
NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- You survived the holiday madness and as the last weekend of the year approaches, things can get really stressful. Take a much needed time-out and melt away those winter blues with some hot plans. We've got you covered with the best food, drinks, shows and music the city has to offer.
Magic of Lights – Jones Beach
Head to Jones beach for a drive holiday lights experience. A special feature of the 2019 Magic of Lights at Jones Beach is the Jolly Holiday Festival Village, where guests will walk through a winter wonderland of hot cocoas, s’mores by the fire pit, holiday music and movies, and even a hay maze.
Where: Jones Beach State Park
When: Friday, Dec. 27- Sunday, Dec. 29, Dusk - 10 p.m.
Cost: $30
Mulchfest
Wrap up your holiday season and say goodbye to your tree at Mulchfest, NYC's holiday tradition of recycling your Christmas tree. Just haul your tree to a Mulchfest location and NYC's Department of Sanitation will chip your tree into wood chips that will be used to nourish trees and make NYC even greener. You can even take home your very own bag of mulch to use in your backyard or to make a winter bed for a street tree
Where: Location varies
When: Friday, Dec. 27 - Sunday Dec. 29, time varies
Cost: Free
Superfunland
Super Funland examines the history of the carnival, inviting visitors to explore its bacchanalian origins in ancient Greece and Rome and its evolution in pre-industrial Europe and the "midway" of the great World’s Fairs of the 20th century. An historical exploration of carnival’s roots is accompanied by an interactive exhibition.
Where: Museum of Sex
When: Friday, Dec. 27 - Saturday, Dec. 28, 12 p.m.
Cost: $17
Dyker Heights Holiday Lights
The Dyker Heights neighborhood is for their elaborate holiday decorations. Christmas ma be over, but it's not too late to enjoy the festive decorations like life-size reindeer, huge inflatable Santas and thousands of lights! Make the trip while you still can.
Where: 11th to 13th Avenues, and from 83rd to 86th Street, Brooklyn
When: Friday, Dec. 27- Sunday, Dec. 29 5p.m. - 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
World's Largest Menorah in Manhattan
See the lighting of the world's largest menorah at Grand Army Plaza this weekend! The gold menorah is certified the world's tallest by the Guinness Book of World Records standing at 32 feet tall and weighing about 4,000 pounds. This year, it will be located at Grand Army Plaza on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street.
Where: Grand Army Plaza in Central Park
When: Friday, Dec. 27 3 p.m., Saturday Dec. 28 8 p.m., Dec. 29, 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Kwanzaa Celebrations at American Museum of Natural History
The City’s largest Kwanzaa celebrations take place at the American Museum of Natural History. They host a one-night fete featuring African dance, spoken word, live musical performances and traditional crafts. The holiday is rooted in seven principles known as Nguzo Saba, which promotes unity, culture and community development.
Where: American Museum of Natural History
When: Saturday, Dec. 28, noon - 5 p.m.
Cost: Free with museum admission
Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream features imaginative installations that bring to life your most delightful dreams. Slide down an epic three-story slide, take a celestial ride on a pink MOIC subway, and follow the sound of buzz to a giant “Queen Bee” hive. You can also have real ice cream along the way and end the day by diving into a Sprinkle Pool!
Where: 558 Broadway, New York
When: Friday Dec. 27 - Sunday Dec. 29, 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Cost: $39
New York Botanical Garden's "Holiday Train Show"
It's the last weekend to xperience 175 of the city's iconic landmarks in an enchanting display fashioned from natural material such as birch bark, acorns, and cinnamon sticks. Marvel at model trains zipping through the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, and other favorites. This year’s show is presented in an immersive indoor winter wonderland showcasing Central Park, with its iconic landscape fashioned in mosses and hollies, and architectural treasures such as Belvedere Castle.
Where: New York Botanical Garden, Bronx
When: Friday, Dec. 20 - Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Adults $30, Kids $18
Grand Bazaar NYC
The city’s biggest curated weekly market is open this Sunday and filled with talented local artists, designers, and independent vintage and antique dealers selling one-of-a-kind, rare, and limited-edition art, fashion, collectibles, luxury vintage watches, handmade jewelry and furniture. There's also food vendors available after you work up an appetite. The best part is that 100% of its profits go to four neighborhood public schools.
Where: Grand Bazaar NYC - 100 West 77th Street
When: Sunday, Dec. 29, 10:00 a.m – 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free entrance
Harry Connick, Jr. - A Celebration of Cole Porter
Harry Connick Jr. returns to Broadway in a show he wrote and directs to celebrate an iconic composer. Connick Jr. released a new album titled "True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter." In the program notes, Connick promises the performance is "going to be a wild ride."
Where: Nederlander Theatre
When: Saturday Dec. 28 - Sunday Dec 29, time varies
Cost: Price varies