Warm Up This Winter to the Hottest Happenings in NYC & Beyond
Get ready to cheer to 2023 as well as some winter fun for you to enjoy!
They say there’s no place like New York, and this could not be truer, especially during the holiday season. We are happy to be sharing some exciting, limited-time-only happenings for you and your loved ones to enjoy. We are also highlighting some epic New Year Eve celebrations to ring in the New Year in true style — with champagne of course!
New Year’s Eve
The Midnight Ball at The McKittrick Hotel
The McKittrick Hotel (530 West 27th Street, NYC), home of Sleep No More, announced its highly anticipated New Year’s Eve celebration, The Midnight Ball. The one-night-only soirée will take place throughout the hotel on Saturday, December 31.
Guests are encouraged to dress in high style for the most decadent night of the year, where the past and present will collide in an escapist fantasy. The glittering evening promises scandalous wonders and invites guests to relish in renewed freedom. Guests will enter the New Year strengthened, emboldened, and reinvigorated with a lust for life.
Tickets for Standard Entry to the party start from $334.50 per person. To allow the swiftest entry possible, tickets will be timed between 9:30PM and 11PM. Late Night entry is also offered at half past the stroke of midnight.
Revelers can enhance the evening on Oz’s List for expedited entry at any time and access to Oz’s Boudoir bar for the evening. Maximilian’s Champagne Table tickets include Oz’s benefits plus a reserved table in the Grand Ballroom.
Packages are also available to attend Sleep No More at 6PM, or dine At The Illusionist’s Table at 8PM, before the party for an additional fee.
The Times Square EDITION
Ring in the New Year in the heart of New York City with an elegant flair at The Times Square EDITION, where the property is offering an exclusive package including a tasting menu curated by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser with a wine pairing selected by Esquire’s Beverage Director of the Year Amy Racine, followed by an unforgettable evening of music, entertainment, and fun.
Guests will be welcomed to the property with drinks and passed canapes followed by a lavish dinner and pairing and later celebration accompanied by live music and open bar. At midnight, visitors will have VIP access to viewing the Ball Drop in Times Square escorted by security to a private area designated specifically for ticket holders, and enjoy a champagne toast, followed by an after party at the hotel to kick off 2023 in luxury and style.
The Standard, High Line
BINGO BALL DROP! At THE BIERGARTEN
December 31, 2022
9pm — 1am
Ring it in as the balls spin all night long at the iconic Not Your Standard Bingo Bash! Come ready to play, dressed in your Bingo Best! Surprise pop-up performances (Drag Queens & Burlesque)
BALL DROP! At THE STANDARD PLAZA & LIVING ROOM
December 31, 2022
9pm — 1am
Hosted by Essa Noche & Nicky O; Features Lana Ja’Rae & Jo Disco — Ring it in with your favorite queens where we’re serving body, beauty & booty! Performances & glam served all night long!
BURLESQUE BALL DROP! AT THE STANDARD GRILL
Ring in 2023 with a sizzling celebration at The Standard Grill. Savor a curated and delectable dining journey designed by Chef Paul Hargove, while being dazzled all evening by our breathtaking burlesque performances.
$145 per person Four-Course Prix Fixe Menu. Includes a complimentary glass of Moët.
If you’re kicking it off early, drop in for Pre-Game Happy Hour where we’re serving champers, caviar, $12 martinis & other specials, from 5pm-8pm
December 31, 2022
9pm — 1am
REYNA
REYNA NYE Special
Format: 4-Course Meal
7–8:30PM: $125/person including a glass of wine/champagne
9–10:30pm: $195/person including a 375ml bottle of Moet & Chandon per 2ppl
Opened in November 2022, REYNA is a Mediterranean snack and cocktail bar conceived by restaurant industry veteran Nicki Laborie. Located in Union Square, REYNA is designed as an energetic gathering place where the vibe, food and drinks intermix to create a wholly unique restaurant experience. Offering a unique mix of table snacks and larger plates that transverse the Mediterranean, REYNA marks the brand’s first location in the U.S. following the unmatched success of its sister restaurants in its hometown of Toronto — Bar REYNA and REYNA on King.
Disco Party | Recreation at Moxy NYC Downtown
Disco your way into 2023 at the retro-inspired Recreation bar at Moxy NYC Downtown. On Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9pm to 1am, guests can kick-off the new year with live music by DJ Lex and an open bar for just $95, sponsored by Casamigos and Grey Goose. The star of the show is Recreation’s disco ball punch bowl that turns any of their tasty handcrafted cocktails into a festive group affair served inside an actual disco ball. Tickets are $95 per person and can be purchased here.
Masquerade Ball | Royalton Rooftop at Royalton Park Avenue Hotel
If you’re in search of a Midtown masquerade to ring in the New Year, look no further than Royalton Rooftop at Royalton Park Avenue Hotel. On Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9pm-2am, guests will enjoy an evening of elevated affairs included an optional five-course dining experience in the private Ivy Lounge where music will be played on the electric grand piano, along with hors d’oeuvres passed throughout the night, an open bar from 9pm-1am, and a DJ playing lively jams throughout the evening. Tickets start at $150 and can be purchased here; table options are available for groups.
Made The List | W New York — Times Square
On Saturday, Dec. 31, from 6pm to 3am, W New York — Times Square invites guests, locals and party-goers from around the world to ring in the new year at the Living Room Bar — complete with a chrome DJ booth inspired by the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball. With tiers of ticketing options, guests can tailor their experience to suit their individual party needs, with live DJs, cocktails and more. Standing general admission tickets are priced at $294.40 per person; seated general admission is priced at $400.81 per person; and reserved cabanas are offered for groups looking for a more exclusive and intimate experience as well as rooms. Tickets can be purchased here.
Writing on the Wall
Start Time: 9PM
End Time: 4AM
Open Bar Hours: 9PM-12AM
Entertainment/Notes: Champagne toast at Midnight, Confetti Shower
Ticket Tiers: General Admission: $85 / VIP (Expedited Entry): $110
Bottle Packages: Table for 6: $1,200 with choice of spirits / Table for 10: $2,000 with choice of spirits
Williamsburg Market
Start Time: 7PM
End Time: 2AM
Open Bar Hours: 7PM-12AM
Entertainment/Notes: Ticket features a $40 gift card that can be used at any Kiosk in the Market
Ticket Tiers: Early Bird: $85 / GA Tier 1: $115
Balaboosta
Ring in the new year at Balaboosta with a Drag extravaganza She Show, complete with a live 3 piece band and special guest performers. The show will be accompanied by Chef Einat Admony’s specially curated four-course dinner, with vegetarian substitutions available upon request:
- BALABOOSTA SAMPLER: Hummus, tahina — Whipped Feta — Olives Sampler — Zalabiya
- APPETIZER: Tuna Tartare — capers, almond, chili, malawach
- ENTREE: Braised Short Rib — lentil crust, red velvet gnocchi, grilled endive
- DESSERT: Napoleon — sabayon, persimmon, pine nuts
Nemacolin
Something special awaits at Nemacolin as the year comes to an end. This December, Nemacolin is hosting The Diamond Party where everyone is invited to join in an unforgettable night that should not be missed.
Nemacolin is a whimsical resort tucked in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. It is an idyllic getaway for a spectacular celebration to say goodbye to 2022 and welcome in 2023. With all the different amenities and activities Nemacolin has to offer, it is the perfect destination to make this new year’s holiday very relaxing or very adventurous.
Those visiting can take advantage of the many spa and wellness offerings, get active with winter sports like skiing or ice skating, improve one’s culinary skills by participating in an Italian cooking class, uniquely experience the outdoors with excursions such as Jeep off-roading, or bring out one’s competitive side with a fun game of cosmic bowling. There is something for everyone to get involved in at Nemacolin with the endless variety of experiences and ways to explore.
To ring in the new year, The Diamond Party will have live entertainment for everyone to enjoy. The Marquis Ballroom will offer dancing, entrancing live performances, a celebratory midnight toast, and an indulgent late-night buffet. Additionally, Nemacolin’s late-night kids club is available for children to take part in white adults 21 and over celebrate in the ballroom. There is no better night to come dressed up to dazzle, shine, and delight than at The Diamond Party which encourages sparkle and shimmer all night.
Winter Fun Activities
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, kicked off the 21st season this year as NYC’s only free-admission skating rink, holiday market and delicious food offerings. This year, Bryant Park is also celebrating 10 years of partnership with Bank of America, and together they are thrilled to be welcoming back Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park’s most popular attractions this winter season.
The Rink is the only free-admission ice skating rink in NYC. It is completely outdoors, and skate time and rentals can be reserved in advance online. New skate reservation dates will be released on a rolling basis throughout the season.
The Lodge is an après skate-escape where visitors can cozy up with a festive cocktail, enjoy delicious food from local restaurants and watch the ice skaters or admire the tree.
This season’s Holiday Shops by Urbanspace will feature over 170 new and returning merchants in an open-air holiday market, including the Small Business Spotlight presented by Bank of America, where four New York City minority-owned small businesses will showcase and sell their products in a rent-free shop for approximately two weeks each.
Visitors are invited to Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park to enjoy the holiday and winter season. The Rink and The Lodge will be open daily beginning October 28, 2022 through March 5, 2023. The Holiday Shops by Urbanspace will be open daily from October 28, 2022 through January 2, 2023.
BUMP! AT THE STANDARD PLAZA
Set within The Standard Plaza, BUMP! celebrates the provocative power of collisions — aesthetic, cultural and literal. It’s a space to find your inner misfit and let it all out behind the wheel. The redesigned Plaza is an ode to 80s punk culture. Safety pins, mohawks and other renegade symbols suffuse the space with a downtown, DIY attitude.
Hot pink “Barbiecore” uniforms lend a touch of commercial irony, while the timeless thrill of bumper cars allows guests to live out a childhood fantasy. BUMP! blends these influences into a lively outdoor hangout. Cost is $20 per ride, 8–10 min ride and must be 7+ years old, at least 42 inches tall, and under 300 lbs. to ride.
Whiskey Wonderland at Great Jones Distilling Co.
Great Jones Distilling Co., Manhattan's first Whiskey distillery since Prohibition, opened its doors to its subterranean speakeasy to the public for the very first time on 11/18 to unveil the ‘Great Jones Whiskey Wonderland,’ a festive popup that will transport New Yorkers directly to the North Pole. The Speakeasy is transformed by NY-based interior designer KellyAnne Hee (who also designed The Hoxton in Williamsburg and Ludlow House) into a plush, holiday-themed winter chalet serving theatrical seasonal cocktails made with Great Jones’ whiskey, alongside wintery bites like cheese & chocolate fondue, and Bavarian-style pretzels. The Chalet will run through the holiday season into February 2023.
Angelina Popup at L’ Avenue at Saks
L’Avenue at Saks is partnering with the famous Parisian cafe Angelina. Yes, the famous cafe known for their pastries and decadent hot chocolate opened a pop-up on October 18th that will run through December. Guests can take a break from shopping with an old-fashioned hot chocolate and eclair choclat. Or get some early holiday shopping with takeaway chocolate mix, Angelina’s special tea, or Angelina’s emblematic box set.
Julianne Hough Performs at The Times Square EDITION
Kick off the holiday season with an enchanting evening of live entertainment hosted by Emmy Award winner Julianne Hough at Paradise Club, where she will be headlining a series of intimate performances as a part of the Broadway Speakeasy. Visitors are welcomed to stop by for a night full of music, dance, drinks, and gaiety as they enjoy Hough’s show that pays tribute to the city’s iconic nightlife and holiday season and transforms the nightclub into a cabaret-style destination. Tickets are available through December 17th starting at $90 for an unforgettable night, linked here.
Omni Berkshire Place
Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and pop into the Omni Berkshire Place for a warm artisanal hot chocolate. Omni Berkshire Place is in the heart of New York City is the perfect quaint hotel to visit during this spectacular holiday season. Located on 52nd St. between Madison and 5th Ave, the hotel is blocks away from Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree, Bryant Park’s Winter Village and Radio City Music Hall.
The artisanal menu of must-try spiced chocolates are available at all Omni Hotels & Resorts until January 31. The price of a hot chocolate is about $7 and varies per property.
City Cruises- New York/New Jersey
Join St. Nick himself on a deluxe cruise with City Cruises in New York City, where guests can escape the cold in a fully enclosed glass deck with beautiful city views. Celebrate the holidays aboard the Christmas Eve Premier Dinner Cruise, Christmas Day Premier Brunch Cruise, or Christmas Day Premier Dinner Cruise, bringing loved ones together and taking the stress out of holiday cooking. Additionally, for the first time ever aboard the New Jersey Signature Lunch Cruises, City Cruises will host an Ugly Sweater Party, featuring festive décor, special cocktails, live DJ, onboard games and more.
Magic of Montauk Holiday Celebration
The off-season is ON, making Montauk the place to be this holiday season boasting a charming winter escape filled with roaring fireplaces, igloos by the sea, and deals at the destination’s renowned resorts.
The official countdown to the Holidays has begun and Long Islanders won’t want to miss the inaugural Magic of Montauk Holiday Celebration complete with live reindeer and plenty of holiday cheer. The famous summer destination will soon be transformed into a winter wonderland where visitors can live out their Hallmark movie dreams. Montauk Village will play host to a number of holiday festivities delivering magical fun for the whole family including a decorating contest, Holiday Fair and Lighted Boat Parade, see below for more details.
December Business Decorating Contest, December 1st — 31st
All month long, visitors are encouraged to explore Montauk and vote on participating local businesses decked out for the holidays. Be sure to look for the QR code on business windows to vote for your favorite festive display, and be entered into a holiday gift raffle!
Holiday Party Kick-off at Shagwong Tavern, December 9th at 8 p.m.
The weather outside may be frightful, but a Shagwong party is always delightful! Join us for our weekend opening holiday party, sure to be the festive gathering of the year. Enjoy festive cocktails, and tidings of good joy. Guests must be 23 +
Holiday Fair on the Town Green, December 10th from 1 p.m. — 6 p.m.
Santa, Elves, and Reindeer- oh my! Don’t miss our first annual holiday fair, with fun for kids of all ages. Follow our decorated holiday path, sponsored by Lighting the Christmas Joy decorating services, with fun around every corner. You’ll find: Holiday gift booths, Food Truck Hot cocoa contest, Beer & Mulled wine, Montaukila holiday tasting, Kids activities, Santa meet & greet, Get your photo taken with LIVE reindeer and more!
Lighted Boat Parade & Viewing Party at Inlet Seafood, December 10th from 6 p.m. — 9 p.m.
Be sure to catch the first annual Montauk Holiday Boat Parade and Viewing Party hosted by Inlet Seafood to benefit the Montauk Food Pantry during this holiday season. Tickets for the viewing party can be purchased via Eventbrite online. Guests of all ages welcomed. Food and drink included with ticket price. $50 — Children $100 — Adults
