Weekly Highlights in NYC #18: December 2-8
Two great holiday shopping experiences, upcoming performances you'll want to grab tickets for and gifting ideas for everyone on my list...
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If you missed it, here’s a NYC 2025 Holiday Guide for a comprehensive list of all December happenings.
How incredible does this sound (if you’re brave enough to face the crowds): NYC’s first-ever double-decker Christmas Carousel is now open daily through January 6 in Greeley Square (33rd & Broadway), from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Tickets are $7 per ride, and the top deck offers 360° views of Midtown’s holiday lights and Macy’s Holiday Square.
LEGOLAND® New York Resort “Holiday Bricktacular”runs through January, transforming the park into a festive wonderland with dazzling light tunnels, a 35-ft LEGO® tree, holiday shows, ice-style skating on a “Glice” rink, an elf driving school, and plenty of seasonal treats. I haven’t been yet—it’s a bit of a drive, but all the festivities make it feel like the perfect time to go.
Family Day at MoMA: On Saturday, December 6, from 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m., kids ages 3–10 can explore Ruth Asawa’s art through movement, readings, wire-sculpture making, paper-folding, and more.
Peter & the Wolf at the Guggenheim: Running December 5–14, this production features narration and direction by Isaac Mizrahi, choreography by John Heginbotham, and live music by Ensemble Connect. A charming, family-friendly holiday performance that blends storytelling, dance, and Prokofiev’s classic score. And also this Saturday, December at 9:30 a.m. is a scheduled stroller tour of the Rashid Johnson exhibit.
Stissing House’s Craft Feast is on next weekend, December 13 and 14, featuring more than 50 makers offering pottery, textiles, furniture, jewelry, and more. I’ve been dying to eat there forever (reservations are impossible!), and this event sounds magical. It’s no surprise it’s fully booked, but definitely worth keeping an eye out for openings.
Holiday on Madison is back through December 20 at 804 Madison Ave (at 68th Street). Open daily, it features a curated mix of artisanal designers, fashion, home décor, and unique gifts—a polished, boutique-style holiday shopping experience on the UES.
Home Alone in Concert with New York Philharmonic: December 17–20 and 18–20 at Lincoln Center. The classic film plays on a giant screen while the Philharmonic performs John Williams’ iconic score live, joined by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus.
Nut/Cracked: A playful twist on the classic Nutcracker returns to 92NY, with performances on December 13 at 2 p.m. and December 16 at 6:30 p.m. There will be jazz, tap, ballet, disco—and plenty of humor. After the show, stay for a festive, family-friendly after-party hosted by Craft Studio.
Sutton Foster returns to Café Carlyle for an intimate residency through December 6. Expect cabaret-style glamour, classic charm, and her unmistakable Broadway-caliber vocals in one of NYC’s most storied supper-club settings. Only a few tickets remain—so act quickly if you want to catch this.
If you love Ina Garten as much as I do, you’ll want to grab tickets for this. On January 27, Jennifer Wallace joins Ina Garten at 92NY for a warm, insight-filled conversation about Wallace’s new book Mattering and how to cultivate deeper connection and purpose. Tickets are selling quickly—don’t wait.
I know we’re all overloaded with gift guides, but I wanted to share my personal ongoing list anyway—it’s been keeping me organized, and I hope it sparks a few ideas for you too. My goal is to simplify, not overwhelm, and, if anything, I hope it lightens the mental load.
For all kids (any age): Maybe I’m biased, but I think these super-soft, personalized PJs with gift wrapping are the BEST gifts. :) I’m upgrading my kids to these electric toothbrushes, refreshing their water bottles (I think these are the best out there), and I highly recommend upgrading their tableware to this brand—it’s been one of my best purchases of 2025! This year, I’m also refreshing their towels.
For my three-year-old son: He loves Magna-tiles, so adding this to his set, or maybe this space one, and this little set as a stocking-stuffer. But THIS is very high on my list for him (Magna-tiles IRL—he’d flip!!). A mess-free arts-and-crafts project that will capture his attention, and an additional book to his favorite series. Oh, and this letter board which his teachers say he can’t get enough of at school. And more painters tape, always.
For my five-year-old daughter: Anything from Super Smalls, this personalized necklace, Liberty headbands, a marbling art kit, a Gabby’s Dollhouse Polly Pocket, NYC nail art stickers, and any and all accessories for her American Girl doll.
My seven-year-old son: Adding more Dog Man books to our collection. I’ll likely regret this voice recorder, but this was a huge hit last year, always adding more Yoto cards. This magnetic marble run, or maybe a Gecko Run, a Lego ski set which combines two of his favorite things. A money game, Outfoxed game and Spoon’s game to add to our family game nights, and a cookbook for my budding chef.
For my husband or the fathers: A Function Health test (highlyyy recommend as a gift to yourself, too!), Vuori loungewear, leather desk accessories, the best digital frame that all in-laws LOVE, new running headphones, and a favorite half-zip sweater in new colors, a book that sounds promising, and a wireless charging station.
For my step-mom, MIL or any and all mothers: I heard these are the best natural and eco-friendly cleaning products that also look pretty, or you can’t go wrong with anything Flamingo Estate. Maybe a box of divine chocolates, or tea that’s personalized, a cozy cashmere wrap, or my favorite hand cream. Or, this digital frame.
For the teachers: I always think a gift card is a crowd pleaser and appreciated in this situation. A teacher-friend told me she loves a card with a sincere note and a personal quote from your child like “what do you love about (teacher’s name)?”. Some other ideas are to get a personalized tote and fill it with some thoughtful things like a cozy blanket, delicious tea with a thermal mug, a fancy trinket tray for her desk, or a thermos that definitely lives up to the hype.
….any other gifts I’m forgetting that I should be adding to my list? Feel free to respond directly to this email, I’d love to hear your ideas!