I am
convinced I was an archivist of great merit in a previous life. Hey in this
life I am not doing so badly either. Upon review of my seasonally saved emails,
doesn’t everyone have that? I discovered an activity I wanted to do this
Christmas season. It was something I found out too late about last year to
attend and before I knew it, it was that time of year again. So I knew just
what to do- a harbor cruise around New York City to see the holiday lights!
There seemed no better weekend than Thanksgiving weekend since it is the
officially kickoff to the December celebration season.
I had the
perfect group with me, my mother, a cousin, and a family friend. We were all in
the mood to let loose, be a little silly, and have some much need laughter. The
boat left from Chelsea Piers, a place I had never properly explored before. The
1920’s style boat was all decked out in its best holiday dĆ©cor and the jazz
band on board was ready to rock out. The sing along might have been cheesy but
it was fun, interactive, and the band was incredible. Good performers one and
all.
For the
price of a ticket you received a complimentary drink of your choice once on
board as well as cookies served mid-tour. For anything else you desired
including, another beverage, were available for purchase. I gladly sipped my glass of champagne
as I looked around at my city in all of its glory.
The boat
is heated and has numerous tables and chairs. If you can score a window seat
you will have the best view but honestly I was able to take pictures without
hardly having to get up. The boat’s exterior is glass so you can see all around
and above during the ride. The ride itself was pretty smooth so if you aren’t
too sea sick sensitive you should be all right.
I was
able to see the Statute of Liberty, Battery Park, the Brooklyn Skyline as well
as that of all sides of Manhattan. I think being able to go under the bridges
gives you a view you don’t normally get any other way. That was pretty cool.
Overall the ride was just shy of two hours. That was the perfect amount of
time.
Trying to
access parking in Chelsea Piers proved to be difficult which is fine because it
also was expensive. Since it was a Saturday night the surrounding area was quiet
and I got a great spot just across the street.
If you
are planning to go this year or next, I strongly advise you get your tickets at
least a month ahead of time especially for popular weekends. Tickets are not
normally available for purchase on the spot and going forward you will be able
to book your seats ahead of time for your entire party.
Another
popular holiday event is taking a tour of the Christmas lights in the Dyker
Heights section of Brooklyn. They are long known for going above; beyond; and
just about anywhere else they can hang lights and decorations. If it isn’t too
cold the kids can get out and walk around. You can take the tour through A
Slice of Brooklyn or do what true New Yorkers and just drive around.
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