The Beer Tree and the Pig: New York's Weird Christmas Traditions
'01.12.2020'
The place we live in affects us more than we think. It's only when we see our friends and family celebrating holidays in other states that we realize how unique our own traditions are. About the strange and unusual traditions that the residents of the state of New York adhere to, the newspaper writes Only In Your State.
- Fastest dive in the holiday season
Residents of the state are among the first in all of America to start celebrating winter holidays. It is becoming apparent that the New York holiday season has begun with people dressing up as characters from fairy tales and movies. You can easily meet Santa Claus or someone from the North Pole right on the street.
- Christmas tree made of empty beer barrels
In Rochester, there is such an unusual tradition - to construct a Christmas tree from empty beer barrels. Moreover, in Rochester there is a Genesee Brewing Company - a famous American brewery. The locals are very fond of this tradition.
- Christmas pig
There is another Christmas tradition in New York State that is understandable only for locals. They sell pig-shaped mints along with small metal hammers. She is considered a talisman of good luck. On the eve of the holiday, all family members gather in order to smash it with a metal hammer and enjoy sweets.
- santacon
SantaCon is a Santa Claus festival. Everyone who wants to take part in a fun event dress up as Santa Clauses, donning the famous red and white costume of the American analogue of Santa Claus. Some even use a false beard, often constructing it from scrap materials. Girls often choose a green elf costume - helpers of the main Christmas character. SantaCon was canceled this year due to the pandemic, but we believe it will be back next holiday season.
- Strange Christmas tree decorations
It is customary to decorate Christmas trees in New York with very unusual toys, the meaning of which often remains incomprehensible to visitors. How do you like the Christmas tree toy in the form of Buffalo wings? And in the form of a dumpling?
- Unusual figurines
Sometimes in the state of New York you can find inanimate creatures in the most unexpected places and in an unusual form. For example, if you look at the roof of the famous Vidler's 5 and 10 store, you will see a statuette in the shape of an old man who, closer to Christmas, wears a Santa hat so as not to freeze. Note!
- Own "North Pole"
New York even has its own North Pole. North Paul is located in Essex County. So residents of the state do not have to travel to the real North Pole to greet Santa.
On the subject: Shopping ahead of the Holidays: A Guide to New York's Christmas Markets
North Paul (North Pole) is a real city, equipped with its own post office, which will give you an official North Pole stamp. Take note.
- Immersion in a winter pond
Another unusual tradition of residents of the state is to dive into a pond of ice water. During the festive season, more and more people, especially in cities with water bodies, observe this tradition.
- February fireworks and ice castles
Most people associate fireworks with summer holidays, but not New Yorkers. People are used to spending time here in any season.
Saranac Lake Village is home to one of the state's most spectacular ice castles. Plan a visit in February and you will immerse yourself in a real fairy tale. Here you will also see an unforgettable spectacle - the launch of fireworks over the fabulous ice structure!
- Christmas train
Every year, residents of the state are eagerly awaiting the launch of a Christmas train by Canadian Pacific before Christmas. Artists travel in it. They give concerts at the stations from the stage, into which one of the carriages is turned. This is one of the favorite traditions in New York, which is also in question this year.
- Gingerbread houses are taken very seriously here.
Each holiday season, the George Eastman Museum hosts an annual exhibition of gingerbread art. If you are a connoisseur of all that is beautiful and tasty, then this event is for you.
