most undisturbed natural areas in the entire city! Discover how the distinctive knob and kettle terrain formed by glacial movements of centuries past determined the unique tree species covering this landscape. Towering tulip trees, old-growth oak-hickory stands and chirping songbirds are just a few of the natural treasures that you’ll find in this urban oasis. Gentle pace. All ages welcome. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring along water. For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers or call 311 and ask for the Urban Park Rangers.

The Annual Independent and Small Press Book Fair
Saturday, December 1 (10am to 6pm)
Sunday, December 2 (11am to 5pm)

Taking place at the Small Press Center, The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, at 20 West 44th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues) in Manhattan.

FREE ADMISSION! (Your $1 donation helps keep it free!) For a full list of programs, including days and times,
Visit the official site to learn more.

A New Museum At Eldridge Street Holds Open House
Celebrating Grand Re-Opening Of Restored Eldridge Street Synagogue
Open House, Hosted by the Museum at Eldridge Street
Sunday, December 2 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm
12 Eldridge Street (between Canal and Division)

1887 National Historic Landmark Opens its Doors after 20-Year Restoration Sunday, December 2
On December 2, just days before Chanukah, the Museum at Eldridge Street will celebrate the completion of its extensive restoration of the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.  The new Museum at Eldridge Street will be a vital cultural and educational center celebrating more than a century of Jewish life in America, serving people of all backgrounds.  To commemorate the grand re-opening and the National Historic Landmark’s 120th anniversary, the Museum at Eldridge Street will host an open house featuring free docent-led tours of the synagogue, traditional music and a Make-Your-Own-Rose-Window art activity for children.
The Museum at Eldridge Street will also offer free admission to the public from December 3-12, which includes all eight days of Chanukah.
The Museum at Eldridge Street will be open Sunday-Thursday from 10 AM to 4 PM beginning December 3, 2007.  General admission will be $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for students and children 5- 18.  Museum at Eldridge Street members and children under 5 will be admitted free.  For additional information, please visit www.eldridgestreet.org.

Denizens Of The Dark at Alley Pond Park in Queens
Saturday, December 8, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Meet at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center  (Enter at Winchester Boulevard, under the Grand Central Parkway)

Join the Urban Park Rangers for an introduction to Alley Pond Park’s denizens of the dark. Unravel the many mysteries of the nocturnal world and learn about the unique adaptations that allow some species to thrive in the dark. Don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of a scampering skunk or hear a cacophony of hooting owls and croaking frogs. Bring a flashlight and a sense of adventure. Fun for all ages. FREE. For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers or call 311 and ask for the Urban Park Rangers.

Hanukkahthon at the Children's Galleries for Jewish Culture
515 West 20th Street, Suite 4E
212-924-4500
www.jcllcm.com
20th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues - Trains: C, E to 23rd Street or 1 to 18th Street or L to 14th Street. Buses: M11, M23, M14
Admission: $8.00 per person, includes admission to exhibition and arts and crafts projects.
Strollers cannot be accommodated
December on Sunday, December 9: 2-5pm
Hanukkahthon: Interactive exhibitions, treasure hunt, and music! Create beautiful, personalized Hanukkah lamps out of clay and make large dreydels using foam core, color pencils and markers. Build a model temple out of balsa wood, construction paper, and glue!
During Hanukkah: 2-5pm - Mon 12/3, Tue 12/4, Wed 12/5, Thu 12/6, Mon 12/10
Explore both exhibitions, join in a Hanukkah treasure hunt, and participate in a variety of Hanukkah-related arts and crafts activities!

Travel The Staten Island Ferry’s History
Sunday, December 9, 2007 from 12:45 pm – 2:00 pm
Staten Island Ferry Terminal - Meet in terminal lobby (St. George, Staten Island)

The Staten Island Ferry has a long and storied history dating back to its inauguration in 1817. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a trip to Manhattan and back on this lovely boat while discussing the history of the route and the harbor. Fun for all ages. FREE. For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers or call 311 and ask for the Urban Park Rangers.

Winter Waterfowl Prowl in Central Park
Sunday, December 9, 2007 at 10:00 am
Meet at Dana Discovery Center (110 Street and Lenox Avenue)

Join the Urban Park Rangers for a winter waterfowl prowl in Central Park. Beginning at the Harlem Meer in the northeast corner, we’ll head south, stopping at various water bodies including the Loch, the Pool and finally the Reservoir. Along the way, you’ll see mergansers, ruddy ducks, buffleheads and many more unique waterfowl that call Central Park their winter home. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Fun for all ages. FREE. For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers or call 311 and ask for the Urban Park Rangers.

Fashion Center BID presents a Designers Forum
with fashion designer Isabel Toledo and artist Ruben Toledo.  
Monday, December 10 at 12:00 noon

The duo will describe their creative process and its intersection with the fashion and art worlds, as part of the ongoing Art + Design series. A light lunch will be served. Attendees must RSVP: 212-764-9600.
The Fashion Center, 209 West 38th St, 2nd floor in Manhattan
Visit the official site here.

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