Easter Week is upon us and that means it’s time to gather with friends and families to observe Christ’s resurrection day. We’ve rounded up some of the best events taking place on the Upper West Side this Easter. Get ready to celebrate one of the most festive holidays of the year by enjoying the activities listed below!
Annual Easter Egg Hunt, April 15 at 10am
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
by Sarah_Ackerman_Flickr. Check out her page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/sackerman519/
Take your little ones to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan for their annual Easter egg hunt extravaganza. The entire museum becomes part of a giant scavenger hunt as children look for hidden images of Easter eggs featuring some of their favorite characters. In order to qualify for spectacular prizes, they’ll have to pick up a booklet to record the secret location of each and every egg they spot. Once the booklet is completed, they’ll have to take it to the main lobby to receive a surprising reward.
Tavern on the Green Easter Brunch, April 15 & 16 from 9am to 4pm
Central Park
by rufus_flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/rufusowliebat/
The folks at Tavern on the Green are offering a deluxe prix fixe brunch Easter menu for the holiday weekend. The historic tavern will open access to outdoor seating in their lovely courtyard as long as the weather permits it. Those families who make reservations beforehand will be able to enjoy Tavern on the Green’s very own Easter egg hunt. Each scavenger hunt takes place on both days (Saturday and Sunday) at 12pm and 3pm. The lucky participant who finds the hidden golden egg first will receive a grand prize. Enjoy a wonderful meal with scenic views to Central Park at one of the Upper West Side’s most revered restaurants.
The Great Vigil of Easter & Holy Eucharist, April 15 at 7pm
The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine
by Christopher John SSF_flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/friarsbalsam/
The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine will host a great vigil and holy eucharist for Easter. The special service will commence in total darkness. Members of the congregation will join the clergy to slowly illuminate the Cathedral’s majestic interior by lightning one candle at a time. The Paschal mystery will be observed through scriptural readings and chanted psalms. Once the Cathedral emerges from total darkness, the choirs will sing as the Great Organ is played for the very first time since the silencing of Maundy Thursday. The Dean of the Cathedral and the Bishop of New York will join the monumental yearly celebration. The day after, on Sunday April 16th at 11am, the Cathedral will host a Festal Eucharist of Easter Day in which the congregation will sing along to the greatest Easter and Holy Week anthems.
Think ’N’ Fun’s Egg Hunt and Bunny Fun, April 15 at 10am
Riverside Park
Think ’N’ Fun’s annual egg hunt is set to return this year for an even bigger and more spectacular Easter celebration. This year, the egg hunt takes place right across from Riverside Church in N. Riverside Dr. Children will be on the lookout for colorful eggs in the great outdoors while collecting a handful of sweet treats. Each child is provided with a basket to collect the eggs. Five hunts are scheduled for the day in intervals of an hour at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30am, 1.30pm, and 2.30pm. Afterwards, some light snacks and drinks will be offered for them while they get a picture taken with the oh-so-famous Easter bunny. Think ’N’ Fun hosts classes, workshops, and creative events throughout the year for adults and children. This is one of the Upper West Side’s most popular events so make sure to register early!
Easter Sunday Services, April 16
W83 Ministry Center operated by Redeemer Presbyterian Church
On Easter Sunday, the West Side congregation will gather to celebrate Christ’s sacrifice. An offering will also be carried out for those who are poor and marginalized in their own communities. The church is affiliated with Hope of New York with the mission of spreading awareness of justice and mercy around the NYC area. Hope of New York provides volunteering and financial resources to fund programs to more than 40 non-for-profit organizations. Most of them serve to those who are homeless or living in disadvantaged areas as well as the elderly and victims of HIV and AIDS. Childcare will be available on the day of service for those parents who have kids enrolled in nursery through Pre-K. W83 Ministry Center is operated by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
