Weekly happenings: December 23(ish) - December 29
I'm a day late, sorry.
But it’s the holidays, give me a break.
This is probably the hardest week I’ve ever had to pull together. Like, even harder than July 4th. Despite how romanticized Christmas season is in NYC, there’s not a whole lot to do if you’re trying to avoid the worst of the crowds. I’ll be opting for cozy bars (some recs included below), taking early morning strolls through parks to see some of the trees outside of peak hours, and finally going see the Lightscape show at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. I hope next week will be easier but I fear more of the same.
Tuesday December 24
Gramercy Park Christmas Caroling
Gramercy Park | 6-7pm at Gramercy Park, Manhattan
Apparently once a year, New York’s most exclusive private park opens its gates to the public for 1 hour of Christmas caroling. Don’t hate me if this isn’t real. I can’t find any information about this year’s caroling online but it might be worth a try anyway since it’s probably your only chance to access it. The caroling is led by the music director of Cavalry Church and his ensamble and there’s typically refreshments like hot chocolate and cider.
Washington Square Park Christmas Caroling
Washington Square Park | 5-6pm at Washington Square Park, Manhattan
If you want more of a sure bet, head to Washington Square Park for their 100-year old tradition of caroling. The Rob Susman Brass Quartet, Linseigh Green, and the revelers from all over the city will lustily sing out the familiar tunes while you enjoy the views of the 45-foot Christmas tree just south of the Arch.
👅 Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off
Museum of the City of New York | Through Jan 12th at 1220 5th Ave, Manhattan
The Museum of the City of New York has invited bakers from across the five boroughs to create gingerbread displays on the theme of Iconic New York, creating distinctive buildings, places, or things that represent their neighborhood. There will be scenes like ice skating in the parks to holiday displays in department store windows. You’ll also be invited to help select the final award by voting for the winner. Tickets are $23.
Wednesday December 25
If you’re up to venture out this Christmas, there are a ton of extravagant feasts you can opt for. If you’re optimizing for coziness without full blown tourist crowds, my top picks for drinks and snacks would be Freemans (or Banzarbar, the cocktail bar located upstairs), Titsou Bar, Portrait Bar, Brass, Bemelmans Bar (only if you’re in and out before 4pm), or The Bar at The Crosby.
I also think it’s a fun day to go ice skating, but only in Brooklyn (unless 2 hour lines are your thing). My favorite is the Prospect Park rinks which will be open their regular hours.
If you’re feeling very spontaneous, it’s often the cheapest day to fly. I take advantage of this annually and this year is no different.
Finally, the first day of Chanukah coincides with Christmas this year. Most Jewish museums and centers will be open.
Winter Concert: Jazzukkah
Museum at Eldridge Street | 2pm at 12 Eldridge St, Manhattan
To celebrate, the Museum at Eldridge Street is coming to life with an afternoon of music with The Jazzukkah Project, an ensemble that's putting spin (pun intended) on the beloved of Chanukah classics. Also, I’m aware that I’ve spelled Chanukah in at least 3 ways but there seems to be no consensus on how it is spelled so leave me alone. Tickets are sold out online but there will be space for walks in for $25.
Thursday December 26
Nutcracker Rouge
Company XIV | Through early March at 383 Troutman St, Brooklyn
Company XIV produces incredible burlesque shows. I took my boyfriend to one and thought it was a really fun date night. Nutcracker Rouge is their hedonistic holiday classic. There will be a mix of circus, ballet, music, burlesque, and champagne. The show runs through early March, but the cheapest tickets are this week.
Mulchfest
NYC Parks | Through January 12th at Various Locations
Say goodbye to your tree. Bring it to a chipping site where the NYC Parks Association will chip your tree into wood chips that will be used to nourish trees and make NYC even greener. You can also take home your own bag of mulch to make a winter bed in your backyard or, more likely, on your street. Checkout the full map of locations.
Friday December 27
⭐ Hanukkah Shabbat Supper Club
Gertie’s | 6pm at 357 Grand St, Brooklyn
This edition of Gertie’s Friday Supper Club is also a Hanukkah party. You’ll get a full family style supper including a relish tray, latkes bar, kugel, and much more. Your $78 ticket also includes a welcome drink.
Expert Talks: Stained Glass
The Met Cloisters | 3-3:30pm at 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, Manhattan
Apparently the winter months bring the right light to see all the vibrant colors of stained glass. In this talk, museum experts including curators, scientists, and scholars will do a deep dive into a selection of objects in the galleries and recount narratives about the medieval stained-glass windows. The talk is free with museum admission.
Saturday December 28
Holiday Brunch Bender
Fairfax x Jeffrey’s Grocery | Saturday-Wednesday at various locations, Manhattan
The Brunch Bender is their way of keeping the holiday spirit alive with five days of brunch starting Saturday through January 1st. Jeffrey’s Grocery and Fairfax will both be serving up their greatest hits alongside some additional celebratory items. Book on Resy.
Holiday Artisans Bazaar
Fort Greene Association | 9am-4pm at Washington Park & Dekalb Ave Entrance, Brooklyn
This is your last day to shop the holiday edition of Fort Greene’s weekly artisans bazaar. 40+ Brooklyn-based artisans and makers will be posted up along Dekalb Avenue for you to shop. There will be fashion pieces, home goods, jewelry, art, and more.
Sunday December 29
Tuna Cut Show
Japan Village | 1-2pm at 88 34th St, Brooklyn
If you don’t want to pay for an omakase but you do want to see tuna cutting experts live, then this is for you. Japan Village’s experts will gather to showcase traditional cutting techniques and help you learn about Japanese culinary art. The event is free and no RSVP is required. After the show you’ll also get the chance to purchase the freshly sliced tuna.
Matcha 101: Whisk & Sip
Kinka | 6:30pm at 63 E 7th St, Manhattan
In this class, you’ll learn about the world of matcha, including how to choose high-quality matcha, the best storage practices, how to care for matcha utensils, and more. You’ll also have the chance to whisk and savor your own bowl of matcha paired with a Japanese sweet treat. Tickets are $39.
Hanukkah Concert: The Andy Statman Trio
Center for Jewish History | 3pm at 15 W 16th St, Manhattan
For their annual Hanukkah celebration, the American Society for Jewish Music and YIVO are co-presenting The Andy Statman Trio. Andy Statman is the virtuoso klezmer clarinetist that violinist Itzhak Perlman chose to lead his klezmer album, In the Fiddler's House. Their performances encompass several types of music, including America roots, Hasidic songs, and avant-garde jazz. Tony Award-winning director, actress, and author Eleanor Reissa will also read a story by Isaac Bashevis Singer to open the program. Tickets are $18.
Recs of the week
Places or shows I discovered over the last week. These are personal recommendations. If I had a cool week, they’ll be cool. If I didn’t, they won’t.
Sunset Blvd - Go see this show before Nicole Scherzinger leaves it. Trust me.
Assouline - The new(ish) Assouline store on Madison reminds me of an elegant hotel lobby. They have a cafe, plush seating areas, and, our course, ample coffee table books. I stopped by for an event they threw where they were also serving up Champagne. Highly recommend checking it out or posting up to work from here one afternoon.
Cafe Carmellini - As a frequent visitor of the Fifth Avenue Hotel for their perfect martinis, I can’t believe it took me this long to try Cafe Carmellini. The dining room is gorgeous and reminiscent of a huge Miami restaurant with the high ceilings and indoor trees. Food is pricey but worth the splurge, specially in the winter when the oasis-like atmosphere is particularly inviting. They also have a few private dining spaces perfect for hosting a small event.
Ed’s Elbow Room - Cute and tiny wine bar on the Upper East Side.
Sushi Nakazawa - Finally tried their omakase. Loved the quality of the fish and service. Didn’t love the sterile ambiance or the fact that it isn’t sushi bar seating (I feel like half of the allure of an omakase is getting to watch the chef).
As always, message me with any events you try out or any recommendations for next week!
Legend for new readers:
👅 = events I’m attending. Come hang out with me!!!
⭐ = events I am only missing because of travel or personal conflicts
everything else = things I am still really excited about