We made it through Valentine’s Day! I spent the holiday eating piles of unhealthy food and drinking with a dear friend in from out of town, so basically it was perfect. We hope yours was full of calories and friendship, as well. We’re onto a new holiday: Lunar New Year! We’ve got a couple of fun events for you to celebrate the Year of the Dog, plus of course lots of other amusing goings-on for your NYC life.

Fri 16: The Chinese New Year in NYC 2018

Chinatown, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Free
Woof Woof! We’re out of the Year of the Rooster, and it’s time to let the dogs have the command. Eat dumplings, watch a dragon dance, and enjoy the unseasonably warm weather in one of the country’s most vibrant Chinatowns.

Fri 16: BKLYN Skates 

110 Kosciuszko St, Brooklyn, 8:00 PM, $10 Admission/$5 Skate rental
Slap on those skates- it’s time to get movin! Enjoy the smooth DJ sounds in your ears and a smooth wooden skate floor beneath your feet as you glide along with Brooklyn’s finest.

Sat 17: The Odd Rock Comedy Hour

Q.E.D., 27-16 23rd Avenue, Queens, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM, $10
Comedy! Music! Sketch! Video! Basically, if you’ve got a date and you don’t want to spend more than 20% of it talking to your= companion, come let the pros entertain while you sit back and drink whatever tasty beer they’ve got on tap. (If you like conversation, you can always grab some tasty Greek food from across the street beforehand.)

Sat 17: MOFAD@Night: Chinese New Year Celebration

MOFAD – Museum of Food and Drink, 62 Bayard St, Brooklyn, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, $25
Alright! You’ve seen the parade, now it’s time to chow down on delicious traditional New Year dishes, along with some tasty local brew. This also happens to be the perfect introduction to the Museum of Food and Drink, if you’ve never been.

Sun 18: Crunch to Brunch Dance Class with On Running

New York Running Company by JackRabbit, 10 Columbus Cir, Ste 210, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM, Free
Get moving and earn that brunch with this hip hop workout class! It’s currently wait list-only, but get your act together and follow New York Running Company for more fun, active programs!

Sun 18: Solo Dolo

Catland, 987 Flushing Ave, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM, $20
Get your body and mind right with the incomparable Alessandra Calderín as she guides you through the tarot and a meditation designed to bring you on a clearer path to self-love and discovery.

Weds 21: Modern Jewish Baker: Food Event

Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Pl, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Free
Jewish food forms the backbone of many New York classics, and you get the chance to partake in an interactive cooking demonstration with author Shannon Sarna, as she guides you through her new cookbook.

Valentine’s Day is upon is, and it’s all about that self-love, babyee! Well, it is for me anyway (I recently went on a date who didn’t know what Hamilton was and it killed me a little bit) and, I bet for some of you, too. I’ve got lots of events that promise to sooth your soul, along with some that acknowledge the existence of holidays other than V-Day (Mardi Gras, hello?)

Fri Feb 9 – Fri Feb 16: Order a Shirtlessgram

Online, Various Times, $150
If there’s someone in your life who enjoys shirtless men and cupcakes, this may be the kindest thing you could possibly ever do for them. $150 (way less than most singing telegrams cost) gets you a HIGHLY instagrammable encounter with Cupid himself, who delivers a cupcake and a personalized poem. Get into it.

Fri Feb 9: MoMA Scavenger Hunt & Cocktails

Old Castle Pub and Restaurant1, 60 W 54th St, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM, $27
Join a friend or a lover at Old Castle for a cocktail and your ticket to the MoMA, where you will compete for 75 for the glory of who can decipher clues and find the most art. If you’ve never been to the MoMA, it’s time to start!

Fri Feb 9: German Karneval Party

Hofbräu Bierhaus NYC, 712 3rd Ave, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Free
Sometimes self-care involves cheap wine and drag queen talk shows (me) and sometimes it involves a bunch of friends and getting shnakkered on free Jagermeister and beer (you?) I’ve been to Hofbräu Bierhaus  for a friend’s going away and it was pretty chill, but I bet you can make it wild.

Sat 10: Sweethearts Market for Valentines Day at the Flea

Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, West 39th Street Between 9th and 10th Avenues, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Free
I haven’t gotten anything for my imaginary boyfriend yet, but that’s all about to change. Check out plenty of V-Day vendors selling anything “Juan from Canada” might enjoy, from vinyl to vintage leather.

Tues 13: Mardi Gras

Lucky, 168 Avenue B, 6:00 PM – Midnight, Free
Mardi Gras! Grab a Hurricane and a Sazerac (at the same time – why not, it’s Fat Tuesday and it’s time to go bonkers) and get in line for that King Cake flown all the way in from New-Or-Leans.

Weds 14: Be Your Own Beloved

Maha Rose Center for Healing, 97 Green St G3, Brooklyn, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM, $50
Finally, an event with a title just for me! I love myself to bits and you should to. Practice some self-love with meditation, reiki, tarot, and crafts.

Thurs 15: An Inclusive Panel on Love and Sex

The Flat NYC – Event Space, 23 W 24th St, 6:30 – ?, $10
Ah, the day after Valentine’s – what better day to reflect? Grab a glass of wine and listen to eight fabulous panelists (details in the link) discuss the question: “What is pleasure?”And what makes YOU feel seriously sexy?”

What a fun week’s we’ve got coming up! From a hilarious and moving one man show featuring hoarders and Chinglish to bootcamp to blue crabs, we’ve got you covered.

Fri 2: Asian Gracefully

254 W 29th St, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, $10
Check out the hilarious Woody Fu in this occasionally touching, always funny reflection on growing up Chinese. I’ve seen it before and and I’ll be back again this Friday, so take my word for it.

Fri 2: Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show

Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th St., 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM, $15 ($20 at door)
Freshen up your closet by going old-school, at this one stop vintage clothing show featuring gorgeous clothes from decades past.

Sat 3: Free Community Boot Camp Bed Stuy

CrossFit Outbreak, 492 Throop Ave, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Free
Want to look like your neighbor Steve who was suddenly jacked (…wow, Steve…) but you don’t want to break the bank? Check out this free community class and GET SWOLE!

Sat 3: 6 Nations Live

The Wolfhound, 3814 30th Avenue, All Day, Free
Happy hour specials are on all day at this lovely new Astoria pub. Watch your favorite teams kick it out over cheap drinks. Free live music and snacks to follow!

Sun 4: Judy Blumesday with Samantha Bee, Molly Ringwald and More

Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, $26
Whose lives weren’t formed by the amazing books of Judy Blume? Are you there, God? It’s me, wanting to go to this amazing show featuring fabulous women honoring the queen of YA fiction (YOU HEAR ME, STEPHANIE MEYER? JUDY BLUME IS THE QUEEN.)

Sun 4: Living History: Meet Harriet Tubman

New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Free with Museum Admission
Who doesn’t love a reenactment? Spend some time learning all about the eternally amazing Harriet Tubman at the fabulous New York Historical Society.

Mon 5: Blue Crab Monday

Loui Loui Broadway, 3147 Broadway, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM, $12.99
Over the past month I have been to both New Orleans and Charleston (family stuff – don’t be TOO jelly) and boy, do I have a hankering for crab. At an absurdly reasonable $13, I bet you do too!

Upbeat, colorful, and fun! That’s the theme for this week, and it carries through with a participatory arts meetup, a party to celebrate Roe V Wade, and a 90’s themed brunch. Let’s just have a good time, eh friends?

Fri 26: Art in Ad Places Exhibition & Book Launch

LUCAS LUCAS, 57 Conselyea Street, Brooklyn, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Free
Art in Ad Places is an amazing 52-week public art campaign that makes this city infinitely more visible by decorating derelict phone booths with gorgeous art, which you can follow on their Instagram. Join them for a drink and the launch of their book.

Fri 26: Celebrate Roe V Wade’s 45th

The Footlight, 465 Seneca Ave, Queens, 7:30 PM – Midnight, $20
Roe v Wade is 45 years old, and she is looking great. As the event describes, you can enjoy “performance art, live music, DJ, raffle to die for, comedy, speakers, AND MORE! 100% of proceeds go to National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health.”

Sat 27: Science Exclamation Point

Caveat, 21A Clinton Street, 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM, $8.50
Do you enjoy comedy? Do you enjoy learning? Come for the lectures by postdoctoral researcher Ruth Angus, stay for the improv comedy by the hilarious group Ice Cold Bev.

Sat 27: Goodbye 69 West 14th Street

PMT Dance Studio, 69 W 14th St, Fl 3rd, 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM, $10
Enjoy free wine, beer, music, and merriment for helping this fabulous dance studio with their transition into a new space ($10 donation minimum here, but don’t be a cheapskate ya putz).

Sun 28: Everybody Loves The 90’s: Brandy VS Monica The Boy Is Mine Edition

MIST Harlem, 46 West 116th Street, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM, $35
Whose team were you on, Brandy or Monica’s? OF COURSE BRANDY – how can you say no to Moesha?! Of course you may disagree, so we can fight it out over delicious food and unlimited booze at this 90’s themed brunch.

Sun 28: Nobodies Watching Royal Rumble

BIZARRE Bushwick, 12 Jefferson St, Brooklyn, 7:00 PM – Midnight, Free
What’s better than watching WWE’s Royal Rumble, an event I considered having here as featured in a bar? Why, having WWE’s Royal Rumble featuring commentary and outfit critiques throughout the matches!

Weds 31: Figment/Alpha Meet & Greet and Burning Man Happy Hour

Lucky, 168 Avenue B, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Free
Are you interested in making or being involved in participatory art, but feel like you don’t have the resources or information to get started? Come to this Figment/Alpha/Burning Man Meet & Greet!

We’re deep into January, with Valentine’s Day on the horizon. Do you have time to find a lover before that day?! Do I?! Do you already have one, and desire nothing more than to shove your happiness in my face?!? No, I joke. What a fun bunch of activities I’ve found this week for you to prepare your assault on singles, you hypothetical emotional assaulter of single people!

Fri 19: Kellogg’s NYC Café Grand Opening

31 E 17th St, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Whatever you Spend on Yumyums
You’ve probably heard about this, but maybe you need a push in the oats to actually get out there and start having fun: there’s a cereal cafe now, and you can geek out over all your favorite grains right here in NYC!

Fri 19: Winter Party 2018

Verso Books, 20 Jay St, Suite 1010, Brooklyn, 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM, Recommended $10-$40 Donation

Do you like partying? Do you like supporting left-wing STEM workers repressed under the era of Trump? As they exclaim on their site, “Come for the door prizes and specials on food & drinks – stay for the left-wing engineers, tech workers, climate researchers, & neuroscientists!”

Sat 20: 2018 Women’s March on NYC

Central Park West & 72nd, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Free
It’s that time again! I’ll be marching with Planned Parenthood (and my best friend), but I won’t judge you based on whom you march with. Just march.

Sat 20: Eraserhead with live score by Black Lodge

Film Noir Cinema, 122 Meserole Ave, Brooklyn, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM, $20
Eraserhead may well be the creepiest movie I have ever seen. You can count on it being even creepier with live music. Bring popcorn and someone whose arm you can squeeze.

Sun 21: Boozy Brunch & Clothing Swap

Lucky, 168 Avenue B, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Whatever you Buy + Free Clothes!
I just went to a fabulous clothing swap where I got an excellent purple shiny backpack, and I’m already mentally planning my next one. Grab a bagel, have a drink, and clean out that closet!

Sun 21: Arrested Development Trivia

Videology Bar & Cinema, 308 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Free
I’m terrible at trivia, but I’m amazing at loving Arrested Development. Test your knowledge and compete for awesome prizes!

Mon 22: Life Drawing At The Silent Barn

The Silent Barn, 603 Bushwick Ave., Brooklyn, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM, $7 – $10
Grab a drink and sketch a live model! The Silent Barn is an awesome community of artists, so you can count on a convivial atmosphere.

Weds 24: Selected Shorts: Love, Laughter, and Vodka with Anton Chekhov

Selected Shorts, 2537 Broadway, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM, $50
Rainn Wilson is a delight and prize of humanity, and he is but a star in the constellation of wonder that this night promises. Enjoy Checkhov with a lovely glass of vodka, as the Russian intended.

Moving! Dancing! Tours! It’s our first full-week of 2018, and we’re bring you all the best that NYC has to offer you.

Fri 5: SOCA ‘N’ SWEAT – BROOKLYN

DSPAC Studio, 857 Lexington Avenue 2nd Fl, Brooklyn, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM, $15
Feeling like you might be 50% human, 50% holiday snacks? Dance it out with the fun, bouncy moves of Soca.

blah blah blah

Jan 5: Eggloo Goes Vegan: Its Choco-LIT!

Eggloo (East Village) 147 Avenue A, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Whatever you Buy
Everyone knows the sweet deliciousness that is Eggloo. It’s always been a kind of paradise of egg and milk, though. No longer! Ring the bells and bring the vegans, Eggloo’s going dairy-free.

Sat 6: A Drinking Game NYC presents Clueless

The Bell House, 149 7th St, Brooklyn, 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM, $15
Cher Horowitz is probably the best female protagonist of all time. Fight me. Drink along with the magic at the Bell House and remember the glory days that were the 90’s.

Sat 6: Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Events, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM, $75

Ellis Island is an easy place to visit, but it’s not an easy place to really understand. That’s because a lot of it is still shut off and inaccessible to tourists, unless you book one of these exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. Did one of your grandparents come through? One of your great-grandparents? This tour is not to be missed.

Sun 7: Repeater: A Little Show About Big Songs

Q.E.D., 27-16 23rd Avenue, Astoria, 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM, $7.33
This is such a fun show. Two hosts get deep with a guest on a topic we can all get passionate about: their favorite song. It’s a blast, guys. The last time I went I won a bag full of vinyl records!

Sun 7: Auditions for Armory Improv House Teams – Season 5

312 West 36th Street, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Free
So you’ve taken a couple of improv classes. Or you haven’t, but you’re funny. Or you’re not funny, but you think you could be funny. Either way, grab a slot and audition to join one of the most fun communities in NYC, that of Armory Improv.

Mon 7: Professional Bull Riding in NYC

Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza 10001, 1:40 PM – 4:40 PM, Various Prices
Just look at those sexy cowboys. I have no idea what they’re going to do with that fire, but my guess is that they and their Monster Energy pantaloons are going to do something exciting. How often do you get to see men ride bulls in Manhattan?

Tues 8: Tater Tot Tuesday

Big Daddy’s, 239 Park Ave. S, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM, $3!
Oh, sweet potato-y goodness. And at half of $6.25, the price can’t be beat! I don’t think there’s a limit to the amount of tots you’re allowed to consume, and I heartily recommend that you push yourselves to the absolute limit to find out.

Wahoo, it’s New Year’s Eve! Whether you’re the type to dance the night away, or watch fireworks, or play shuffleboard, we’ve got plenty of events for you, along with the rest of your weekend fun, of course.

Fri 29: Brooklyn High Tea

The Williamsburg Hotel, 96 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, See Menu for Price
Want to feel fancy in one of the fanciest neighborhoods in one of the fanciest boroughs, etc? Head on over to the beautiful Williamsburg Hotel, and don’t forget to lift your pinky when you sip your tea.

Fri 29: Moulin Rouge Sing-Along

Videology Bar & Cinema, 308 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, 6:30 PM – 8:40, $18
When I watch movies with my brother, he pulls his hoodie up over his ears so he can’t hear me chatter at him through movies. Yep, I’m that person. Well, can’t nobody shush me now! Nor you, if you’re the singalong type.

Sat 30: GingerBread Lane Workshops

New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St, Queens, 1:00 or 3:00, $15 with admission
Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean the ginger bread has to all go away. This is a special ginger bread event- you’ll be making vehicles! Remember back to those old LEGO monster truck-building days? It’s like that, only edible!

Sat 30: Lady Luck 2017

Prime Produce 424 West 54th St, 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM, $77
Have a fabulous evening playing Monte Carlo-style games, all of which support some of NYC’s most vital women-led and women-focused initiatives at the freshly renovated Guild for Good!

Sun 31: Free NYE Fireworks in Prospect Park

Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, 11:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Free
Bundle up, snuggle up, and wonder at the glory of New Year’s fireworks. Just don’t get caught with that flask… I think that’s still illegal?

Sun 31: New Year’s Eve Mariachi

Maya Restaurant, 1191 1st Ave, 8:00 PM – 4:00 AM, Free
Dance the New Year away with live mariachi, drink specials, and “surprises all night!”

Sun 31: New Year’s Eve Flamingo Formal at The Royal Palms

The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, 514 Union St, Brooklyn, 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Free
Look, personally, I’m getting the heck out of NYC for New Year’s. It’s a stressful damn time. If you’re looking for a low-key night that is still awesome and fun, you couldn’t do much better than a night of drinking, shuffleboard, and friends. Also, it’s free. Yesssssss.

Sun 31: 10th Annual New Years Eve Black & White Masquerade Ball

Soho Grand Hotel, 310 W Broadway, 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM, $199
Now, here’s your classic NYE party… and when I say classic, I mean REALLY classic. I’m talking black tie, fancy drinks, open bar, and masks all night. Don’t say I never give you the fancy stuff, baby.

Aaaand we’re in the final stretch of holidays with religious origins! (That is, until Valentine’s Day/Singlehood Punishment Day) Plenty of celebratory activities this week, from last-minute shopping opportunities to ways to either celebrate or totally ignore Christmas!

Fri 22: Holiday Market at the Oculus

Westfield World Trade Center, 185 Greenwich Street, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Free
Several months ago this blog featured a Michelangelo exhibit at the Oculus, and it was a stunning show and a reminder to me to vet my dates better (I wanted to look in wonder. Hamid wanted to taaaaalk.)  This time, this modernistic location is lit up in its spectacular glory, ready to help you out with last minute shopping. Just don’t bring Hamid.

Fri 22: Ugly Sweater Holiday Party

Koneko, 26 Clinton St, 5:00 – 9:00, $20 (reservation necessary)
Ooooh it’s a cat holiday party! Wear your ugliest sweater to win prizes, drink mulled wine, sing karaoke, and pets plenty of fuzzy and fluffy kitties, most of which are up for adoption!

Sat 23: Parlorcraft Circle: Paper Flowers and Yuletide Social

Jefferson Market Library, 425 Ave of the Americas at 10th St, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM, Free

Chow down on cookies (bring some to trade, or freeload!)

while enjoying the traditional craft of paper flower making, taught to you by the illustrious members of the New York Nineteenth Century Society Parlorcraft Circle.

Sat 23: Amélie with Mulled Wine

Videology Bar & Cinema, 308 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, 4:45 PM – 6:45 PM, $22
Cozy on up with one of cinema’s favorite heroines as you sip mulled wine and gather close to your loved ones (if you brought them) and the warm glow of the theater’s screen (always there for you.)

Sun 24: Weird and Wonderful Gift Market at the Hell’s Kitchen Flea

Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, West 39th Street Between 9th and 10th Avenues, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Whatever you spend
If Oculus shopping (see above) didn’t do it for you, why not try a “weird and wonderful” gift market? Some s̶t̶e̶p̶f̶a̶t̶h̶e̶r̶s̶  family members are just notoriously difficult to shop for, and you might luck out at this market celebrating offbeat local vendors.

Sun 24: Winter Recess: The LEGO Batman Movie and Superhero Workshop

Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, $15

I watched The LEGO Batman Movie on an airplane home from seeing my family, and a little tear trickled down my cheek at how beautiful and touching this also hilarious movie is. Bring your friends, and test the limit of the Museum of the Moving Image’s policy on random adults making LEGO animations and superhero masks and costumes.

Mon 25: Spend Christmas with the Ones You Love

Your mom/aunt’s/grandparents’/cousin’s/friend’s house, All Damn Day, Free
Mom made sweet potato casserole, Aunt Amy made ramen noodle salad, and we’re all gonna eat our body weight in Christmas cookies. No pressure… take breaks when you need it.

Mon 25:  The Sorceress at the Museum of Jewish Heritage 

Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Pl, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, $25 for The Sorceress
If you’re Jewish and your Christmas tradition is Chinese food and a movie, why not give Chinese food and a revival of this Yiddish play a try instead?

Mon 25: Movies, Milk, and Cookies (and Yoga!)

Brooklyn Boulders, 575 Degraw St, Brooklyn, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Free with admission

If you’re not of the cookie-eating, Santa-worshipping Christian background and Chinese food and whatever entertainment you decide on doesn’t tempt you, how about a radical departure from both? Do some yoga, eat some yumyums, and watch Die Hard. Not a bad way to spend a holiday!

Are you feeling the holiday spirit yet? You should be! The tree is lit, the holiday markets are bustling, and I’ve gained all the weight in my middle section my current wardrobe can support. Keep those holly-jollies rolling with this week’s fun and festive events!

Fri 8: Volez, Voguez, Voyagez Louis Vuitton Exhibition

American Stock Exchange, Building 86 Trinity Pl, Free
Louis Vuitton became famous on the strength of its beautiful, simple, timeless designs. Travel through time on a journey through some of the highest-class luggage a human can buy, all for free!

Fri 8: Jingle Bail Rock: a Party to Pay Bail for New Yorkers who Can’t

Mayday Space, 176 St Nicholas Ave, Brooklyn, 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM, $35

The Brooklyn Community Bail Fund seeks to support those who are locked up, whose bails are too high for them too pay. How often do you get to enjoy great music and an OPEN BAR for such a great cause? As the event points out, “nearly half a million people are locked up in jails nationwide who can’t afford to post bail before their trial; that number is larger than most other countries’ entire incarcerated population.” Tis the season to support your neighbor.

Sat 9: Lightfoot Market Holiday Pop-up

123 W 18th St, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Free
Does your Secret Santa have a “minimal footprint” request this year? Honor that wish with a trip to this awesome pop-up market, which features sustainable design and products.

Sat 9: Rescue Me – Firefighter/Medical Singles Party

Hudson Station, 440 9th Avenue, 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM, $15/$30

With the California wildfires blazing, we’re reminded of the heroes who come forth to fight back the blaze: firefighters. I am legitimately FURIOUS at my best friend for taking me out of NYC this weekend for her stupid marriage, as it means I will not find my own personal husband: one of the above hunky firefighters, bravely walking into the flames without a shirt. Go, go! Save yourselves! Grab a kiss for me!

Sun 10: You Are Not Alone: An Uplifting Show About Depression

Magnet Theater, 254 W 29th St, 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM, $7
This time of year, it’s easy to feel crappy. We’re constantly invited to compare ourselves to our more successful relatives, for example, who may be further along in life than we feel we are. Here’s the good news: we’re not alone! Listen to a monologist talk about their experience with mental illness and watch as improvisers lovingly interpret their stories to hilarious, uplifting effect.

Sun 10: Brunch with Baby Soda

St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club, 345 Grand St, Brooklyn, 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM, $25
Choose an entree from St Mazie’s amazing menu, enjoy some jubilant jazz music, and sip a tasty Bloody Mary. Is there any better Sunday activity?

Mon 11: Drunk Yoga: Unlimited Wine

Grey Lady NYC, 77 Delancey St, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, $39

Are you intimidated by yoga? Do all those skinny women with their feet behind their heads show up in your stress nightmares? Fear no more. Drink some wine, laugh with your girlfriends, and take let your worries slip away as you sip hey hey and namaste.

Weds 13: A Very British Holiday Party

Food52, 122 W 26th St, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM, $70

Oh my! What a jolly good deal; a flight to Britain for only $70! If you’re a bit of an anglophile, prepare yourself for trips to Scotland, Cornwall, London and Yorkshire for tasty whiskey, seafood, gin, and wonderful British cheese!

Even this grinch has caught a bit of the holiday bug, so we’re geeeently introducing a few Christmas activities this week while staying grounded and simple with some art exhibits and a clothing swap to keep us grounded. Also, Downton Abbey!

Fri 1: Yayoi Kusama Exhibit

David Zwirner, 525 West 19th Street, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Free
Yayoi Kusama is a living legend, and we’re all just lucky to be in the same universe as her. This free exhibit includes sixty-six paintings, two Infinity Mirror Rooms, and large-scale sculptures.

Fri 1: When Love Calls Couples Night Sip & Paint

KS JAMM Dance Troupe347, Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM, $35
After you experience the wonder of Yayoi Kusama, create your own ~art~ while drinking some yummy drinks and hanging out with other couples as you create fabulous masterpieces.

Sat 2: West African Dance Workshop with Lamine Thiam

Greene Moments Studio, 216 Greene Avenue, Brooklyn, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Free
Learn West African dance in this free workshop! All genders, body types, and levels welcome.

Sat 2: Kick the Kegs for Kids

The Well, 272 Meserole St, Brooklyn, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Whatever you spend drinkin’
Toys for Tots is a great organization that puts gifts into the hands of children during the holidays, and you get to help them out just by drinking some delicious beers! Bring a toy and get a raffle ticket, with prizes from beer tokens to gift baskets from Flying Dog.

Sun 3: Clothing Swap at Lucky

Lucky, 168 Avenue B, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Free (must bring items to swap)
Bring some gently used clothes you never wear and trade up for some fabulous styles you’ll be sure to rotate into the winter wardrobe. There’s a two drink minimum, so get ready for a tipsy fashion show.

Sun 3: Cheer New York Holiday Extravaganza

The Stonewall Inn, 53 Christopher St, 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM, Free
Tis the season to worship drag queens! While you do so, tip heavily because these queens are going to be giving their tips back to their favorite charities. Also tip heavily because that’s the right thing to do.

Mon 4: Sippin’ Santa’s Surf Shack – NYC Tiki Christmas Bar

Sippin’ Santa’s Surf Shack, 13 1st Ave, 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Whatever you spend drinkin’
Tis a most magical time of year, when Union Square transforms into a winter wonderland and magical Christmas tiki bars appear out of thin air! Drink in the holiday vibes while you sip on specialty holiday drinks. Keep an eye open for Santa!

Tues 5: Downton Abbey: The Exhibition

218 West 57th Street, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, $30

THE DRAMA! THE LUXURY! THE LEGEND! Luxuriate in one of the most sumptuous sets ever to grace the small screen, on display for your eyes through the first week of January.