NYC holidays survival guide 🎄

Happy Christmas Eve,

We missed our newsletter and podcast last week and are late sending today because we’ve been moving (still in NYC)! We’ve been consumed by trying to dig ourselves out of boxes. 😅

Now that I can use my desk again, we’re back to our regularly scheduled programming. 🫡

In this week’s newsletter:

🎫 Events We Love This Week: December 24-31 - Harlem gospel concert & NYE confetti test (yes, that’s a thing)

🥒 You’ll Have to Check It Out - An UWS staple with a new, spacious location

🎄 NYC Holidays Survival Guide - Decorated bars, holiday markets, and local tips

Don’t miss it. 👇

Note: As always, this email was written by an actual human who lives in NYC, not artificial intelligence. 🥸

Events We Love This Week: December 24-31, 2025

In the city this week? Here are some fun events we’re keeping an eye on.

Harlem Gospel Holiday Celebration Concert - December 25 at 2pm

Gospel music + Christmas + NYC = 🙌 

Or as one attendee put it:

“Attending the Gospel Choir at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Harlem on Christmas Day was an unforgettable experience and a true highlight of our holiday visit to New York. The energy, passion, and spirit of the choir were absolutely amazing and left us deeply moved. It’s an event not to be missed, offering a heartfelt celebration of the season and a unique glimpse into Harlem’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions. Highly recommended for anyone visiting New York during Christmas!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Snag a ticket here. 👈

New Year’s Eve Confetti Test - December 29 at 11am

While I personally won’t ever do the Times Square NYE experience, this seems more manageable.

They’ll release multicolored confetti from the Planet Fitness Center Stage on Sunday, December 29 at 11:00 a.m., at the Broadway Plaza between 45th and 46th Streets in Times Square.

The colorful event is held in preparation for the release of 3,000 pounds of confetti at midnight on New Year’s Eve. 🎉

3,000 pounds? That’s roughly the weight of 2 ½ polar bears. 🐻‍❄️

You’ll Have to Check It Out - Jacob’s Pickles

We’ve always loved Jacob’s Pickles’ massive portions, hearty meals, and vibrant energy, but our one complaint was the space.

It was compact and crowded, even for NYC standards.

Now, they’re in a spacious spot further uptown on the Upper West Side and it’s MUCH better. 👇

It’s cozy and welcoming, not overcrowded and hectic.

Plus, their happy hour at the bar is top-notch with drinks starting at $5 and food options at $10.

If you get a normal dish, plan on sharing. 😅

Check out the new Jacob’s Pickles location here.

NYC Holidays Survival Guide 🎄

Winter holidays, including Christmas, in NYC are a spectacular experience. But it can be extremely crowded and chaotic.

And unfortunately, there are some activities that are not worth the hype. 👎

From markets to decked-out bars and everything in between, we’ve got you covered on how to see it all without the overwhelm.

Happy holidays,

Ashley & Devin from Better Together Here ☃️