Omicron Holiday Blues: How To Enjoy NYC When Travel Plans Fizzle

NEW YORK CITY — Just when you thought it was safe to go back into America, omicron had a holiday surprise for you.

New cases of COVID-19 spiked the week before Christmas — with tens of thousands of cases being reported every day — and left New Yorkers queuing for hours for tests that might prove it was safe to travel home for the holidays.

Omicron cases closed Broadway shows, delayed incoming Mayor Eric Adam's New Year's Day inauguration and canceled a city tradition: the Radio City Rockettes' annual Christmas Spectacular.

And it made it impossible for some New Yorkers to see their families for the holiday week.

But hey, we're still in New York, unarguably the best city in the world to be this time of year.

So for those of you who thought this week was gonna be merry in an un-isolated way, here are a few ideas about how to enjoy unexpected staycation in the city.

See A Broadway Show - Even Though Many Have Gone Dark

Quarantining: You can catch a musical or see a play on BroadwayOnDemand. And, for old-school theater-lovers there are incredible classics just hanging out on YouTube. See Richard Burton play "Hamlet," Ingrid Bergman as "Hedda Gabler," or Blythe Danner and Frank Langella in "The Seagull."

For extra theater ambiance, try unwrapping mints in dramatic moments and then shushing yourself.

Going out: While several Broadway shows have shut down because of COVID-19, other great productions are still up and running. Patti Lupone is starring in a revolutionary production of "Company" (rest in musical peace, Stephen Sondheim), and Hugh Jackman's reviving "The Music Man."

Blow Some Extra Cash On Dinner

Quarantining: As great as it would be if Grace Kelly appeared at your front door with dinner from 21, sadly the iconic restaurant was forced to close during the pandemic and you're not Jimmy Stewart. Sorry. But you can still live your "Rear Window" dream with some of the best take-out in the world.

Going out: Remember to bring your vaccination proof, ID, a mask and an appetite. Here are some recommendations from Eater about where to splurge.

Take A Trip To Culture

Quarantining: Explore the museums of New York City through Google's Arts and Culture platform, which allows you to see exhibits from MoMA, the Met and more. You'll find an exhibit on avant-garde designer Sophie Taeuber-Arp, deep-dives into the oil paint collection at The Frick, and a close look at Christian Dior: The New Look.

For extra gallery-opening ambiance, splash some cheap red wine into a plastic cup.

Going out: You don't have to go indoors to see incredible art in New York City. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is hosting a "lightscape" exhibit through Jan. 9, Fifth Avenue has decked the halls to the hilt with its "Fifth Season" decorations and the Socrates Sculpture Park is currently hosting its annual sanctuary exhibit in Queens.

Any other great ideas? Please do share in the comments.