Events
December
This month’s roundup of cultural events across the country.
Wild Holiday Party - Presents to the Animals
New York City, December 2-3
Give a winter stroll around Central Park a Christmas twist with a trip to the Wildlife Center. This weekend, visitors can witness resident polar bears—Gus, Ida and Lily—opening their presents, including peanut butter-smeared balls and frozen “fishsicles.” The snow monkeys, red pandas and penguins get gifts too. www.wcs.org
Boston Tea Party Re-enactment
Boston, December 10
The Old South Meeting House hosts a re-enactment of the famed event that took place on this day in 1773, when protestors rallied against tea tax and dumped chests full of the stuff into the sea at Boston Harbor. Tax-free tea will be available… and admission is free for anyone in colonial costume. www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org
Kwanzaa Celebration
San Francisco, December 26
This annual event in San Francisco’s Bay Area Discovery Museum celebrates Kwanzaa (“Kwanzaa” is Swahili for “first fruits of the harvest”). The African-American event includes performances from drummers and dancers, as well as exhibitions of artwork inspired by the African continent. www.baykidsmuseum.org
Downtown Countdown
Fort Myers, December 31
Head downtown for this free celebration of the New Year. Enjoy the live entertainment or shop ’til you drop as local stores keep their doors open late. Fireworks usher in 2007 with a bang.
www.fortmyers-sanibel.com
Celebration in the Oaks
New Orleans, until December 30
Every night for more than a month in the rebounding city of New Orleans, holiday lights, musical performances and kids entertainment fill the Botanical Garden, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland Fairytale Playground. A state-of-the-art laser show will also take place nightly in the Azalea garden. www.neworleanscitypark.com
Underground Atlanta’s 2007 Peach Drop
Atlanta, December 31
Join up to 200,000 revelers in downtown Atlanta for the Southeast’s biggest New Year’s countdown celebration. This year, country group Lonestar, the stars behind hit singles “Amazed” and “I’m Already There,” will entertain the crowds. Plus, there’ll be fireworks, children’s activities and, of course, the beautiful 800-pound peach, which begins its descent against the Atlanta skyline shortly before midnight. www.undergroundatlanta.com
Florida New Year’s Roundup:
Cirque Du Soleil
Orlando, December 31
For an alternative New Year’s, get a ticket to La Nouba, a special show by the kings of dazzling choreography and acrobatics, only showing in Orlando. Guests receive a champagne toast to celebrate the coming of the new year. www.cirquedusoleil.com
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Miami, until January 7
Head to what’s billed as the world’s largest Christmas theme park and carnival. A 90-foot tree stands at the center of the action, surrounded by over 100 rides, a petting zoo, pony rides and live shows. There’s even the chance to meet Santa! www.santasenchantedforest.com