We’ve put together a holiday guide for everything fun & festive near your local Bluestone Lane
Everyone knows the best way to kick off your free time around the festive season begins with a cup of your favorite brew and a delicious (and probably long) brunch. But as our Bluestone Lane opening hours are limited for the holidays, what’s the next best thing to do? Well mates, we put our nose to the ground to find the very brightest, non-boring holiday activities for you to do.
New York
Rockefeller Christmas Tree
This New York Holiday icon really needs no introduction but we’re here to spread the holiday cheer so we’re doing one anyway, mates. Get yourself to the Rockefeller Tree right by our Bluestone Lane Madison Avenue location.
Prep your jaws to be dropped by this ginormous Christmas tree, but also prep your toes for a sea of swarming people before it. It gets so busy but it’s oh so worth it.
Bryant Park Winter Village
The holidays are serious business at Bryant Park and we are more than down for some ice-skating with our mates there. A short stroll from our Bluestone Lane Bryant Park location, whip on some skates for the time of your life before or after perusing the specialty arts and crafts at these off-the-charts holiday markets.
Time Square Ball Drop
Since we’re rolling with the obvious, why not land a classic trifecta by watching the Times Square Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve. Just around the corner from our Times Square location, you’ll need to make sure you save yourself a square of pavement early as it gets tight for space as the day goes on.
Spend a day volunteering
As they say, there’s no better gift than giving back and Christmas Day is the perfect time to do it. Take a few hours out of your day and volunteer your time with any number of organizations around town. Volunteer New York has an array of ways you can get involved – it will really light up someone’s day and most likely yours too.
San Francisco
Winter Wonderland at Union Square
Right by our Bluestone Lane San Francisco location, you can experience festive fun like no other. The streets around Union Square transform into an SF-style winter wonderland for five weeks of performances and entertainment. There’s inspired activities, eats and good beats for everyone.
Join an SF ice-skating tradition
Coming from the always sunny country of Aus, we love to whip on our bathers around the holidays – and this is no exception. Join in on an SF tradition as ice skaters are encouraged to put on their bathing suit, grab their shades and “take the plunge” in the ice rink for this New Year’s Day Union Square tradition. Get inventive with your wears and you just might win a prize, mates.
Los Angeles
Venice Canals
In a city like L.A. there’s always room for activities. A short trip from our Bluestone Lane Venice location, be sure to get yourself to the holiday magic that is the Venice Canals Holiday Tour. Enjoy the charming lights that line the bridges – it’s an idyllic slice of LA this time of year.
Holiday Parades in LA
Who doesn’t love a parade! Welcome Santa Claus when his sled lands on Hollywood Boulevard and peel your eyes for a procession of colorfully decorated boats, and experience the world-famous Rose Parade. You won’t be disappointed.
Go wild on lights at LA Zoo
Begin a wild night with this not-to-be-missed holiday experience where “glowing animals welcome you on an unforgettable nighttime journey that includes giant illuminated snowflakes, a disco ball forest, a whimsical herd of animated elephants, and a twinkling tunnel filled with dynamic swirls of color.” Just a 15-minute drive from our Bluestone Lane Studio City location.
Washington DC
The National Christmas Tree
A short drive from our Bluestone Lane West End location is the holiday pride of Washington – the National Christmas Tree. You’ll find this incredible conifer in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, among trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories. Drop by at night, coffee in hand, and enjoy an evening musical performance.
Georgetown Glow
For all our Bluestone Lane Georgetown Locals (and those visiting) treat yourself to an absolutely lit stroll through this historic neighborhood. Enjoy outdoor illuminated displays created by a group of artists, from locally renowned to internationally celebrated.
‘Seasons Greenings’ at U.S. Botanic Gardens
A short drive from our Navy Yard Bluestone Lane location is a stellar display of holiday spirit. A model train exhibit runs through classic train stations like NYC’s Grand Central Terminal and the iconic St. Louis’ Union Station. Not to be missed!
Philadelphia
Mummers Parade
Less than a mile from your Bluestone Lane Rittenhouse Square local is this whimsical slice of merriment to kick off your New Year. The parade along Broad Street features extravagant costumes and music proceeding from City Hall to Washington Avenue. Indoors, clubs perform fantastical routines at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in the Fancy Brigade Finale. Be sure to check it out, we sure will.
Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show
Clearly, we can’t get enough of the holiday lights here. Our last entry is the Franklin Square light show, a clustered collection of serious light displays that sit proud and bright. You can catch specials shows every day where there is, along with the 75,000 bulbs set to music, a giant, illuminated kite. Yes, please.