Weekly Highlights in NYC #17: November 18-November 24
Some fun events for kids, notable openings including the four new restaurants I'm excited about, and how I'm prepping for Thanksgiving.
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Sotheby’s has officially relocated their global headquarters to the iconic Breuer Building on Madison. It’s is free and open to the public, and a must-visit to see some great art. I’m also excited for Roman & Williams’ Marcel restaurant and La Mercerie Patisserie, expected to open in the space the Spring 2026 — what a fabulous addition to the Upper East Side.
In other exciting opening news, ABC Carpet & Home just opened in the old Sherry-Lehmann space (on 59th and Park) and Westville opened a new location on (1st and 73rd)
For all the dinosaur loving children, a new exhibit just opened at the American Museum of Natural History: Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs. Experience the Cretaceous era, witness the asteroid strike that ended the dinosaurs, and explore how it shaped the evolution of life—a thrilling, family-friendly adventure. And while you’re there, I always love to peek into this exhibit at AMNH, too.
There are a lot of holiday experiences featured in my 2025 NYC Holiday Guide that just opened or are opening this week: the NYBG train show, Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo, Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. I’d highly recommend grabbing tickets all of them! Also, the Domino Park Ice Rink is now open and looks like the best one for a scenic skate!
Downtown friends, Madison Fare just opened their second location in Greenwich Village, and it’s absolutely worth a visit for their delicious froyo!
Here are a handful of new restaurants high on my list that I’m excited to try this winter: Musaafer (gorgeous Indian in Tribeca), The Eighty Six (Corner Store team), Seahorse (Union Square, Lure Fishbar team), and Wild Cherry (from Le Veau d’Or and Le Rock team). Now wish me luck getting a reservation!
New York Philharmonic’s family‑friendly Young People’s Concert: Takes place on Saturday, November 22 at 2 p.m. Designed for children ages six and up, the program features an engaging, interactive performance of selections from Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2, plus pre-concert activities at 1 p.m., including instrument exploration and crafts.
Broadway Under the Stars at The Shops at Columbus Circle: Thursday, November 20 at 5 p.m., there will be live performances from MAMMA MIA! and more. It feels like the perfect, low-stakes way to introduce the kids to Broadway—fun, free, and easy to pop into. Plus, the holiday decorations and lights there right now are fantastic.
The Intrepid does sleepovers! On Saturday, November 22, board the legendary aircraft carrier for Operation Slumber — a full-night adventure that begins at 6 p.m. and wraps up the next morning. There will be flashlight tours, simulator rides, dinner, breakfast, and more. For children 5 and up… how fun!
Mario the Maker Magician 2.0 at New Victory Theater: Runs from November 15 through November 30. It’s a wild, family-friendly magic show perfect for ages 4+, blending DIY gadgets with lots of audience participation. This looks like such a fun show—my kids would love it!
I’m excited for Thanksgiving next week and already have my meal-prep planning hat on. Here are some tried-and-true recipes that are always on repeat in our home, along with a few ideas I’m hoping to try over the festive weekend:
Greens: For something fresh, I love this refreshing winter salad from WSJ or this goop kale salad. To top it, I’ll roast some Delicata squash (and maybe add some chopped bacon and walnuts)
Stuffing: While not exactly traditional stuffing, no recipe will compare to this one from Ina Garten. Here’s a runner up recipe that’s also delicious.
Potatoes: In addition to the traditional mashed, I want to get fancy this year with a gratin. I’m debating between this one or this one, if I’m feeling ambitious. But also, how delicious do these look?
This gravy recipe is simply a great one. I love the refreshing simplicity of this cranberry sauce
Turkey: I don’t have one go-to recipe—I tend to pull from a few sources—but the MUST have is this meat thermometer. It has completely changed the way I cook any and all meats and poultry, and I cannot recommend it enough. (Yes, I was once the person who served a raw turkey at Thanksgiving… never again!)
My seven-year-old son wants to contribute a dish this year (bless him!), so I’m thinking of putting him in charge of an elevated mac-and-cheese recipe for the kids.
Pie: NYC bakeries make pies far better than I could ever bake, so we always order ours. Consider this your friendly reminder to pre-order your pies now! Notable picks include: Union Square Cafe, Breads Bakery, Frenchette Bakery, Bubby’s and Orwashers. But, here is how I do contribute to dessert: a massive bowl of freshly whipped cream which is as easy as it is delicious. (just use this!)
Here’s how I’d like to tablescape this year: this tablecloth, a few marbled table lamps, simple (white) placecards, mustard candles, and these placemats and napkins, and throw some bright and pale pink florals in the mix—voilà!
For the kids table, I’ll be decorating with these and adding these surprise balls. I also love these napkins and cups. Hopefully the craft project will be a hit—it looks cute! And of course, no party is complete without a little bubbly for kids’ table.
I always find it’s helpful to have some other premade food ready for the long weekend, so I’ll be prepping these pumpkin muffins (perfect for Thanksgiving morning breakfast), a pumpkin and chickpea curry, and a cozy bowl of lentil soup.
If you’re looking for a hostess gift to bring, here are some ideas: boxed chocolates from Birley bakery, a fancy puzzle for the weekend, a delicious non-alcoholic apéritif, or anything from Flamingo Estate.
I had the best time chatting with Mestiza and am thrilled to be featured on their blog sharing my top NYC holiday picks. They have the best holiday outfits — love this, this and this.
Do you scramble to get holiday cards together too? Consider this your reminder to start if you haven’t yet. A few brands I think always deliver beautiful cards: Dogwood Hill, The Printery / Oyster Bay, Blacker & Kooby (on 92nd and Lexington if you want something in-person), Artifact Uprising, and Crane