It’s a spooky, haunted season, which means you don’t have to indulge too heavily at happy hour in order to start seeing things in the night. An immersive cocktail and haunting experience called House of Spirits is coming to Lower Manhattan.
The “haunted cocktail soiree” will mix the supernatural with magic and themed cocktails.
Step into a world of phantasmic refinement as you mingle with strange specters, witness secret ceremonies, commune with the spirits on a giant Ouija Board, and enjoy themed cocktails, magic, music, and more!
Experience the Hunted
Experience the haunting tale of Molly and Francisco Vega, a young couple who lost their baby during childbirth. The story is loosely based on the life and artwork of Spanish painter Francisco and his wife.
Francisco focuses his grief via art and begins a series of disturbing paintings, while Molly’s grief drives her to a much darker place. Loosely based on the life and artwork of famous Spanish painter Francisco Goya, House of Spirits, produced by Meyer2Meyer Entertainment and Fever, weaves an unnerving and interactive storyline certain to leave guests delightfully chilled.
Guests can freely roam the haunted mansion and interact with the haunting tale of Molly and Francisco Vega.
The event is held inside the Down Town Association, a landmarked private club building whose interior decor could easily stand in for a haunted mansion on a normal day.
Tickets for this Haunted Experience
Standard Ticket – includes:
Live Entertainment, Character Interaction and Experiential Environments
4 Miniature Cocktails
VIP Ticket – includes:
Live Entertainment, Character Interaction and Experiential Environments
Access To Our Exclusive VIP Lounge
VIP Check-In Line
5 Miniature Cocktails
Commemorative Cocktail Glass
General Info
Dates: October 8th to October 31st, 2021
Opening hours:
Thursdays & Fridays: 6pm & 9pm
Saturdays: 4pm, 6.45pm & 9.30pm
Sundays: 3pm, 5.45pm & 8.30pm
Duration: 2 hours
Age requirement: 21+ with a valid ID
Dietary requirements: there will be vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available for purchase. There will also be non-alcoholic beverage options available
Dress code: Guests are highly encouraged (but not required) to dress up for the soirée in time period specific fashion, costume, or elegant dress
Safety Measures: In compliance with NYC Health orders, in order to access this experience, you will need to provide evidence of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination.
You can read the safety measures for this event where tickets start at $78 and include four miniature cocktails. Get your tickets here.
All photo credit: Kenny Rodriguez or Jane Kratochvil for The McKittrick Hotel
New Year’s Eve at the McKittrick Hotel is an event to be reckoned with. The five-floor “McKittrick World’s Fair” combines spectacle, music, motion, and performance to make one of the best NYE in experiences in NYC–Pretty much what you’d expect from the McKittrick.
For the uninitiated, the McKittrick Hotel is a six-floor performance space best known for their production “Sleep No More,” a choreographed, noir retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, told across six floors of the McKittrick and explored at your own pace. In addition to Sleep No More, they also have the Club Car (dining and performance space), The Lodge at Gallow Green (rooftop drinks and dining), and Manderley Bar (the Sleep No More lounge with an excellent absinthe drink list).
Throughout the year, the McKittrick hosts events of all kinds, including plays, magic shows, and burlesque. Their New Years’ Eve party is one of their top parties. 2019-2020’s party was McKittrick World’s Fair; an extravaganza themed around bygone eras, the Worlds Fair, and around “explorers.” This latter theme was open to broad interpretation, ranging from British safari to A Trip to the Moon to extraterrestrial travelers. The NYE event featured five floors of concerts, dance parties, soirees, and experiences, through which guests wander as they enjoy the open bars and champagne scattered through the building.
What sets the McKittrick’s events apart, especially in Sleep No More, is the inventive use of space. They craft each room into a unique experience, and wanderers at Sleep No More often experience the surreal sensation of stumbling onto moments–scenes in progress with their own feel and tone–making each doorway into a teleportation gate to another world.
The NYE World’s Fair captures this experience. As I wandered from one room to another, I felt transported every time that I passed through a doorway or exited a staircase. One room had a dance floor flooded with red light and shadow as dozens of people danced around a band led by a woman in a spiked halo crown. Just above, a jazz band played in a softly-lit lounge with milling guests and artists in one corner. Instagrammers took pictures with the artists or of themselves posing in a bathtub in the center of the room. Through a pair of glass doors, a gothic ruin was transformed into a misty jungle with catlike performers on the prowl through foliage and over walls.
The creative approach reached down to the details, especially the spots designed for Instagram. Plasma globes, bathtubs filled with tinsel ice, and short, wide beds drew a dozen picture-takers at a time (myself included) to pose with whatever prop had been set up in that room. That’s pretty standard fare. But, for most of the rooms, these props blended in with the decor and featured other forms of live entertainment, interactivity, or a tableau taken directly from Sleep No More.
Which brings me to my next point–wherever you go at the World’s Fair, you are still walking through Sleep No More. It makes for an uncanny experience. Some parts, like the central ballroom, are almost unrecognizable from its ballroom and dining room set from Sleep No More, dressed up as it was as a central performance stage and party central. Others, though, like the ruins-turned-jungle, were merely repurposed, leaving SNM veterans seeing double.
Your base NYE package is a five-floor party from 10:30 pm to 4 am, complete with an open bar. You wander floor to floor, experience, to experience, through dance parties (multiple) and photo ops. The centerpiece was the aforementioned ballroom, with a stage, performances, and an update on the New Year’s Eve countdown. For a little more money, you can purchase tickets to a showing Sleep No More earlier that day, a dinner, and a table reservation all night by the center stage. The tickets for Sleep No More are a plus if you’ve seen it before, but a must if you haven’t yet had the opportunity.
If you’re interested in any more of The McKittrick Hotel’s events, check them out here.
They say that Rock n Roll is a lifestyle–a way of life. You can build cities out of it. And while Tampa, Florida wasn’t built on Rock n Roll, Tampa’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is. And with the completion of their expansion, Tampa, Florida, is finally ready for you to rock and roll all night and party every day.
So what would you need to live the rock star life? Glitz, glamour, and opulence. And Hard Rock is filled with it. Bright lights fill the gambling floors, offering every kind of game for every price point. Swim through the sea of lights, and you’ll find a restaurant, a venue, or recreational experience. Want a stack of pancakes? Fresh sashimi? A perfectly marbled steak? Or maybe you want to grab a drink and watch live music? It’s all there.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
And live music is everywhere. Hard Rock Tampa features multiple stages, ranging in size from hundreds to more than a thousand. Their largest stage holds 1500 people and hosts internationally-renowned singers, comedians, and performers. Between all of their locations, you are guaranteed a show, with more as you get closer to the weekends.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
If you are just there to relax, you’re also covered there. A beautiful pool ringed with cabanas, and a long poolside bar forms the center of the hotel and casino. Stop by for a swim, or a full day lounging in the sun. Finished with your tan? Hang out at the bar and watch a game over drinks. Just to the side of the pool, explore Hard Rock’s ‘Rock Spa & Salon,’ where you can treat your body and spirit with their brand new 26,000 sq ft facility. Enjoy a massage, a therapeutic facial, or a workout class in Hard Rock’s state-of-the-art fitness center. Hey–even rock stars need time to relax.
Architectural Photography
And the food. I mentioned it earlier, but it is worth mentioning again. Restaurants range from casual and cool, like the Hard Rock Cafe, to the stately, with Council Oak Steaks & Seafood. Both, by the way, feature live music. Whatever food you want, they’ve got it. A special shout-out to Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, and their supreme cuts of meat–I even follow their Executive Butcher on Instagram just to see the latest cuts. But don’t miss out on your chance to try out all 13 of their dining locations.
Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa takes its Rock n Roll soul to heart. Its vast collection of memorabilia, its multiple venues, its delicious food, is all a celebration of our urge to cut loose, indulge, and treat yourself in ways that you can’t at home. If you want to rock and roll all night, Hard Rock is always open.
New Year’s Eve is coming up fast. If you’re in New York City, to stay or to visit, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to live it up NYC-style. If you’re still looking for that perfect party to ring in the new year, check out these excellent parties to spice up your night.
Tender
Tender Lounge
Tender (130 W 47th St) inside The Sanctuary Hotel is hosting a NYE celebration with seatings from 7pm and 9:30pm. The first three course prix fixe seating is $85 per person, and the 9:30pm seating is $110 per person and also includes dancing to follow and a champagne toast as the ball drops leading right into an after party to liven up the celebration while you’re immersed in the lively energy between the heart of Times Square and the hustle and bustle of Rockefeller Center. Reserve your spot by emailing: events@sanctuaryhotelnyc.com
Nerai
Nerai (55 E. 54th Street) offers a contemporary twist on sophisticated Greek dining in the heart of the city. To celebrate NYE with an elegant seated dinner, Nerai will offer an epicurean meal with the choice between a four-course prix fixe menu at $115 per person, or Executive Chef Moshe Grundman’s 7 course tasting menu at $145 per person. The four-course menu includes a Winter Salad, Tuna, or Artichokes as starters. Then choose between a Lobster Pasta with squid ink linguine in a metaxa bisque or a Black Truffle Spaghettoni with creamy truffle sauce, kefalotiri espuma with fresh shaved black truffles. Main dishes include Lavraki, a pan seared mediterranean sea bass with wild mushroom farro, horta and pomegranate reduction, and Lamb Loin with lemon potato gnocchi, honey glazed carrots and roasted Brussel sprouts. And cap off the epic meal with dessert in the form of Saragli or Karidopita. The tasting menu can be found here. Make reservations by visiting: https://nerainyc.com
Brooklyn Chop House
Brooklyn Chop House
Brooklyn Chop House (150 Nassau St.) offers up Dim Sum & Chops giving diners everything from homemade dumplings and noodles to their 30-35 day dry-aged Pat LaFrieda Prime Steaks. Specialties include the 7lb LI Peking Duck, the Surf & Turf with 2 – 8oz South African Lobster Tails and a crispy 16oz Filet Mignon for two, and the Alaskan King Crab Legs
for two with garlic and ginger. With the crave-worthy food being served, it’s the perfect spot to dine in on NYE. A price fix menu will also be available for groups of 8 or more, starting at $125 per person. For reservations, visit https://www.brooklynchophouse.com
Beyond Sushi
Beyond Sushi will offer a 5 course tasting menu for $95 per person at their flagship location (134 W. 37th St.). Vegan specialties including black sesame bellinis, seaweed caviar, smoked cashew cheese, mousse lemon zest and chervil. Entrees include white winter truffles with Arborio Italian rice risotto, topped with seared chanterelle mushroom truffle foam and nasturtium leaves, and Hot Impossible Pate on whipped potatoes, with caramelized cipollini port wine reduction sauce. Cap off the year with a chocolate lava cake. Reserve your spot by visiting: https://beyondsushi.com
Ainslie in Williamsburg
Come in and celebrate the new year at the beautiful 10,000 square foot, 340-person multi-level Italian wine bar, beer garden and restaurant Ainslie (76 Ainslie St). Their menu includes wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, steak, free-range chicken and more. The restaurant boasts four bars and offers an extensive drink menu including 20 wines by the glass, four wines on tap and 16 beers from local craft breweries on tap. There will also be a DJ spinning from 9pm-2am. Reservations of all sizes are welcome and can be made by visiting: https://ainsliebk.com/
Bell Book & Candle
Bell Book & Candle (141 W 10th St) is hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner for $95 per person featuring dishes such as the Hawaiian Yellowfin tuna nachos with tempura kale, guacamole, sesame and spicy mayo, a Shellfish Bisque with rock shrimp and a Grass-Fed Filet of Beef with root vegetable gratin, mushroom ragu and white truffle oil. An optional open bar is also available from 9pm – 12am for an additional $95 per person with party favors, a balloon drop and confetti cannons and in addition to a champagne toast at midnight.
Clinton Hall
End the year the right way as you say goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020 at one of Clinton Hall’s locations in FiDi, E. 51st Street or Williamsburg. Grab your friends and watch the ball drop while enjoying a 4 hour open bar, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight in addition to pass hor d’oeuvres. Tickets begin at $50 and can be purchased by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-lure-group-8949803130?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=dc728dbf2a&mc_eid=3ad4141e22
Sir Henri Penthouse Rooftop’s NYE Bash Hosted by Joonbug
Sir Henri Penthouse Rooftop
Sir Henri Penthouse Rooftop (37 W. 24th St.) will host a Joonbug NYE bash from 8pm – 2am complete with a 5 hour premium open bar. One of New York City’s top DJ’s will provide a lively soundtrack as guests dance nonstop to their favorite Top 40, Hip Hop, House, Dance, and Mash Up hits. As midnight approaches, get ready to raise your glass in a complimentary champagne toast and count down live with the whole room as you ring in the New Year. General admission tickets begins at $99 and can be purchased by visiting: https://joonbug.com/newyork/newyearseve/sir-henry-rooftop-new-years-events-new-york
Bob Moses Headlines at Schimanski in Williamsburg
Bob Moses, the Vancouver-bred, Brooklyn based deep house duo Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance will cap off the year with an epic New Year’s Eve club set at Schimanski (54 N. 11th St.) in Williamsburg on Tuesday, December 31st. The Grammy winning duo came to life in the Brooklyn underground scene in 2012. In May 2018 they announced their headlining US tour in addition to the release of track “Heaven Only Knows”, which was quickly followed by news of the duo’s second full-length album Battle Lines and first single “Back Down”. Tickets begin at $59 and can be purchased by visiting: https://www.schimanskinyc.com/calendar/2019/12/31/nye-2020-bob-moses-club-set
DEG Presents Above & Beyond at New York Expo Center
There is no place on the planet as exciting to spend NYE as New York City. On Tuesday, December 31, titans of the electronic music genre ABOVE & BEYOND will ring in 2020 with a special headline show at an incredible cavernous location in the Bronx–the 60,000 sq foot New York Expo Center. Presented by Above & Beyond’s Anjunabeats label and New York nightlife impresario DEG Presents (formerly RPM Presents), Jono, Tony, and Paavo return to one of their favorite cities for the biggest party of the year. Watch for news regarding friends who will support in the festivities. Tickets begin at $79 and can be purchased here.
Ten Hope in Williamsburg
Ten Hope (10 Hope St) is offering up a 3-course price fix menu with early seatings from 6 pm – 7:30 pm at $55 and late seatings between 9 pm – 10:30 pm for $75. Leek soup will be featured for the amuse bouche. Starters offer a choice between Scallops with chickpea mash, dill oil, and romesco, and Crispy Octopus with Israeli salad, and nigella aioli. Entrees options include Filet of Steak with Pomme Puree and Roasted Broccolini, a Wild Mushroom Pasta with truffle butter and breadcrumbs and Poached Halibut with parsnip purée and braised leeks. For dessert enjoy gooseberry marmalade Creme brûlée. Make reservations by visiting: https://www.tenhopebk.com/
Zeppelin Hall’s NYE 2020 Party
Come as you are to Zeppelin Hall’s (88 Liberty View Dr.) New Year’s Eve party with absolutely no cover in addition to free hats and noisemakers for all. Watch the ball drop on one of their many Hi-Def Screens while you dance the night away to a live DJ and ring in the New Year without spending your life savings. For more information visit www.zeppelinhall.com
Ring in 2020 on the Water at Molos
Ring in the New Year at Molos (1 Pershing Rd) in Weehawken with a live DJ, party favors, and dancing – all the necessities to kick off the new decade. There will also be a 4-course dinner for $125 per person. Enjoy Greek and Mediterranean inspired seafood dishes with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
The Springs in Greenpoint
Say hello to 2020 from The Springs (224 Franklin St) Ho Ho Holiday Lounge in Greenpoint without breaking the bank. Doors open at 9 pm with no cover required and complimentary party favors will be doled out. Drink and dance your way into the new decade with DJ Alanna “That’s So” Raben beginning at 10 pm. RSVP by visiting: https://www.thesprings-bk.com
Mondrian Park Avenue‘s 15th floor Rooftop is completely transformed for the season. Inspired by Club Med’s 17 all-inclusive resorts in the Alpine regions of France, Italy and Switzerland, the immersive pop-up transports guests to a winter wonderland. Last week I had the chance to check out the spot and I really enjoy the coziness of the space, with frosted windows, twinkle lights, artificial snow, birchwood and pine accent décor.
Alpine inspired cocktails and bites
The menu is also Alpine inspired, serving Cocktails with seasonal winter flavors and traditional sips like mulled wine (served hot). I’m that kind of a person that wants to try all spiced beverages during cold season, so I picked the “spiced cranberry collins” (tito’s vodka, cranberry cordial, baking spice and seltzers). It was delicious! Not too strong, but very spicy.
Some of the bites served include Swiss raclette fondue, assorted meat and cheese boards and burrata. I tried the “Delton’s winter truffle & prairie breeze grilled cheese”, served with miso broth – which is all you can expect from a truffle grilled cheese and more.
IIDA NY’s Color Invasion 2019; Photographs by Johnny Wolf.
Just last week, the International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY) hosted their 17th-annual Color Invasion event to record-breaking success at Center415. With over 1,500 attendees, the design and architecture community came out in full force for this year’s Sweet Dreams-themed affair. Aptly decked out in fancy and imaginative pajamas, party-goers helped to support the local chapter’s initiatives and the Pajama Program, a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering pajamas and books to at-risk children in the hopes of creating “Good Nights for Better Days” for kids in need of a positive bedtime experience.
IIDA NY’s Color Invasion 2019; Photographs by Johnny Wolf. IIDA NY’s Color Invasion 2019; Photographs by Johnny Wolf.
Just as dreams are rooted in the subconscious, this year’s Sweet Dreams event was a fantastical landscape brought to life. From the Beauty Bar (sponsored by Mercer Hamilton) with its plethora of lashes, braids, eye gems, and tattoos, to an Andy Warhol-inspired Pillow Room (sponsored by Maars Walls), and a Bed Sheet Maze (sponsored by Carnegie) that instantly recalled the haphazard fort-building fun many of us experienced as kids, there was no end in sight to imagination gone wild. In addition, a meandering enchanted forest led to catering stations including a Bed Buffet (sponsored by ProSec), a party-sized Cereal Bar (sponsored by InsideSource), and Raid the Fridge (sponsored by Framery)—an area chock-full of party favorites such as mini personal pizzas, sesame noodles in Chinese take-out containers, and meatloaf sandwiches.
Guests danced the night away to the tunes of one metallic glitter-covered Sandman DJ (sponsored by Milliken) under a full moon and with the help of some liquid courage provided by the Under the Stars Bars (sponsored by Arper and Clarus). While Moon Lyre dancers weaved through the party, various other sections drew crowds. The Movie Theatre, Concession, and Bar (sponsored by Andreu World and NJM), offered an escape from the crowds with incredible dream sequences being played out on the big screen. Meanwhile, The Cloud Room (sponsored by Humanscale), was a serene sky-like space enhanced by a dancing cloud that brought the otherworldy-like feel to life.
Around the corner, a Psychedelic Dream Room (sponsored by Urban Office, Infinium, and Svend Nielsen) offered live music, a black-light experience, and so much more. All in all, it was a master class in how to throw an imaginative, sensory-filled party. It also happened to yield approximately 2,000 units of pajamas and books ready for donation in support of the program. To donate or read more about Pajama Program, please click here.
