At any Christmas party in NYC, you’ll be dancing, singing and raging all (holy) night. Here are the best bashes to hit.
Looking for the best Christmas party? New York is home to some amazing ragers this holiday season. Combining the aesthetics of some of the city’s greatest Christmas window displays with the music you’d find at the best Christmas concerts in NYC, these extravaganzas are bound to get you in the holiday spirit as you shimmy and shake the night away in your offensive funny Christmas sweaters.
Nutcracker Rouge
Théâtre XIV, BushwickUntil Jan 13 2019
Sure, you can catch Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet at the theater, or even at the multiplex with Disney’s new adaptation. But for a distinctly NYC take on the Christmas classic, head to Bushwick’s fabulously gothic Théâtre XIV. You may know Company XIV as the burlesque bastion behind shows like “Ferdinand: Boylesque Bullfight,” and their ribald spin on Tchaikovsky promises the same level of high-drama choreography, tassel-twirling and magnificent costumes. Met Opera choreographer and company co-founder Austin McCormick assembles a lit team of opera singers, aerialists, circus performers and burlesque artists for this year’s spectacle, running through January. Beyond the dazzling show, you’re sure to be awed by the baroque theater space, which looks like a set from the Phantom of the Opera, along with the cheeky cocktail menu. Just be sure to keep an eye out for whoever (and whatever) comes crawling out from under Mother Ginger’s dress.
Justin Vivian Bond is Refrigerated
Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, East Village Until Dec 22 2018
Supreme stage siren Justin Vivian Bond has developed a cult of fans who don’t miss the annual holiday show—a classic cabaret blowout featuring songbook favorites, queer protest and meandering musings from the singular mind of JVB. Look sharp and look up: you’re about to see the very best act in town.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Kings Theatre, Brooklyn Dec 23 2018
Photograph: Courtesy Hip Hop Nutcracker
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Kings Theatre, Brooklyn Dec 23 2018
Tchaikovsky’s ballet gets a facelift as rap icon Kurtis Blow MCs a ferocious contemporary reimagining with hip-hop dancers, digital projection and a beat-driven score.
Amateur Night Holiday Special
The legendary weekly Apollo amateur night toasts the season at this family-friendly party, featuring the recent winners of the show’s “Apollo Stars of Tomorrow” category: a host of gifted instrumentalists, singers and dancers all under 18.
The best of what’s open on Christmas Day in NYC
Don’t stay in on December 25—New York City has plenty going on this Christmas Day, from dinners to theater.
The holiday spirit (or your relatives) may try to keep you cooped up on Christmas Day, but whether you’re determined to get out of the house or just couldn’t care less about Christmas, make sure to take advantage of the city on December 25. Perhaps the quietest and least crowded day of the year in the city that never takes a break, pop into a late night bar, an ice-skating rink or one of the many restaurants serving Christmas dinner (or regular dinner) on Christmas Day.
Winter Village at Bryant Park Rink
Bryant Park’s 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink is free and open late. Don’t get too excited—the admission may be gratis, but you’ll have to shell out $15–$19 to rent skates (or BYO). Still, it’s a veritable winter wonderland: After your time on the ice, warm up at spacious rinkside foodhall the Lodge. If you want to practice your lutzes and axels with ample spinning room, try visiting during off-peak hours.
