Events & Things To Do

Trucks of Art returns: DSNY invites artists to decorate NYC garbage trucks

Images courtesy of DSNY

January 14, 2026

Trucks of Art returns: DSNY invites artists to decorate NYC garbage trucks

Back for the first time since 2022, New York City's Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is inviting artists to paint vibrant murals on its garbage trucks. As part of the "Trucks of Art" zero-waste initiative, the agency adorns the sides of its 46,000-pound garbage trucks with traveling works of art using leftover household paints that would otherwise end up in landfills. Applications are being accepted until February 8 at 11:59 p.m., with the trucks expected to be painted in April.
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NYC Restaurant Week returns with special prix-fixe menus at nearly 600 spots

Beauty Essex, Manhattan. Photo by Evan Angelastro

January 12, 2026

NYC Restaurant Week returns with special prix-fixe menus at nearly 600 spots

By Aaron Ginsburg

Escape the bitter New York City cold with a cheap, delicious meal. Reservations are now open for winter’s NYC Restaurant Week, the city’s beloved semi-annual dining program that lets New Yorkers enjoy special, prix-fixe menus at nearly 600 participating establishments across the five boroughs. Running from January 20 through February 12, this year’s program offers two-course lunches and three-course dinners priced at $30, $45, and $60.
A great bite ahead

Events & Things To Do

Under the Radar theater festival to distribute 1,500 free tickets

Christopher-Rashee Stevenson and Stephanie Weeks in the world premiere of “Ulysses” at the Fischer Center at Bard in 2024. Photos by Maria Baranova

January 9, 2026

Under the Radar theater festival to distribute 1,500 free tickets

By Aaron Ginsburg

Under the Radar, the theater festival that brightens New York City every January with more than 30 free and affordable shows citywide, returns this month for its biggest edition yet. Running through January 25, the event features boundary-pushing productions, from a tasteful adaptation of James Joyce’s "Ulysses" at The Public Theater to performances at Lincoln Center, the Irish Arts Center, and more. On Friday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the festival will offer 1,500 free tickets to New Yorkers, as the festival aligns with the administration’s push for greater accessibility and affordability in the arts.
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Events & Things To Do

Here’s how to tour the abandoned City Hall subway station

Photo © James and Karla Murray

January 2, 2026

Here’s how to tour the abandoned City Hall subway station

By Aaron Ginsburg

You don't have to be the mayor to tour the abandoned City Hall subway station, but you do have to be a member of the New York Transit Museum. After Mayor Zohran Mamdani's midnight swearing-in at the old subway station in Lower Manhattan gave New Yorkers a peek at the historic underground space this week, the museum announced tickets will go on sale January 14 for upcoming tours, which are the only way to see the City Hall's grand interiors (if you're not the mayor). The landmarked station, the showpiece of the city's first subway ride and which has been decommissioned since the 1940s, is known for its ornate vaulted Guastavino-tiled ceilings, chandeliers, and skylights hidden beneath the city streets.
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Mamdani to use 19th-century Quran from the New York Public Library at swearing-in ceremony

Photos courtesy of Jonathan Blanc/The New York Public Library

December 31, 2025

Mamdani to use 19th-century Quran from the New York Public Library at swearing-in ceremony

By Devin Gannon

At his swearing-in ceremony at midnight on New Year's Eve, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will use a 19th-century Quran from the collections of the New York Public Library. Mamdani, New York City's first Muslim mayor, will put his hand on a Quran that belonged to Arturo Schomburg, a historian and writer whose collection of Black literature, art, and other materials formed the foundation of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
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Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will drop twice in 2026

Photos by the Times Square Alliance

December 30, 2025

Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will drop twice in 2026

By Aaron Ginsburg

In 2026, Times Square’s New Year’s Eve ball will drop twice for the first time, with a second descent glowing in red, white, and blue in honor of America’s 250th birthday. After the traditional midnight countdown, the new "Constellation Ball" will be relit around 12:04 a.m. and then rise above the illuminated "2026" numerals. The celebration will feature 2,000 pounds of red, white, and blue confetti and a pyrotechnic show set to Ray Charles’ rendition of “America the Beautiful." The patriotic ball returns for a second time on the eve of Independence Day, July 3, marking the first time the ball will drop outside of New Year's Eve.
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Events & Things To Do

11 free New Year’s events and activities in NYC

Photo by Kohei Kanno on Flickr

December 29, 2025

11 free New Year’s events and activities in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is arguably the world’s capital of New Year’s Eve celebrations, with over-the-top festivities happening across all five boroughs. But you don't have to break the bank to ring in 2026. Here are some of the best free ways to celebrate the new year in NYC, from dazzling firework displays above Prospect Park to scenic hikes and meditations in lush city parks.
Say goodbye to 2025!

Events & Things To Do

Bergdorf Goodman. Photo courtesy of Angela Pham.

December 24, 2025

Dine in style while you peruse the Fifth Avenue displays

By Lidia Ryan

The holidays are in full swing, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s is prime time to soak in all the holiday cheer on Fifth Avenue. Behind the iconic window displays of Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman by Central Park are stylish, upscale restaurants, perfect places to recharge before braving the crowds.
dine in style

Mamdani to host inauguration block party on Broadway

(L) Zohran Mamdani, image via WikiCommons; (R) NYC City Hall, image via WikiCommons

December 22, 2025

Mamdani to host inauguration block party on Broadway

By Aaron Ginsburg

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will celebrate his swearing-in on January 1 with New York City's first-ever inauguration block party. The seven-block celebration along Broadway in Lower Manhattan is expected to draw over 40,000 spectators. Mamdani’s public swearing-in takes place at 1 p.m. on the steps of City Hall, alongside a massive block party between Murray and Liberty Streets. About 4,000 tickets will be available for the City Hall ceremony, while 40,000 tickets will allow attendees to watch the ceremony on big screens at the adjacent block party.
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Events & Things To Do

New Yorkers borrowed these library books the most in 2025

Credit: The New York Public Library

December 16, 2025

New Yorkers borrowed these library books the most in 2025

By Aaron Ginsburg

These are the books New Yorkers couldn't get enough of in 2025. The city's three public library systems—the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library—have released their annual lists of most borrowed books. Across all three systems, "James" by Percival Everett was the most checked out title, followed by "The God of the Woods" by Liz Moore and "Onyx Storm" by Rebecca Yarros.
find your next read

Events & Things To Do

World’s largest menorah returns to Central Park for Hanukkah

By Aaron Ginsburg

The world’s largest menorah was lifted into place near Central Park on Wednesday, ahead of the start of Hanukkah. At the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, across from the Plaza Hotel, the 36-foot-tall menorah will be lit nightly from December 14 to 21 as part of the Jewish Festival of Lights. Each evening, the Lubavitch Youth Organization will host a lighting ceremony, complete with live music, dancing, and classic Hanukkah treats like donuts and chocolate gelt.
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Events & Things To Do

December 5, 2025

NYC’s most festive holiday bars and restaurants

By Aaron Ginsburg

Nowhere is as picturesque as New York City during the holidays, with iconic attractions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Bryant Park's Winter Village, the Dyker Heights Christmas lights, and festive decorations brightening every street corner. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to sip on seasonal cocktails or somewhere to enjoy over-the-top holiday-themed decor, the city offers many options to revel in holiday cheer. Ahead, find a list of festive bars and restaurants across NYC that will help you get into the holiday spirit (and spirits) this season.
Find out where the festivities are

Experience the Victorian-era magic of Cape May this holiday season

Photo courtesy of Cape May MAC on Flickr

December 4, 2025

Experience the Victorian-era magic of Cape May this holiday season

By Lidia Ryan

If you live in New York City, you’re already in one of the most magical places to spend the holidays. But, if the itch to get out of town sets in this season, a short jaunt south offers Victorian seaside charm set to twinkling lights. Cape May, New Jersey, a longtime summer destination, is even more alluring in December with quaint holiday memories around every corner. From Santa visits with the kids to cocktails for the grown-ups, here’s your guide to a holiday weekend in Cape May.
a victorian-style holiday, this way

The history of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a NYC holiday tradition

The 1931 tree, courtesy of Tishman Speyer

December 3, 2025

The history of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a NYC holiday tradition

By Dana Schulz

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, considered the "worldwide symbol of Christmas," will be lit on Wednesday, marking the 93rd tree lighting ceremony. Ahead, learn about the history of the iconic spruce, from its start as a modest Depression-era pick-me-up for Rockefeller Center construction workers to World War regulations to its current 900-pound Swarovski star.
More on the history here

Say ‘farewell’ to the MetroCard at New York Transit Museum exhibit

Credit: Lucas Klappas on Flickr

December 2, 2025

Say ‘farewell’ to the MetroCard at New York Transit Museum exhibit

By Aaron Ginsburg

Before the MetroCard is retired this month, the New York Transit Museum is saying goodbye to the iconic transit payment method with a special exhibit. Opening on December 17, "FAREwell, MetroCard" explores the MetroCard’s history, from its creation and adoption to the technology behind it, and highlights how it has become a cultural artifact for millions of New Yorkers. The exhibition also offers insight into what was, at the time, a cutting-edge technology that eliminated the need for tokens, ahead of December 31, when the MTA will stop selling MetroCards as the system continues its transition to OMNY.
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November 26, 2025

NYC’s top holiday concerts and live shows

By Aaron Ginsburg

While New York City’s holiday season is best known for its twinkling lights and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the city also offers a wealth of world-class live performances to dazzle audiences with festive cheer. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate the holidays in NYC with music, dance, and theater, from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular to festive ballet, jazz, and performances at Lincoln Center.
Festive cheer, ahead

Events & Things To Do

November 24, 2025

Ice rink opens at Central Park’s new Davis Center

By Aaron Ginsburg

Ice skating is back on the north end of Central Park. The new Gottesman Rink at the Davis Center at the Harlem Meer debuted this weekend, replacing the outdated Lasker Rink as part of the larger new facility that opened earlier this year. The rink offers affordable public skating sessions, community-led programs, and ice time for local schools and organizations.
let's skate

Events & Things To Do

New York Public Library reveals best books of 2025, with unlimited e-book access for some titles

Images courtesy of NYPL/Tara Fedoriw-Morris

November 21, 2025

New York Public Library reveals best books of 2025, with unlimited e-book access for some titles

By Aaron Ginsburg

The New York Public Library has unveiled its Best Books of 2025, its annual roundup of the year’s top reads. Expertly curated by librarians, this year’s list features 225 titles across multiple genres for adults, teens, and children—and for the first time, the library is offering unlimited e-book access to 26 selected titles. NYPL cardholders can borrow these titles electronically through the Libby app until December 31.
see the list

Events & Things To Do

Holiday nostalgia rides on vintage NYC subway cars are back this December

Holiday Nostalgia Train at 2nd Avenue station. Photo courtesy of New York Transit Museum.

November 21, 2025

Holiday nostalgia rides on vintage NYC subway cars are back this December

By Aaron Ginsburg

Step back in time and embark on a festive journey aboard an old-school New York City subway car this holiday season. The New York Transit Museum's beloved Holiday Nostalgia Rides, which include eight cars from the 1930s that ran along lettered lines through the late 1970s, will run every Sunday in December from 2nd Avenue on the uptown F platform and 96th Street on the downtown Q platform.
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Exterior view of the Studio Museum in Harlem’s new building, 2025. Courtesy Studio Museum in Harlem. Photo © Albert Vecerka/ Esto

November 17, 2025

Studio Museum in Harlem unveils new home

By Lidia Ryan

In the United States, 1968 was a year of political unrest and cultural change. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the Vietnam War was protested, the Fair Housing Act was passed, and President Richard Nixon was elected. In its list of major, shifting events that year, a much quieter moment: the founding of the Studio Museum in Harlem. The museum was founded by a group of artists, community activists, and philanthropists to foster the work of artists of African descent.
inside the studio museum

November 14, 2025

The 20 best heated and indoor rooftops to enjoy in NYC this winter

By Aaron Ginsburg

Peak rooftop season might be on pause until next summer, but panoramic skyline views can still be enjoyed from indoor and heated rooftop spots across New York City. Cozy restaurants and bars across the five boroughs offer the perfect way to scratch that skyline itch without braving the chill of the fall and winter weather. From heated terraces to glass-enclosed lounges, here are some of the best rooftops to sip a cocktail and take in the view.
where to go

A two-story Christmas carousel will open next to Macy’s in Midtown

Credit: 34th Street Partnership

November 13, 2025

A two-story Christmas carousel will open next to Macy’s in Midtown

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new double-decker Christmas carousel is coming to Greeley Square later this month, adding to Midtown’s festive holiday atmosphere. Hosted by the 34th Street Partnership, the Christmas Carousel will open at 33rd Street and Broadway and run from November 21 through January 6, 2026. The ride is steps from Macy’s Herald Square, which recently opened its holiday markets for the season.
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Events & Things To Do

Harlem’s parade of lights kicks off the holiday season in NYC

Photo credit: 125th Street BID

November 12, 2025

Harlem’s parade of lights kicks off the holiday season in NYC

By Devin Gannon

While Macy's may get all the credit, the holiday season really kicks off in Harlem. On November 18, the 125th Street Business Improvement District will host its annual Harlem Holiday Lights celebration, the only holiday lights parade in New York City. A procession of dazzling illuminated floats will travel throughout the neighborhood, with designated watch parties along the route offering hot drinks, music, toys for children, games, and more holiday cheer.
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Events & Things To Do

Holiday open streets will return to Fifth Avenue for just one Sunday

Credit: Fifth Avenue Association

November 10, 2025

Holiday open streets will return to Fifth Avenue for just one Sunday

By Aaron Ginsburg

A large stretch of Fifth Avenue will once again be closed to vehicles for the holidays—but just for one day. The Fifth Avenue Association announced that Holiday Open Streets will return on Sunday, December 14, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., turning the iconic corridor between 47th and 57th Streets into a pedestrian-centric, holiday-themed promenade. The event, held across three Sundays in 2022 and 2023, was reduced to a single day in 2024, and will remain so in 2025 due to “logistical challenges” tied to increased security at Trump Tower, according to Gothamist.
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You can now check out artwork from the Brooklyn Public Library

Department of Transformation: Letters for the Future. All photos by Gregg Richards

November 6, 2025

You can now check out artwork from the Brooklyn Public Library

By Aaron Ginsburg

New Yorkers can now borrow artwork from the Brooklyn Public Library as part of a new program and exhibition. Curated together with the Department of Transformation, "Letters for the Future" celebrates the library as one of the few remaining “intellectual, creative, and civic commons still freely available" with work from over 40 artists. As part of the exhibition, on view through January 25, library cardholders can check out artwork, including paintings, sculptures, zines, and more, for a three-week period.
more here