THEY SAY IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR. WE’VE SET A COURSE FILLED WITH DINNERS, MUSEUM EXHIBITS AND MUST-ATTEND EVENTS TO PROVE IT—MORE THAN ENOUGH FOR YOU TO HAVE AT LEAST THE MOST WONDERFUL WEEK!
Monday
New York City is the center of the world, never more so than during the holidays. Head to the Met to see a once-in-a-lifetime exhibit of the works of Michelangelo (Talking Walls, 96). At night, catch the ever-popular, yet never outdated, Christmas Spectacular. Our Rockette insider gives the deets on 102.
Tuesday
Need even more Christmas in your life? Catch a performance of Patchogue Theatre’s A Christmas Story (Can’t Miss Events, 24). After the show, head just down the street to grab a delectable meal at Rhum, where the Caribbean flavors will warm your soul in preparation of your next getaway (Dining Guide, 142).
Wednesday
Don’t get beat down by the holiday craze—take a day for yourself. Lipulse.com has all the ways to find your inner peace in this mad, mad world (think: salt caves). Continue the holiday hiatus with a screening of one of the 10 best films of the year (no Christmas movies here). The cinematic escape starts on page 100.
Thursday
Thursday is the start of the weekend and you earned a cocktail. Jema in Huntington has a South American take on a margarita that will keep your cold heart going AHH! all winter (Drinkology, 132). Another requisite is The Bitter Truth by Pulse’s Cocktail Rumble Winner, Dave Ebert of Copperhill (recap on 26).
Friday
Wölffer Estate’s newly renovated tasting room offers a cozy retreat from the cooler weather (From the Vine, 134). Is craft brew more your speed? Head to Riverhead and give Moustache Brewing Company’s Winter Coat ale a try. Read about it and four other cold-weather brews we recommend on page 139.
Saturday
See the works of two locals who’ve made it big…real big. Brooklyn-born Jay-Z takes the Coliseum by storm as part of his 4:44 tour (LI Planner, 148). Meanwhile, Long Island’s Natalie Portman returns to the silver screen in The Death and Life of John F. Donovan. The actress talks about all her latest works on page 46.
Sunday
Tired of the same old holiday gathering? Our Host With the Most field guide on 115 gives you all the details for throwing—and enjoying—a holiday party on your own terms. Before sipping on your Cranberry Fizz, read up on New Resolve (pg. 105) to learn how to artfully avoid hot-topic conversation.