Our roving photographer captured some great shots, like this one, of our winter wonderland. You have may have noted that Gael Greene, the iconic restaurant critic, has been missing from our pages the past few months. Gael, who turns 87 this month, tells her story.  We have some holiday suggestions and wonderful entertainment to get you in the holiday spirit, including a chance to experience a dream New Year’s Eve in Times Square. And Valerie Smaldone has the scoop on a wonderful free Christmas Day concert, based on the Broadway show, Two by Two, produced by our cabaret contributor Sandi Durell as a benefit for the Actors Fund.

Dec. 19. Josh Grogan’s First Holiday Concert

If you are missing holiday concerts, get your tickets now for this virtual event with some of your favorite holiday tunes and songs from his new album, Harmony. Get details and tickets.

Roving Photographer

Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens shares some beautiful photos of NYC transformed with snow. Nicole is the author of the beautiful and poignant book of poems and photos, The Long Pause and the Short Breath (The Three Tomatoes Book Publishing.) Nicole’s favorite pastime is exploring New York City’s neighborhoods. Follow her on Instagram@nfrconsult.

Iconic Central Park South blanketed in fresh snow. Old buildings and new blend together at the south border of Central Park. 

This big yellow taxi is like a smiley face. It is one of several new holiday decorations that line Fifth Avenue spreading cheer. Thank you to Milton Glaser for his I❤️NY logo!

Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo

Head to the Bronx Zoo for a global safari in lights featuring illuminated animals from all over the world. There are five lantern safaris, spread out throughout the park each showcase a different wildlife region and will lead you on a fun, safe, and leisurely tour of the attractions. Lots of fun for the kids with puppet shows, ice carvings and more. Get details and tickets.

Spend the Night on a Terrace in Times Square and Watch the Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve

This is too cool not to share, even though there is probably not a chance in hell you will the first reservation, but Airbnb and Nasdaq partnered to create and amazing, one-night-only NYE experience in Times Square, for one lucky couple.

If you are the first in line on Monday Dec. 21 when reservations open, for only $21, you will get their own private New Year’s Eve stay with an up-close view of the ball drop. The listing goes live at 9 am EST on Monday, December 21, and whoever reserves it first gets it.

The reservable space includes a clear dome bedroom on Nasdaq’s outdoor terrace, an indoor sleeping area with a king bed, an indoor lounge for watching NYE celebrations, a reading nook stocked with board games, a dining room, and a bathroom, a private chef, and cookies baked by Mariah Carey. Here’s the link with details and how to register.

Now Streaming: Martin, Sinatra, Bernstein, and More

Oh my Tomatoes, our Broadway Babe, Randie Levine Miller has some fun finds for you today, starting with a bit of Christmas TV Nostalgia with the Martins and the Sinatras. There’s a centennial tribute to Leonard Bernstein; Chicago Encorse with Ann Reinking, who passed away earlier this week; and a hysterical episode from the TV series “Phyllis” which featured Cloris Leachman. Get the details.

The Forest at The Standard Grill

A lush, coniferous woodland has sprouted outside of The Standard, High Line, delivering days of comfort and joy for drinking and dining this holiday season. What will you discover among the evergreens? Pick a path to choose your own adventure: an outdoor theater featuring a holiday flicks with a specialty menu, decadent dinners and weekend brunch from The Standard Grill, and hot toddies, fondue, and warm cookies to share with friends over a board game or cards. Everything is safely spread out and spruced up outdoors, with little enclaves of trees to keep your table private, and plenty of heaters to keep you toasty. How delightful! Flix in The Forest: Holiday Reelness! Peep the full lineup here. 

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