The 'Low Down 31 ✨
Flirt Clinic, Gingerbread Mansions, Naughty Elves
Hey friends,
December in NYC is nothing if not eclectic. One night you’re wandering through a gingerbread cityscape, the next you’re sipping natural wine at an LCD residency or watching Santa’s speakeasy go gloriously off the rails. This stretch of weeks has everything: silent men competing for love, a record-breaking Shabbat dinner, a Lebanese block party, messy holiday storytelling, secret comedy shows, and the gentlest ping-pong tournament trash talk you’ll ever hear. It’s all peak end-of-year energy—sparkly, chaotic, and heartfelt.
🏠 Gingerbread NYC The Great Borough Bake-Off 2025
Now through January 19 | Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Ave) | Pay What You Can
“Discover a miniature frosted cityscape in the fourth annual Gingerbread NYC. The Museum invites professional and amateur bakers from across the five boroughs to design edible creations that celebrate the city’s iconic places, buildings, and spirit—rendered entirely in gingerbread. The theme, “Iconic New York,” invites bakers to reimagine a building, place, or thing that represents the heart of their neighborhood, community, or borough. From brownstones and bridges to bodegas and ballparks, no symbol of New York is too big—or too sweet—to tackle.”
🎥 DOC NYC
Now through November 30 | Various locations
“DOC NYC is an annual documentary film festival in NYC. Co-founded by Thom Powers and Raphaela Neihausen, the festival is the country’s largest documentary film festival with over 300 films and events and 250 special guests. For 10 of the past 11 years, DOC NYC has screened the documentary feature that went on to win the Academy Award and 49 of the last 55 Oscar-nominated documentary features.”
Now through December 13 (Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights)
🎅 Santa’s Secret
Now through December 31 | 10 Columbus Circle | $65
“Turns out, the North Pole knows how to throw quite a party. Join in on the fun at Santa’s Secret, a seductive speakeasy and immersive wonderland that’s back in NYC for a fifth year. Here’s what’s on tap at this adults-only holiday extravaganza: Delightfully cheeky characters, including mischievous living toys, seductive gingerbread ladies, and the famed jacked lumberjack. The journey culminates at Santa’s Secret Speakeasy, where guests will enjoy live music, themed cocktails and a dazzling variety show featuring burlesque, aerialists and jaw-dropping acts.”
🎶 LCD Soundsystem Residency / Four Horsemen Pop-up
November 20, 23 + December 4, 7, 10, 11 | Knockdown Center (52-19 Flushing Ave) | $90
“It’s a match made in heaven: Dance-rock band LCD Soundsystem is bringing back a pop-up of frontman James Murphy’s acclaimed and very cool natural Williamsburg wine bar, the Four Horsemen, during their upcoming NYC concert residency this late fall, where anybody can be a drunk girl. LCD’s 12 shows will take place at Queens venue Knockdown Center in Maspeth at 52-19 Flushing Avenue, at 54th Street in late November and run early to mid-December. There will be what is being described as an “on-site iteration of the Michelin-starred Four Horsemen wine bar,” per the press release. This isn’t the first time the band has run this wine pop-up. There are no further details for the 2025 edition, but expect a curated array of thoughtful natural wines by the glass.”
😉 No Shop Talk: Flirt Clinic
November 21 | Fabrik (12-16 Vestry Street) | $5
“Let’s be honest - everyone flirts. Whether you’re pitching an idea, networking at a mixer, or talking to someone who caught your eye, flirting is communication with intent. So.. how do you do it well without being “that” person? In this interactive session, we’re breaking down the art and science of flirting across both personal and professional contexts. We’ll explore: What “flirting” actually is (and what it isn’t), Why certain techniques work - and how they translate beyond dating, How to express confidence, charm, and warmth without crossing boundaries, The difference between charisma, chemistry, and creepiness, This isn’t about pickup lines - it’s about understanding human connection, curiosity, and the subtle signals that build trust, attraction, and rapport. Come ready to experiment, laugh, and maybe even walk away a little smoother - both in business and in life.”
💘 Love Isn’t Blind: A Comedy/Dating Show Where the Men Can’t Speak
November 21 | Littlefield (635 Sackett Street) | $29
“Let’s judge a book by its cover. Tired of swiping? In this dating experiment, men compete on stage for one lucky bachelorette, with the little caveat that the men can’t speak. Through a series of games – which includes calling the boys’ moms and unlocking their phones – we narrow it down to two men. Finally, we hear their voices, and the lucky winning man is sent with our bachelorette to the bar for an immediate date. Audience members wear wristbands according to their relationship status, and a wingcouple (who wear actual wings) helps those of you who are too shy to make a move.”
✡️ The Big Shabbat
November 21 | Javits Center (429 11th Ave) | $54
“Imagine the best kind of dinner party—but it’s for 3,000 people, and the vibes are off the charts. That’s The Big Shabbat, set to take over Javits North in New York City on November 21. And it’s not just any Shabbat dinner: This is a bid for the Guinness World Record, aiming to eclipse Berlin’s current record of 2,322 attendees. This year, it’s New York’s turn to show what community looks like. Picture a sweeping family-style, kosher vegetarian spread, curated by heavyweights like Adeena Sussman, Joan Nathan, Beejhy Barhany and Jake Cohen. There will be 300 challahs, 1,500 pounds of salmon and thousands of hors d’oeuvres, all orchestrated by 10 chefs, 45 assistant chefs and 156 servers. To break the Guinness World Record, attendees must check in by 6:30pm and remain physically present until 8:30pm.”
🫚 Spice Stories & Blends with Burlap & Barrel
November 21 | Institute of Culinary Education (225 Liberty Street) | $25
“Burlap & Barrel co-founder Ethan Frisch will guide you through a hands-on spice blending workshop. You’ll create your own custom blend to take home, which is perfect for elevating your pantry and adding bold, aromatic flair to your holiday cooking.”
🍺 305 Fitness Pop-Up at TALEA
November 22 and December 6 | TALEA Williamsburg (87 Richardson Street) | $30
“305 Fitness is a dance cardio workout where every class is a party! No prior dance experience required. Show up and shake it all off with us at Talea Beer Co. 305 Fitness has a Williamsburg studio at 51 S 3rd on the corner of Wythe Ave, and TALEA class attendees will get a free class card!”
🇱🇧 Yalla Fest
November 22 | 873 Broadway | $23
“Yalla Fest is back & we’re going bigger than ever! Join us on Saturday, November 22nd from 12–7PM at 873 Broadway for our annual celebration of Lebanese food, music, and culture in New York City. What started as a small birthday fundraiser has grown into a full-blown cultural festival bringing together dozens of Lebanese and Middle Eastern vendors, chefs, and artists under one roof — all to raise money for the Lebanese Red Cross and World Central Kitchen ❤️ Come eat, dance, shop, and celebrate our heritage — from mezze and music to handmade goods and community spirit. Let’s give back to Lebanon and share our culture with the city we love. 💛 Yalla, let’s make this the best one yet.”
🎤 The Moth: Manners
November 24 | Rodney’s (1118 First Ave) | $17.50
“The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night’s theme. Sign up for a chance to tell a story or sit back and enjoy the show! Tonight’s theme is… MANNERS: Prepare a five-minute story about being civil. Minding (or not minding) P’s and Q’s and southern hospitality. Misses, misters, sirs, and ma’ams—or accidentally calling your teacher mom! Behaving like a perfect pupil or revealing your inner rebel. Proper pronunciation and sailor mouths. Bad habits, rude encounters, misinterpretations. Sit up straight, elbows off the table...wait your turn!”
🏰 Gilded Age Mansions of Fifth Avenue Tour
November 29 and 30 | East 70th Street & Fifth Avenue | $40
“This tour focuses on the design and history of the great mansions of Fifth Avenue and their owners who constructed them as lavish displays of their wealth and status in Gilded Age New York City. The tour starts at East 70th St & Fifth Avenue (at the Richard Morris Hunt Memorial), just down the block from the Frick Collection and ends at the Cooper-Hewitt (2 East 91th Street), the former homes of two protagonists on this tour – Henry Clay Frick (1849-1919) and Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919).”
🎄 Written in Brooklyn Presents: Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas
December 3 | Farm.One (625 Bergen Street) | $29
“It’s the most traumatizing time of the year! The holidays are here, and and so are the feelings. Forget the cute and witty holiday card, Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas is a night of true, hilarious, and awkward stories that unwrap what really happens at then end of the year: family meltdowns, drunken texts, travel disasters, bad presents, and so many regrets. Come for the laughter, stay for the catharsis, and maybe leave with a little less emotional baggage (or at least a story about it).”
⚱️ Creative Drop-in: Ornaments & Trinket Dishes
December 3 and 10 | Dirtbag Arthaus (229 Cook Street) | $75
“Small-scale projects, big satisfaction. In this chill, handbuilding session, you’ll create ornaments or trinket dishes that hold a little bit of everything — your touch, your story, your fingerprints (literally). It’s the perfect mix of mindful and playful: roll, stamp, carve, and shape your designs into one-of-a-kind pieces that look far from store-bought. We’ll walk you through using natural textures, stamps, and carving tools, plus a quick rundown of glazing options. Whether you’re crafting keepsakes or personal gifts, every piece carries the calm that comes from slowing down and making something tangible. All materials provided: stoneware clay, glazes, tools, and firing. Pick up your fired pieces in 2–3 weeks — ready to hang, gift, or keep as a tiny reminder that your hands are good for more than typing.”
🎾 Underground Overground Comedy @ the Wilson Flagship Store
December 4 | Wilson SoHo (594 Broadway) | $55
“David and Ethan founded ComedyUO in April, 2021. What began as a secret gathering for family and friends soon grew into the live event company that’s now shaking up New York City’s comedy scene. You may have seen us walking around the city — we’re the curly-headed guys producing shows in the laundromat under your apartment and getting shooed out of snooty shops in Soho.”
🛍️ Not-A-Normal Holiday Show
December 5-7 and 12-14 | Manhattan Mall (100 W 33rd Street) | $23
“Join us for a two-weekend shopping & community event that redefines the retail experience. Featuring 250+ carefully curated vendors both weekends, we bring together independent designers, artists, creators, and curators offering furniture, art, home decor, apparel, jewelry and accessories. With a focus on vintage designer, quality second-hand, locally designed / produced, upcycled / reworked, and handmade.”
🎁 Field + Supply Holiday MRKT
December 6 and 7 | Starrett Lehigh Building (601 W 26th St) | $20
“We’re bringing Field + Supply to New York City for the holidays! Shop from 250+ vendors, enjoy holiday treats, take part in festive activities, and discover something special for everyone on your list.”
🎵 Unsilent Night
December 14 | Washington Square Park | Free
“Unsilent Night is an original composition by Phil Kline, written specifically to be heard outdoors in the month of December. It takes the form of a street promenade in which the audience becomes the performer. Each participant gets one of four tracks of music in the form of a cassette, CD, or Mp3. Together all four tracks comprise Unsilent Night. The fact that the participants play different “parts” simultaneously helps create the special sound of the piece. Participants carry boomboxes, or anything that amplifies music, and simultaneously start playing the music. They then walk a carefully chosen route through their city’s streets, creating a unique mobile sound sculpture which is different from every listener’s perspective.”
🪄 The Magic of Eric Eaton
December 14 | The Bell House (149 7th Street) | $38
“Eric has performed across the US w/ his sold-out tour Magic for Adults. Eric can be seen on the hit TV show Masters of Illusion that has had over 100 million viewers in 126 countries. He is a 2x Merlin Award (the Oscar’s of Magic) recipient for Comedy Magician of the Year & is known for his unique blend of magic & comedic wit--both of which make his shows unlike any you’ve seen. Many of his social media clips have gone viral, all of which can be found @themagicofericeaton.”
🕎 Old Jewish Men’s Hanukkah Spectacular
December 16 | Gramercy Theater (127 E 23rd Street) | $34
“A fun way to spend the second night of Hanukkah.”
🏓 Christmas Classic Ping Pong Tournament
December 19 | Farm.One (625 Bergen Street) | $20 (includes a beer)
“Farm.One is hosting our second annual Christmas Classic Ping Pong Tournament. Come hang at the farm and compete for prize money, but more importantly: bragging rights. Entry Fee: $20 (Includes 1 Free Beer)First Place: $160 Check & Special GiftSecond Place: Entry Fee Back Note: This is not for the faint of heart. This tournament is for non-professional players who dominate the rec room or community leagues!Format will depend on total sign ups (as of now, capped at 24 participants), but the semis and final will be BEST 2 out of 3. There will be room for spectators, so bring your friends!”
Who’s down?!
xx Anna