Things to Do: Fun Last-Minute Holiday Events New York City

If you’re like me, you can’t believe Christmas is less than a week away! That means there are only a few days left to partake in the myriad festive holiday activities around New York City. Although the clock may be ticking, there’s still time to get in on the fun.

There’s no better place than the Big Apple to tap into the holiday spirit. It’s no secret that the city that never sleeps really comes to life during the holiday season. With stores bedecked in glittering lights, streets flanked by larger-than-life ornaments, and gorgeous decorations dangling from light posts, the concrete jungle seamlessly transforms into a winter wonderland.

In case you’re still looking for fun holiday photo opportunities, shows and memorable events for you and your family, you’re in luck. I’ve rounded up three outings that will run through the New Year.

North Pole Express Bus Tour

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All aboard! North Pole Express by TopView invites guests to take a ride on a double-decker bus decked out in decorations as they marvel at the spectacular holiday sights around New York City. Guests aboard the holiday-themed bus are treated to an interactive, fun-filled evening from start to finish. With jolly elves caroling, storytelling and even a meet-and-greet with Old St. Nick, guests are instantly put in the holiday spirit. The fun doesn’t end there. Passengers are also given delicious hot cocoa, cookies, a Santa hat and cozy blanket to keep them warm during the magical ride. Plus, guests get a special gift from Santa to commemorate the festive experience.

For tickets and more information, please click here. Brown Girl Gumbo readers can get a 5% discount by using: KARLA5 at checkout. North Pole Express runs through

New Victory’s Circus Abyssinia

Photo by Alexis Buatti Ramos/New Victory Theater

You’ve seen circuses, but you’ve never seen a circus like New Victory’s Circus Abyssinia: Tulu. Inspired by Ethiopian Olympic icon and distance runner Derartu Tulu, this family circus is a dazzling fusion of incredible acrobatics, mind-bending tricks and unbelievable stunts. Plus, it’s backed by hard-hitting Ethiopian beats and soulful tunes that make you want to get out of your seat and bust a move. As the first circus created entirely by Ethiopian artists, Circus Abyssinia: Tulu celebrates Ethiopia’s unique, rich culture.

From an awe-inspiring contortionist to entertaining flame jugglers, this mesmerizing, family-friendly show is guaranteed to make audiences smile, laugh, and marvel in disbelief.

For tickets and more information, please click here. Circus Abyssinia: Tulu runs through January 1, 2023 at New Victory Theater.

Amaze Light Festival

Photo Courtesy of Amaze Light Festival

The holidays would be incomplete with out twinkling bulbs lighting up city streets. Visitors to the Amaze Light Festival are immersed in a unique, illuminated holiday experience they won’t soon forget. Located at Citi Field in Queens, the sprawling light festival boasts millions of lights making it a must-see holiday destination. With colossal 3D lighted decor and festive opportunities at every turn, the experience is captivating for kids and adults alike. What’s more, there’s an Arctic Express Train Ride, Thrill Hill (tubing), and holiday performances by the event’s mascots Zing and Sparky, adding even more fun for holiday enthusiasts. Plus, there’s even a massive candy store on-site, as well as several food vendors throughout.

Visitors can upgrade to VIP status where they can get exclusive perks like complimentary TK, order alcoholic beverages and warm up in heated lounge areas. A trip to Amaze Light Festival is sure to brighten your holidays.

For tickets and more information, click here. The Amaze Light Festival runs through January 8, 2023.

What fun activities have you done or are planning to do this holiday season?

Meta Wants to Make Your Holidays Merry and Immersive with Quest 2 and Ray-Ban Stories

Last week, I had the pleasure of checking out Meta’s Reality Labs holiday press preview here in New York City. 

If you know me, you already know how excited I was to attend since I’m a major fan of all-things virtual reality (VR). If there’s a VR element associated with something, I’m all in. Whether it’s a thrill ride (like my faves: RiseNY and Avatar Flight of Passage), museum exhibition or any kind of demonstration, VR adds an exciting layer to any experience. 

Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to learn more about the Meta Quest 2. For those unfamiliar with the device, it’s a wireless, at-home VR headset powered by Meta (formerly known as Facebook). You can play a variety of games and apps, watch Netflix, and of course, socialize with other people in the metaverse. It’s a cool and immersive way to connect with family and friends. The best part? It’s easy to set up. Admittedly, I am not a fan of reading complicated, complex instructions on how to get things up and running. Thankfully, getting the Quest 2 going is super easy and intuitive. 

Meta Quest 2 starts at $399

At the event, I tried out a trio of games that catapulted me into another world. I started out with Beat Saber, a super fun and music-centric game that put my rhythm and coordination to the test. I followed up with a game of table tennis. Let’s just say, it took me a minute or two to get into the swing of it, but once I did — I had a ball! Last but not least, I took a trip to my hometown of Chicago via an app called Wooorld. Yes, I wound up in the Windy City without leaving the Big Apple thanks to the Meta Quest Pro, which is the latest, most advanced model. 

If you thought Meta couldn’t get even more high-tech, there’s more than meets the eye. Case in point: Ray-Ban Stories Smart Glasses. The brand has partnered with the popular eyewear retailer to create glasses that can take photos, videos, make calls via Messenger and even play music from your preferred streaming service. You can easily upload content to your Instagram feed via Stories or give it a coveted spot on your grid. No matter how you share your photos and videos, Ray-Ban captures the moment without the hassle of pulling out your phone. What’s more, it’s voice activated for a hands-free experience. Simply say, “Hey Facebook, take a pic,” and voilà, it’s done! Pretty cool, right?

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Ray-Ban Stories Smart Glasses start at $299

If you’re looking for holiday gifts for your tech-obsessed teen or favorite tech-savvy family member, these new options from Meta are a surefire way to make their holidays merry and bright. 

Also, if you’re in the New York City area, be sure to check out the Meta pop-up shop for a chance to try out the new Quest 2 and Ray-Ban Stories. Located at 666 Broadway, it’s free and open to the public now through December 11th.

Hours are as follows:

Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 7pm EST

Friday & Saturday: 10am – 8pm EST

Sunday: 11am – 6pm EST

Have you ever used a virtual reality headset? If so, what did you think?

MasterChef Junior Live! Tour Cooks Up Family Fun at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn

Last week, I told you about the MasterChef Junior Live! Tour my family and I planned to attend. Well, it took place yesterday and it was awesome. Held at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, the two-hour event based on the popular FOX TV show was a recipe for an unforgettable good time. 

Interactive and entertaining, the show took attendees on a culinary journey chock-full of fun cooking demonstrations, engaging videos from past cast members and hilarious commentary. Hosted by Maclain Dassati, the high-energy New York City-based emcee/comedian kept the audience in stitches and focused on the fan-favorite contestants’ mouthwatering masterpieces. Wondering what cooks were in the kitchen?  Season 8 contestants: A’Dan, Molly, Liya, and Grayson participated in the live stage pressure cooker. 

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Since we had incredible seats (editor’s note: there are no bad seats at Kings Theatre), we could smell the dishes’ tantalizing aromas wafting throughout the venue. Although my family and I ate an early dinner prior to the event, the food invigorated my senses, in turn, reactivating my appetite. Thankfully, the concession stand was open and fully stocked with a variety of yummy bites to choose from including, caramel chocolate balls, candy bars, and the quintessential snack: buttered popcorn. While the treats satisfied my hunger, they still didn’t quell my craving for the dishes the MasterChef Junior chefs were whipping up right before my eyes. 

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The show started with the young home cooks preparing appetizers with scallops as the star, followed by a protein-rich second course, and culminating with a classic dessert. The latter put their cupcake decorating skills to the test, with the help of some eager crowd participants. 

From fried chicken and waffles to pork and spinach dumplings, the contestants created some wonderfully inventive dishes that looked and smelled delicious — my only wish is that I was able to be taste them! Overall my family and I had a fantastic time at MasterChef Junior Live! and would highly recommend checking out if it comes to a city near you.

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My children attending MasterChef Junior Live! at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn on October 9, 2022.

For tickets and more information, please click here.

What live stage performances have you enjoyed so far this year with your family?

Things to Do in NYC: ‘MasterChef Junior Live!’ is Coming to Brooklyn with a Recipe for Fun

If your kids are anything like mine, they love cooking shows like MasterChef Junior

The funny thing is that they rarely ask to help in the kitchen, but can’t wait to watch other kids their age create culinary masterpieces. When my husband and I ask them if they want to help make dinner, we typically get a hard “we’ll pass.” At this point, I’ve come to the realization that they’re probably not budding chefs, but just curious kids who like entertaining cooking competition shows. 

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That’s why I’m so excited for them to see MasterChef Junior Live! this Sunday, October 9th at Kings Theater here in Brooklyn. The popular Fox TV show starring Gordon Ramsay comes to life on stage as pint-size home cooks between the ages of 8-13 whip up mouth-watering cooking demonstrations and recreate fan-favorite segments from the TV series. 

The 25+ city tour will feature Season Eight winner, finalist and well-liked former contestants. I’m sure the live show will be a stirring outing that the entire family will enjoy! 

Click here for tickets and more information. 

Do you and your family watch cooking competition TV shows? If so, what are some of your favorites?

Things to Do in NYC: PaleyWKND to Host Ultimate Entertainment Festival

If you’re looking to have unforgettable fun this weekend, you’re in luck!

The Paley Center is hosting “PaleyWKND,” a two-day event that will bring an array of interactive experiences and immersive attractions from the exciting worlds of media, sports, gaming, and entertainment. In collaboration with over two dozen world-class companies and iconic media brands, and supported by the City of New York, the first-of-its-kind celebration will take over The Paley Museum and its entire 52nd Street block between 5th and 6th Avenues from October 1-2.

“Our one-of-a-kind activations and experiences will feature an expanding roster of celebrities, premiere screenings, and special podcast recordings,” Maureen J. Reidy, President & CEO, The Paley Center for Media said in a release.

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AMC Networks, CBS Television, HBO Max, Sony Music Group, and Telemundo join a robust lineup of brands presenting interactive experiences at PaleyWKND. If you have kids or are a kid at heart, there will be plenty of fun activations to inspire, delight and even educate.

For example, NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition with YOU! will feature a mobile studio for young, aspiring anchors and reporters. The interactive experience offers an opportunity to practice live reporting from the field and record stand-ups and news reports for Nightly News: Kids Edition, featuring a special pre-recorded message from NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt.

The festival is a tribute to New York City and celebrates the return to in-person programming, production, and events as the nation and the world emerge from this once-in-a-century pandemic.

“I’m excited to stand with The Paley Center and announce PaleyWKND this fall,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement. “This will be an incredible event for all New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy, and only further solidifies New York as the greatest city in the world when it comes to culture and cultural opportunities. PaleyWKND will also help bolster our economic recovery after two years of a pandemic. New York City is back, and we can feel the energy!”

The event is free to the public; guests can walk up to enter or reserve their tickets for timed entry at www.PaleyWKND.org.

Things to Do in NYC: RiseNY Takes Guests On a Soaring Journey Over the Big Apple

 If you like the popular Soarin’ Around the World ride at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, keep reading.

There’s a 46-seat flight simulation ride here in New York City that’s exactly like Soarin’, but with an NYC theme. The ride takes guests 30 feet into the air as they “soar” over the city. It’s called RiseNY and is conveniently located in the heart of Times Square. What’s more, it’s also a multi-level immersive museum featuring cool NYC history, pop culture exhibitions, photo opps, etc.

Throughout the entire venue, visitors learn about the rich culture and global impact of the “city that never sleeps.” From an intriguing short film shown inside a theater outfitted with special effects to an interactive display dedicated to hip-hop, RiseNY is a remarkable love letter to New York City. While the ride is the grand finale, the entire experience is an incredible journey through one of the greatest cities in the world.

My family and I have visited twice because it’s just so awesome. If you’re planning a trip to NYC or call the Big Apple home, trust me — this is a must-see attraction that people of all ages will enjoy.

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RiseNY has numerous Instagrammable moments like this cool Late Show setup.

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The museum features several props and interactive displays from iconic New York City sets like Sesame Street, Sex in the City, and Friends.

 

As the birthplace of hip-hop, there's a fun exhibition celebrating the groundbreaking music genre.

As the birthplace of hip-hop, there’s a fun exhibition celebrating the groundbreaking music genre.

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For tickets and more information, click here.
What’s your favorite thing to do in NYC? 

Calling All Dreamers!: Applications Open for 2023 Disney Dreamers Academy

Know a high school student with big dreams who’s between the ages of 13-19? If so, let them know that applications are open for Disney’s Dreamers Academy (DDA). For the uninitiated, DDA is a 4-day, power-packed event in which 100 select high school students are inspired, motivated and prepared to dream big. 

From inspiring panels with some of the biggest power players in creative fields to hands-on, immersive opportunities to learn how Disney’s magic comes to life, participants get a crash course and behind-the-scenes look into the inner workings of the company and other career-focused activities. Plus, they’re given the opportunity to network with other teens from across the country in an unforgettable setting: Walt Disney World

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Yes, the multi-day excursion is hosted by Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando and takes place across its four parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. It’s the place where dreams come true

So, what are they looking for? Well, that’s up to the judges. But, they’re seeking applicants who demonstrate a winning combination of attributes including: strong character, positive outlook and persistence to take advantage of opportunities. Sound like a teen you know? Don’t waste any time giving them the scoop on this program. DDA will accept applications now through October 31, 2022. Click here to apply. 

Good luck!

Do you know a teen who would love to apply to this program?