While the holidays look and feel different this year, we’re so glad they have arrived for much needed cheer. NYC is lighting up everywhere from the tree at Rockfeller Plaza to the holiday store windows. There’s also “23 Days of Flatiron Cheer,” and live and virtual holiday markets. Maybe it’s time for a safe outdoor stroll to experience some holiday magic. And for some holiday entertainment, Valerie Smaldone says watch Estella Scrooge: A Christmas Carol with a Twist, a brand-new musical, custom made for this time of year. Our Broadway Babe has her streaming entertainment picks for this week. And join us LIVE on Facebook or YouTube this Sunday night for a hilarious holiday book celebration.

Join us this Sunday night LIVE on Facebook for a Special Holiday Treat

Now-Dec. 23. “23 Days of Flatiron Cheer”

You’re definitely going to want to head to the Flatiron District this holiday season for “Point of Actioln” a holiday art installation, and to shop and support local retailers and festive food options too. There are 400+ restaurants, stores, and cultural venues that are offering safe, socially-distanced experiences this holiday season. Before you spend this season, visit their Holiday District Deals for discounts at the local businesses you want to support. Get the details.

Dec. 9. A Special 3T Holiday Event

Holiday Fairs

Well there are slim pickings this year with holiday fairs—some of our favs like Union Square and Columbus Circle are closed this year—but the holiday shops at Bryant Park are in full swing outdoors, and the Grand Central Holiday Fair as gone virtual this year, but has some of our favorite vendors. 

The Holiday Windows and Street Decorations

Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf’s, Saks and Macy’s will put a smile on our face with their beautiful window displays. Saks has their light show; Macy’s pays tribute to essential workers; Berdorf features goodness and Bloomindales features “give happy.”

Saks has their beautiful light show and their windows depict a variety of Yuletide celebrations, from the tride and true (a little girl getting an autograph after “The Nutcracker”) to the more timely (a socially distanced gathering at a food truck).

Macy’s pays tribute to NYC’s essential workers, with neon signs flashing “thank you” in 16 different languages.

Bergdorf’s “Bergdorf Goodness,” features dazzling stained-glass windows with words like joy, peace, equality and hope in big mirrored block letters.

Bloomies urges passersby to “Give Happy,” with each window a tableau of infectious good cheer and “avant-garde whimsy.”

Now Streaming: Ed Sullivan Show, Hal Prince, Patti LuPone, Jerry Herman

The Broadway Babe, Randie Levine Miller has some wonderful nostalgic finds starting with an Ed Sullivan Show from around 1960. (And who remembers seeing the Beatles for their U.S. Debut in 1964 on his show?) She also shares a close encounter with Hal Prince, and Patti LuPone and Jerry Herman both in concert. WATCH NOW.