It’s that time of year, when everyone you know heads to the suburbs to hang out with their parents and open lots of presents and reminisce about simpler childhood times. Either that or they’re headed to Miami to make us all jealous with Instagram pictures of the beach.
But while they’re getting tan and cozy, we have the city all to ourselves– from the born and bred New Yorkers to the ones who couldn’t afford an overpriced flight home, we make up the rag tag band of stragglers left to fend for ourselves in the metropolis over Christmas.
But, it’s really not half-bad. If you avoid the tourist top spots and head to some off-the-beaten-path activities, your NYC Christmas Staycation can be truly magical. Get ready for the NYC Christmas that makes Home Alone 2 look like a snore.
1. Go Ice Skating at McCarren Park Pool Rink. The pool has it’s issues (loud, crowded, way more security guards than you’d like to encounter before taking a swim), but the rink is pure winter joy. It’s so popular (5,000 people visited in the first week) that next year, plans are in the works to install a sledding chute! Until then, skate your little hearts out to classic 90’s love hip hop ballads and soul jams. Admission is $8 and skate rentals are $5. It’s also one of the few places OPEN on Christmas Eve and Day.
3. Pumpkin Ginger Cream Pie at The Blue Stove (415 Graham Ave). I don’t think I have to elaborate further on anything that has CREAM and PIE in the same title. Pair it with a frothy chai latte and bring a good book to truly indulge. Apple is always an equally delicious option.
5. HIBERNATE. Tis’ the season to wear nothing but sweatpants and watch repeatsof Dawson’s Creek, Love Actually, and When Harry Met Sally, while simultaneously stuffing your face with chocolate. No one can judge you. Savor it.