Hey New York City, it isn't Christmas or New Year's yet. What is it? Well, it's just the meager little weekend before is all.
So no, you don't have off from work yet. If you're in school, you're probably just finishing your finals, but everyone is really getting hyped on holiday cheer.
If you ask us, we don't think you need to wait until December 25th to have a blast.
We think you can have a truly phenomenal weekend this weekend, the one no one ever talks about: the weekend before the weekend of Christmas.
You have to let loose this weekend, don't you? You're about to be pent up in a week of holiday cheer, dealing with family interrogations and way too much gift giving.
Sure, giving and getting gifts is great, but it can also be stressful. Deal with the stress in style by getting after it this weekend. Read on to find out how.
Friday, December 18th
1. Bar Car Nights at the Holiday Train Show (2900 Southern Blvd - the Bronx)
johannessorger #newyorkbotanicalgarden #holidaytrainshow #nbg #architecture #miniature #ilovenewyork #thebronx #NYC #usa #botanicalgardens
We've talked extensively about the train show at the New York Botanical Garden. The reason why is clear.
It's way elaborate. It's got 150 miniature landmarks, 3,000 more feet of exhibition space this year than last year, and half a mile of track for model trains to whiz past the tiny landmarks.
The landmarks are also made of bark, leaves, and other natural materials which makes sense at a botanical garden.
[anad]
Now, here's the kicker. What if we said you could get drunk while you marveled at the dazzling light and train show? Yeah, we knew that'd get your attention.
At Bar Car Nights you'll sip a complimentary cocktail while you journey through the station stops. There's an ice sculpture carving demonstration under the stars, delicious and festive treats, and the playful fire and light performances of Cirque de Light.
In a word, it sounds incredible. Get your tickets here, and do it fast because they'll sell out.
2. A Dead Sexy Burlesque Christmas Carol (669 8th Avenue)
fancyfeastburlesque Little Brooklyn captures me in my happiest of happy places: on stage at the @slipper_room, performing in a #pinchbottom production. I can't tell you how grateful I feel to keep the company I do, to have venues that feel like home, and to get to have fun and be naked for a living. #burlesque #nyc #showgirl
You know the tale. Scrooge hates Christmas, meets a few ghosts, and embarks on an impactful journey through the Christmases of his past, present, and future.
Since it is Christmas time, you should probably check out at least one Christmas-themed play, right? Okay, we know the same old plot line gets kind of old. That's why we thought this sexy, burlesque version might pique your interest.
This version features a cast of burlesque all-stars playing the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. This is the most scantily clad A Christmas Carol you've ever seen. It's being staged this Friday at the Elektra Theatre.
Get your tickets here.
Saturday, December 19th
3. Santa Suit 5K (Shore Front Parkway by Beach 95th Street - Queens)
scenesofma Scenesofma 📸 @justind_22 Congrats!!💥👍💥👍 Your fantastic photo has been chosen as a feature for the beautiful state of Massachusetts!!👍💥👍💥 Moderator: @jeanine554 Please take a moment to congratulate these talented people and follow those who inspire you! 💥📸
Did you miss SantaCon? Or did you intentionally decide to skip SantaCon and partake in more productive activities?
If that's your situation, you should probably suit up for the Santa Suit 5K, going down over the weekend at Rockaway Beach at 11 a.m.
[anad2]
It's the perfect way to get your jog on while reveling in holiday cheer. Plus, the beach is obviously beautiful, and running is obviously good for you. This is essentially the inverse of SantaCon: all the Santa suits without any of the destructiveness.
It'll be on Shore Front Parkway by Beach 95th Street. If you want to spend your Saturday running while wearing a Santa suit, register here.
4. Rock the Yacht (Pier 15)
So, you want to talk about amazing ideas for how to spend Saturday night? We've got one for you.
Rock the Yacht is a New York Party Cruise that involves a three-hour cruise around Manhattan, a live DJ, plenty of dancing, and, of course, stunning views of all those hot NYC landmarks. We're referring to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge, of course.
You can purchase an upgrade option that involves bar snacks and an open bar, too, if you so choose.
The cruise will board from Pier 15 at 8:30 p.m., and will cruise around the river until midnight. So why would you party in a boring, darkened bar when you can dance on a yacht, in the middle of the river all night long?
We know we've caught your attention. Get your tickets here.
,5. Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man (777 Eighth Avenue)
sextipsplay THIS WEEKEND AT SEX TIPS: Dan says "Let's talk birthday treats!" See more of last week's photos at sextipsplay.com #sextipsplay #sextipsforstraightwomen #offbroadway
This hilarious, interactive play is exactly what you need for the weekend.
It's a three-character play that follows the characters' journey at a university. There's Robyn, the shy and studious moderator, Dan, the featured author, and Stefan, the hunky stage assistant.
[anad]
If you attend this play, you'll leave having learned invaluable sex tips from this hilarious, uproarious, interactive sex tip seminar.
Watch out. You just might get called onstage. Get your tickets here.
Sunday, December 20th
6. Raise the Roof and Help Syrian Children
hannestovring Lovely place in Brooklyn... Tonight The Moth storytelling arrangement😉#moments #momentsofNYC #momentsofnewyork #themoth #thebellhouse #thebellhousebrooklyn #thebellhouseny #lovelyevening #storytelling #lovelyplace #beautifulevening
We've heard a ton about the plight of Syrian refugees in the news lately. It makes us all feel a little helpless being so separate from the situation. Finally, there's something we can do to help.
Raise the Roof is going down at the Bell House, a lovely venue in Brooklyn, on Sunday, December 20th. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
The event will consist of comedians stirring up hilarity. Who doesn't like comedy for a good cause? We love comedy for any cause, so when the comedy is to help Unicef raise money for Syrian children, we're totally on board.
The performers include Starlee Kline, Jon Ronson, SNL's Sasheer Zamata, Aparna Nancherla, David Cross, and Todd Barry, among others and surprise guests.
The whole thing costs $25. You know you could use a Sunday night of beer and laughing, and the fact that it's for an amazing cause just makes the whole thing so much more excellent. Get tickets here.
7. Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise
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You're probably going to be brunching on Sunday anyway, aren't you?
So, you might as well brunch on a boat-- especially on this boat. Why, do you ask? Well, let us explain. On this particular boat, there will be live jazz music, a robust brunch buffet, and a bountiful dessert station.
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We're getting hungry thinking about it. There's also all the coffee and tea you can drink. So while you're munching on your delicious brunch, jamming to the live jazz, and gazing at the scenery on the two-hour cruise, you can also pound tea. Or, mimosas, depending on what day you're trying to have.
Have we convinced you yet? Great. Now all you need to do is get your friends involved. Get your tickets here.
8. Rock n' Shop (17 Meadow Street - Brooklyn)
kbjonesandthekontraband The #rocknshop event at @paperboxnyc was dope yesterday. Check that next time you're in the burg on the weekend. Nice vinyl selection* #kbjonesandthekontraband #kbjonesmusic #kbjones #kontraband #williamsburg #paperbox #brooklyn #livemusic #vendors #fashion #vintagestyle #vintage #records #vinyl #vinylcollection #jewelry #shopping #beer #music
Do you have all the presents you need for the holidays? If not, we have the most stellar idea for how you can acquire them, and have a good time all at once.
At Rock n' Shop on the weekends, there are $3 drafts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there's free live music, and there are over 40 vendors selling both gifts for the holidays and food.
Plus, we can't understate the value of the free comedy show they put on every Sunday at noon. Come laugh your face off, jam to the live music, and if you get there between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., you'll also get to enjoy free pancakes.
Sounds pretty amazing, doesn't it? We think so too. You don't have to RSVP, but if you want to, you can do so here.
Check out 12 Best Places to See Santa in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy TimeOut]