You probably won't be surprised to hear that this weekend is SantaCon.
Some people love SantaCon. They spend all year counting down the days to the debauchery. They'll slurp down their beer with glee on Saturday, then take to the town with a vengeance.
Then, there are others who hate SantaCon. They think a bunch of drunk goons in Santa gear is the worst idea anyone ever had.
Of course, there are also those in between; those who don't hate SantaCon, per se, but won't be taking part.
To everyone who either doesn't care at all about SantaCon, or hates SantaCon on a fundamental level, we've got some good news for you: SantaCon is not the only think happening in New York City this weekend.
There is plenty to do in NYC this weekend if you're not feeling SantaCon. Read on to find out what they are.
1. Winter Ball (2 East 63rd Street)
This intimate, yet splendid setting will essentially be the exact opposite of SantaCon. It'll be worlds and worlds classier.
Taking place at the Academy Mansion from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, December 12th, the NYC Winter Ball will feature a live jazz performance by the Michael Arenella Sextet, who will play a songbook of Jazz and holiday favorites.
There will also be dancing, guest performances, and a premium open bar.
That's not enough for you? Well, there will also be savory light fare, and sweet treats (since everyone knows-- or should know by know --that handling an open bar on an empty stomach is a grave mistake).
For the event that allows you to get wasted while maintaining your dignity, get tickets to the NYC Winter Ball here.
2. Rock the Yacht (Pier 15)
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If you get on this three-hour party cruise around Manhattan, you'll be perfectly far away from SantaCon. There's no way you can get bowled over by a drunk dude in a Santa suit if you get off the island of Manhattan, right? There won't be any drunk Santas stumbling around the river.
Plus, of course, the party cruise has its own merits. Like that stunning view of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan skyline.
You won't be able to see the Santas from the middle of the river. We promise.
There's a cash bar onboard, and you can purchase a premium ticket that would get you an open bar and bar snacks. There's a live DJ, a lot of dancing, and a generally splendid nautical time. The cruise will leave from Pier 15 at 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 12th, and return at midnight.
Get tickets here.
3. Holiday Wine Cruise (62 Chelsea Piers)
The only thing we could think of that'd be better than having access to five different wines and perfectly paired cheese, chocolate, or chutney to go with them, would be-- you guessed it --having access to all of this deliciousness while aboard a stunning yacht.
Luckily, the Holiday Wine Cruise offers you that opportunity exactly.
It'll all take place on either the Yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II, which will be decked in full holiday decor. You'll relax in their climate controlled, glassed-in observatory while wine expert Wendy Crispell educates you on each wine you'll sip.
Want to learn about wine, get a buzz, munch on some cheese, all this while touring the Hudson River? Well, you can. The trip will leave from Chelsea Piers at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, December 12th. Get tickets here.
4. The Museum of Feelings (230 Vesey Street)
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Have you heard about the Museum of Feelings? It's turning the emotions of NYC into public art. It's the first museum of its kind.
The Museum's exterior changes color to reflect the mood of the city by scraping social media and other real-time data. Each installation in the Museum invites emotional interaction: it invites you to touch, feel, play, listen, imagine, and breathe.
We told you it was cool. There's a kaleidoscope controlled by emotion. You can use your biometric data to create a MoodLens, and match it with a custom fragrance.
It's amazing, and it's also free. You only have until Tuesday, December 15th to go see it, so make sure you make it happen.
,5. Sounds of Reggae (1027 Flatbush Avenue - Brooklyn)
deepitboss #SoundsOfReggae Concert happening this Sunday at @kingsbklyn with @direalshaggy and special guest @iamamberloveeee_ #AmberLee Get your tix now!
Why would you not want to spend your Sunday completely rocking out? You'll have all that pent-up energy from skipping SantaCon, right?
Well, we have a completely rocking outlet for you, and it's called Sounds of Reggae, and it's going to take over the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn on Sunday, December 13th at 7 p.m.
There will be performances by Shaggy, Third Wild, Ky-Mani Marley, and Amber Lee. Ky-Mani Marley is the second youngest of Bob Marley's children, and his music transcends genre. Plus, you've jammed out to Shaggy, right?
So why not spend your Sunday night dancing, sweating, and completely screaming the lyrics to all the hottest reggae jams? We thought you'd want to. The doors open at 6 p.m., but the show starts at 7 p.m. Get your tickets here.
6. Jazz Age Tea Dance (125 East 11th Street)
jazzagelawnparty CONTEST: We are giving away 2 pairs of tickets to Michael Arenella's Jazz Age Tea Dance at Webster Hall the afternoon of December 13th! TO ENTER: Tag who you would bring as your date below! Winner will be selected Wednesday, December 2nd. For more information or to purchase tickets visit https://www.eventsprout.com/register/jazz_age_tea_dance__december_2015 #jazzageteadance #NYC #Contest #Winter #roaring20s #websterhall
Have you partied in Webster Hall? If not, you really need to make that happen. The Jazz Age Tea Dance, taking place on Sunday, December 13th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. is your chance.
There will be live music performed by Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra. They'll be playing the hottest Fox Trot hits on the East Coast.
There will also be an exotic spread of British teas, as well as a full bar and gourmet food carts with finger sandwiches, scones, and more.
There are also complimentary dance lessons at 3 p.m.
For a completely British afternoon, delicious sandwiches, scones, and tea, and a really great time overall, make it out to the Jazz Age Tea Dance. Make it out for the finger sandwiches especially. Get your tickets here.
7. Santa Suit 5k (Prospect Park)
So you want to wear a Santa Suit, huh? But you want to do it for much more productive means than a day of raucous day drinking?
Then there's a completely healthy way for you to spend your weekend cavorting around in a Santa Suit. It's called the Santa Suit 5k, and it involves a 3.2 mile run in Prospect Park at 11 a.m. on Sunday, December 13th.
Yes, you'll be running this race completely decked in a Santa suit, which comes complimentary with your registration fee.
The race will start at the park entrance near Bartel Pritchard Square Entrance at Prospect Park. You'll be rewarded with cookies and a drink afterward. Register here.
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[Feature Image Courtesy OddIsntIt]