Ian is a staff writer at Time Out New York whose passion is nightlife, entertainment and anything that gets people's bodies moving. He has written about culture, entertainment and identity for several places including VICE, CNN, HuffPost, Them, Mic and others.

In his free time, Ian is also a DJ who goes by oyystersauce and founder of Whorechata, a collective for queer and trans people of color.

You can reach him at ian.kumamoto@timeout.com

Ian Kumamoto

Ian Kumamoto

Staff Writer

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Articles (30)

The best NYE parties in NYC to celebrate the New Year

The best NYE parties in NYC to celebrate the New Year

Looking for the best New Year’s Eve parties? NYC has tons of options, and the night of December 31 doesn’t just revolve around Times Square's ball drop or spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks. There are plenty of amazing themed extravaganzas, all-night ragers and dance parties playing the best party songs as everyone dances, drinks and kisses on the last night of 2024. Plus, here are even more NYE events to get you into the spirit. RECOMMENDED: See the full guide to New Year's Eve in NYC
The best New Year’s Eve events in NYC

The best New Year’s Eve events in NYC

Time to yeet 2024 to the curb and ring in the new year right with the best New Year's Eve events in NYC. No matter how you’re hoping to ring in 2025—sloppy, sober, laid-back or buckwild—we’ve got the NYE celebration for you. So don your festive getups and get ready for a night of amazing dinners and more first-of-the-year festivities with this roundup of the best attractions and events for ringing in the New Year. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to New Year’s Eve in NYC
The best hotels in New York City with a view

The best hotels in New York City with a view

If you’re visiting NYC or just in the mood for a staycation, why not choose a hotel that also happens to have a gorgeous view of the skyline? It turns out dozens of stays have some of the best views in the city, from five-star hotels with luxurious, lavish interiors to modern but affordable boutique hotels. Besides, after tackling the best museums, galleries, restaurants, neighborhoods and other things to do in NYC, there’s nothing better than kicking back and seeing the city from above. Need some extra relaxation? Some of these hotels have hot tubs and some are home to the best spas in the city. We’ve checked these out ourselves to make sure these views really do take the cake! Recently added in December includes: Boro Hotel, Graduate Hotel and the Wythe Hotel among others. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 
NYC events in June 2025

NYC events in June 2025

Wear your sunblock: The best NYC events in June 2025 are things to do outside. When you’re not spending all your free time soaking up the sun at the best beaches or drinking atop the city’s finest rooftop bars, you'll be rocking your rainbow during the Pride March and catching Tribeca Festival screeners. Get your tickets now for the best happenings of the month and keep your fingers (and toes) crossed for good weather. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar for 2025
NYC events in March 2025

NYC events in March 2025

The city is just beginning to warm up and thaw out from its winter slumber with some incredible NYC events in March, including St. Patrick's Day and Women’s History Month. For sure, we'll all be heading to the best Irish pubs in the city, but there's more to do from the powerful Harlem Renaissance exhibit at the Met to the fashion-forward Orchid Show at NYBG. And finally, we can start fantasizing about packing away that puffy coat and gearing up best things to do in spring. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar for 2025
NYC events in February 2025

NYC events in February 2025

In the winter doldrums of February in NYC, after a money-sucking December and a resolution-filled January, it’s time to double down and really enjoy the winter with the best NYC events in February. Our event calendar includes some of the best things to do in winter as well as some epic Valentine’s Day events. This month is also a good excuse to take advantage of our winter getaways list, so plan your escape from the city and keep your fingers crossed for a little bit of snow to add to the winter wonderland aesthetic. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar
Best of the City: The 17 best things Time Out New York editors saw, ate and visited in 2024

Best of the City: The 17 best things Time Out New York editors saw, ate and visited in 2024

This year started off strong as New York City started winning its war against rats, was named as the best city in the world and had an extremely packed spring season on Broadway. But then as 2024 unfolded, we experienced some pretty radical moments, like an incredible solar eclipse and an earthquake—and when Jennifer Lopez declared “if you know, you know” about her mystifying Bronx bodega order. From there, we ditched the dating apps and confoundedly found love at live dating shows and running clubs, and suffered heartache when we lost a few greats—RIP to the Rubin Museum‘s physical space (it’s still in operation), the Fotografiska museum of photography (temporarily at least), our beloved Flaco the owl, pandemic-era dining sheds and $15 congestion pricing (oh no!). But New York City is nothing if not resilient. We celebrated the Paris Olympics from afar, turned out to the U.S. Open, saw top-notch theater, welcomed back Kellogg’s Diner, Papaya King and Pioneer Works, and even held a Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest.  But so much more is worth celebrating this year, which is why Time Out New York editors—all of whom experienced these crazy NYC moments—are unveiling their top picks in the food and drink sphere, the world of theater, art and culture, nightlife circles and more. RECOMMENDED: Time Out New York’s 2023 Best of the City award winners
Cozy winter date ideas in NYC

Cozy winter date ideas in NYC

Winter might not be the most romantic time of the year in New York, but many singles find their match during this time when snuggling and staying warm is a priority. From a date at a restaurant or bar with a fireplace to staying warm inside a top museum to sharing spills and giggles while ice skating, these winter date ideas are bound to take your romance well into the spring if not further. NYC has a knack for adapting, so you’ll find that rooftop bars haul out the heaters or even install igloos. Outdoor venues get creative with yurts, hot tubs and more. While you can invite your date to stay inside, order delivery and binge watch the latest must-see shows, step it up and choose one of these date ideas that are well suited for winter. If you play your cards right, you and your sweetie can eventually plan a winter getaway to stoke the flames of romance and keep the chill away. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in the winter in NYC
The 31 best hotels in NYC, from midtown to NoMad and the Upper East Side

The 31 best hotels in NYC, from midtown to NoMad and the Upper East Side

Finding the best hotel in NYC to stay at, whether on a trip here or a staycation, is paramount. Yes, you’ll likely be out and about and the hotel simply serves as a place to lay your head, but a good hotel can make or break your time in the city. New York prides itself on its hospitality and that is pretty clearly evidenced by its best hotels. Every kind of traveler can find their perfect holiday haven in this glorious city, from sleek boutique hotels in the city’s trendiest neighborhoods to opulent luxury stays near the top NYC attractions. You’ll even find some of the best spas and restaurants tucked inside their lobbies. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Big Apple or a local craving an inner-city staycation, these properties take the cake when it comes to hospitality and hotel perks. Cue room service. December 2024 update: We have completely revamped our list by visiting dozens of hotels across NYC this year, including The Carlyle, The Beekman, The Ludlow, The FiDi Hotel, Mandarin Oriental, and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. So know that when you’re reading this list, you’re getting the most up-to-date information. RECOMMENDED: 🇺🇸 Click here to view our full guide to the best things to do in NYC🏨 Discover the best cheap hotels in NYC🌉 Explore the coolest Airbnbs in Brooklyn💗 Book one of the best boutique hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination c
The best outdoor art in NYC this winter

The best outdoor art in NYC this winter

New York City is full of free outdoor art that you don't even have to go to a museum to see. Sculptures, murals and photographs can be found in its parks, sidewalks and on its buildings! Locations such as the High Line, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum Of Art, Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens and other NYC locales all have a wide variety of pieces awaiting you, from massive sculptures to eye-popping murals and graffiti. Best of all, it costs you nothing to pay a visit. Below, find the best outdoor art in NYC to stroll by for a DIY walking tour. RECOMMENDED: The best art shows and exhibits in NYC
The best parties and club nights in NYC this month: December 2024

The best parties and club nights in NYC this month: December 2024

Whether or not you realize it, New York is undergoing a nightlife renaissance. Communities that were once driven underground and considered "niche" have blossomed and claimed their rightful spot in the city's entertainment ecosystem. Whether it's a new Latin party about to take over one of the biggest club venues in the Lower East Side, a Black-centered festival in Brooklyn's favorite park, or a party celebrating 2001 downtown NYC club culture, there's no shortage of exciting parties happening this month. Here are some of our top picks. RECOMMENDED: Out Late: Empanada Mama's flagship restaurant is the hottest gay bar in the city
The best live music venues in NYC

The best live music venues in NYC

Even as the recording industry struggles, the five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, even Queens—remain packed with live-music venues, from hole-in-the-wall dives to resplendent uptown theaters. On any given night, there's a daunting array of world-class acts performing around town. (Plan accordingly and you might be able to double up.) Here's a list of our favorite venues, which are a good starting point if you're looking for a gig to see. RECOMMENDED: 100 best things to do in NYC

Listings and reviews (220)

Pieces Bar New Year's Eve

Pieces Bar New Year's Eve

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a New Year’s Eve party with no cover, but the beloved West Village gay bar, Pieces, will be totally free the night of December 31. Better yet, they’re keeping their usual, dirt cheap $6 well drink deal, which will come in handy once it’s time to hit the dance floor. The celebration, including participatory games, performances and a countdown, will be led by drag queens Boudoir LeFleur and Yasmin Delano. 
The Book of the Forbidden at Somewhere Nowhere

The Book of the Forbidden at Somewhere Nowhere

The classy, beloved lounge and nightclub in the Flatiron, Somehwere Nowhere, is hosting The Book of The Förbidden, an enchanted getaway experience that will transport you to a land far, far away. The party will feature live theatrical acts and a 4.5-hour premium open bar from 8pm-12:30am, with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. The best part? The panoramic views of Manhattan, including a perfect line of vision of the Empire State Building. 
New Year’s Eve at Aqua

New Year’s Eve at Aqua

The trendy new restaurant that started in London and recently opened a location in New York, Aqua, is hosting a Great Gatsby-themed extravaganza in its sprawling 24,000 square foot space. You can buy the prix fixe menu from the restaurant’s Kyoto and Roma kitchens, or just buy the party package, which includes an open bar from 9pm till 2am. Further into the night, expect DJ sets and mesmerizing live performances. 
Hotel Chantelle New Year's Eve

Hotel Chantelle New Year's Eve

Inspired by decadent Parisian nightlife, Hotel Chantelle’s New Year’s Eve party will include an hour of hors d’oeuvres before it transforms into what it knows how to do best—be a nightclub. Expect high-energy music across three different floors, and a five-hour open bar, from 9pm until 2am. When the countdown to midnight rolls around, you can be sure that there will be a moment of pause for the entire club to count down together, giving new meaning to the phrase, “in the clurb, we all fam.” At $90, this is going to be one of the cheaper New Year’s Eve parties in this part of town.
New Year's Eve: Garden Party at The Terrace

New Year's Eve: Garden Party at The Terrace

For an over-the-top and elevated end to 2024, head over to The Terrace at EDITION Times Square to ring in 2025 alongside Michelin Star chef John Fraser. The evening will include complimentary sweet and savory bites, an open bar with specialty cocktails, live entertainment, a champagne toast, and an afterparty from 12am till 2am with an open bar. The best part? You'll be right next to the world-famous Times Square Ball. The catch? The experience will set you back $1,744.
Hornblower Infinity New Year’s Eve

Hornblower Infinity New Year’s Eve

Few activities sound more iconic and memorable than ringing in the new year on a yacht while sailing through New York Harbor. Hornblower Infinity, a multi-deck, 1,000 pereson cruise, will set sail from Pier 15 at 10:30pm and will take you past some of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, including Lady Liberty herself. But beyond all the amazing scenery, this is first and foremost a party: There will be an open bar and a buffet if you need something to soak up all that liqour.  The yacht boasts large outdoor areas where you'll be able to catch some of the best views of the New Year's Eve fireworks show. Tickets start at $279 per person. 
New Year’s Eve at Market Hotel with Intima

New Year’s Eve at Market Hotel with Intima

There’s no better way to end a year of BRAT than at a party Charli xcx would vouch for, and she’d probably love the ravey lineup at Market Hotel’s New Year’s Eve party that’s happening on Myrtle-Broadway from 10pm till late. Dance and sweat into 2025 to some of the most iconic DJs in the area, including Jersey Club pioneer UNII1QU3, SEVYN0000, TOUNGE IN MIND, and plenty of B2Bs from some of your favorite DJs.  This grungy and high-energy party is going to be one of the cheaper parties on New Year's Eve, with tickets going for $50. 
New Year’s Eve Singles Party at House Watch

New Year’s Eve Singles Party at House Watch

For some, New Year’s Eve means one thing: the chance to meet the love of their lives when the clock strikes midnight. If you want to be surrounded by like-minded singles and increase the chances of your Hallmark happy ending coming to fruition, head to House Watch in the East Village on New Year’s Eve for a one-of-a-kind Singles Party.  Singles in the City’s New Year’s party has been going strong for 15 years. It won’t feel like a stuffy singles event, either: There will be two floors, 300 partygoers and a DJ spinning hip-hop and top 40 hits throughout the night. There’s an open bar option, too, which includes complimentary wine, beer and well drinks from 8pm till 9pm. 
Mr. Purple Rooftop & The Club at Hotel Indigo Lower East Side

Mr. Purple Rooftop & The Club at Hotel Indigo Lower East Side

For a great view of the city that not everyone’s going to get on New Year’s Eve, head to the rooftop of Mr. Purple on the Lower East Side for a night of dancing with the cool and stylish downtown crowd. Mr. Purple’s known for its top-notch soundsystem and great curation of DJs, so you can be sure that you’ll be in good hands. Get there early—from 8pm till 1am, take advantage of the open bar and then a free champagne at midnight. If you don’t find someone to kiss by midnight, you’ll have till 4am to find them. 
5-Course Gala Dinner at Jean-Georges' Four Twenty Five

5-Course Gala Dinner at Jean-Georges' Four Twenty Five

If you're looking for a way to ring in the new year surrounded by the finer things in life, head over to Jean-Georges’ Four Twenty Five in midtown for a fabulous five-course meal. The iconic restaurant will host an exclusive gala dinner starting at 8pm followed by their tasting menu that will be served family-style. Make sure to save some room for champagne for a celebratory toast at midnight.  For those who have other plans at midnight, don't fret: You can have the best of both worlds, since there's an option to book an early dinner from 5pm to 7pm. 
W Times Square New Year’s Eve

W Times Square New Year’s Eve

If you've dreamt of spending New Year's Eve in Times Square but the thought of waiting in a crowd for hours sounds like a literal nightmare, then the W Hotel Times Square's New Year's Eve Party will leave you in the thick of the action but just removed enough to actually enjoy yourself. The night at their Living Room Bar will include DJ sets, with headliner DJ SONI withanEYE spinning just before midnight, drinks, and TV screens that will live stream the ball drop. All guests can expect a complimentary cocktail by Absolut Elyx, a midnight Champagne toast by Perrier-Jouet and a “Midnight Snack.” You have to be willing to drop some dough on this one, though: Tickets are going for $295 a pop.
Bar Bonobos’ Disco Bash

Bar Bonobos’ Disco Bash

For an elevated and energetic start to the new year, head to Bar Bonobo in Chelsea for a night of disco and dancing till well past midnight. The bar will be open starting at 3pm, but the rager will get underway a little later, including a three-hour open bar from 10pm till 1am, so you're guaranteed to feel a little frisky by the time the ball drops at midnight. The bar will also provide midnight snacks, a secret treat they'll reveal as the night progresses. Be mindful that the theme is glitz and glamour, so come in your most fabulous attire. 

News (362)

Congestion pricing settlement between New York and New Jersey could suspend tolling plan

Congestion pricing settlement between New York and New Jersey could suspend tolling plan

Besides the indictment of Eric Adams, there was perhaps no New York topic that was more head-numbing this year than congestion pricing—that pesky fee that New Yorkers will have to pay to drive through certain parts of the city. Disagreements between New York and New Jersey about congestion pricing have been fierce, and negotiations are now at a standstill, meaning that we could see yet another suspension of the tolling plan that was set to begin in January, per the New York Times.   RECOMMENDED: NYC subway fare will increase to $3 in 2025 A suspension could result from a lawsuit that New Jersey filed last year to fight the congestion pricing fee for people driving into Manhattan from New Jersey below 60th Street. In its suit, New Jersey argues that the toll doesn’t fully take into account how it would affect pollution levels and traffic on its side. Although New York offered New Jersey several hundreds of millions of dollars following the lawsuit, it's unclear whether the suit will be settled by the time congestion pricing is supposed to go into effect. Although the toll for congestion pricing varies depending on several factors, most people would end up paying a $9 toll, while ride shares, including Uber and Lyft, would pay $1.50, which would be added to the total cost of a trip.  Congestion plans have already gone back and forth several times before—earlier this year, a planned $15 congestion fee was halted after many expressed their dissatisfaction. But when Donald Trump (
NYC subway fare will likely increase to $3 in 2025

NYC subway fare will likely increase to $3 in 2025

If you were outraged when the MTA changed the price of a subway ride from $2.75 to $2.90 in 2023, then you might want to take a seat before reading this: In their last board meeting of the year, the MTA is on track to implementing another fare hike that will make a single ride on the city's trains and buses $3, compared to the current $2.90. The MTA's fare increases happen every two years, which means that the $3 fare would go into effect starting August 2025.  RECOMMENDED: New Yorkers react to the retirement of the iconic yellow and orange subway seats Although a fare increase would need to be proposed to a board, go through a hearing and be formally approved, a $3 fare by next summer would be consistent with the approximately 4% price increase that the transit authority has implemented every two years since 2009, except in 2021 because of COVID. "We know it's coming every couple of years and we know it's going to be four percent as opposed to NJ transit which imposed on its riders this summer a 15% fare increase, out of the blue," said Lisa Daglian, who works at the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA. We're here for the Jersey shade! Although there's still a possibility that something would happen between now and August to prevent the price increase, it seems pretty likely—although again, not 100% certain—that the $3 fare will move forward as planned.  The MTA attributes the price hikes to slight pension increases and health benefits it provides to its employe
You can sign up for TSA PreCheck at the Oculus now

You can sign up for TSA PreCheck at the Oculus now

The holiday travel season is well underway, which means that those head-numbing lines to get through TSA are at their worst. Although it might be too late to skip the queue this year, you can take steps to make sure you won't have to face the nightmarish holiday lines in 2025.  Thanks to a newly set up enrollment center at the World Trade Center's Oculus, it's going to be easier than ever for New Yorkers to get TSA approved. RECOMMENDED: You can book $139 one-way fares for flights from New York to St. Vincent and the Grenadines right now If you're not familiar, TSA PreCheck is a program that screens people and takes risk assessments on individuals. Among other things, they'll conduct a criminal background check to make sure you don't have any federal security violations on your record. Once you get approved, which usually takes a few days or up to a couple of months, you'll receive a personalized code called a "Known Traveler Number" that you can use the next time you check into a flight. Once applied, your boarding pass will have a "TSA PreCheck" stamp that will allow you to receive the program's many perks. Those with TSA PreCheck get a number of benefits when going through security, including keeping their shoes and belts on, as well as keeping their laptops in their bags. Best of all, travelers with TSA PreCheck get their own separate line at the airport, and 99% of PreCheck travelers wait less than 10 minutes to get through security, per PreCheck's website.  TSA PreCheck
New York could have a white Christmas this holiday season: here’s everything you need to know

New York could have a white Christmas this holiday season: here’s everything you need to know

The thought of waking up to snow on Christmas Day has become such a fixture in our collective psyches that even New Yorkers who hate the cold secretly hold out hope for a white holiday. And yet, we can't control the weather. In 2024, though, we're in luck: according to weather experts, in fact, there is a slight chance it might actually snow in the city this Christmas Day!    RECOMMENDED: Christmas in New York: 70 best things to do for a magical time this holiday season First, let's define our terms: according to the National Weather Service, a white Christmas happens when there is one inch or more of snow on the ground on the morning of the holiday. Although the forecast reports a low probability of precipitation on December 25 in NYC, things change when looking at Upstate New York, where at least one inch of snow is expected to fall.  City dwellers shouldn't lose hope just yet: if certain conditions pan out along the Atlantic Ocean, we may actually see a couple of inches in Manhattan this Friday night... potentially staying on the ground through Christmas Day. Sure, it wouldn't be a traditional white Christmas, but we will take it.  When was the last white Christmas in New York City? The last time we enjoyed a true white Christmas in New York was in 2009, when two inches of powdered descended upon Central Park by 7am on Christmas Day. According to Pix 11, in 2002, New Yorkers dealt with five inches of snow on the holiday. Regardless of weather patterns, there will be a ton
Out Late: Here’s what it’s like working the door at Battle Hymn

Out Late: Here’s what it’s like working the door at Battle Hymn

“Out Late” is Time Out’s nightlife and party column by DJ, Whorechata founder, and Staff Writer Ian Kumamoto, which will publish every other Tuesday. The previous edition was about how The Bush is igniting a lesbian cultural renaissance. Battle Hymn is one of those few era-defining parties that have survived enough waves of New York nightlife to coast in its own success. Started by club legend and nightlife mother Ladyfag in 2016, it’s a place that indulges in decadence, bringing together the increasingly rare breed of people who are down to rave Sunday till Monday, 9-to-5s be damned.  If you’ve never heard of it, Battle Hymn is what I can only describe as part Hell’s Kitchen circuit party, part Studio 54 derivative; while most of the crowd consists of brolic men who have boycotted their shirts, there’s also also a notable presence of club kids and freaks who have been going out in the city since the ’90s—This past Sunday, I spotted Kevin Aviance, and a cast of celebrities I don’t want to put on blast. And, unlike a lot of other circuit parties, it felt refreshingly, authentically judgement-free.  But like any club night that is worth going to these days, you have to get through a door person that more or less gauges your vibe—they’re responsible for rooting out anyone trying to have a good time from someone who might just stand there and throw off the energy for everyone else. In Battle Hymn’s case, that gatekeeper is Markus Kelle, who has been doing Battle Hymn’s doors sinc
Yet another country-themed bar just opened in NYC

Yet another country-themed bar just opened in NYC

First, Beyoncé dropped Cowboy Carter. Not long after, we got Desert 5 Spot, the largest western-themed bar in Williamsburg, fully equipped with a mechanical bull and a massive disco cowboy boot. The wild, wild west aesthetic is clearly having a boom in the country's largest city, and it doesn't look like the trend will lose momentum anytime soon.  The latest addition to the craze? Common Country, a spanking new 3,400-square-foot country-themed bar in the middle of Manhattan at 344 Third Avenue in Kips Bay. RECOMMENDED: Stud Country is bringing queer line-dancing and two-step lessons to Brooklyn Common Country's interior details will make you feel like you're somewhere in the south, complete with real deer taxidermy mounts and farmhouse beams imported from Kentucky.  "We’re excited to share our vision for a country bar in the heart of Manhattan—offering something the city craves but doesn’t quite have," Noah Aussems, the bar's co-owner, told Time Out. "Our space is designed to feel authentically Southern: when you walk in, you’re transported from NYC straight to Nashville. With a late-night vibe and a closing time of 4am, we’re creating a destination unlike any other in the city." Photo: Courtesy of Common Country   interior of common country Their menu will transport your tastes buds, too: the drinks focus on a selection of Tennessee and Kentucky-forward whiskey, craft beer and cocktails inspired by the South, including Spiked Sweet Tea. There's also a selection of Tex-Me
Snowy owls just arrived at the Bronx Zoo!

Snowy owls just arrived at the Bronx Zoo!

If you're a fan of the Harry Potter franchise, then you're already familiar with snowy owls, the cute and charismatic birds that served as the wizard's closest companion. Now, New Yorkers will be able to see the rare and mystical animals in the flesh: a pair just of them just set up home at the Bronx Zoo. RECOMMENDED: Everything you need to know about Market @ 77 The two newest additions to the uptown institution include a six-year old female that has been described as "fierce" and a juvenile male with a "shy disposition," according to the zookeepers.  Snowy owls are native to the Arctic regions of North America, Europe and Russia. Unlike many other owls, this specific species, known for being monogamous, is active during both the day and night. Although they're not endangered, the animals are considered "vulnerable" to extinction, mostly due to climate change, which has made their habitats uncharacteristically warm.  It's no secret that New Yorkers love owls, an obsession that reached a fever pitch when Flaco, a Eurasian eagle-owl that escaped the Central Park Zoo, became a sort of folk hero. Then, when he crashed head-first into a building and died in February, his death prompted a frenzy that gave birth to owl-themed merch, tributes and murals all over the city.  You can go check out the snowy owls in the Birds of Prey section of the Bronx Zoo, which also houses king vultures, golden eagles and the Cinereous Vulture, the largest eagle in Eurasia, with a 10-foot wingspan. 
An all-pink restaurant and bar is opening on Pier 15

An all-pink restaurant and bar is opening on Pier 15

Although we're in the middle of the holiday season, it's never too early to get mentally prepared for the post-holiday blues. Pop psychology considers January the most depressing month of the year, which means we're going to have to get our serotonin fix anywhere we can. An all-pink destination might do the trick: Watermark, the classic American restaurant on Pier 15 by South Street all the way downtown, offering iconic views of the Brooklyn Bridge, is turning into an immersive pink wonderland next month—just in time for the peak of New York winter. RECOMMENDED: Kim Kardashian just opened the first SKIMS flagship store in NYC The 10,000 square-foot outdoor bar and restaurant will be lit up in pink hues and be decorated with red flowers, heart installations and mesmerizing twinkling lights.  This is the third year the restaurant is turning a different hue as part of a special collaboration between Watermark and the booking platform Bucketlisters. If you're worried about the cold, don't be: there will be heated outdoor guest houses, which you'll notice just as you cross the love-themed entryway. The themed dinner and brunch menus will also warm your spirits. Expect classic American favorites, including cheeseburgers, short rib, truffle fries and more.  The pink pier will be in operation from January 10 until mid-April, on Monday through Wednesday from 4pm until 11pm; Thursday from 4pm until 11pm; Friday from 2pm to midnight; Saturday from 12pm until midnight; and Sunday from 12
NYC to celebrate Year of the Snake during Lunar New Year 2025 Parade in Chinatown

NYC to celebrate Year of the Snake during Lunar New Year 2025 Parade in Chinatown

Although many will be celebrating the New Year on December 31, New Yorkers know that's really just the beginning of a month of parties. A few weeks later, starting on January 29, the city will be out again for the Lunar New Year, a holiday that originated in China and is celebrated in many countries with large Chinese diasporic populations, including Vietnam and Malaysia. The holiday lasts roughly two weeks and, in New York, it will end with a giant parade featuring lion dancers, drummers and other performers in Chinatown on February 16.  RECOMMENDED: Why are the New Year's Eve fireworks canceled in NYC? This upcoming Lunar New Year is the year of the snake, which applies to those born in 1941, 1953, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013. In the Chinese zodiac, the snake represents wisdom and transformation, since the animals tend to shed their skins. That is all to say: this year might be a good time to let go of the past and fully lean into your future self.  The Lunar New Year parade in 2025 will start at 1pm on Mott and Canal Streets on Chatham Square and will continue through East Broadway before ending next to Sara D. Roosevelt Park. One of the best parts of the parade is seeing the lion dancers perform in front of different small businesses across Chinatown, a tradition that seeks to bring them good luck and abundance in the coming year. According to ABC News, over 25,000 people are expected to join in on the celebration.  It's never too early to plan, so make sure to keep an eye
NYC ranks as best city for New Year’s Eve celebrations

NYC ranks as best city for New Year’s Eve celebrations

Although standing outside during the dead of winter for hours on end (with no bathroom in sight) sounds like a literal nightmare to most of us, thousands of people from all over the world willingly do exactly that when heading to Times Square to witness the New Year's Eve ball drop or—let's be honest—when embarking on any sort of New Year's Eve activity in town. Yet, despite its many discomforts and exuberant prices, New York was still named the best place in the country to spend New Year's Eve, according to personal finance website WalletHub.  RECOMMENDED: The best New Year’s Eve events in NYC The survey analyzed the country's 100 biggest cities and took into account several factors, including the availability of fine dining destinations, walkability, weather forecast for December 31 and restaurant options. According to the study, some of the main reasons why New York made it to the top of the list involve the high number of affordable quality restaurants per capita and the many nightlife options available on December 31, whether you fancy high-end rooftops or prefer to rave alongside techno heads at a warehouse party in Brooklyn. On top of it all, the city is extremely walkable, meaning that you can hop from party to party and drink to your heart's content without having to worry about getting behind the wheel. Orlando ranked second on the list, followed by San Diego in the number three spot. At the bottom of the ranking is Anchorage, Alaska, which came in 99th place, and S
A new, super exclusive nightclub just opened on the Bowery

A new, super exclusive nightclub just opened on the Bowery

Door policies at the hottest clubs in New York City have always been a source of fascination—whether it was the notorious door at Studio 54, which prioritized freaks and celebrities, or the current door policy at Basement, which requires you to know the name of the obscure techno DJs spinning that night, there’s something exhilarating about not knowing whether you have the chops to get in. A new club on the Bowery, Cosmo, is bringing that exclusivity to another level: You have to establish a personal relationship with so called "team members" of the club, after which they'll determine if your reservation will be accepted or not.  RECOMMENDED: The Bush is igniting a lesbian cultural renaissance in Bushwick and beyond But first, is this club even worth the fuzz (and existential agony) of a potential rejection? I went to Cosmo's grand opening last night to find out.  Cosmo is located at 203 Bowery and is sandwiched between The Ainslie and an uncharacteristically campy real estate office. It would be easy to miss if not for the bouncer standing outside its discrete doors, which open up to a staircase that lead down to the basement level. Photograph: Ian Kumamoto for Time Out Once inside, I was instantly self-conscious: I arrived straight from work and everyone around me were wearing suits and dresses, while I was wearing an obscure vintage soccer tee, definitely not painting me as a “high-value” individual. I ordered a cosmo, the bar’s signature drink, and was sipping on it awk
You can watch a 24-hour-long movie at MoMA this month

You can watch a 24-hour-long movie at MoMA this month

Depending on who you are, spending 24 hours watching a film at a museum either sounds like a dream come true or the manifestation of your deepest, darkest nightmares. On December 21, you'll get an opportunity to find out which one it is, thanks to a MoMA screening of "The Clock," a 24-hour movie created by Swiss American artist Christian Marclay.  RECOMMENDED: A first look at the new Franz Kafka exhibit at The Morgan Library & Museum "The Clock" is not just any film: It's a looped supercut of different scenes from various film and TV shows synced up to the time in the real world. That means that whatever time you're watching is also the time that it is in the movie—In other words, if it's 6am now, it'll be 6am in the movie, etcetera. For that reason, the scenes chosen are ones where clocks, watches and other markers of time are visible on screen.  "The Clock" has been playing at the MoMA on loop since February, but obviously, museum guests aren't allowed to stay for the whole thing since the museum is not normally open 24 hours. That's going to change on December 21, when MoMA will allow a small group of people to stay overnight in order to experience the full thing, from start to finish. The museum will leave a concession stand with drinks and snacks open until midnight and admission to "The Clock" will continue until 5:30am. Only six copies of the film exist, per Gothamist, and five of those are owned by museums and galleries around the world.  This is the first time that