Photo: Nicole Freezer Rubens

The holiday fun is ramping up. Hurry and get your tickets to our Holiday Luncheon! Don’t rush through Grand Central Terminal. Pop into their holiday market and stop by to see the Transit Museum’s Holiday Train show. And check out our list of the other holiday markets around town.  Head to the City of the Museum of New York for the Gingerbread boroughs’ bakeoff. If you’re looking for a way to give back this season, we have a list of volunteer opportunities. Need a day of pampering? Check out Long Island’s premier day spas. And our roving photographer takes us inside two exhibits happening now in Upper East Side galleries.

Holiday Luncheon

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon and meet other fun Tomatoes at a lively luncheon with music, singing, raffles prizes, and special guests. Seating is limited so hurry and get your tickets. GET THE DETAILS. 

Long Island’s Luxurious Spas

Whether you’ve had too much fun in the sun, are feeling the stress of work, or just need a break from the daily grind, or even if you don’t need a reason at all, treat yourself to one or more of the treatments offered at Long Island’s premier day spas. A luxurious escape at a spa will rejuvenate you and make you look and feel radiant. It’s time to pamper yourself and enjoy the relaxation you deserve, especially before the busy holiday season begins. Our Long Island reporter, Andrea Peponakis has the scoop. GET THE DETAILS.

Volunteer During the Holiday Season

If you’re looking for a way to give back this holiday season, there are many opportunities to volunteer at food banks and homeless shelters, delivering meals to shut-ins and the elderly and so more. Thanks to 6 Sq Ft for this wonderful list of volunteer opportunities. GET THE DETAILS.

Roving in the Upper East Side Art Galleries

Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens writes:

One thing I love about living on the Upper East Side is the many galleries housed in brownstones hidden on the quiet side streets. My neighborhood has a plethora of these beautiful hidden gems one can dash into on their way home and in 10 minutes be inspired and refreshed by great art.

This month there are 2 outstanding exhibits in my backyard. Peter Anton’s delectable desserts are on view at Bonner David Galleries. Sweet Spot at 22 East 81st Street is open through November 30th and will surely whet your appetite. Rightly nicknamed the Candyman or Candy Warhol, Anton’s work is extremely tempting. The artist was raised having traditional family dinners that were more focused on discourse than cuisine. His larger-than-life sweets bring viewers together, just like a good meal should.

A few blocks south at Mnuchin Gallery, located at 45 East 78th Street, one can indulge in a hearty meal of art history. Homage to Frank Stella is a brief survey of Stella’s diverse body of work, touching upon museum-quality works from 1958 through 2023. Much of the latter work is focused on sculpture and dimension. My favorite Frank Stellas have always been the early, minimalist, geometric-shaped canvases and there are plenty in this show. I admire their innovation and the simplicity of paint, brush, tape, and negative space.

I always said that when I win the lottery, I will buy an early Stella. If I win before Homage to Frank Stella closes on December 14th, I will run straight to this gallery and take one home.

~Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of “The Long Pause and the Short Breath”

The Holiday Fairs and Markets Are Back!

One of our favorite holiday activities is visiting the holiday fairs and markets that have cropped up all over the city in the past few years. Most have already opened, and others will open soon. Here’s our roundup.

• Grand Central Holiday Fair: November 11 – December 24, 2024.
• Located in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal, this market features local vendors offering unique gifts and holiday items.
• Union Square Holiday Market: November 14 – December 24, 2024.
• Situated at the South End of Union Square, this market boasts over 185 vendors selling gifts, food, and more.
• Columbus Circle Holiday Market: December 3 – December 24, 2024.
• This market offers a European vibe with vendors selling food, jewelry, art, and other unique goods.
• Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park: December 1, 2024 – January 5, 2025.
• This market includes local businesses, tasty treats, and a large ice skating rink.
• Grand Bazaar NYC: November 24 – December 22, 2024 
• Head to the Upper West side, where every vendor is personally selected by the bazaar’s organizers to ensure a connection to the community. You’ll find vintage clothes, antique jewelry, oil paintings, random trinkets and tons of great food options. 100 West 77^th Street.
• Harlem Night Market: December 7, 14, 21.
• This market highlights talented residents selling artisan goods. Open the first three Saturdays of December (from 4-8 pm), vendors kick it up a notch with Christmas-themed trinkets and treats. Featuring live music and tons of food vendors, this feels like one of the liveliest holiday markets in New York City.
• Holiday Market at the Oculus Mall: November 25 – January 2
• It’s worth the trip downtown to see this architectural wonder. The market features local merchants plus you have access to the entire mall.   185 Greenwich St, New York

The New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal

If you’re passing through Grand Central, this is a must-stop. This beloved annual tradition is celebrating its 20th year! The enchanting display features Lionel model trains traveling along a 34-foot long, two-level “O” gauge model train layout. The exhibit includes miniature replicas of iconic New York landmarks, Metro-North trains, vintage subway cars, and even the Polar Express, all making their way to the North Pole. The show runs from November 14, 2024, to February 2025 and is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM, except on major holidays. It’s a magical experience for visitors of all ages, offering a festive and nostalgic journey through a miniature New York City during the holiday season. GET THE DETAILS.

Now-Jan. 12. Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake Off

Head to the Museum of the City of New York the 3rd annual Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off! This delightful exhibition features edible gingerbread creations representing iconic New York landmarks and neighborhoods, crafted by both professional and amateur bakers from across the five boroughs. Visitors can marvel at gingerbread versions of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Bronx Zoo, and even pizza pies! GET THE DETAILS.