Just because winter has arrived in New York, a fairly unforgiving time for anyone in the five boroughs, doesn’t mean we have to barricade ourselves indoors through the end of March. Instead, you can drink with friends and numerous strangers during these seven winter festivities. And when we say there’s something for everyone on this list, we truly mean it.
 

At a very low-key Williamsburg (verging on Bushwick) bar, two drag queens and a DJ (the “Nobodies”) will put on a show, the contents of which still aren’t entirely clear, but we think that’s the fun of it. Drag performances will of course be involved, as will DJ-ed tunes. The beer here is cheap, the cheesy snacks well loved. Performances started Monday, January 11, and will take place each Monday night at 9 PM through the Januray 25. (Don Pedro, 90 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn; 347-689-3163)

The Winter Jazzfest is back for another year in the Lower East Side with too many jazz musicians to name playing across multiple venues between Wednesday, January 13 and Sunday, January 17. But okay, let’s name a few: Bill Laswell, Cory Henry, Dave King, Don Byron…check out the website for more. Ticket prices vary depending on what you’re going for, but they range from $20 for a single show (purchased in advance) to $145 for an all-inclusive pass. (Various locations in the Lower East Side)

Sample different Pinots from California to New Zealand on Saturday, January 23 from 1–4 PM with just over a thousand other guests. It’s $75 just to go and taste for the day, or $100 if you want to stick around for the “Mediterranean-inspired” dinner, paired with 10 different Pinots brought to you by the exhibiting wineries. (City Winery, 145 Varick St.; 212-608-0555)

This is exactly what it sounds like—incredibly tasty and containing a huge potential for debauchery. On Saturday, January 30, you can either attend one of three sessions for close to $100 or stay all day, from 12 to 9:30 PM, for $199 to experience all the bacon eating (there will be a contest) and beer and bourbon drinking this indulgent event has to offer. There is no doubt you’ll get your money’s worth. (608 W 28th St.)

The second Bryant Park Winter Village fest will take place on February 5 and 6 from 12 to 10 PM both days, including outdoor ping pong, curling lessons, a silent disco, and a chilly brew house on the skating rink deck that will play host to a couple trivia sessions. Keep in mind, it costs $15 to skate. (Bryant Park Winter Village; 212-768-4242)

Though it’s not quite a festivity, it’s good to know that NYC Restaurant Week begins January 18 and lasts up through February 5 so you can take advantage of those reasonably priced, multi-course meals. Because of restaurant week, New Yorkers everywhere can afford to order a second drink with dinner (and let’s not forget about lunch). Pre-fixe lunches go for $25, while dinners go for $38. (Various restaurants across the five boroughs)

In Chinatown’s Sarah D. Roosevelt Park on Monday, February 8, the Better Chinatown Society will set off a ridiculous number of firecrackers and serve a ridiculous number of dumplings in honor of the Year of the Monkey. You’ll certainly be able to get a drink, hopefully one with lychee in it, from one of the many vendors stationed there if that’s why you’re going. (Sarah D. Roosevelt Park)

Top photo (silent disco) via Bryant Park; Beer photo via Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival