New York Daily Photo Analytics

Friday, December 09, 2011

Easy As ABC


New York City prides itself on offering the best, and when it comes to Christmas, it certainly will not be outdone. The Christmas season is one where New York literally shines. Look at the many iconic images known throughout the world:

Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. the Rockefeller Center Mall, and THE TREE - many consider it to be our national Christmas tree. Macy's, the Miracle on 34th Street, and their Santaland. Fifth Avenue and its neighboring flagship stores with their extraordinary store window displays: Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany's, Cartier, Saks, B. Altman, Lord and Taylor, FAO Schwartz, Barney's, Bloomingdale's. Ice skating in Central Park, Bryant Park, and Rockefeller Center. The lights of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. The Nutcracker with the New York City Ballet.

A remarkable list, since any single one of these would be bragging rights for any city or town. But in New York, we offer all, making this city an urban mecca for Christmas. Nearly all of these sights are on or near Fifth Avenue, an easy stroll from each other and one of the most pleasant walks one could make during the holiday season. I have done stories on all but one of the aforementioned major Christmas things to see and do.

For those seeking Santa himself, there are many options. There are the well-known venues such as Santaland at Macy's, but for those looking for the more special and lesser known, of course, New York also offers that too. Santas abound, but many herald the Santa at ABC Carpet and Home as one of the most authentic and snuggable in the land. The Victorian set is beautifully appointed, as one might expect from ABC - it's like a boutique Santa experience. For prudent parents and impatient children, one of the huge pluses is the much lesser number of people in line, if any at all. It comes highly recommended and is likely the ultimate Santa photo op in New York City, and it's Easy as ABC :)

10 comments:

Leslie said...

Totally cool...I had no idea!! Wish I was young enough to sit on Santa's lap. ;-)

Julia said...

As amazing as that looks, I have a feeling that my son (when aged about 3 or 4) would have taken one look at it and probably run in the other direction! I still remember the day we queued up for hours only for him to look completely terrified when he finally saw Santa - oh happy days!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Brian - great post - amazing shop and set with more amazing Santa! Have to say though Brian, most surprised the intrepid curio in you didn't discover just "who" is residing in that red suit and "his" story.
Seasons Greetings from country NSW
Rosie Walker from Oz

Brian Dubé said...

Anonymous - Ah - you know me well. Actually I spent a couple hours trying to find out who he is and was unable to even get a name.

SeveP said...

Your post has arrived just in time for my evening: watching "Miracle on 34 street" on tv (here in Rome).

Kendigram said...

Now that's a great looking Santa! I never knew they did that at ABC. Amazing photos, Brian. I remember standing on line for hours at Macy's when I was just a tot, about 50 years ago!. When I finally reached Santa I got so scared I refused to sit on his lap. Hey, I'm Jewish, what do I know! And Leslie, you are young enough and beautiful enough to sit on Santa's lap anytime you want!

glenda said...

Ahh to be in NY at Christmas. such fun! Thanks for the lovely photos.

Anonymous said...

Brian, Love the pictures, His name, Kris Kringle of course.

Hmmm said...

Great pics! There's so many amazing things to capture in NYC. Please feel free to check out my NYC photo blog: http://yournycpics.blogspot.com/

Trish ~ ♥ ~ said...

Brian ~ I was just in the City on Tuesday, went to Macy's and took the express elevator up to the 8th floor where the line to Santa Land wrapped around the floor. We opted for the "sneak a peak" line and viewed Santa from afar. Their windows are only to be out done by last years.

The walk up to Bryant Park was a pleasant one and the show at Radio City was fabulous, as always. FAO Schwatz was fun, and the Lady Gaga Workshop at Barney’s was a sight to be seen. Pass Bergdorf's amazing Christmas window displays and off to see the Rockefeller tree light up for the evening. Wish I had known about ABC, we would have visit Santa too! There is nothing like Christmas in the City! Cheers