It is has been nothing but "holidays holidays holidays" for months and now that the weekend is upon us, what is there to do if you're not partaking in the festivities?
Take advantage of the smaller crowds on Friday and check out an inspiring exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum or troll the sales at one of NYC's hippest stores Opening Ceremony. Saturday is typically reserved for Chinese and a movie, our suggestions are trying to squeeze into NYC's hottest restaurant Red Rooster and checking out Sophia Coppola's latest film. Finally, Sunday is time for more relaxation and perhaps a cabaret performance.
Friday, December 24
Opening Ceremony Sale
Where: Opening Ceremony (various locations), online at openingceremony.us
When: Ongoing, Store hours: Friday (11am-8pm), Saturday (CLOSED), Sunday (Noon-7pm)
OC's yearly mega-sale is worth checking out while others are out of town. Labels like Alexander Wang, Rodarte, Vena Cava and Acne will be 30-50% off.
Seductive Subversion: Women Pop Artists, 1958-1968
Where: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn; (718) 638-5000
When: Friday (11am-10pm), Saturday (CLOSED), Sunday (11am-6pm)
This exhibit showcases the work of women artists who were overlooked by the traditionally male-dominated field of Pop art. The unusual large-scale works reflect women who were working internationally during the period and contain many pieces that American audiences might not have seen. This break is a perfect time to wander the museum and see the exhibit before it closes January 9th.
Saturday, December 25
Jolly Bowl
Where: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 963-3369
Doors: 6:30 PM / Show: 8:30 PM
Tickets: $10.00
The party gods have come through with a fun evening full of live music, great food and bowling for all those not participating in nighttime festivities. The Jolly Bowl is billed as both a holiday party and a "tribal music festival" with local bands like Day Like Months and kosher food vendors to supplement the already delicious Blue Ribbon options.
Dinner at Red Rooster
Where: Red Rooster, 310 Lenox avenue between 125th and 126th New York; (212) 792-9001
Chef Marcus Samuelsson has finally opened his new Harlem resto Red Rooster. With dishes that complement both the neighborhood and Samuelsson's diverse background, you can indulge in Gravlax with Purple Mustard, Helga's Meatballs, Fried Yard Bird and Sweet Potato Doughnuts. Reservations are hard to get but on Christmas day you might be able to call and snag a cancellation.
Watch Somewhere
Where: Angelika Film Center, 18 West Houston Street at Mercer Street, New York; (212) 995-270
When: 11am, 12pm, 1:15pm, 2:20pm, 3:25pm, 4:40pm, 5:40pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9:20pm, 10:20pm, 11:40pm, 12:35am
Sofia Coppola's latest film, Somewhere, takes place in a very different Chateau than the Versailles setting of her previous film, Marie Antoinette. The underbelly of the LA acting world is explored through the relationship between an actor father and his 11-year-old daughter, who happen to live at the Chateau Marmont.
Sunday, December 26
Bar D'Or Reunion
Where: Indochine, 430 Lafayette St between Astor Place and E 4th Street, New York; (212) 505-5111
When: 6:30pm
Price: $20
It wouldn't be a weekend in NYC without some burlesque or drag performances. Check out some of the city's best when Joey Arias, Sherry Vine and Sade Pendavis reunite on Sunday for their annual Bar D'Or Reunion.
Mah Johngg Mania
Where: The Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, New York
When: Screening times Mah-Jongg: The Tiles that Bind (11am and 2:30pm), The Joy Luck Club (11:45am and 3pm), Mah jongg games (1pm-3pm), Kids craft activities (11pm-1pm, 2pm-4pm)
Price: Free with admission
If you haven't checked out Project Mah Jongg yet, definitely attend on Sunday. Relax, watch a movie and slip back in time when you learn how to play the beautiful tile game.
Degas: Drawings and Sketchbooks
Where: The Morgan Library and Museum, 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, New York; (212) 590-0300
When: 11am-6pm
After watching Black Swan (or even just watching the previews) you might need your vision of ballet ahem adjusted back to something a little quainter. The Morgan Library has just the trick, an exhibit