5 fun holiday dates in NYC from $5-50
Between holiday gifts, white elephants, parties, dinners and the like, the final weeks of the year tend to hit our wallets the hardest. It can be difficult to step away from these obligations to make time (and save some budget!) for yourself.
We’ve put together 5 fun and fiscally responsible holiday hangouts so that you can enjoy your city during this magical month, without breaking the bank.
Window shop until you drop
The key to successful window shopping is not to actually buy anything, but the jaw dropping holiday displays at Shine Bright Hudson Yards, Macy 34th St, and Midtown East/Rockefeller Center will leave you starry-eyed. Once you’ve gotten your fill of the bright, shiny lights of consumerism, use the cash you didn’t spend to grab a drink or a snack nearby.
Round Trip subway ride ($5)
+ Drink or snack ($5-15)
= Plenty of glitzy photos and a fun outing for ~$20
For those who find the holidays to be a real drag…
If your evenings are jam-packed with parties, invite someone fun-loving and colorful to Holiday Drag Bingo Brunch at Someday Bar in Boerum Hill. Hosted by queen Zenon TeaVee, you’ll be sure to laugh, gasp, and may even win a few prizes!
Round Trip subway ride ($5)
+ Food or 2 drink minimum (~$20)
+ Cash for the performers ($10+)
= A memorable December afternoon enjoying some of NYC’s most outrageous drag for ~$40
Why cry when you can laugh?
With all of the sh*t that tends to hit the fan this time of year, sometimes you just need to sit back and laugh. Ambush Comedy is hosting FREE shows on Wednesdays in December at Two Boots Pizza- Williamsburg. You can even score FREE beer from 7:30-8 PM. Registering in advance guarantees a spot, and also enters you into the FREE pizza raffle. (We’ve said FREE 3x in this paragraph—what more could you want?!) Sign up for a ticket here
Round Trip subway ride ($5)
+FREE Comedy
+FREE Beer
= The risk of peeing your pants in laughter, which does not outweigh the chance to win a free pizza. $5
Dare to go to deep Brooklyn
There are guided groups that will take you through the insane light displays in Dyker Heights for a fee, but it’s totally feasible to do a self guided tour of the neighborhood. This is a bucket list activity for almost any New Yorker—you should really see it at least once! Pick a mild night and invite a fun companion to hop the NQR or D line with you to Dyker Heights. Stop into one of the bakeries along 13th Ave for an authentic Italian pastry to accompany your evening.
*Pro tip: go during a weeknight, as the crowds tend to become overwhelming on the weekends, especially nearing Christmas because their holiday decorations are amazing.
Round Trip subway ride ($5)
+ a fun pastry ($5)
= The chance to explore a neighborhood you’ve probably never been to, and gawk at actual single-family homes in Brooklyn for ~$10
Going to the movies is cool again
If you’re budget conscious and craving a movie on the big screen, try catching a matinee showing or movie on $5 Tuesdays at one of the many AMC locations in the city. There are some seasonal options playing, and plenty of hot ticket flicks for you to choose from.
And hey, we won’t tell anyone if you sneak in a couple of treats. Debrief with your movie date over a hot beverage after the film, or take your drinks to go and stroll the city streets while relishing in magic that is NYC during the holidays.
Round Trip subway ride ($5)
+ Movie ticket ($5-$11)
+ Coffee ($4)
= A cozy, calm date in the midst of a chaotic season for ~$20
Wishing you happy Holidays from the Pitch team!
If you want to Make Real Plans with us, download Pitch Social and follow along @makerealplans on social media!