The Manny Faces of a New York Christmas
New York City during Christmastime is a spectacle unlike any other.While tourists flock to iconic landmarks like the rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Radio City Music Hall, those who call the city home experience the magic in a unique and intimate way. For them, the holiday season is woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Photographer Julia Nikhinson captured the multifaceted spirit of a New York Christmas, revealing both its heartwarming traditions and its quirky charm. Her lens showcased the familiar: carolers serenading snow-dusted streets, department store windows twinkling with holiday cheer, and families gliding across the ice rink at Central Park.
But Nikhinson also delved into the city’s more unconventional side,uncovering a hidden world of holiday-themed burlesque shows,a man roaming the streets disguised as a living Christmas tree,and boisterous gatherings of Santa Claus impersonators.
“She found storybook images,like neighborhood carolers and an urban garden ablaze with light,while also capturing the city’s weirder side,” a statement about Nikhinson’s work remarked.
Nikhinson’s photographs offer a glimpse into the diverse experiences that shape a New York Christmas. Beyond the glittering facade,there’s a sense of community and resilience,a spirit that thrives even in the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether it’s carrying a Christmas tree home on the subway or enjoying a steaming cup of cocoa after a long day of shopping, these are the moments that truly define the holiday season in New York.
## the Many Faces of a New York Christmas: An Interview with photographer Julia Nikhinson
Julia, your photography captures the engaging tapestry of New York City during Christmastime. What initially drew you to explore this particular theme?
As a New Yorker, I’ve always been captivated by how the city transforms during the holidays. It’s more than just decorations and twinkling lights; there’s a palpable energy and a sense of community that truly makes this season special. I wanted to capture those diverse experiences,from the heartwarming traditions to the unexpected quirks that make a New york Christmas so unique.
You showcase both the familiar holiday scenes – carolers, department store windows, ice skating – and more unconventional elements like burlesque shows and Santa impersonators. What makes these contrasting elements equally significant to you?
New York is a city of contradictions, and that’s part of its charm. While we have the iconic holiday scenes that people expect, there’s also a vibrant undercurrent of creativity and unconventionality. The burlesque shows, the living Christmas tree guy, the Santa gatherings – they all add to the city’s rich and diverse tapestry. It’s about showcasing the full spectrum of what makes a New York Christmas unique.
do you believe the spirit of Christmas in New York is different from other cities? How so?
There’s a certain hustle and bustle to Christmas in New York that you don’t find elsewhere. But beneath that frenetic energy, there’s a strong sense of community. It’s about sharing those small moments: carrying a Christmas tree home on the subway, grabbing hot cocoa after a long day of shopping, or simply enjoying the twinkling lights. It’s those everyday experiences that bind New Yorkers together during the holidays.
What do you hope viewers take away from your photographs?
I hope my work inspires viewers to see the magic in the everyday, to appreciate the diversity of experiences, and to recognize the unique spirit that makes a New York Christmas truly unforgettable.
Do you think there are different ways to celebrate Christmas in a city compared to a smaller town? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
This is a great question that I think invites a lot of personal reflection. What are your thoughts on the subject?
