Christmas in NYC

and

281 3rd Avenue

New York, New York

212-477-4750 or 212-473-8718

The Most Christmasy Place in NYC.

In order to achieve a felling of warmth and coziness, the Christmas decorations are carefully designed by five artists.  The workmanship is all hand done and takes approximately three months of labor.  There are over 200,000 lights strung throughout the entire restaurant.  Many of the ornaments are vintage antiques.  Rolf's creates a Victorian feel turn of the century ambiance.  An atmosphere to bring happy moments to treasure forever. Rolf's brings the best of German food andclassic holiday cocktails like spiced egg-nog, mulled wine or hot apple cider.  

Rolf's is like a Christmas wonderland and makes you feel like a kid again. In addition, there are hundreds of porcelain dolls and wreaths, artifical fir trees and ribbons.

This very popular German style restaurant famously keeps its elaborate Christmas decorations up most of the year creating a festive and magical atmosphere with thousands of lights, ornaments and garlands that cover every square inch making it feel like Christmas 365 days a year though they do take them down around April/May before reinstalling for the next season.  Over 200,000 twinkling lights and icicles adorn the interior of Rolf's.  

What are Rolf's most popular dishes?  The potato salad.  Other popular dishes are the meatloaf which is even larger than the schnitzel and is served with purple cabbage and mashed potatoes.  The Jaegar Schnitzel, a non-breaded entree is served in a mushroom cream sauce with green beans.

I think after viewing these photos you will agree 

Rolf's is the most festive restaurant in New York City!

 

An old-time nostalgic favorite

Thin Ribbon Candy is a traditional Christmas candy that goes back for centuries in Europe though it is unclear exactly where the candy was first created.  Confectioners developed the candy as a Christmas decoration for their shops.  In the 1800s mechanical crimpers were invented to shape the ribbons.  These crimpers worked well, but the process was slow and very labor-intensive.  As demand increased for ribbon candy, it became clear that another way to make the candy had to be found for its increased popularity.

In the 1940s an air activated auomatic cutter was invented by Sevigny Candy and is still in use today by F. B. Washburn Candy (America's oldest family-owned candy business) which purchased Sevigny Candy in June 1986.  Washburn Candy got its start in 1856.

Sevigny Candy located in Brockton, Massachusetts is synonymous with classic, delicate ribbon candy, a tradition kept alive through strategic acquisitions with its products found nationwide under its iconic name. 

The colorful, compressed swoops of candy in flavors like cinnamon, peppermint, wintergreen and orange have been sweetening the holiday season in New England and beyond for more than 150 years.  Other companies like Colorado Candy Compay also make thin versions of ribbon candy, but Sevigny's is the benchmark for "thin".  Sevigny's Thin Ribbon Candy offers classic fruit and spice flavors such as apple, cinnamon, lemon, lime, orange, peppermint and raspberry though the exact assortment can vary by package.

Ribbon candy is a type of hard candy which in North America most often appears for sale around the Christmas holiday season.  It acquires its shape by first being fashioned as warm sugar into flat strips.  A strip is then folded back and forth over itelf to form a hardened ribboned stick.  The sugar is often colored to appear festive and the candy often has a glossy sheen.  It is commonly made with extracts often of different mint or citrus flavors.  It is usually thin enough to melt quickly in the mouth.  It is often used in decor, on display in candy dishes, plates, or apothecary jars.  

Cracker Jack Co. Plant

Circa 1958

F. W. Rueckheim emigrated from Germany to Chicago in 1869.  In 1872, Rueckheim and his brother Louis formed F. W. Rueckheim & Bro., a small candy and popcorn shop.  business grew steadily and by the 1880s the brothers had relocated to a three-story plant on South Clinton Street.  In 1896, the company began to sell its caramel-coated popcorn under the "Cracker Jack" brand name, a name that would be made famous by Jack Norworth's 1908 song, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."*  In 1912, when the company employed about 450 women and girls and 250 men and boys at its large new factory on South Peoria and Harrison streets it began to insert small toys into the packages with the popcorn.  This "prize in every box" marketing strategy proved successful.  In 1922, the name of the company, which made marshmallows and candies as well as its signature popcorn product, became Caracker Jack Co.  During the 1950s, the company employed over 1,000 Chicago-area residents.  During the last decades of the twentieth century, Cracker Jack was purchased by a number of large international food companies.  After being held for many years by Borden Foods Inc., the Cracker Jack brand was purchased in 1997 by the Frito Lay division of PepsiCo, the food giant based in Purchase, New York. 

In early 1896, the brothers applied for a trademark patent for "Cracker Jack", a name derived when a salesman allegedly exclaimed "That's a crackerjack!" after eating the candied popcorn that didn't stick together.  The treat, sold with the slogan "The more you eat, the more you want" soon took off and the company began shipping the confection throughout the United states and overseas.  It was the most popular confection in the world and was sold everywhere  because it was so popular.  Even 'The Cracker Jack Two-Step' was published in England with boxes of Cracker Jack on the sheet-music cover.

*By 1908, the candy was immortalized in a song by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer in which a fictional Katie Casey asks her beau to "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" where he would buy her "some peanuts and Cracker Jack". Today, the tune is sung at baseball parks across America at the seventh inning stretch.  

No one knows the precise date that Cracker Jack included the first prize in a package nor what that prize was.  The company had given out premiums before the turn of the century such as paper dolls with the purchase of a Happy Family Candy stick.

The toys disappeared from Cracker Jack in 2020, but it wasn't a sudden decision.  Cracker Jack had been including toys in their boxes since 1912.  However, due to safety concerns, particularly choking hazards for young children and rising costs, the company made the switch to include a digital download code for kids to access games and content instead of physical toys.  This change aimed to adapt to changing consumer preferences and safety regulations while still providing an exciting experience for kids.  

The most valuable Cracker Jack toys are the early 1914-1915 baseball cards with rare sets potentially worth over $100,000 and individual cards like Walter Johnson fetching high prices.  Other high-value items include unique early paper toys, metal items from the 1910s and special "put-together" toys from the 1960s with rarity, condition and nostalgic appeal driving value.  The strong sentimental attachment to these childhood toys drives the market. 

Cracker Jack brings back memories to everyone of a certain age.

Around 1930, the Cracker Jack company started keeping records of its prizes:  what they were, where they originated, the cost per thousand and distribution numbers.   Today Ebay continues to be a great marketplace for Cracker Jack prizes and collectors discover new items all the time.  It turns out Cracker Jack occasionally offered marbles inside their boxes.  These prizes included paper horns, whistles, miniature books or expanding fans.  Some of the most wonderful prizes came out during the Depression era.  It seems as if Cracker Jack made an extra effort to create prizes during that time when those prizes might be the only toys kids would get.

Some prizes were created by notable artists such as C. Carey Cloud (1899-1984) and John Craig. Cloud worked as a childen's book illustrator, greeting card designer and art director in Chicago before becoming a Cracker Jack prize designer. 

 

The Magic of Holiday Movies Parade

was

December 6, 2025

6:00 p.m.

Third Street in Downtown Jamestown

It was an unforgettable night of lights, laughter and holiday magic!  Prior to the parade stepping off, the tree at City Hall was lighted by the family who donated this year's tree. The tree this year was a 40-foot tall Douglas fir.  Crews decorated the tree with more than 3,000 energy-saving LED lights!  

In keeping with tradition, the tree was donated by the Messina family.  This family remembers planting the Douglas fir in 1998 when it was only a foot tall.  The city plans to plant another tree in that spot for the family.

It's exciting.  It's awesome.  Something you can share with the community and our grandkids.  We've lived here for 30 years and it was just something pretty neat.  Something you put in the ground that somebody else appreciates and can enjoy is quite special."

Perry and Sharon Messina

Downtown came alive with the Jamestown High School Red Raiders Band, movie themed floats such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), The Polar Express (2004) and Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and even a float recalling the recent Hallmark Channel movie .. Touchdown: A Bills Love Story along with Santa Claus direct from the North Pole.

The evening wrapped up with a fireworks display launched from the Spring Street parking ramp near Jamestown City Hall.

🎄 Merry Christmas 🎄 

from the Messina Family 

and their tree.  

The Rockettes Sisterhood 

The term "Rockettes sisterhood" refers to the strong bond among the dancers of the Radio City Rockettes which is built on shared experiences, precision, dance and a sense of community and mutual support.  This sisterhood has been a core part of their identity since their founding in 1925, fostering lifelong connections that continue today through initiatives like the Rockettes Legacy program.  The concept is celebrated during their 100th anniversary, highlighting the legacy, history and unity of the dancers both past and present.  

To Those Who Have Come Before 

A future Rockette named Karmen in 2009

Rockette Karmen: Joining the Sisterhood of a Lifetime shares what inspired her to audition for the line and what it means to be a part of the iconic Rockettes legacy.

"I believe that I inherited my love of dance the moment I was born.  Dance has always lived  within the family and I grew up dancing around my house.  At four years old, my mom enrolled me in a local dance studio.  With my insatiable curiosity, I soon began learning dance from several places in the Memphis area.  I was very lucky to have such wonderful and passionate teachers throughout my most formative years. Dance Academy of Bartlett supplied me with a rock-solid foundation, Dance Dynamics Memphis taught me how to command any stage and Collage Dance Conservatory showed me the value of discipline, wisdom and history.  All of these institutions shaped me into the artist I am today and constructed the fabric of my dance community tapestry at dance competitions to dancing for my degree at Southern Methodist University.  After graduating from college, my dream of becoming a professional dancer was realized through one of the greatest opportunities of my life."

"I have such colorful memories of my mom shaking me awake every Thanksgiving morning so that we could watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade together.  The parade allowed me to see what being a professional dancer could look like and the Rockettes were the pinnacle of that for me.  I was so inspired by watching dancers like Danelle Morgan, of of our current dance captains.  As a young black girl, watching a black woman perform on that level gave me the confidence to believe that the same was possible for me.  that representation changed the trajectory of my life because it uncovered a professional pathway for me.  To turn that spark of inspiration into a flame, my mom took me to see the Rockettes in person for the time in Nashville, TN when the dance company was onn tour.  Two years later, I finally saw the Rockettes perform at Radio City Music Hall.  Even as a child, I could feel the joy of the Rockettes sisterhood and I saw myself with the powerful line of women.  I am wildly grateful to be in the position to inspire others while working alongside the same women who inspired me.  I believe that is a testimony to the importance of this tradition and legacy."  

"I remember seeing the audition announcement on the Rockettes website and at my university.  Being a senior in college, it was a challenge to fit in a three-day audition, but something in my heart was telling me to try.  I knew that I wanted to honor those childhood dreams of being a Rockette, even if my career seemed as if it was going in another direction.  I will never forget flying into New York City the day of the audition and rushing straight to Radio City Music Hall from the airport.  Bags in hand, I signed in and settled in the lobby.  Memories of my first viit to Radio City came rushing back .. the grand chandeliers the lush carpeted floors, the vast staircase.  Learning Rockette choreography was such a pleasure and each day I was invited back was an unbelievable blessing.  After the last day of auditions, I remember already feeling an immense sense of pride for how far I had gotten.  Getting the invitation to Rockettes Conservatory made it even more special for me.  Rockettes Precision Dance Technique requires a unique skill set, so being able to come back to the city to learn from masters of their craft was exactly what I needed.  I even found some of my closest friends through the Conservatory program and I truly would not be the Rockette I am today without it."

"My first season as a Rockette was fille with such excitement for achieving a milestone that I didn't think was possible.  Being a Rockette is like riding the world's best rollercoaster: the anticipation of the unknown combined with the greatest thrill of your life.  The magnitude of this job is what makes it so amazing to experience, even though it can also be overwhelming at times.  If I ever felt like the weight of it all was too much, I found the strength to continue by leaning on those around me.  These women are more than colleagues .. they are sisters.  And the relationships you form will last for a lifetime.  Every day you walk into the rehearsal space or stand as the curtain rises at the top of a show, you feel the impact of this legacy.  And you uphold that legacy alongside the other incredibly strong women around you.  We are truly stronger together and that sisterhood is one of the greatest gifts to experience.  My second season taught me patience and grace .. two important values for a healthy and artistically rich career as a Rockette and professional dancer.  But I feel like the most important lesson for my past two year is to let the joy lead and know that the rest will follow.  This job has taught me that I am always capable of more.  Being a Rockette brings out the best in me and I can't wait to continue sharing that same joy with audiences this upcoming holiday season!"

Karmen is living her dream!

Sidenote:  As a child and to this day, I always look forward to seeing the Rockettes perform on Thanksgiving Day and at the Rockefeller Center annual Christmas tree lighting.  This year's tree has arrived in Manhattan from East Greenbush, NY and will be aglow with 50,000 lights on December 3rd on NBC in New York City.

 

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2025 to be lighted for all to see, included Liam.

Hear the Story Behind the 2025 Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Widow Who Donated This Year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Says Husband 'Always Talked' About This Day.

Judy Russ and her son, Liam 7 shared their excitement over their family's Norway spruce being chosen as this year's Rockefeller Center tree in memory of husband and father, Dan Russ.  

Judy and Dan Russ had always thought the giant Norway spruce outside their home in upstate New York would make the perfect Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.  The dream has now become reality, but with a bittersweet twist.  Dan passed at 32 years of age in 2020, so the tree from the Russ' home in East Greenbush will now serve as a memory of him when it shines bright for million of visitors during the holiday season.  

"As my husband has passed away, I know he would have loved to have been here for this moment.  We always talked about it being the Rockefeller Center tree.  It's so special that my family's tree gets to be America's, if not the world's Christmas tree."

Judy Russ

The 75-foot-tall Norway spruce that has served as a jungle gym for their son, Liam, was cut down on November 6 and traveled on its way to Rockefeller Center where it arrived live on Saturday, November 8.

"I'm excited that the whole world can see it."

Liam Russ

The seed was planted in 2024 when Judy took Liam to Manhattan to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and couldn't help but be reminded of their majestic tree back home. A family friend  has a relative who works at Rockefeller Center and was able to get a picture of the Russ family's tree into the right hands.  Rockefeller Center's head gardener, Erik Pauze came to see the tree, in person, and decided it was the one that will be lit with more than 50,000 lights and topped with a Swarovski star in 2025!  Needless to say,  Judy was stunned! Judy was head to say .. "I think I just hallucinated, like, 'We need to go back because there's no way this is real, right?"

Judy grew up in New York City, where visiting the tree at Rockefeller Center was an annual family tradition.  And so it will be extra special this year when she and Liam attend the official lighting ceremony on December 3 to share their tree with the world.

"Well, I cry at home in my living room when the tree is lit, so I'm probably going to be inconsolable that day, but it's going to be great. Spread soy, spread cheer, love one another.  Think of our family, think of my husband, this of us.  We're just happy to share it with everybody."

Judy Russ

Those 50,000 lights will also shine in memory of Judy's husband and Liam's father.

RIP Dan Russ

Judy and Liam

May Liam feel his father's loving embrace when he looks up at their family tree which has now become the Rockefeller Christmas Tree 2025.

 A Charlie Brown Christmas

This Christmas classic is a 1965 American animated television special which made its debut on the CBS television network on December 9, 1965. It is the first TV special based on the comic strip Peanuts by the late Charles M. Schultz. In the special, Charlie Borwn finds himself depressed despite the onset of the cheerful holiday season.  After Lucy suggests he direct a neighborhood Christmas play, his best efforst are ignored and mocked by his peers whe he chooses a puny Christmas tree as a centerpiece. 

Charles M. Schulz

1922-2000

On November 26, 2022, over 75 American syndicated cartoonists honored Schulz on what would have been his 100th birthday.