Good Riddance, 2016: 18 Best Things Going Down in NYC This December

All together now: F*CK 2016.

Yeah. A little bit louder now. 

Pretty sure we can all agree that this year S U C K E D. Luckily, we've only got one more month before a brand new year!

Might as well try and make the best of these last 31 days– December is a pretty dope month in New York City anyway.

Between Ugly Sweater parties, bar crawls, holiday festivities, and UGH– fine– Santacon, you're bound to find something on this list that will help you close out this trash heap of a year with a bang.

See you in January, when we will all hopefully wake up from this fever dream induced by a global oil spill. 


1. Seaport Smorgasburg (December 1st)

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If you missed out on Seaport Smorgasburg this Fall, don't worry, they're going to be running through December. They're open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and drinks.

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Their six vendors include Cemitas, Home Frite, Landhaus, Lumpia Shack (!), Red Hook Lobster Pound, and Wowfulls. Stop by at the Seaport District at 19 Fulton Street.


2. Slim Cinema (December 3rd)

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Living in NYC, we’re in constant movement. Any visual imagery with a message such as ads and billboards have to grab our attention instantaneously.

The idea of Slim Cinema is constructed in the same context. Many of the visual artists who wish to embark on the vertical film experience have to showcase a unique and creative eye for storytelling. 

This year’s Winter Vertical Film Festival will include 8 to 10 films chosen from the 30 submissions. Driven by an audience vote, the winner will get $2,000 cash. It'll be hosted at Genius Event Space at 92 3rd Street in Brooklyn.

The festival will also include curated and live art from local artists, and 2 DJ sets to lay in the soundtrack. There will also be an open bar courtesy of Ciroc & Bronx Brewery and food provided by NYC’s own Bareburger.

You can check out our conversation with Michael Liu, the brains behind Slim Cinema, here. Don't forget to snag your tickets, too. Use the code "SPOILEDNYC" for 30% off!


3. NYC Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl (December 3rd)

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This might be your first Ugly Sweater party of the season but it probably won't be the last. So go dig your Cos– UGLY, we mean UGLY sweater out of your closet (or your father's) and join this huge bar crawl.

A few of the bars selling registration have sold out already, but you can still hit up Pourhouse at 64 3rd Avenue (across from Webster Hall) for tix. Your ticket comes with a LED light-up wristband, an event wristband, a mug, or a t-shirt– basically, something that'll let the bartenders and bar staff know you're speshul.

Sure, you could always just show up at the participating bars as the Ugly Sweaters crawl through, but the organizers, Elite Bar Crawls, negotiated drink specials with the bars for official participants, so you should def try to do that.


4. Draper Font Bold (December 5th)

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Mixed medium artist Ronald Draper, hailing from Harlem will be unveiling “#Draper Font Bold” this month. Draper is known for his messages of social change and empowerment. He uses different mediums, such as glass, spray paint, disco balls, and even lipstick in certain instances.

In collaboration with The Culture LP, “#Draper Font Bold,” is a celebration of progressive artwork and years of partnership. Bringing his creative flair to life, much of his work will consist of large scale wooden-cut outs and mixed media creations with his bold and signature typography.

Don’t miss out! RSVP here to enjoy complimentary drinks and hydration by Clique Vodka and Essentia water.


5. 2016 Holiday Handmade Cavalcade and Sip 'n' Shop (December 5th- 11th)

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Head to Chelsea Market to find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list. Over 50 local independent vendors will be showcasing handmade wares including jewelry, stationary, art, beauty products, clothing, and more.

The Sip 'n' Shop event, which is also free, starts at 6:30; you'll get to enjoy a cocktail while you mingle with the artists and shop. Also, the first 100 guests will get a Swag Bag filled with goodies from the Etsy NY Street Team.

Entrance is free if you RSVP on EventBrite, but $2 at the door.


6. HP Magical Holiday Ball (December 9th)

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Break out your dress robes, Potterheads, and head to the Tribeca Barnes & Nobles for dancing, music, and general Harry Potter fun. There will be Harry Potter-themed crafts, wizarding games, and "spellbinding surprises," which we bet means some giveaways.

You can call 212.587.5389 to reserve your spot, they are capping at 150 people since they can't use an enlargement charm unfortunately, but every other Barnes & Nobles in NYC will also be hosting this event, so check them out too.


7. SantaCon 2016 (December 10th)


SantaCon needs no explanation, does it? This year's Santa Stampede will begin at 10 a.m. and end whenever everyone collapses on the street, as one does.

It's okay though, because it's for charity. You can text "FOLLOW SANTACON" to 40404 for updates, like where the crawl begins, and donate to a a charity to get your "Santa Badge" here.


8. Free Winter Dance Party (December 10th)

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This quiet dance party is rain or shine– show up at 7 p.m. to grab a pair of special wireless headphones. You'll be able to choose between up to three DJ's that are color coded, so you can dance near people listening to the same music as you.

The party goes down at Brookfield Place, so there are dope views and local food vendors just steps away. Reserve your spot here!


9. The Revel Yacht Experience (December 10th)

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Who says boat parties end with the summer? Board this luxurious fully air conditioned and/or heated yacht that's ready for any and all weather related situations and party like it's not 30 degrees outside.

There will be 3 levels of music, a chef catered hot buffet, and top shelf drink specials. Boarding is at Pier 15 at 78 South Street.

Purchase your tickets here. Dress is "Dress to Impress."


10. Kings Theatre Winter Wonderland (December 11th)

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Check out the recently restored Kings Theatre in Brooklyn for a Holiday Open House.

There will be a live petting zoo in the courtyard, pictures with Santa, holiday coloring pages, free hot cider, and snacks for purchase. This event is also free and open to the public. 


11. NVR Sleep - Summer in the Winter (December 14th)

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NVR Sleep is back this month at Kinfolk 90 in Williamsburg. Holllaaaaaa!

But damn, if it ain't getting cold outside. Winter's on its way, so they're throwing it back to the days of sweat with Summer in the Winter. 

spoiled Creative Director Rodney Hazard is back at it again this month with NVR Sleep – Summer in the Winter. What can you expect? 5 hours of dance, drink, and good vibes. Or, you know, everything you’ve come to expect from NVR Sleep.


12. The Annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party (December 16th)

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See? What did we tell you about the Ugly Sweater parties?

Grab your squad and head to Stage48 for some seasonal mischief and mayhem. There will be complimentary vodka drinks from 10 p.m. until 11 p.m., DJ sets, 4 floors of dancing, and cash prizes for the ugliest sweaters.

Grab your tix here.


13. Morbid Anatomy Annual Krampus Party (December 16th)


The Morbid Anatomy Museum never disappoints to deliver weird and they're working double time for the holidays. Head to The Bell House in Brooklyn for their Annual Krampus Party.

They will be hosting a costume party, a sing-along, a Krampus Pinata, and a photobooth because a party isn't a party without a photobooth these days. The Bell House will also be selling a variety of thematic drinks.

Don't forget your tickets.


14. Love Actually (December 17th) 


Witness Rick Grimes pre-zombie apocalypse in a screening of this holiday favorite at Videology Bar & Cinema in Brooklyn. We're not sure how a 2.5 hour rom-com grew to be so popular but whether you love the movie for serious or ironically (liar), we know you'll have a good time.

They will also be serving specialty peppermint cocktails to really crank up the holiday cheer.

Purchase your ticket in advance here.


15. In Bruges with Booze from Bruges (December 23rd)

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"Maybe that's what hell is, the entire rest of eternity spent in fucking Bruges."

If you actually can't stomach Love Actually, we hope this is more your speed. Accents still included. In Bruges  is also totally a holiday movie, right? Someone #factcheck that. 

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Anyway, your ticket to this screening, also at Videology Bar & Cinema, will include a bottle of Straffe Hendrik Tripel Beer.

Buy your ticket here.


16. Gilmore Girls Trivia (December 29th) 

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We can't tell you for sure, but we have a feeling you should sit this one out until you know what those last four words are.

Otherwise, head to Stone Creek Bar and Lounge for ultimate Gilmore Girls Trivia– we can't imagine they won't be serving coffee. If not coffee, definitely booze though.

They also suggest that you should register for your whole group, and only buy single tickets if you're a single person. For reference, "if Lorelai, Rory, Lane and Luke are on a team and Rory gets put in charge, she will then reserve tickets for herself, Lorelai, Lane and Luke = (4) in total."


17. Great Gatsby New Year's Eve Cruise (December 31st)

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'20s parties are one trend that doesn't seem to be slowing down. Dig around your closet for whatever flapper outfit/vintage penguin suit get-up you wore to the last Roaring Twenties shindig you went to for this epic New Year's Eve bash.

There will be champagne free-flowing, more liquor than a speakeasy, and an all you can eat feast of roasted chicken, stuffed shells, roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables, and more. For dessert, there will also be a sheet cake served with coffee and tea.

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The DJ will be spinning Top 40 hip hop, EDM, and r&b, so this is definitely more of a Leo Dicaprio Gatsby thing than Robert Redford. Either way, stay away from the pool, old sport.

Last year's cruise completely sold out (over 1,000 people!), so grab your tickets before they're gone!


18. Times Square Ball Drop (December 31st)

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Let's not play games here. You know this is happening. There's a ball. It's dropping. Avoid Midtown like the plague like the rest of us, unless you're one of the equally parts sadistic and brave people (well, hundreds of people, really) to venture as close to 42nd Street as you can.

[Feature Image Courtesy Eater NY] 

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