It’s here! Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and Valerie Smaldone says it is pure entertainment. Read the review. Our Tomatoes Got Talent alum are performing all over the place, from Radio City Music Hall to Don’t Tell Mama. Get a head start on your holiday shopping in Brooklyn this weekend. And the Holiday Markets from Union Square to Columbus Circle will all be open soon, and we have the scoop. Ready for some grownup dining? Gael Greene suggestions Asset, on the UWS. We also have a great invite through our beauty and health editor, Anne Akers, for a very fun Girls Nigh Out – and its FREE! Highlights below.

Nov 16.-17. A.F. Holiday Pop Up Returns to Brooklyn Expo Center

Get your holiday shopping done early at the A.F. Holiday Pop Up in Brooklyn this weekend. This is a market of makers and designers, bringing together the best emerging and innovative fashion, lifestyle, wellness and decor brands in an intimate and interactive setting.  Find perfect gifts for your friends, family, and pets all under one roof. Sample local brews and craft cocktails too. Get the details.

Nov. 19. Girls Night Out

Through our Beauty, Health and Wellness Editor, Anne Akers, we are happy to extend a special no charge Girls Night Out to all Tomatoes. Join Dr. Katz, Medical Director of JUVA Skin Spa and Clinical Professor at Mt. Sinai and his team, for an informative evening about the latest in non-invasive cosmetic procedures…plus an evening of fun, cocktails, mini-consultations, and over $10,000 in raffle prizes, a NYC yacht dinner cruise, a $500 Eli Tahari gift certificate and more! The event is FREE but you must RSVP  1-855-976-9784 or email mail@juvaskin.com

Dec. 5 & 14. That Holiday Feeling

Get in the holiday spirit with a delightful musical show that features two of our Tomatoes Got Talent alum, Kati Neilheisel and Janice McCune who are adorable, and fabulous singers, along with the talented Linda Jackson. They’ll celebrate the season with songs by Irving Berlin, Hugh Martin, Amy Grant, Alfred Burt, Jay Livingston, Rob Thomas, Peggy Lee and more. Two performances, Thursday, December 5th at 7 PM and Saturday, December 14 at 4 PM at Don’t Tell Mama. Get your tickets!

Dec. 6. Lee Ann Brill at Radio City Hall

The incredibly talented Lee Ann Brill, another Tomatoes Got Talent finalist, Ms. Senior America New York (2017), and she took third place in Ms. Senior America, has a dream coming true! She is performing on Dec. 6, 1:30 matinee performance at the Christmas Spectacular. It’s a bittersweet moment, because she also lost her husband recently, but we know he will be watching her from above. Get tickets.

The Holiday Markets

All around the town you will find holiday markets where you find gifts for just about everyone. Here are the top ones.

Union Square Holiday Market 

Without a doubt our favorite of the holiday markets because they actually have many local vendors with items made in New York. New additions this year include Little Brooklyn and a warming station. Open Nov 21-Dec. 24. Monday – Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Union Square Park, South Side 

Winter Village at Bryant Park

We love strolling through Bryant Park during the holidays.  It’s so festive with the shops, the skating rink, the popup restaurant and their own tree. And while the shops are beautiful, they’re on the high end and most do not fall in the arts and crafts, made locally category, but still fun things to find.  Open now to Jan. 5. Friday 11a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday- Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Bryant Park, on 6th ave between w 41 street and w 42 street

Grand Central Market

This market seems to shrink more every year, but it’s a respite from the cold and a must stop if you’re in Grand Central.  Again, pricey items, and not a lot of local items but definitely some beautiful finds. Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Station, 89 E 42nd Street and Park Ave 

Columbus Circle Holiday Market 

One of the prettiest locations, The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is located in Central Park. Step inside and you’ll find artisans and designers with everything from handmade jewelry to artisan foods, and well-made toys to eclectic clothing. You’ll find local food vendors too include hot chocolate. December 4- December 24, 2019, Monday – Friday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Columbus Circle, 59th street and Central Park West