Alternative Holiday Activities in NYC A dark and spooky twist on Christmas in New York City We all love New York City during the holidays, but certain activities have become slightly shopworn. Once you’ve gazed in department store windows, seen holiday trains, gawked at obscenely enormous trees, and wobbled around a tiny, overpriced skating rink, what else is there, really? Plenty. Here are some alternative holiday activities in NYC with a dark and spooky twist, perfect for New Yorkers and tourists alike. A Christmas Ghost Tour Discover the connections between New York City history and current holiday traditions, and the strange kinship between ghosts and Christmas with Boroughs of the Dead’s annual Ghosts of Christmas Past tour. There are few better ways to learn about the history of a city than on a ghost tour (really!) and there’s no better way to embrace the darkness of winter than with a few historic ghost stories along they way, all located in the festive atmosphere of the East Village decked out for the season. A Christmas Carol and the Merchant’s House Museum The Merchant’s House Museum celebrates Christmas every year with a one-man Christmas Carol, so treat yourself to a Victorian holiday by taking in Dickens’ famous play in a genuine haunted house. Check out their calendar for candlelight ghost tours, or just immerse yourself in the atmosphere. AN Unsilent Night A magical, luminous soundscape that definitely makes the season feel otherworldly. One year these good folks walked past the Merchant’s House just as our tour guide was telling a ghost story outside and it definitely created some atmosphere! A Ghost Story for Christmas Try a DIY take on the old tradition by dimming the lights, listening to a spooky tale or reading one aloud with your family and friends. You can learn more about the Christmas ghost story tradition here.