By Caroline Grogan By Caroline Grogan | November 30, 2021 | Lifestyle,
There’s nothing quite like winter in New York City.
Though plummeting temperatures may tempt you to stay at home, these winter activities are worth braving the cold.
With everything from ice skating in Industry City and axe throwing to comedy nights and tours of a distillery, you can skip the winter blues and keep the fun going all season long.
See also: The 7 Best New Year's Eve Events in NYC
594 Amsterdam Ave / Website
Upper West Side restaurant Pekarna NY will be launching Tight-Ass Tuesday Standup Comedy, a locally-curated comedy show, in their stunning Elixir Room starting December 7th.
Each night will feature two hour-long sets, with the first show at 7:30p.m. and the second show at 9:30p.m. The cover charge for the evening is $20 and includes one drink, though guests can also order from Pekarna’s $69 prix fixe menu which includes an appetizer, entree and one drink (tip included).
The lineup of talent changes weekly, with opening night headliners including Damon Millard and Victoria Arnstein.
Courtyard 5 / 6, Industry City / Website
Brookyln’s Industry City has reopened their open-air ice skating rink for the winter season, adding even more to the list of things to do in the area. The outdoor, uncovered rink will be open every Thursday to Sunday through early 2022, with immersive holiday decor and outdoor heaters to keep skaters cozy and in good spirits.
An outdoor bar operated by Frying Pan Brooklyn will serve hot cocoa and snacks, making it the perfect activity for all ages.
The schedule for the Industry City Ice Rink is as follows:
543 Madison Ave / Website
For those who can’t make it to Miami Art Week this year, Carlton Fine Arts is bringing the celebration to New York with their own version of the fairs on display now through January 15th.
The three-floor gallery will spotlight some of the most iconic and respected artists in the industry with key works including: Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Boxer Rebellion from 1982, Damien Hirst’s Splatter Mickey from 2015, Kaws’ You Should Know, I Know from 2015, Jeff Koons’ Monkey Train from 2007, Roy Lichtenstein’s Reflection on Soda Fountain from 1991, Mr. Brainwash’s Follow Your Dreams from 1966, Andy Warhol’s Ingrid Bergmann from 1986 and Linjie Deng’s Moon Catcher from 2020.
79 Richardson St / Website
This December, New York Distillery Co. will celebrate both their 10th Anniversary as well as Repeal Day (Dec. 5) with a number of offerings and celebrations open to the public. From December 1st through December 5th, those who purchase a Ragtime Rye or Ragtime Rye Bottled in Bond Flask will receive a complimentary Manhattan or Old Fashioned at the Shanty, the distillery’s bar.
On December 5th, co-founder Allen Katz will host two guided tours and tastings at 3p.m. and 5p.m. Each will feature a tasting through every distillate year in NYDC’s history, an experience usually reserved only for the distilling team. Tickets are $20 per person and guests can register here.
From 7p.m. to 10p.m., The Shanty and The Repeal Society will co-host NYDC’s 10th Anniversary party and the 88th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. The event will feature live burlesque, chocolate tastings, specialty cocktails and a special tasting for VIP guests. Register here.
The distillery will also release a limited edition 10-year expression of Ragtime Rye selected by beverage industry veteran, Dale Degroff. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Helen David Relief Fund to assist bar industry professionals battling cancer.
96 Lafayette St / Website
Need to relieve the stress of scheduling holiday travel plans or spending one too many days with your relatives? Head over to Live Axe in SoHo, where you can hurl axes with all your might while sipping on decadent cocktails and taking advantage of Instagram-worthy photo ops.
35 E 76th St / Website
From December 2nd through December 12th, the online retail destination for occasions at home will take up residence in the iconic marbled halls of The Carlyle. Founder Rebecca Gardener will turn the pop-up shop into a whimsical winter wonderland complete with vintage silver, custom glassware, artisanal ornaments, table linens and bespoke party hats.
Look no further for thoughtful gifts and holiday party decorations including marble party crackers, custom wrapping paper and two custom House & Parties candles dubbed “Inside Mother’s Leiber” and “Smudged Faces & Kid Gloves.”
Photography by: New York Distilling Co.