The W Hotel Downtown
When: Opens 12/18, Mon-Sun (2pm-10pm)
Where: The W Downtown
Check out views of lower Manhattan on the W's new fifth floor ice rink. The small rink (about 400-square-feet) has special drinks courtesy of house mixologist Charlotte Voissey including a particularly deadly vodka-tequila Hot Chocolate Martini.
Tickets: Free, $12 for skate rental
The Standard
When: Opens 12/18, Mon-Weds (11am-11pm), Thurs-Fri (11a-Midnight), Sat (10am-Midnight), Sun (10am-11pm)
Where: The Standard Hotel, 848 Washington Street, New York; (212) 645-4646
Trade in your high heels for skates in the Meatpacking this weekend. The Standard's 3,000-square-foot rink is in the front plaza and will offer a coffee cart and snacks. Snacks include a grilled cheese with tomato soup and all drinks can be spiked with bourbon, brandy or dark rum.
Tickets: $12 plus $3 for skate rental
The Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival
When: 12/18, (8pm-4am)
Where: Public Assembly, Music Hall of Williamsburg
If you've been looking to get into the current electronic/dance music scene this event is a great introduction. Artists like Kid Sister, Treasure Fingers, Sinden and Penguin Prison will be leading the dance marathon. Just be sure to fuel up for an all-night party.
Tickets: $35
The Yule Ball 2010
When: 12/18, 5pm
Where: The Bell House
Now that you've seen the latest Harry Potter movie (right?), it is time to celebrate the holidays in true Hogwarts style. Check out some of the finest examples of Wizard Rock: Harry and the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys, Uncle Monsterface, The Macaroons and MC Kreacher as they rock out in their robes.
Tickets: $18
Brooklyn Cookie Takedown
When: 12/19, 6pm
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th Street, Brooklyn
This is not your average cookie exchange. Rather it is a total cookie takedown with 30 different cookies up for the grand prize. Included in your ticket is unlimited cookies and spiked egg-nog. Better get out the elastic waist pants for this one...
Tickets: $15
Gifts Galore & Cupcakes
When: 12/17-12/19, (12-8pm)
Where: International Playground, 13 Stanton Street (between Bowery and Christie Streets), New York
If you've left your shopping to the last minute, you are in luck. The crew at The Shiny Squirrel are presenting a group of super hip jewelry and fashion designers as well as visual artists and crafters at International Playground. Check it out on Friday at the opening reception for live music and vegan desserts (7-9pm).
A Murray Little Christmas starring Murray Hill
When: 12/18, 7pm and 9:15
Where: Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street, New York;(212) 505-3474
Celebrate the season with the vintage cocktail kitsch of comedian Murray Hill at his famed Christmas variety show. Expect burlesque, zany special guests and all-around bawdy fun. This show is certainly not for the faint of heart but it is downtown entertainment at its finest.
Tickets: $25
Matthew Mark's Poster Shop
When: Ongoing until 12/23, Tues-Sat (11am-6pm)
Where: Matthew Mark's Gallery, 526 W. 22nd Street, New York
Browse through vintage posters, rare books, original works of art and more at this poster pop-up shop where most items are under $100.
Elliott Puckette New Paintings
When: Ongoing until 1/22
Where: Paul Kasmin Gallery,
Eliott Puckette's original abstract works of art are loved by many including filmmaker Wes Anderson. Her constantly evolving style is evident in her new work that is on display at the Paul Kasmin Gallery.