Christmas

Holiday Lights around the World on TravelSquire

Holiday Lights Around the World

As 2020 comes to a close, we’re virtually venturing around the world to bring you a celebration of good cheer and holiday lights!

A Guide to Global Christmas Markets

Tis the season for twinkling lights, choirs caroling, warm mulled wine, decadent sweets and plenty of holiday cheer. And there’s no better way to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the season than with a visit to a Christmas market. While Germany is renowned for its markets and totally … Read more

Mezi – Christmas Shopping in a Pinch

With less than 10 shopping days until Christmas many of us (including myself) are feeling the crunch.  How do we finish it all up in time?  Pssst … the Squire’s got a secret.  It’s Mezi, a text-on-demand shopping service App. Thanks to Mezi, you can do all of your shopping … Read more

Celebrate Winter in Paris

From the TS Editors: I can’t help it.  When I hear a new Mylene Farmer disk, I’m like a moth to a flame. At the moment her new c.d. Monkey Me has me captive. Probably unbeknownst to most stateside, Mylene epitomizes the post 80’s French disco angel … her music … Read more

New Orleans for the Holidays

Part French, part Southern and 100 percent enchanting, New Orleans is unlike any other city in the country.  In this famed place where Creole tradition abounds, legendary music, superb cuisine and of course, extra special cocktails combine to create a celebratory atmosphere for the holidays.  Every year during this time, … Read more

Germany’s Merry Christmas: Markets and More

My nose led me to the oven, heavenly aromas wafting from behind its doors.   Something delicious was baking and I had to have a taste.  I was in Dresden at the Striezelmarkt, the city’s Christmas market, and it was Stollen, a rich buttery cake with dried fruit, nuts and spices, … Read more

Thrilling Halloween Lights

If you’ve ever been to New York City for the annual Halloween Parade, you can’t miss out on the LED Tower Music-to-Light show from the Empire State Building. Every year, Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (ESRT) partners with mass media entertainment company iHeartMedia to “treat” viewers to a spectacular performance with bright lights and popular music – no “tricks” involved here, just some really cool entertainment New York style.

The Empire State Building tower lights are lit in a show to celebrate Halloween, Friday, October 31, 3014.
Photo Courtesy of ESB.

This year’s show began on Saturday, October 31 at 6:45 PM and was simulcast on radio stations z100 and KTU 103.5. An encore performance was played at 10:00 PM on z100 just in case people missed the first show while they were out partying at the parade.

The Facts

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New Yorker or not, the Empire State Building is a building that gets a lotta love.  It’s one of the most recognizable icons in Manhattan and is a huge part of American culture. Spanning 102-stories, it’s the fifth tallest building in the U.S. It is famously lit year round in colors to commemorate various holidays and events including the 4th of July, Christmas, and of course, Halloween. Perhaps you’ll also remember when the building was lit in rainbow lights last July to celebrate the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage.

Even those who have never stepped foot within our concrete jungle will recognize the building as King Kong’s famous perch where the he swatted helicopters from the skies like flies. Or, when Will Ferrell visited New York City as an overgrown “Elf” named Buddy, he pushed all of the buttons inside the skyscraper’s elevator and remarked that the lights made the buttons look like a Christmas tree. It’s hard to believe but the building has been in over 250 movies since it was completed in 1931!

The Sounds

The LED tower lights were synchronized to the music played by iHeartMedia’s radio stations and included the following Halloween-themed songs:

  • “Disturbia” by Rihanna
  • “E.T.” by Katy Perry
  • “The Addams Family” theme song
  • “Ghostbusters” theme song
  • “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell

The Sights

The light show was easily visible to those in the Midtown area, including the parade goers of Greenwich Village along the entire parade route.  This year marked their 42nd annual celebration.

For more amazing light shows including those of past Halloween’s, be sure to check out the Empire State Building YouTube channel.

Here are some great locations to visit for a public viewing for next year’s show:

  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Bryant Park
  • The Highline
  • Hoboken / Jersey City Waterfront
  • Hudson River Esplanade
  • Long Island City
  • Madison Square Park
  • Tribeca Park
  • Union Square
  • Williamsburg Waterfront

Holiday Travel Traditions

Do the holidays have you feeling jittery?  Well, if it’s not due to downing all those Peppermint Mochas at Starbuck’s, then you must just be nervous about your holiday plans – or the lack of them.  It’s time to get started on your getaway! Escape to a tropical island, feel … Read more

Christmas Street Opening

Santa Claus is coming to town! Stop telling the kids that Santa Claus isn’t real, because this isn’t just a fat man with a beard and a red suit. Did you know that the real Santa lives in Lapland, Finland? He’s taking a day off from reading letters and making … Read more