Posts tagged with "holiday season"

VULIWEAR inside 360 MAGAZINE.

PAY IT FORWARD

During these tough economic times, we’ve decided to focus on practical, affordable gifts. Thus, we wanted to try to inspire those seeking a thoughtful gift for this period of transition, by compiling a complete menu that is sure to leave a lasting impression.



VULIWEAR

The beautiful array of colors and unique design patterns in an insect’s eyes can only be seen when magnified for the human eye. Their compound eyes are made up of thousands of mini eyes that come together to form patterns that are truly awesome. Stylish yet elegant frames, which are wonderfully crafted for longevity.

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VULIWEAR Eyewear collection via 360 MAGAZINE.



<gaM 063> BY AOHSOA

An exclusive partnership between AOHSOA × 360 MAGAZINE. A high quality tennis shoe perfect for painting the town red with clients. Eclectic prints which mimic a psychedelic, athleisure era – both designed in-house. Ideal for walks, jogging and gymnastics thanks to its visco-elastic better known as memory foam technology.

Rigorously tested for durability, they’re an ultramodern alternative to NIKE, Adidas shell toe and Reebok classics.

With two distinctive colorways that pay homage to The ‘Boogie Down’ Bronx‘s grafitti art scene, these melodic masterpieces possess a modest price point to achieve the unexpected.

Finally, a chic shoe in vibrant hues, combining style and functionality, to be worn in the gym and non-traditional work environments.

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gaM 063 a new sneaker created by AOHSOA and 360 MAGAZINE
<gaM 063> a new sneaker capsule created by AOHSOA and 360 MAGAZINE.

HARD ROCK HOME

From the textile manufacturers over at Sobel Westex, comes an eclectic seven piece bed set inspired by the Hard Rock marquee – a guitar. With designs which embody the essence of the greats such as Johnny Cash and Elvis, these sheets will have you leaping on a bed, strumming your stomach while lip syncing BB King. Fun yet affordable option for a guest room, dorm and/or sleeper. It’s offered in a rustic bandana blue pattern which mimics a pair of prewash. For the cost of a night stay at a modest hotel, it includes: 1 comforter, 2 Shams, 2 euro shams, and 2 decorative pillows. It’s a great purchase for that special someone in need of a slight push to began adultery. And, it makes almost any room feel harmonious. Machine wash, tumble dry, no iron.

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Hard Rock Home bedding listed in 360 MAGAZINE gift guide

ROBOROCK

Roborock is gearing up for this holiday season. From planning and decorating to the cluttered aftermath, Roborock has the cleaning tools to keep their homes tidy!

  • Dyad: Make wet and dry dirt disappear at a stroke with DyadPower this holiday season – The only dual roller motor, multi-roller wet/dry vacuum in the world! The 13000Pa suction vanishes dirty water leaving floors clean yet dry after the entire family has left. What’s more – the folding holder allows it to stand on its own, and the cordless design allows users to freely move from room to room.
  • Q5 Series: Driven by a 5200mAh battery to power longer cleans, the Roborock Q5+ features 2700Pa of suction power to easily suck up dirt and grime into the 2.5L dust bag of the Auto-Empty Dock Pure for hands-free cleaning while you’re busy with everything else. Runs on a PreciSense LiDAR Navigation System, unique to Roborock which creates a 3D map along with custom routines, multi-level mapping, as well as No-Go Zones & Invisible Walls. Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Siri, the Q5 utilizes advanced app control to create a customizable clean.
  • S7+ MaxV Ultra: Roborock’s smartest robot combo yet! The S7 MaxV Ultra provides an extremely convenient, totally hands-free cleaning experience. The dock even cleans itself too! The S7+ MaxV Ultra has more suction power than any previous Roborock robot vacuum, generating a maximum of 5100 Pa, picking up debris, hair, dust, and more from hard floors and carpets. Using its camera, this model can now recognize the furniture in your home and place them on the map automatically. It can also identify your floors in each room and recommend cleaning patterns and scrub intensity accordingly.

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Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra robotic vacuum and mop inside 360 MAGAZINE
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra robotic vacuum and mop inside 360 MAGAZINE

JOHN MAYER ROLEX DAYTONA

Though green watch dials are still trending, the green dial Rolex Daytona hype, thanks to John Mayer, is finally over.

It’s finally the perfect time to invest in the Green Daytona of your dreams from SwissWatchExpo

Selling for over $125,000 at the peak of its popularity, the “John Mayer” Rolex has finally dropped in price to $81,000, making it the perfect time to buy.  

While it remains out of reach for most of us, the lucky few will see this as their time to shine.

Eugene Tutunikov, CEO of pre-owned luxury watch retailer, SwissWatchExpo, has followed this watch for years and finally saw the price of this Daytona fall in the last month after 14 months of its increasing price.  

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In tandem with the launch of the new eyewear, Oakley also released a campaign video lead by pro surfers and Team Oakley athletes, Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto which shows how the Hydra captures the essence of “Good Times Only.” 

JOHN MAYER ROLEX DAYTONA IN 360 MAGAZINE
JOHN MAYER ROLEX DAYTONA IN 360 MAGAZINE

Hydra features semi-rimless sunglasses with a shield lens, similar to the Oakley Razor Blades, the brand’s first foray into surf culture-inspired eyewear from the ‘80s and ‘90s. The new eyewear is accentuated by a modern trigger system design, also reminiscent of Razor Blades’ silhouette, and it has been modernized to include Prizm™ Lens Technology and Unobtainium® no-slip grip nosepads.

ROSE BOX NYC

A new school year is quickly approaching and what better way to get excited than designing your dream dorm with Rose Box NYC! These gorgeous bouquets are completely customizable, letting your personality be expressed through a variety of color combinations and decorative boxes. The best part? These flowers can actually live up to 3 years with the proper care and maintenance!

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MODERN ICE BUCKET

Whether you need ice to whip up cocktails or want to cool a bottle of wine, the TRUE Chill Modern Ice Bucket is the best ice bucket for all of your chilling endeavors.

Roomy, featherlight, and stylized, this modern ice bucket comes party-ready. It’s made of durable acrylic with cut-out handles allowing for easy mobility. Low-cut sides make it easy to swoop in and grab another bottle. Holds 4 wine bottles.

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Crisbi ice bucket in 360 MAGAZINE

CHARCUTERIE BOARD W/ KNIFE

This board will ensure your spread is on point for any occasion. It’s beautifully designed, featuring gorgeous end grain wood and an acacia spreader. The knife fits conveniently in grooves between the two sections. Turn it upside down for the perfect cutting board. Cleans up easily with a damp cloth.

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Charcuterie board by Crisbi via 360 MAGAZINE

ARTISTSCENT CANDLES

Celebrate the coming holidays with luxurious, fall-scented candles. Warm up your home and have it smelling fresh going into the new season with decadent fragrances.

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CHAMPS SPORTS COLLECTION

Today, Champs Sports has launched their new, Eastbay Performance Field Day CollectionChamps Sports developed this new collection, part of the brand’s Eastbay Performance line, for the modern athlete and includes both lifestyle and performance apparel. Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts and NIL basketball superstar Jared McCain show off the versatile new products in the collection’s corresponding campaign.  

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GLASS XTR2 + REPAIR PLAN

Glass XTR2 + ZAGG Screen Repair Guarantee Plan for the iPhone 14 family of smartphones. U.S. customers who purchase a Screen Repair Guarantee plan ($10) may register their phone for a one-time screen repair up to $250 if their iPhone 14 screen gets damaged with the XTR2 screen protector on the device. The plan is valid for up to one year from the date of purchase per device, and customers are limited to a one-time screen repair. This plan will also cover all future OEM smartphones for which we will make Glass XTR2. For FAQ click HERE.

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HYPERX CLOUD STINGER 2

Definitively the choice of a player for less than fifty dollars. In fact, a lot of them compare it to $200 versions. Cloud Stinger 2 maintains the fundamentals of the original HyperX Cloud Stinger, while refining them to meet an even wider range of gamers needs. Weighing in at under 300g, the headset is designed for aquality user experience with great sound and lightweight comfort. Cloud Stinger 2 utilizes large 50mm drivers to provide clearer audio, with earcups that rotate 90 degrees for adaptive fit and comfort aroundthe neck during breaks. The headset also features easy-access audio controls on the earcup and a swivel-to-mute, noise-canceling flexible microphone for added convenience, reduced background noise and clearvoice quality.

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HYPERX CLOUD STINGER 2 headset via 360 MAGAZINE
HYPERX CLOUD STINGER 2 headset via 360 MAGAZINE

La Tourangelle

From sourcing quality ingredients to small batch production, La Tourangelle’s products are authentic, sustainable, and crafted locally in California and France using traditional practices, and recently approved by everyone’s favorite tastemaker, Jonathan Van Ness.

  • NEW this year is La Tourangelle’s Black Truffle Infused Oil (250 ml – $24.99), robust and distinctive with complex earthy notes of damp forests and dried mushrooms that are characteristic of the French Périgord Truffle. This September, La Tourangelle will release two-pack gift box of Truffle Oils (price is TBD for now – let us know if you would be interested)with one White Truffle and one Black Truffle Infused Oil, the perfect gift for the home gourmand.
  • Or opt for is the classic stocking stuffer gift sets – the Favorites Trio ($22.99) with Walnut, Avocado, and Sesame oils, or the Infused Gift Trio ($20.99) with Garlic, Herb de Provence, and Basil oil.
  • And for a little something extra this festive season, La Tourangelle’s newest bold and bright launch, Extra Virgin Avocado Oil (250 ml – $11.99), or choose the classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500 ml – $9.99) or another new product, for the home cook in your life (or even the friend who can’t cook).
  • All of La Tourangelle’s products fit into the category of  “Gifts that Give Back” – 2% of the company’s profits and 5% of the company’s land in Woodland, Yolo County, CA are dedicated to the La Tourangelle Foundation – founded to support edible gardens within schools, regenerative agriculture, and food banks.

Where to buy? La Tourangelle oils can be purchased at Whole Foods Market, Kroger’s, Safeway, Publix, and Walmart, its website, and on Amazon.

La Tourangelle Avocado Oil featured inside 360 MAGAZINE
La Tourangelle Avocado Oil featured inside 360 MAGAZINE

MONDAINE WIFI WALL CLOCK

With the new MONDAINE stop2go WiFi wall clock, you can hang a piece of Iconic Swiss design culture above your office desk or on your living room wall. In addition to its unique design, the wall clock—featuring an aluminum case with a diameter of 25 cm—also offers sophisticated electronics that do not require yet another app on your phone to set the time. After inserting the batteries, you only have to press two small buttons next to the battery compartment simultaneously to activate the WiFi function. After connecting the watch to your smartphone (via the WiFi settings), it can be adjusted thanks to a user-friendly multilingual operating menu. For example, a different time zone can be selected, or daylight-saving time can be switched on and off.

The new MONDAINE Stop2Go WiFi wall clock will be available from mid-September 2022 at selected specialist retailers and at mondaine.com.

MONDAINE wifi wall clock in 360 MAGAZINE gift guides
MONDAINE wifi wall clock in 360 MAGAZINE gift guide

GUCCI DIVE

Gucci reinvents the GUCCI DIVE collection with the addition of four new watches made with bio-based materials and recycled steel. The choice to use plant-derived
plastic from renewable sources reflects the House’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and generating positive change for people and the planet.

GUCCI DIVE inside 360 MAGAZINE
GUCCI DIVE inside 360 MAGAZINE.

60TH ANNIVERSARY CASHMERE COLLECTION

In celebration of 60 years of the James Bond film franchise, N.PEAL reimagined some of the spy’s most iconic and memorable looks in cashmere whilst revisiting their signature styles that were not just inspired by Bond, but worn by the secret agent in Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and No Time To Die (2021).

N.PEAL James Bond inspired collection featured inside 360 MAGAZINE.
N.PEAL James Bond inspired collection featured inside 360 MAGAZINE.

OAKLEY HYDRA

Hydra features semi-rimless sunglasses with a shield lens, similar to the Oakley Razor Blades, the brand’s first foray into surf culture-inspired eyewear from the ‘80s and ‘90s. The new eyewear is accentuated by a modern trigger system design, also reminiscent of Razor Blades’ silhouette, and it has been modernized to include Prizm™ Lens Technology and Unobtainium® no-slip grip nosepads.

In tandem with the launch of the new eyewear, Oakley also released a campaign video lead by pro surfers and Team Oakley athletes, Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto which shows how the Hydra captures the essence of “Good Times Only.”

Pro-surfer athletes,Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto for OAKLEY via 360 MAGAZINE.
Pro-surfer athletes,Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto for OAKLEY via 360 MAGAZINE.

MNT Gillette ProGlide

In celebration of soccer super fans, Gillette is releasing a limited edition Mexican National Team ProGlide razor, available only at MNTGillette.com. There’s nothing like a clean shave to look your best, feel your best, and cheer on your team to play their best!

The Mexico National Team fanbase always shows up and rallies for El Tri day in and day out. With this limited-edition Gillette ProGlide razor featuring the Mexico National Team logo, superfans can show their team pride in their daily routines and have a keepsake for years to come.

MNT Gillette ProGlide via 360 MAGAZINE.
MNT Gillette ProGlide via 360 MAGAZINE.

Photo: Gillette

Doctor Plotka

Never suffer from that funky old toothbrush taste again, and instead enjoy a deeper clean in the new year with Doctor Plotka’s Mouth Watchers. PLUS! Check out their amazing toothpaste!

$4.99 and up – available:
www.mouthwatchers.com
Amazon.com

Doctor Plotka toothpaste and toothbrushes via 360 MAGAZINE.
Doctor Plotka toothpaste and toothbrushes via 360 MAGAZINE.

LIDS | AMAZON PRIME DAY

Get a head start on your holiday shopping with the latest Amazon Prime Day deals, global sports retailer, Lids has amazing deals that you won’t want to miss for the fashion maven or sports fanatic in your life. See below for the best headwear products for kids and adults from Lids.

Adults

·       Lids Blank Original Adjustable Snapback Hat ($17.99)

·       Lids Pop Culture Foam Trucker Adjustable Snapback Cap ($18.99)

·       Lids Americana Adjustable Strapback Dad Hat ($18.99)

·       Lids Blank Essential Dad Adjustable Strapback Hat ($14.99)

Kids

·       Lids Explore Youth Adjustable Snapback Hat ($17.99)

 

Lids caps for the holidays via 360 MAGAZINE.
Lids caps for the holidays via 360 MAGAZINE.

Reebok has announced the return of its BB 4000 II, a transcendent lifestyle basketball sneaker from the brand’s iconic 1980s “BB” footwear range, dropping October 28.

Reebok BB 4000 II coming soon via 360 MAGAZINE.
Reebok BB 4000 II via 360 MAGAZINE.

LIDS LAMAR VALLEY

Lids latest collection, “Lamar Valley” includes the brand’s newest New Era x MLB colored undervisor hat.

Designed by Lids’ president, Britten Maughan, the “Lamar Valley” collection is inspired by Maughan’s experience of growing up on the western side of the United States and visiting the natural beauty of our nation’s parks and landscapes like the Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park.

Maughan worked with a New Era designer to creatively curate the Lamar Valley colorway, making every detail and decision intentional. The overall hat tells a story and has underling meanings behind the cap’s undertones. The team logos are outlined in blue, signifying the river that flows through the valley. If familiar with Lamar Valley, you know the river isn’t prominent from every view, unlike the earth tones – the browns and greens – that can be seen all-year round. The collection also includes the limited edition MiLB hat, The Buffalo Bisons.

“Lamar Valley” includes the brand’s newest New Era x MLB colored undervisor LIDS hat via 360 MAGAZINE.
“Lamar Valley” includes the brand’s newest New Era x MLB colored undervisor LIDS hat via 360 MAGAZINE.

REEBOK’S BB 4000 II

Reebok’s BB 4000 II lifestyle basketball shoe re-emerges from the brand’s ‘80s basketball archive via Extra Butter (U.S.), Courir (Europe), and Reebok.com, among other select retailers. Creative directed by artist Cam Hicks.

REEBOK'S BB 4000 II lifestyle basketball sneaker via 360 MAGAZINE.
REEBOK’S BB 4000 II lifestyle basketball sneaker via 360 MAGAZINE.

CASIO | The PRW6900YL-5

Casio America, Inc. is excited to expand its PRO TREK line of outdoor timepieces with the PRW6900YL-5.

Geared for outdoor enthusiasts, the new timepiece is inspired by bushcraft, which is the art of learning to find one’s way in the wild. The PRW6900YL-5 features an octagonal metal bezel with sharply tapered edges reminiscent of a wood axe. At the 10 o’clock position, the inset dial indicator hand recalls the blade of a camping knife, and the second-hand features the orange gradation of campfire flames. The base of the dial has a textured cast iron-like surface evoking a Dutch oven, bringing together a design that epitomizes all there is to love about bushcraft.

In keeping with the PRO TREK commitment to be “One with Nature”, the PRW6900YL-5’s case and resin case back are made with biomass plastics, an eco-friendly, green material. The newly developed flame-retardant leather band of the PRW6900YL holds up even when hit by flying sparks.

Equipped with Casio’s V3 Triple Sensor technology, the new watch provides easy measurements of compass bearing, barometric pressure, temperature, and altitude with the push of a button, all necessary for outdoor exploration. Other features include Tough Solar, Multi Band 6, water resistance up to 100 meters, super illuminator, full auto LED, five daily alarms, World Time (29 cities + UTC), and more.

The PRW6900YL-5 is now available for purchase (MSRP: $500) on Casio.com.


PGA TOUR 2K23 x NBA 2K23

2K lines up the perfect putt and slam dunks the game-winner this December with the PGA TOUR 2K23 x NBA 2K23 Bundle. 

The ultimate gift for any sports fan, athlete or gamer, the digital bundle is available for a special introductory holiday price of $49.99 for PlayStation® Plus and Xbox Live Gold subscribers and $39.99 on PC via Steam from December 13 through December 27, 2022*. The perfect last-minute gift features a combined cover depicting stylized images of PGA TOUR 2K23 icon Tiger Woods and NBA 2K23 superstar Devin Booker.


WHATIF FOODS

WhatIF Foods – NoodBoxes and plant based milk – WhatIF Foods is a planet-positive food and beverage company that’s on a  mission to regenerate the planet and its people.

Whatif plant milk via 360 MAGAZINE.
WhatIF plant milk via 360 MAGAZINE.

SOUND BLASTER BLAZE V2

Unparalleled sound at an affordable price point‘ – 360

The Sound Blaster Blaze V2 is a no frills, light-weight over the ear gaming headset.

Precision-tuned 40 mm FullSpectrum Neodymium drivers deliver crisp audio. With Creative app (on Windows), users get to access the Sound Blaster Studio Essential suite to enable sound processing technologies like virtualized 7.1 Surround Sound, Acoustic Engine (with features like Surround, Crystalizer, Smart Volume, Dialog Plus), built-in audio presets for various gaming profiles, movies and music, and CrystalVoice (with features like Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Smart Volume, Microphone Equalizer).

Sound Blaster Blaze V2 is equipped with a detachable, noise-cancelling microphone so that gamers can communicate efficiently without unwanted distractions. A gold-plated 3.5 mm 4-pole combo jack makes connecting easy, with its high-purity oxygen-free copper wire cable helping to transmit distortion-free audio. An inline remote control provides instant access to volume adjustment and mic mute.

Sound Blaster Blaze V2 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Sound Blaster Blaze V2 inside 360 MAGAZINE.

MANTA SLEEP MASK PRO

Surprise your Valentine with the most advanced sleep mask on the planet! Manta Sleep Mask PRO features true 100% blackout for deeper sleep, C-shaped eye cups for unbeatable side sleep comfort, and zero pressure on the eyelids or lashes. Uncompromisingly engineered for side sleepers, the PRO’s eye cups sit completely flat against your temple without sacrificing eye space. So there’s nothing between your head and your pillow. The eye cups feature a smart “air bubble” that expands to keep light out when switching positions and compresses flat when you lie on your side. So you get a perfect blackout seal with none of the bulk. Featuring an infinitely adjustable fit and cooling perforated foam, this mask offers unmatched breathability and ventilation (powered by advanced material science).

Manta Sleep Mask Pro via 360 MAGAZINE gift guide.
Manta Sleep Mask Pro via 360 MAGAZINE gift guide.

REDEMPTION ROAD COFFEE

Redemption Road Coffee is made with special quality grains of unique origin. Discover one-of-a-kind beans from four parts of the world. Each bag supports a special cause, from family companies to women-owned farms, supporting sustainable emerging entities.
Choose between light, medium, and dark roasts. Comes with beans or pods.

Redemption Road Coffee via 360 MAGAZINE.
Redemption Road Coffee via 360 MAGAZINE.

REEBOK PUMP

Chapter 1 of Reebok’s ‘Pump Universe’ collection (Question Pump and Shaq Victory Pump) drops today, Friday 2/17, from Reebok.com and in-store exclusively from Foot Locker.

Reebok pump release via 360 MAGAZINE.
Reebok pump release via 360 MAGAZINE.

Vaughn Lowery visits the NYBG GLOW and Train Show preview via 360 MAGAZINE.

NYBG TRAIN SHOW

‘It is the most picturesque season signifier on the east coast besides the illumination of the Rockefeller Center tree.’Vaughn Lowery

The New York Botanical Garden‘s much-loved Holiday Train Show and the outdoor color-and-light experience NYBG GLOW—the first time this festive evening event was available for preview before it opens to the general public.

NYBG in Bronx train show via 360 MAGAZINE.
Vaughn Lowery visits the NYBG GLOW and Train Show preview via 360 MAGAZINE.

The Holiday Train Show—a favorite holiday tradition—returns to the Botanical Garden for its 31st year of making memories. Visitors will marvel as model trains zip through an enchanting display of more than 190 New York landmarks, each delightfully re-created from natural materials such as birch bark, lotus pods, and cinnamon sticks by the creative team at Applied Imagination.

As day turns to night on select dates, families and friends can start a new holiday tradition exploring the Garden’s breathtakingly illuminated landscape and enjoying food and magical experiences at NYBG GLOW, expanded for its third year.

NYBG in Bronx train show via 360 MAGAZINE.
NYBG in Bronx train show via 360 MAGAZINE.

The Holiday Train Show opens to the public on Saturday, November 19, 2022, and runs through Monday, January 16, 2023. NYBG GLOW takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. on 23 nights starting Friday, November 18, 2022, and running through Saturday, January 14, 2023.

Go HERE for tickets.

Vaughn Lowery visits the NYBG GLOW and Train Show preview via 360 MAGAZINE.
Vaughn Lowery visits the NYBG GLOW and Train Show preview via 360 MAGAZINE.
Stuttgart's Christmas Market by Jean-Claude Winkler via 360 MAGAZINE

Stuttgart’s Christmas Markets

Stuttgart’s Christmas Markets Re-Open for the Perfect Holiday Weekend

After two years of being closed due to Covid, Stuttgart is reopening its famous Christmas market as will the nearby towns of royal Ludwigsburg and medieval Esslingen. Illuminations and Swabian fare delight visitors

Starting Wednesday, November 23 at 6:00 pm with a concert in the courtyard of the Old Palace, Stuttgart will re-open its beloved Christmas market. In heart of the old town between the New Palace, Schiller Square, the Old Palace, and the marketplace, the merry scene will unfold once again. It will be especially sweet after two years of being closed for Covid. Dating back to the early 17th century, Stuttgart’s market is one of Europe’s finest with 290 kiosks of handmade treasures, delicious foods, including its own Springerle stall and the dark, sweet Hutzelbrot, along with stunning light displays from the botanical garden down to the main square. 

One of the best parts about visiting Stuttgart before Christmas, is that you not only get one of Germany’s oldest and most established markets, but also two additional and distinctly different Christmas markets. The royal town of Ludwigsburg will start a day earlier and the elegant backdrop of the renaissance palace and gardens is a treat; while the medieval Christmas market at Esslingen will have your blood thrumming to the beat of the drums, the costumes, and fire jugglers. Scents of mulled wine, gingerbread and punch waft through the air accompanied by seasonal treats. 

Stuttgart Christmas Market

In Stuttgart, the painstakingly-decorated roofs of the stalls, from Santa Claus with his fluffy white beard to traditional Nativity figures or wonderful winter landscapes, never fail to delight. Each year visitors and a jury choose the best Christmas market stalls. Traditional Swabianspecialties and delicacies, include a “Springerle” stall selling not only the carved wooden molds needed to produce this traditional cookie, but also the aniseed-flavored biscuits themselves. And “Hutzelbrot” – a sweet fruit loaf made of dark yeast dough — is an absolute ‘must’ when strolling round the Christmas market. Children get their own special activities at the Children’s Christmas market with hands-on activities, a genuine miniature steam engine, and the live animals in the Nativity scene.

Another special addition is the Stuttgart Christmas Garden in the Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Gardens which transform into a romantic fairy-tale wonderland with glittering light installations and audio-visual effects. The circular walk takes visitors past illuminated animal sculptures and laser animations in the redwood grove. 

Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market

Around 150 stalls at the Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market, could fulfil every Christmas stocking: glove puppets and music boxes, antique and modern Christmas tree decorations and much more besides are on offer. In addition to the traditional Christmas Market food, there are also Swabian specialties to delight the palate, such as Schupfnudeln (potato noodles) and “Holzofendinnede” – a delicacy similar to tarte flamb, baked in a wood-fired 

oven. The gingerbread at the Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market is traditionally served fresh from the oven. The illuminations are no less special than the arrangement of the stalls, which reflect the symmetry and straight lines of Ludwigsburg’s streets and the gardens of its famous Baroque palace. In the evenings there’s atmospheric music to round off the day. 

Esslingen Christmas and Medieval Market

At Esslingen’s Medieval and Christmas market, merchants in historical costumes will peddle their wares just as they did hundreds of years ago. Dyers, felters, blacksmiths and glass blowers will demonstrate traditional crafts, and stilt walkers, jugglers, fire eaters and minstrels ply their trades around the more than 200 stalls. The concert of medieval music in St. Paul’s Cathedral and the atmospheric backdrop of timbered houses and romantic alleyways are what make Esslingen’s Christmas and Medieval Market an experience second to none. Various workshops are on offer: Visitors can learn the old market language, find out how to smoke food, take part in a stick-fighting course or produce their own tinder. The main highlight will take place on 21st December at the winter solstice, when visitors and market traders alike join in the popular torchlight procession up to the castle. Once they get there, the fire show begins and the winter is welcomed with drums and song. 

In general, the Christmas markets are open by 11 am and close around 8.30 pm, and even later on the weekends. The markets in Ludwigsburg and Esslingen open on Tuesday, November 22 and run through December 22 while Stuttgart’s market begins November 23 and runs to December 23. So, a long weekend will give you just enough time to visit all of the markets and enjoy their individual handicrafts, atmospheres, and delicacies. The towns of Ludwigsburg and Esslingen are only a 20-minute train ride from the city center.

Holiday weekend Plus

The city also has a great deal to offer in addition to its lovely Christmas markets! Some people say that you cannot get a better car experience outside of Stuttgart. The Mercedes Benz Museum, the Porsche Museum, the classic cars at MOTORWORLD, overnighting in a car-themed room, the Bertha Benz Route, and Daimler’s workshop are enough to make auto hearts beat a bit faster. Others get excited about the modern architecture, including the White Housing Estate, the new library, and the palaces and gardens. Many visitors appreciate the fine arts and history museums and evenings at the famous ballet and opera. Stuttgart has 7 Michelin stars but the small cafes and non-starred restaurants offer excellent local dishes. Surrounded by wine hills, the city always has excellent local varieties on tap, and you can enjoy delightful evenings in seasonal pubs in the wine hills. The shopping is luxurious and distinctive with many brands and stores that one does not find in the U.S. or Canada. Stuttgart is easily accessible from all major European cities by train and plane and hotels are plentiful.

www.stuttgarter-weihnachtsmarkt.de

www.christmas-garden.de/stuttgart/en

www.ludwigsburg.de

www.esslingen-marketing.de/en

Books by 360 Magazine via 360 Magazine

MARVEL COMICS CELEBRATION

MARVEL COMICS CELEBRATES COMICSPRO’S LOCAL COMIC SHOP DAY WITH TWO STUNNING COVERS STARRING PETER PARKER AND MILES MORALES!

Check out Marvel’s variant covers for this year’s LOCAL COMIC SHOP DAY, available to all retailers on November 23

Local Comic Shop Day returns for its eighth year on November 23! The annual event organized by ComicsPRO, comics industry’s trade organization, celebrates the independent spirit of local comic book shops and encourages customers to visit their local shops during the holiday season! Marvel Comics is proud to participate once again, this time with two LOCAL COMIC SHOP DAY VARIANT COVERS! In honor of the 60th anniversary of Spider-Man, they’ll grace the covers of November’s issues of both of Spider-Man’s current ongoing series: Zeb Wells and John Romita Jr.’s Amazing Spider-Man and Dan Slott and Mark Bagley’s Spider-Man. Drawn by acclaimed artist Francesco Mobili, these dramatic pinups showcase everyone’s favorite webslingers—Peter Parker and Miles Morales!

Be sure to contact your local comic shop for inquiries regarding availability! For more information about ComicsPRO, please visit www.comicspro.org. Check out both covers below and celebrate the place where a passion for Pop Culture begins on LOCAL COMIC SHOP DAY!

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com

MAZING SPIDER-MAN #13 LOCAL COMIC SHOP DAY 2022 VARIANT COVER by FRANCESCO MOBILI
SPIDER-MAN #2 LOCAL COMIC SHOP DAY 2022 VARIANT COVER by FRANCESCO MOBILI

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.

For more information, visit Marvel.com

Mariah Carey Makes History

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” continues to make pop music history this year as the artist’s perennial yuletide standard (cowritten and coproduced by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff in 1994) keeps breaking new records while lighting up the 2021 holiday season.

This December, “All I Want for Christmas is You” became the first and only holiday single to take home the RIAA’s coveted Diamond Award (in recognition of ten million sales and streaming units in the United States).

Listen to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You” here.

“The continued love for my song never ceases to amaze me and fill my heart with a multitude of emotions,” said Mariah. “It blows my mind that ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ has endured different eras of the music industry. The RIAA DIAMOND award?! Wowww! I’m so fortunate to have the greatest fans on Earth, my Lambily, who continue to support my legacy. I love you.”

“Mariah is the Queen of Christmas,” said President of the Commercial Music Group at Sony Music Entertainment, Richard Story. “Her Sony Music family congratulates her on breaking yet another record, and continuing to make history as the first and only artist to achieve this incredible milestone.”

“Mariah Carey is one of the top Gold & Platinum awarded artists of all time, and ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ becoming the only holiday song to achieve Diamond is a remarkable milestone forever etched in music history. Congratulations and happy holidays to Mariah and her amazing Sony team,” said Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO, RIAA.

Carey also spotlights the global fan-favorite “All I Want for Christmas is You” in the Apple TV+ smash-hit, Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special, with a show-stopping performance of the record-breaking song, along with her twins, son Moroccan and daughter Monroe. On the heels of this exciting news, Carey debuts her all-new holiday extravaganza Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues, premiering globally today and available now on Apple TV+.

On Tuesday, December 7, Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) will make two Mariah Carey films, Live at the Tokyo Dome and First Vision, available for digital purchase and rental for the first time in the United States. Showcasing more than 80 minutes of music, including a stunning live version of “All I Want for Christmas is You,” Mariah Carey: Live at the Tokyo Dome captures the artist’s historic first concert in Japan, lensed during her 1996 Daydream World Tour. Mariah Carey: First Vision gives viewers an inside look at Mariah on the cusp of her meteoric rise to superstardom; this 1991 film contains early music videos, behind-the-scenes footage, an interview and songs from her very first live performance at New York’s intimate Tatou Club in 1990. Currently available in the US only, four additional Mariah Carey films–Fantasy: Mariah Carey at Madison Square Garden, Here is Mariah Carey, Mariah Carey Around the World and Mariah Carey: MTV Unplugged +3–will be released worldwide via SPE on December 7.

Billboard recently named Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” as the #1 record on their Greatest of All Time Holiday 100 Songs list. The song first cracked the Top 10 of the Hot 100 in December 2017 and, in December 2019, 25 years after its original release, became the second holiday single ever to hit #1 on the Hot 100, breaking the record for longest span from release date to #1. “All I Want for Christmas is You” hit #1 again in 2020, giving it a five week total in the top slot, a new milestone for a holiday recording.

Recorded in August 1994 at The Hit Factory in New York, “All I Want for Christmas is You” was originally released in October 1994 as the first single from Mariah’s Merry Christmas album, a showcase for Mariah’s interpretations of familiar holiday songs alongside the new material she’d composed with co-writer Walter Walter Afanasieff. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” went on to become one of the best-selling singles (of any genre) of all time and the best-selling holiday ringtone in the United States for several years running.

When “All I Want for Christmas is You” hit #1 on the Hot 100 in 2019, it was Mariah’s 19th claim on the top spot, a record for a solo recording artist; when her holiday single hit #1 the following year, Mariah became the first artist to have a Hot 100 # 1 in four separate decades (the 1990s, the 2000s, the 2010s and the 2020s).

Having charted every holiday season since its original release, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You”–which The New Yorker called “one of the few worthy modern additions to the holiday canon”–has become an essential seasonal standard that continues to bring the spirit of Christmas to the hearts of music lovers the world over.

“All I Want for Christmas is You” is Carey’s biggest international success, topping the charts in twenty-six countries including Australia, Canada, France, and Germany. In 2020, the holiday classic topped the charts in the United Kingdom for the first time, spending a record 69 weeks in the UK Top 40 before reaching #1. “All I Want for Christmas is You” is the all-time best-selling Christmas single by a female artist and one of the top-selling physical singles in music history. It’s the first holiday ringtone to be certified double platinum by the RIAA.

As of December 20, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” makes an unprecedented return to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, rising from No. 2. The carol logs its sixth total week atop the Hot 100 and becomes the first song in the chart’s history to have led in three distinct runs on the ranking (2019, 2020, 2021). Additionally, the record tops both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts. The two global charts rank songs based on streaming and sales activity culled from more than 200 territories, as compiled by MRC Data.

The song was first released on Carey’s album Merry Christmas in 1994 and, as streaming has grown and holiday music has become more prominent on streaming services’ seasonal playlists, it hit the Hot 100’s top 10 for the first time in December 2017, before ascending to No. 1 in both December 2019 (for three weeks) and December 2020 (two).

Carey’s gift that keeps on giving (and leading) paces six holiday classics in the Hot 100’s top 10, with Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” rising to No. 2 and Wham!’s “Last Christmas” returning to the tier at No. 9.

A deeper look at Carey’s latest Hot 100 coronation with “Christmas,” on Columbia Records/Legacy Recordings:

Airplay, streams & sales: Carey’s “Christmas” drew 37.6 million U.S. streams (up 16%) and 26.1 million radio airplay audience impressions (up 7%) and sold 7,400 downloads (up 7%) in the Dec. 10-16 tracking week, according to MRC Data.

The song spends a 13th total week at No. 1 on the Streaming Songs chart and rises 9-7 on Digital Song Sales; and 24-23 on Radio Songs. It also leads the multi-metric Holiday 100 chart for a 49th week, of the chart’s 54 total weeks since the list launched in 2011; it has topped the tally for 34 consecutive weeks, dating to the start of the 2015-16 holiday season, and dominates as the top title on the recently-revealed Greatest of All Time Holiday 100 Songs chart.

Since its release, the song has upped its U.S. totals to 4.3 billion in radio audience, 1.4 billion streams and 3.7 million in download sales.

No. 1 in a third separate chart run: Carey’s “Christmas” first topped the Hot 100 dated Dec. 21, 2019, and led again on the next two lists, dated Dec. 28, 2019, and Jan. 4, 2020.

The following holiday season, it returned to No. 1 on the chart dated Dec. 19, 2020, and, after a week at No. 2 (below Taylor Swift’s “Willow”), topped the Jan. 2, 2021, dated tally.

As “Christmas” rules the latest, Dec. 25, 2021-dated chart, it claims its sixth total week at No. 1 in its third seasonal run at the summit, becoming the first song in the Hot 100’s 63-year history to lead in three distinct chart runs. The track has re-entered the survey each November or December dating to 2012.

(As “Christmas” has made four interrupted climbs to the top of the Hot 100, on charts dated Dec. 21, 2019, Dec. 19, 2020, Jan. 2, 2021, and now Dec. 25, 2021, it ties 24kGoldn’s “Mood,” featuring iann dior, beginning in October 2020, and Drake’s “Nice for What,” in 2018, as the only songs with four separate ascents to No. 1; unlike “Christmas,” the latter two tracks logged their four distinct rises to No. 1 over unbroken chart stays.)

Longest span atop the Hot 100: Carey’s “Christmas” now boasts the longest span from a song’s first week at No. 1 on the Hot 100 to its latest: two years and four days (Dec. 21, 2019-Dec. 25, 2021).

It passes the only other song to lead the Hot 100 over multiple runs: Chubby Checker’s “The Twist,” which topped the tally dated Sept. 19, 1960, before, thanks to new popularity among adult audiences, leading the lists dated Jan. 13 and 20, 1962, ruling again after a gap of a year, three months and three weeks. (Still, that break remains the longest between Hot 100 reigns.)

Most weeks at No. 1 for a holiday hit: With its sixth week atop the Hot 100, Carey’s “Christmas” extends its record for the most time at No. 1 among holiday songs. The only other seasonal single to jingle to the apex, “The Chipmunk Song,” by David Seville & the Chipmunks, spent four weeks on top beginning in December 1958.

Carey’s record 85th week atop Hot 100: With “Christmas,” Carey claims her record-extending 85th week at No. 1 on the Hot 100, dating to the chart’s Aug. 4, 1958, inception.

Most Weeks at No. 1 on Hot 100
85, Mariah Carey

60, Rihanna
59, The Beatles
52, Drake
50, Boyz II Men
47, Usher
41, Beyoncé
37, Michael Jackson
34, Elton John
34, Bruno Mars

“Christmas” became Carey’s 19th Hot 100 No. 1, the most among soloists and one away from The Beatles’ overall record 20. It also made Carey the first artist to have ranked at No. 1 on the chart in four distinct decades, dating to her first week on top with her debut single, “Vision of Love,” in 1990.

Further, “Christmas” is Carey’s record fifth Hot 100 No. 1 to rule for six weeks or more. She one-ups Boyz II Men, Drake and Usher, each with four such leaders.

Plus, it’s not only fitting that “Christmas” leads the Hot 100 dated Dec. 25, 2021, but Carey is the only artist to top the chart on multiple rankings dated Dec. 25: her “Hero” began a four-week stay at No. 1 on the Dec. 25, 1993, Hot 100. (This week’s chart is the 10th dated Dec. 25 in the list’s history.)

thanksgiving illustration by Reb Czukoski for use by 360 Magazine

Tips For Smart Home Devices During Thanksgiving

November brings a great amount of excitement in the air – football season is in full swing, basketball is about to start, and Thanksgiving and holiday shopping are right around the corner.

Of course, that also means half of America’s football teams are already out of contention, and people have already begun to stress about Thanksgiving planning and their holiday shopping.

Fortunately, with all the “smart home” devices now at our disposal, everyone’s Thanksgiving Day preparation and cooking this year is sure to be “smarter” than ever. From smart thermometers and smart vacuums to Amazon Echo and Alexa devices, Thanksgiving Day prep and cooking should be a snap. 

Smart Devices Can Still Cause Frustrations

Unfortunately, a house filled with smart devices doesn’t necessarily make our cooking experience that much smarter. According to a recent survey, 74% of connected consumers have experienced technical challenges in the past year. Even before the pandemic, 36% of smart device owners said they haven’t connected their product because they don’t know how. In addition to product issues, 55% of respondents said their internet speeds have been slower since the pandemic began.

Just having a connected home doesn’t always mean it’s smooth sailing for smart device connectivity. Here are a few tips from personal tech support experts to keep technical frustrations to a minimum on Turkey Day.

  •   Use your Amazon Echo Show to view your favorite recipes. Pause, playback, etc. and see the recipe on the screen as you go. Need other food ideas, just ask Alexa for top Thanksgiving recipes!
  •   Make shopping for your groceries simpler with free apps like AnyList. Just download the app, register, and then start creating custom lists. Want to share your list with a family member or friend, no problem, that’s easy, just send the list from within the app to their email address. Once they click the link and download the app they will be able to see your list and add, change, delete items.
  •   Want to put a little pep in your meal prep? Use your smart speaker to play your favorite holiday songs while you’re cooking. Did you know that if you are an Amazon Prime member you get access to Amazon Music for free? Just ask Alexa to play your favorite tunes like “Alexa, play Feeling Thankful music.”  Also, did you know that iHeart Radio is free as well? Just download and register the app, make sure to add the “skill” to your Amazon Alexa app to let it work with iHeart Radio.  Try “Alexa, play iHeart Christmas Rock.”
  •   Want to start decorating for holidays early? Pick up some smart plugs and connect your holiday lights, tree and other electric devices and then create a “group” like “Holidays inside”.  Then, use your Google or Amazon device for voice commands like “Hey Google, turn on Holidays inside” and watch as all your gadgets turn on.
  •   Did you know you can use your Google Home device, your Amazon Echo device, or your iPhone Siri service to set multiple timers to keep track of your food cook times?  Try “Alexa, remind me in 15 minutes to check the turkey.
  •   Made a mess while cooking and too tired to clean it up yourself, use your smart vacuum to do some post-Thanksgiving cooking cleanup. You can create custom rooms with your iRobot app and then just send it directly to the room that needs a little extra tidying up.

Planning Can Save Frustration

Plan and make sure all your home’s smart devices are connected and working properly by contacting your tech support specialist home consultants ahead of the big day. You can also use a Wi-Fi speed check to make sure your Internet network speed is running at an optimal level when more family members begin to arrive and there are even more devices in the home running off your Wi-Fi. What’s more, you’ll want to check and make sure all your smart devices used in the kitchen are near the internet router, or if they are too far away there are always solutions like mesh routers and new Wi-Fi 6 routers that can extend your Wi-Fi range. Remember, slower internet speeds don’t always mean it’s your internet service provider’s fault.

About The Author: Scott McKinley is AVP, Global New Product Development for Personal TechPro, the connected device premium tech support solution for the Pocket Geek Home solution.

Nicole Hajjar for use by 360 Magazine

Tusse – This is Our Christmas Song

Tusse has just released his new song, This is Our Christmas Song.” The song is written by Tusse himself in collaboration with Kerstin Ljungström and Louise Lennartsson from Estraden via Universal Music Sweden/Republic Records. The song is dedicated to those who may feel lonely on Christmas, says Tusse himself. Tusse states, “sometimes we forget what the real importance behind Christmas is and instead focus on stressing about Christmas presents, decorations, whether Santa will come, etc. For me, Christmas has always been about showing how much you appreciate your family and loved ones by getting together, eating amazing food, and celebrating the love you share.” Tusse continues to explain that a sense of loneliness may feel amplified during the holiday season for some, and that they wanted to write a song to exemplify this feeling.

“This is Our Christmas Song” comes after the release of Tusse’s latest single, “Grow.” The single was written by Tusse in collaboration with Amanda CygnaeusPetter TarlandPär Westerlund and produced by Paro. The single “Grow” is all about finding oneself and the journey that every individual has with self-growth. The track accompanies a children’s choir from Class 5B in Kyrkskolan Täby.

Tusse is Kongo-Kinshasa born and came to Sweden at the early age of five-years-old. Since, Tusse has been making his mark in the Swedish music sphere. This year alone, Tusse broke a record when he won Melodifestivalen 2021 with his single “Voices” with over three million votes. From this victory, Tusse was able to represent Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, coming in 14th place. Tusse made history this year becoming the only artist to win both song contest TV shows Idol and Melodifestivalen. His single “Voices” is a platinum-selling song that went all the way to #1 on Spotify and Top 10 on Swedish radio and iTunes in Sweden. “Voices” also made it into the Top 200 on the Global Spotify Chart, as well as in eight other countries during the Eurovision final.

Hotel Hassler Roma Introduces Santa Suite

HOTEL HASSLER ROMA DECKS OUT SANTA SUITE FOR CHRISTMAS

Hotel Hassler Roma, the iconic 5-star hotel located atop the Spanish Steps, offers guests the ideal getaway to live out a true Roman holiday for the festive season. This holiday season, for the first time, the Hassler will offer a new immersive Christmas experience, offerings guests the chance to sleep in a decked-out “Santa Suite.” The suite is transformed into a winter wonderland with trimmed trees, lights, ornaments and festive decor. Upon arrival, guests will be treated with seasonal goodies delivered by Santa. The Santa Suite will be available from December 10, 2021 to January 3, 2022, priced at 4,500 (approx. $5,230) per night based on two guests sharing.

In addition to the Santa Suite, The Hassler is offering an “Enchanting Christmas Dream” package, which includes a three-night stay with a daily buffet breakfast, airport transfers, afternoon tea for two in the beautiful Salone Eva, and a gourmet Christmas Eve Dinner for two at the Michelin-starred Imago restaurant. Guests will also receive an exclusive gift from the AmorVero Home collection as well as a sweet Christmas surprise in-room. The three-night package starts at 2,664 (approx. $3,090) based on two guests sharing a room, and is valid for stays that begin on either December 22, 23 or 24. For New Year’s Eve, the Hassler is offering an equally extravagant experience, including a three-night stay, airport transfers, a bottle of Champagne upon arrival, afternoon tea for two, a New Year’s Eve Gala dinner for two at either Imago or Salone Eva, followed by dancing in the Salone Medici. Prices for the three-night package range from 3,432 (approx. $3,990) to 4,692 (approx. $5,450), depending on the room type and gala dinner choice.

NYGB GLOW photo for use by 360 Magazine

New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden Celebrates the Holiday Season Day and Night with the 30th Year of the Holiday Train Show and the Return of NYBG GLOW, the Garden’s Outdoor Color-and-Light Experience, Expanded for Its Second Year

Holiday Train Show Runs Saturday, November 20, 2021 & Sunday, January 23, 2022; NYBG GLOW Takes Place on 25 Select Evenings, Wednesday, November 24, 2021 & Saturday, January 22, 2022.

Tickets for Both Go on Sale for NYBG Members on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, and for the General Public on Tuesday, October 5, 2021

The Holiday Train Show, a favorite holiday tradition is back at The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) for its 30th year. Visitors will marvel as model trains zip through an enchanting display of more than 175 New York landmarks, each delightfully re-created from natural materials such as birch bark, lotus pods, and cinnamon sticks. As day turns to night on select dates, families and friends can start a new holiday tradition exploring the Botanical Garden’s festively illuminated landscape and enjoying music, dance, food, and more at the expanded outdoor color-and-light experience NYBG GLOW. It will be the perfect night out this holiday season.

The Holiday Train Show opens to the public on Saturday, November 20, 2021, and runs through Sunday, January 23, 2022. NYBG GLOW will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. on 25 nights starting Wednesday, November 24, 2021, and running through Saturday, January 22, 2022.

Tickets for both the Holiday Train Show and NYBG GLOW go on sale for NYBG Members on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Tickets for the general public will be available for purchase beginning Tuesday, October 5, 2021.

The Holiday Train Show features a miniature wonderland in the warmth of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Famous New York landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, and many other favorites, are crafted from natural materials such as pinecones, acorns, and seeds. To celebrate the 30th year of the Holiday Train Show, a showcase of NYBG’s buildings and structures will feature a new replica of the majestic LuEsther T. Mertz Library Building along with the iconic Haupt Conservatory. Both are designated New York City Landmarks.

Returning for its second year, NYBG GLOW will offer more displays to wander through and explore. The beauty of the Garden’s landmark landscape and historic buildings will be breathtakingly illuminated with a newly expanded 1.5-mile colorful experience. NYBG’s iconic sights and buildings will become dramatic, glittering canvases with the Haupt Conservatory and Mertz Library Building as the centerpieces. Washes of brilliant color, thousands of dazzling, energy-efficient LED lights, illuminated plant stories, and whimsical, picture-perfect installations reflect the surrounding gardens and collections, creating a spectacle not to be missed.

During NYBG GLOW evenings, beverages and light fare will be available at one of NYBG’s outdoor bars or the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up, and festive offerings will include artistic ice sculpting, music, and pop-up performances around the Garden to add to the seasonal atmosphere.

This holiday season, visitors to NYBG GLOW will be able to round out their experience with an after-dark visit to the Holiday Train Show by purchasing a special combination ticket.

NYBG GLOW will take place on the following dates: Wednesday, November 24; Friday, November 26; Saturday, November 27; Thursday, December 2; Friday, December 3; Saturday, December 4; Thursday, December 9; Saturday, December 11; Thursday, December 16; Friday, December 17; Saturday, December 18; Thursday, December 23; Sunday, December 26; Monday, December 27; Tuesday, December 28; Wednesday, December 29; and Thursday, December 30, 2021; Saturday, January 1; Thursday, January 6; Friday, January 7; Saturday, January 8; Friday, January 14; Saturday, January 15; Friday, January 21; and Saturday, January 22, 2022.

For more information and to sign up for ticket alerts, visit the official website.

Credit Cards illustration by Samantha Miduri for use by 360 Magazine

CardRatings Analyst Predicts Credit Card Landscape

The credit card analyst for CardRatings.com, a leading credit card review and comparison site, is releasing predictions for the next six months of the calendar year. Brooklyn Lowery researched how the pandemic affected the credit card industry in general and explains what consumers should expect in the coming months. She finds both positive and negative trends in her new analysis of “Mid-year update: Credit card trends to watch for in 2021.”

Travel rewards bonuses are booming: “Have vaccine, will travel.” We knew travel would return and, with it, mega travel rewards credit card bonuses. CardRatings is seeing highest-ever offers for perennial travel rewards favorites. Credit card companies seem to be competing for cardholders, so if consumers are considering travel rewards cards, now is the ideal time to apply. Bonuses are significant but may be for a limited time, even if they aren’t advertised as such.

“With most of the country returning to normal, Americans hit the roads and skies in record numbers over the July 4th weekend, and banks want to capitalize on that travel fever. We don’t predict a slowdown any time soon in travel nor in big travel rewards bonuses. As soon as one card announces its offer, a competing card announces its own. Expect this domino effect to remain at least through the end of the year.”

COVID perks remain: As Lowery predicted at the end of 2020, several credit card features and benefits designed to provide value during the pandemic are continuing as COVID restrictions lift. Her analysis finds a number of popular travel rewards cards are keeping everyday-geared benefits and features that were introduced during the economic shutdown.

“The credit card industry understandably held its breath during the height of the pandemic, waiting to see how the economy would fare and what existing customers would demand for cards in their wallets,” says Lowery. “Banks rolled out new features and benefits and customers responded positively, so banks are assessing what to keep long-term.”

Consumer credit card approvals slow and credit limits low: Anecdotal evidence suggests banks are continuing to exercise caution with card approvals and credit limits. As the economy has largely reopened, risk aversion has ebbed slightly, but it’s still common for consumers to wait for approvals or receive low credit limits. At this point, lending may continue loosening at a steady rate; that could depend on what happens with COVID variants and possible new restrictions going forward.

Small business credit cards bounce back: After 18 months of hardship, small business owners are receiving positive news – small business credit card approvals are bouncing back and businesses are having an easier time getting approved. Banks are marketing this card type again after largely stopping at the height of the pandemic.

Interest rates low – for now: Most credit card interest rates are shaped by the U.S. prime rate, and the Federal Reserve isn’t predicting a rate hike until 2023, so major changes in credit card interest rates seem unlikely for now. That said, issuers can increase interest rates apart from that federal rate and traditionally have done so as they introduce new features or benefits. Lowery believes the historically low interest rates will stick around for the next six months but predicts they’ll creep a bit higher in 2022 as banks continue rolling out new features and benefits to attract new cardholders. That means now is the time to pay down credit card balances.

“Peeking ahead to early 2022, I think we’ll see balance transfer offers make a comeback following the holiday season. Of course, everything here is dependent on COVID remaining under control and the economy remaining fully open. If any of that changes, all bets are off.”