Christmas in New York (Part 1)

- November 21, 2024

December 2023 was not my first festive season in New York. It was not my first rodeo, as some might say. But on some occasions it certainly felt like it was.

(We were on our way to hit up my old pal, Broadway. We’ll get to that in a hot minute.)

Catching the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) felt pretty standard, even when running late. But then we travelled to Grand Central Madison (instead of Penn Station), which only opened in January 2023.

It felt super fancy and convenient. And there was even a quote about dancing.

The only downside was the way up/down. If you say it’s not the longest, steepest escalator ever you’re lying. Ok, you’re probably not, but it certainly felt like it.

Then we found a lift that took us to the perfect spot on the street to walk to the Shubert Theatre. Yeah, even after risking our lives on the escalator we still weren’t at street level. Some locals were in the lift and kind of surprised we’d found it. I felt pretty cool considering I was the one navigating my family.

This blog is running on memories and good vibes, so I employed a little Googling (I remembered I had to get to 44th St) to tell you where the elevator is.

I found this video of how to locate the elevator at street level:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mp3NfR69yaI

The video also gives you a look inside the terminal.

On our way to Broadway we stumbled across this cafe set up in a former Brooks Brothers.

There was even a spot to hang your jackets. Yes, jackets plural. Two of those on the rack are mine.

Cafe 346 was a lovely spot to recharge and warm up.

Ok, now we’re on Broadway… at the Shubert Theatre for Some Like It Hot. And I sure did!

It won the Tony Award for best choreography and I could see why. Aside from the showstopping jazz, and tip top tap, was the best door choreography I have ever seen (or probably will ever see).

Genius is the only way to describe the way those doors were expertly danced across, around and through the stage. Revealing and hiding the exact right things at the exact right moment. A lot could’ve gone wrong, but didn’t. Have you ever pushed a door you’re supposed to pull? I may or may not have.

Some Like It Hot was also full of humour and tenderness. The costumes sparkled and the talent soared.

Unfortunately, the show ended its Broadway run. It is, however, currently on a US tour.

I was Instagram influenced to check out Lillie’s Victorian Establishment in Union Square. They really go over the top and deck all the halls.

I can’t really remember what I thought of the food and drinks, so I guess it was alright. Although I do think I wasn’t impressed with dessert. What did I order? I’ll let you know if I remember.

I think the cocktail was pretty nice though. And ‘gram worthy.

We travelled to Penn Station ready to head back to Long Island.

(Before I continue I have to share my sudden memory of mum in a subway station not realising you have to turn the turnstiles. She kept swiping her Metrocard and ended up with almost no money left on her card before she’d taken her first trip.

She also got stuck in the round, metal doors that are supposed to let you out.)

Anyway, back to Penn Station - Macy’s was nearby and I wanted to see their 2023 Christmas windows. We walked around one side of the building, then another and saw nothing. We were ready to give up. Then I suggested Mum and Alicia sit down while I take a trip around another side - the Broadway side. To my delight I found the Christmas journey of Tiptoe the reindeer.