What are your plans this Christmas? Don’t know yet? No big deal!
Whether you want to spend it with family or friends, get hype or chill out, be religious or stay secular, we’ve got the perfect option for you.
Christmas Eve
1. Go Caroling in Washington Square (5th Avenue between MacDougal Street & University Place)
Sometimes, there’s no better way to spread holiday glee than through the power of music.
If you’ve got a song in your soul that you can’t wait to share with the city, then head over to the Washington Square Arch at 5 p.m. on December 24 to join the Rob Susman Brass Quartet in a 93-year-old tradition. The Washington Square Association, which sponsors this joyful endeavor, will also have songbooks on hand in case you need to brush up on your lyrics.
Or you can head to Gramercy Park at 6 p.m. to take part in their songs of the season, led by Rev. Tom Pike & Arlene Harrison and with music from Calvary-St. George's Music Director Kamel Boutros.
2. MatzoBall NYC (130 Bowery Place)
Just because you’re Jewish doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on the chance to have the Christmas Eve of your dreams—and maybe even find the girl or guy of your dreams along the way!?
At 9 p.m. at the Capitale event space in the East Village, you can attend the NYC incarnation of this epic Jewish singles party, now in its 31st year. Grab your ticket now!
Other Jewish holiday bashes taking place that night include a YJP bash at the Attic that features a one-hour open vodka bar and a portion of proceeds donated to Israeli causes and Toys for Tots and this indoor rooftop party from The Dreidel Group. Time to take off your Yarmulkes and get wild!
3. Cruise on the Hudson Yacht Ride (41st Street and 12th Avenue)
See the city you love in a whole new way—from a luxurious yacht as you sail the Hudson River!
A ticket will get you access to Warm Apple Cider and Prosecco and an open wine, beer, and soda bar throughout the evening. Snack on classy hors d’oeuvres like bacon wrapped scallops and authentic spanakopita, along with an extensive “Mediterranean display” and a finishing touch of coffee and miniature cheesecakes.
A feast for the eyes and mouth alike!
4. Rock Out With Moshav At the Highline Ballroom (431 West 16th Street)
This internationally acclaimed American/Israeli rock group has toured the United States extensively, and now they’re spending their Christmas Eve with us!
Doors open at 7 p.m. for an 8 p.m. show, and you can check out some of their music here if you want to figure out if they’re up your alley.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, or $35 if you want a VIP reserved seat.
5. An Evening With Veretski Pass plus Zingeray (334 East 14th Street)
In the mood for some more classical tunes to round out your Xmas Eve?
At 7:30 p.m. on the 24th, this Berkeley, California supergroup, made up of three acclaimed Klezmer (traditional eastern European Jewish music) musicians, will be making their NYC debut at Town and Village Synagogue!
You’ll even get to catch some other leading Yiddish folk singers, including Ethel Raim, Itzik Gottesman, Josh Waletzky and Esther Gottesman, in the song-sharing session or “Zingeray” that will open up the evening. Far out!
6. Party On At 1Oak (453 West 17th Street)
There’s no time like the holidays to party, and this trendy venue in the heart of Chelsea that lives up to its one-of-a-kind inspired name may be the perfect place to do it.
This Christmas Eve, they’ll be bringing out some great music and some great drinks to celebrate the season. Grab a ticket now!
You can also celebrate the season at the Mazi Nightclub in Richmond Hill or over on 14th street at the Up and Down.
7. Laugh It Up At Too Soon Comedy Night (135 Eldridge Street)
Every Sunday, Sensei Gallery Bar in the Lower East Side hosts a free and hilarious comedy show featuring some of the city’s greatest comedians, and this Christmas Eve is no exception!
Keep your eyes out for a lineup TBD!
Christmas Day
8. Hard & Soul: Christmas Day with Danny Tenaglia at Output (74 Wythe Avenue)
If what you want for Christmas is to dance your heart out, have no fear.
At 10 p.m. on the big day, this world famous DJ will be spinning tunes at this legendary Brooklyn nightclub. Their neon-lit interior and rooftop garden are sure to get you pumped even if you’re feeling your grinchiest.
Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, so you won’t be the only one winning out! Get your $20 advance tickets now!
9. Watch The Sorceress And Tour The Museum Of Jewish Heritage (36 Battery Place)
Here’s another suggestion geared towards our menorah-lighting pals. While the rest of the world is preoccupied with the ghosts of Christmas past, maybe you want to explore your people’s past.
Their core exhibition “features more than 800 artifacts and 2,000 photographs that illustrate Jewish history and highlight personal experience of global significance,” and three special exhibitions will be on view as well.
You can also purchase a separate ticket to enjoy the Yiddish Theatre Restoration Project’s rendering of Yiddish operetta “The Sorceress,” rendered here as a full production for the first time in over 80 years!
10. Tsukunft/Future: The New Klezmorim (334 East 14th Street)
If you couldn’t make yesterday’s evening with Veretski, here’s another chance to get your Klezmer fix!
This evening, beginning at 7:30, will feature tunes from emerging groups Goyfriend and Tsibele and finish off with an “raucous set of ecstatic Hasidic simkhe music” with dancing led by Jill Gellerman!
Sounds like a pretty good time to us, and it might be time to grab a ticket!
11. A Funky James Brown Christmas ft. Bruce 'Big Daddy' Wayne (125 MacDougal Street)
Christmas day just might be the perfect time…to get funky!
Washington D.C. native Bruce "Big Daddy" Wayne will be paying tribute to legendary genre frontman James Brown at hip Greenwich village spot Club Groove starting at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 and require a 2 item minimum purchase, so be sure to save room for a drink!
BOTH
12. Attend Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (5th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets)
Some holiday frivolity is all well and good, but you don’t have to forget the reason for the season.
This huge and picturesque church, which has been bringing prayer and wisdom to the heart of midtown since 1879, just might be the best place to get in touch with your spiritual side.
View the institution’s schedule. Some special masses are ticketed, but for most you can just walk right in!
13. Watch A Movie Screening At The IFC Film Center (323 6th Avenue)
You know what’s almost as awesome as the power of Christmas? The power of cinema!
This “ultimate entertainment space for New Yorkers seeking out the best in independent film” is serving up a ton of great offerings this season. You can catch their annual run of holiday classic It’s A Wonderful Life, and even catch an introduction by Mary Owen, daughter of star Donna Reed, if you attend the 1:30 p.m. show on the 24th.
Also playing is dark holiday comedy “Christmas Evil,” and a more lighthearted Studio Ghibli series showcasing some Japanese animated classics. Sounds like its time to break out the popcorn!
14. Geek Out at This Downton Abbey Exhibition (218 West 57th Street)
Are you a big Downton Abbey fan looking to deepen your understanding of the real-life history behind the beloved show?
This exhibition delving into its post-Edwardian England atmosphere will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
It’s only in town until January 9, so the Holidays might be the best time to check it out! Ready for a ticket yet?
15. Enjoy An Upscale Meal at the St. Regis New York (2 East 55th Street)
This super-chic midtown hotel just might be the place to bring you and your family an unforgettable Christmas meal.
Their special holiday 3-course menu at in-house restaurant Astor Court will feature lobster bisque, duck pate, filet mignon, winter squash ravioli, and more. Reserve a seat here.