Weekly Highlights in NYC #19: December 9-15
Some great new openings (Eataly Caffè!), The Magic Flute for kids, The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long at 92NY, The Met Holiday party, and my top picks for hot chocolate.
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There are so many holiday happenings—check out my NYC 2025 Holiday Guide for the full list. And if you missed it, here’s my gift guide from last week’s newsletter! it!
The Met Member Holiday Party: On Friday, December 12, from 6–8:30 p.m., join fellow members for a festive after-hours celebration at the museum, featuring seasonal music, holiday treats, and special gallery access. Members only; tickets are limited.
This past weekend we saw ’Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleil, and my kids loved it, I’d recommend checking it out. Here are some other holiday outings we’re planning for this weekend: skating at the Davis Center (less chaotic than Wollman!) and the train show at NYBG (my boys’ favorite). We’ll also be decorating gingerbread houses (Instacart delivery from Costco for the win!), and if I have the energy, I’m hoping to make some dehydrated oranges for decorating.
The Magic Flute + Holiday Open House at The Met: On Sunday, December 14, enjoy a family-friendly (abridged!) production of The Magic Flute at 2 p.m. Arrive early for the Holiday Open House from 12–2 p.m., featuring hands-on musical activities, behind-the-scenes demonstrations, and festive fun for all ages. (Note: the website says it’s sold out, but as of this writing, I’m still seeing tickets available.)
Merry Mayhem at New Victory Theater: Running through December 28, this riotous holiday circus from Australia’s Circus Oz is packed with acrobatics, live rock music, comedy, and wild stunts — perfect for ages 5 and up. A loud, joyful, slightly chaotic way to celebrate the season with kids and family.
The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long at 92NY: On Sunday, December 14, at 2:30 p.m., join fellow fans at 92NY for a sing-along screening of the 1965 classic movie musical. The film will be shown in beautiful Technicolor, with on-screen lyrics so everyone can sing “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and more. Costumes are encouraged — truly, this event sounds like it was made for me.
Eataly Caffè (78th and Lexington Aves) opens on Wednesday, December 10, at 3 p.m. and will be offering complimentary hot chocolate to first-time guests through December 14.
Randy’s Donuts, the iconic L.A. donut shop, opened this morning at the corner of Bleecker and MacDougal in Greenwich Village.
Have you heard that Babbo has officially reopened? I’m excited for this comeback. Also, Meadow Lane is now open in Tribeca and it looks great, if you’re brave enough to face the around-the-block lines
Favorite Daughter is now open on Madison Ave (love their pants). More UES openings to come: The Formula x Meredith (my favorite workout!) is opening their own studio (currently they’re running classes out of Ballet Academy East). Doen on Madison will also be opening soon too.
ColorPop just announced its afterschool classes, and Spring registration is now live. And 92NY’s Winter/Spring afterschool programming is also open for signups, with classes beginning on January 26.
Here are some of our favorite holiday books we enjoy throughout December: The Jolly Christmas Postman (my favorite when I was their age!), ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Mr. Boddington’s Studio edition), The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker, The Polar Express and The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving, Santa Mouse (current favorite!), and Claris: Christmas Carousel Holiday Heist
I loved the list Julia shared of great places to shop for holiday decorations. A friend introduced me to Red Cap Cards for gorgeous wrapping paper, and I also adore anything from Caspari. If you’re looking for holiday items in NYC, check out More & More on the UWS (great ornaments), John Derian in the East Village, or E.A.T. Gifts on the UES.
I’m a proud (almost daily) hot chocolate enthusiast! Here are my favorite spots on the UES for an excellent cup: Birley Bakery (my top pick for take-away), Angelina Paris (perfect for a daughter date), Ladurée, Café Sabarsky (the ultimate!), Glace, Ralph’s Coffee (if you can face the lines/influencers!) and The Mark Hotel’s little cart outside, which serves a delicious cup complete with a branded marshmallow. If you prefer homemade, I loved this recipe from Meredith Hayden.
There are so many holiday happenings—check out my NYC 2025 Holiday Guide for the full list. And if you missed it, here’s my gift guide from last week’s newsletter! it!