PHOTO ESSAY BY CHRISTIAN MILES

With its soft launch happening now and a formal announcement coming soon, news that Chelsea Community News is expanding our coverage area reached our freeance photographer, Christian Miles. The proud Hell’s Kitchen resident, whose own neighborhood will soon yield a photo essay of its own, recently spent some time at a Hudson Yards all decked out for the holidays. Shine Bright illuminates The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards and its immediate surroundings with 2 million white lights set against towering vertical backdrops that give those lights a shimmering, golden intensity. Elsewhere in the area, whether ascending from the 7 subway stop or winding your way through Bella Abzug Park, the Hudson Yards Hell’s Kitchen Alliance wraps its trees in warm blue and white lights, washing the nearby walkway in a tones both soothing and itense, as dusk gives way to darkness. The whole neighborhood invites you to capture picture-perfect moments that cost nothing, but look like a million bucks.

As for what’s merry and “Bright” at Hudson Yards’ retail presence, its holiday-themed special programming includes complimentary photos with Santa! This meet-and-greet with the North Pole-based legend requires no reservation and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. It happens Dec. 5-16 at The Shops, on Level 4 by H&M and Zara. Click here for more info. Also at The Shops, check off some of those “musts” on your holiday gift-giving list by drawing from the Hudson Yards Gift Guide. It’s packed with a wealth of stocking stuffers and main attractions priced at under $50. For more info, click here.

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