#𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍𝖾𝗋 ›› ft. arthur stratton
location: gingerbread house building contest, central park
status: no longer accepting replies
❝ it's not supposed to be a house. ❞ the cold had turned the tip of nose red, but now the color crept across his cheeks. when he'd first sat down, a rare sense of confidence had pulled spine straight, believing experience building models would carry him throw with flying colors, but now shoulders hunched forward. ❝ it's . . . well, i'm trying to build the enterprise. ❞ but frosting and gingerbread proved a dungeon boss he lacked the skill level for.
hurricane in human form, leaves chaos in her wake so only natural that table in front of her is as disorganized as thoughts. instead of sorting candies, she pops one in her mouth - humming around sweet caramel. " what are the chances you're willing to team up with me ? "
𖥻 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱. 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖺𝖼𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗋𝖾𝗉𝗅𝗂𝖾𝗌‚ ( zero / five ).
𖥻 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: gingerbread house contest in central park
#𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗 that champagne buzz down to my toes
a black envelope sealed shut with a golden, wax seal and recipient name elegantly inscribed in matching ink arrives to the homes of each of manhattan’s elite. far too fancy to be discarded despite no indication of the sender found. opening the letter reveals an invitation for them and a guest to a new year’s eve party. the location? undisclosed. the host? to be revealed only on the night of. all that golden text reveals is the time invitee shall be picked up on december 31st by a car that will wait only five minutes before departing, and the strong request that all attire abide by the gold, silver, and black color scheme.
one might expect many cars to be left waiting, but one by one the elite step into their waiting carriages. looks like the warning against meeting a stranger in an unknown location falls on deaf years when all your friends will be there too.
blacked out windows in the backseat and a divider hiding the front seats prevent occupants from knowing where they are headed until the door car opens and they discover themselves at NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY. staff quickly guide them inside and through dimly lit hallways to a towering set of doors. before entrance is granted, a mask, either gold, silver or black depending on what best matches their outfit, is handed to the attendees.
the doors open, revealing a grand room full of sparkling lights and glitter spread throughout. champagne towers are stacked to the ceiling and music roars. the doorways to a few balconies are lined with fairy lights that in the dim lighting could almost pass for stars reaching down from the night sky visible outside the doors - at the first chime of the new year, the balconies will be the perfect venue to watch the spectacle of silver and gold fireworks. more guests fill the room, more champagne is poured, and more minutes tick by but elusive host remains a figment. until the doors close behind the last guest. then everyone’s phones chime in unison.
" happy new year's eve, new yorkers. have you finished your first glass of champagne yet? we flew in the very best from france just for you. but do be mindful of how much you drink, we’d hate for you to make any bad choices this evening when our eyes are everywhere. you see tonight, just for one night as we ring in 2026, robin hood serves your host of the evening - with a party grander than even halloween's own. and just like your favorite vigilante, you're required to wear a mask. "
ooc information:
who: everyone
what: a new year’s eve masquerade party
where: new york public library
when: ic december 31st to january 1st ( ooc now - january 10th )
why: to ring in the new year
dresscode: gold, silver or black attire is highly recommended ( you don’t want to upset robin hood, do you? ) and masks are required
tags: manhattan.nye for starters + outfits
welcome to our final december mini event - robin hood’s very own new year’s eve party ! time to kick the new year off in style. and, hopefully, with some drama. the party will function the same as the other mini events. you are welcome to continue previous thread though we highly encourage all new threads be set at the party since all muses will be in attendance.
since robin hood is the evening’s host, their eyes, and the eyes of their merry men, are never far. want them to pay attention to a particular thread or simply start the new year spreading some gossip ( robin’s favorite ) ? send a tip to the gossip blog.
where: bryant park winter village.
who: miles harrington + open to anyone.
getting into the holiday spirit was something miles learned to struggle with over the last few years. it had always been a magical time to him, being surrounded by family who stuffed him in christmas sweaters while sitting by the christmas tree, but it wasn't like that anymore. now his mother still lived, of course, but it would never be the same without his mama. and it would never be the same as it used to be when he was younger, maybe because he was older now - or maybe because he had changed. still, with a sense of nostalgia he ended up at the bryant park winter village, hoping to find some goodies for his mother and his bandmates. instead he ended up in a little shop selling outrageous hats, inner voice telling him to investigate. miles was beaming as he put one on, looking at the person standing closest to him. " what do you think ? is it a vibe ? is it a hit or a miss ? " he asked, checking himself out in the mirror.
blue christmas plays above them, the king’s crooning carrying through the speakers as snowflakes fall outside the igloo's walls. the song's sorrowful narrative an antithesis to the sparkling lights and excitement that surround them. and none are more excited than lexie-lou-who, red ribbons tied with ease in golden ringlets and smile firm on glossed lips. her cheeks are pink from too much cider, mittens cradling paper cup close to her face for the warmth as she watches marshmallows begin to roast. ❝ think we can stay in here forever? it's like we're in our own personal snow globe. ❞
afternoon, bryant park winter village, private igloo.
frame bends down, nimble fingers tying laces of borrowed ice skates — been a while since he was last on the ice so he prays he'll still be quick on his feet. " need a hand ? " all done with his own shoes, still on knees as he looks at other.
𖥻 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱. 𝖺𝖼𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗋𝖾𝗉𝗅𝗂𝖾𝗌‚ ( zero / five ).
𖥻 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: rockefeller ice rink
where: winter blast ball at carnegie hall.
who: carmen rivera + open to anyone.
it was nice to get away from the masses during christmas. new york was so crowded during this time of year that she doubted whether it would even be possible. her house seemed to be one of the only places where she didn't constantly have people breathe down her neck. now it wasn't like there wasn't anyone here, they just knew to stay in their lanes. she looked down at the bottle of champagne she had acquired, wondering what she was doing with the entire thing by herself. maybe she had been a bit too eager, it wasn't like that was anything new to her. so, as she decided to share something that was hers for maybe the first time in her life, she approached someone standing by themself. " do you fancy some bubbly ? " she asked, offering her warmest of smiles. " i only realized after paying that drinking a full bottle by myself would make me look like i have more problems than i already do. "
#𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗬𝗪𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 lookin' at you got me thinking christmas
snow falls as the calendar transitions from november to december. more and more holiday decorations line the city streets - garlands wrapped around lamp posts, store fronts transformed with strings of golden lights, and windows filled with wintery displays and the hottest holiday gifts. the season of joy has landed in new york city and everyone knows that no one does lavish festivities better than the rich with all the money to make dreams come true. with cashmere scarves wrapped around their necks and coats warming up their bodies in the cold weather, they step into the winter wonderland events hosted throughout manhattan.
EVENTS OCCURRING THROUGHOUT THE MONTH:
rockefeller christmas tree and ice skating ( all month )
lighting ceremony on december 3, 7 to 10 pm
the holiday season doesn’t officially begin in the big apple until the towering christmas tree come alive. many gather in the plaza, wrapped in the latest winter fashions, to watch the annual lighting ceremony when the tens of thousands colorful lights adorning the tree are lit for the first time, including the jeweled star that stands at the very top of the tree. the elite who choose to witness the sight in person rather than on the tv in penthouse apartments don’t need to worry about rubbing shoulders with the public; an exclusive vip section has been roped off that promises the best views of the ceremony and complimentary warm beverages and food.
for the rest of the month, the rink at rockefeller center is open each day, offering all the opportunity to show of their ice skating skills while the tree stands tall above them. numerous cafes, all decked out in holiday decor, are found nearby - everyone needs something warm after time out in the cold or to nurse wounded pride if skating ends with more falls than laps around the rink. let’s hope no one caught a video of the embarrassment!
bryant park winter village ( all month )
step off the busy street and into the magical village, holiday tunes playing from every speaker and a light dusting of snow atop each cabin roof, offering everything one’s heart could desire from handmade and exclusive gifts to pop ups from everyone’s favorite brands. in between shopping, guests can enjoy holiday treats baked fresh and all the mulled wine or cider they can drink. those who desire a further retreat into winter can reserve a private “igloo”, featuring a stove where marshmallows can be roasted, and enjoy tea in the afternoon or cocktails in the evening.
holiday lights show in central park ( every saturday )
darkness descends but only for the brief moment before central park comes alive with thousands of lights in a dazzling display, accompanied by music. once the show concludes, the parks remains alight and invites attendees to wander along the festive trails until the show begins again when the top of the next hour arrives. there might even be a prize if you can spot all the nutcrackers.
snowman and gingerbread house building contest in central park ( december 13 )
fresh snow upon the ground signals that, unlike the year before when the weather didn’t comply, both contests can proceed. the great lawn will soon be covered in a variety of snowmen as many compete to take home one of the numerous awards. meanwhile, others are hard at work transforming frosting into glue, gingerbread squares into roofs, and peppermint candies into decor. each contest promises prizes for many - from the overall “judge’s top choice” to more niche awards like “most creative”, “best snow creature”, and “best non-house build”.
christmas caroling in the upper east side ( december 10 + 17 )
on the second and third wednesdays of the month, the sound of voices joined together in harmony travel through the streets of the upper east side. those who open their doors might find themselves rewarded with a private concert on the steps of their home. all are welcomed to join in and walk the streets, but do remember to bring a warm coat, gloves, and a hat - the caroling proceeds come rain, shine, or snow.
winter blast ball at carnegie hall ( december 19 )
jingle ball is quite the phenomenon but do you really want to be stuck madison square garden glued to a bunch of nobodies and lack of personal space ? winter blast ball offers something similar only totally different - imagine flying first class instead of coach. the hottest popstars of the moment holding a private holiday concert for the elite in the prestigious carnegie hall, expect more than just their #1 hits because a holiday tradition is nothing without some santa baby. champagne bottles popping and catered delicatesse by top chefs ⸻ bet you’re real happy you didn’t get those jingle ball tickets.
snowball fight at washington square park ( december 20 )
a carpet of freshly fallen snow covers the city on the morning of the twentieth, soft and powdery landscape that brings out the magic and everyone’s inner child. washington square park bathes in white frost as more flurries fall and coat knitwear ⸺ it is the perfect opportunity to let go of everything life offers, including new york’s beloved robin hood, and battle it out in a gigantic snowball fight, or is it snow war ? so what if you happen to hit someone you dislike square in the face - all’s fair in love and war.
bar manhattan’s limitless secret santa
what’s the point in giving gifts if you’re not getting something in return ? reserved exclusivity for manhattan’s elite, bar manhattan’s limitless secret santa has long been a tradition. each participant paired with another and tasked with getting them at least one of the gifts on their wishlist; however, more always looks better on social media - look how thoughtful you are. but in truth, there are no real rules. wishlists can be abided by or discarded. gifts can either result in good cheer or scowls when someone can’t set aside a feud for the holiday season. either way, the public gift exchange and secret santa reveal never fails to deliver.
ooc information:
happy holidays everyone ! rather than one large event, for the month of december we’ll be having a variety of mini events for your muses to partake in. while some events occur on specific days, you certainly don’t have to wait for that day to arrive out of character to set a thread at the event. we hope you enjoy and can’t wait to see all the holiday and winter cheer on the dash!
participation in the mini events is entirely optional, including the secret santa - however, if you sign up a muse or muses for the secret santa, you are committing to participating and submitting a gift for the muse you’re assigned by the deadline. if something arises, you must let the admin team know immediately. we don’t want anyone to feel left out. we’ll post more practical details on the secret santa asap.
make sure to tag open starters with manhattan.december
