Even Scrooge would be mesmerized in NYC during the holidays, starting with the holiday window displays. One of the largest silver menorahs known is on view at the Met, and a Hanukkah theme bar makes its NYC debut. We had a sneak peek of the Shimmering Solstice at the historic Old Westbury Gardens. Valerie Smaldone has the scoop on an incredible version of A Christmas Carol, in a limited Broadway run.  Several of our Tomatoes Got Talent alum are performing in Randie Levine-Miller’s Showstopper Divas. And join us in January for a tour of the Broadway Museum followed by lunch at Chez Josephine.

Join us on Saturday, December 17 at 3 PM at Urban Stages, 259 W. 30th St. for Randie Levine-Miller‘s Showstopper Divas featuring Tomatoes Got Talent winners and runners up.  Randie will be hosting and performing, along with some delicious divas who are incredibly talented. This is a benefit for Urban Stages’ Outreach Programs… We’re part of the overall annual series, Urban Stages Winter Rhythms… You may also want to go to their website to check out some other wonderful programming that’s part of the series. www.urbanstages.org

Buy tickets now and save $10.00.  Urban Stages is having a Black Friday sale starting today through Sunday, November 27. Use code BLKFRI at check out and you will get a $20 ticket versus a $30 ticket! Direct link:  https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/11182595

The Holiday Windows

NYC is magical this time of year and this year’s holiday displays are breath taking. There’s nothing like strolling the streets of NYC to experience them, but we have fabulous videos today that will make you feel like you’re like you’re there. Watch Elton John at the unveiling of the Saks Fifth Avenue windows; Billy Porter at the unveiling of Bloomingdale’s displays; and check out the videos of Macys and Bergdorf’s windows. And Hudson Yards is definitely worth a special visit. WATCH NOW.

Join us for a fun Sunday afternoon. We will tour the new Museum of Broadway followed by a 3-course lunch and music at Chez Josephine. Limit is 40 Tomatoes. You must reserve by Jan. 5. GET THE DETAILS.

Nov. 25 – January 1. Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens

We were so excited to get a sneak peek of the return of Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens. This is a walk-through visual sensation lighting up the gardens of this historic Gold Coast-era mansion.  Be prepared to be enchanted by magical light displays and seasonal soundtracks that are set along Old Westbury Gardens’ beautiful paths that will lead you through the world-famous Walled Garden, Rose Garden, South Lawn and Allée, just to name a few. It’s perfect for a local holiday trip from NYC and the tri-state area.

What’s new for this year:

• A newly re-designed interactive area featuring three new exhibits that will engage adults and children!
• Seasonal music throughout the expanded illuminated event path, with even more lights!
• New illuminated water features on the West Pond!
• Updated and even more exciting Westbury House finale show!
• The Garden of Appreciation will be turned into a lively warming area with a concession stand for seasonal snacks and drinks!

Flexible tickets: Choose your date now, change it later!

Show Dates: November 25, 2022- January 1, 2023

11/25-12/21: Friday-Sunday 5:30 pm-9:30 pm

12/21-1/1: Wednesday-Sunday 5:30 pm-9:30 pm

Location: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury, NY 11568

Tickets are on sale now. For more information and ticket details: https://shimmeringsolstice.com/

A 19th-century silver Eastern European menorah

Hanukkah Lamp, 1866–72. Lviv (Ukrainian;Lvovin Polish,Lembergin German)Silver: cast, chased, and engraved33-9/16 × 23-1/8 in. (85.3 × 58.7 cm)On loan from The Moldovan Family Collection. Image: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

One of the largest silver Hanukkah menorahs known is on exhibit at the Met. At nearly three feet tall, the elaborate piece was made in 1866–72 and can be seen at the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Galleries. It’s on loan from the Moldovan Family Collection, which consists of many historical Jewish artifacts. According to the Met, it was originally created for the Great Synagogue in Lviv, which is present-day Ukraine.

With its great splash of silver, this Hanukkah menorah (or hanukkiya) proclaims a time of celebration: The Festival of Lights. Since 2014, The Met has welcomed Hanukkah by displaying this refined work of art from the Moldovan Family Collection. Standing nearly three feet tall, it dazzles. Each of its eight silver branches is in flower; blossoms tumble from its stalk and irrepressibly burst forth at the top. At its center, a great eagle, wings outstretched, is poised to take flight, while seated lions proudly support the entire sixty-pound piece on their backs. Get the details.

 Dec. 13-31.  Hanukkah Themed Bar

Photo: Ezra Pollard Photo: Ezra Pollard

Well, it’s about time. NYC ‘s first holiday Hanukkah-themed bar arrives on December 13. Maccabee Bar will open in the Ollie West Village at 64 Downing Street by Varick Street. It’s the brainchild of award winning bartender Naomi Levy opened Maccabee Bar in Boston in 2018, when she noticed how many Christmas themed-pop up businesses there would be during the holidays, but not the same amount for Hanukkah.

Standout drinks on the menu include Latke Sour (apple brandy, potato, lemon and tobacco bitters) and Hebrew Hammer (vodka, “soured” sugar, lemon and raspberry reminiscent of Sufganiyot, the jelly-filled donuts that go with it usually eaten time of the year). Yes, there will also be latkes and other snacks to munch on.

The Maccabee Bar is open Tuesday through Saturday through December 31st. During Hanukkah week, which falls on December 18-26 this year, the bar will remain open every evening. Get the details.