Things To Do in NYC in December 2025

Things to do in NYC in December (yurakrasil/Adobe)
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Things to do in NYC in December (yurakrasil/Adobe)
Things to do in NYC in December (yurakrasil/Adobe)

Things to do in NYC in December include shopping, city lights, and lots of holidays: Changó / Santa Barbara, Día de las velitas / Immaculate Conception, Las Mañanitas / Guadalupe, Babalú-Ayé, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve / Watch Night. Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, is the root of many of these traditions. Regardless of your heritage, every tradition has something to offer every person.

DECEMBER ~ 1-7 | 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-28 | 29-31 ~ 2025

December is holiday season. The U.S. national holiday is Christmas Day, although many people also take off Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. New York City slows down in the last two weeks of the year with many New Yorkers out on vacation. The end of Christmas Season, Three Kings Day in January, is the traditional gift-giving day and many family holiday for many Latins.

December weather is early winter. Temperatures average 33° – 44°F, so it is cool. New York City’s first snow used to fall in the first week of December. It’s uncertain now.

Things to do in NYC in December

COMEDY

  • “Más sabe el Saulo por viejo” Saulo García @ Repertorio Español ~ Sun, Dec 21, 2025. 🇨🇴

DANCE

Latin Dance

  • Piel Canela Latin Dance Social @ Hard Rock Cafe ~ Fri, Dec 12, 2025 🇵🇷
  • Pedro Giraudo Tango @ Bailemos milonga at Centro Español ~ Sun, Dec 14, 2025. 🇦🇷
  • Latin Mondays NYC salsa ~ Mondays 🇨🇴 🇨🇺 🇩🇴 🇵🇦 🇵🇪 🇵🇷 🇻🇪
  • Tango La Nacional ~ Thursdays 🇦🇷
  • El Destino tango ~ Sundays 🇦🇷 🇺🇾

FESTIVALS

FILM

MUSIC

SPORTS

  • Peak surfing season begins out in Rockaway, Queens and Montauk, Long Island.
  • FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw ~ Fri, Dec 5, 2025

THEATRE

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Things To Do in NYC This Week: December 1-7, 2025

Monday, December 1, 2025

Portuguese History

Portugal Restoration of Independence Day celebrates a people’s coup against Spanish rule that launched the Portuguese Restoration War, on December 1, 1640. This eventually led to Portuguese independence in 1668. 🇵🇹

Big Band Hot Jazz

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks play big band hot jazz in the Birdland Theater at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen; on Mondays at 5:30pm (4:30pm doors) & 8:30pm (7:30pm doors). From $25. 🇮🇹

Salsa Dance Party

Latin Mondays NYC by Talia Castro-Pozo, one of NYC’s most popular salsa dance parties, is at 5th&Mad in Murray Hill, Manhattan; on Mondays. Doors open with DJs at 5pm. Salsa lesson at 7pm. Live music for dancing at 9pm and 11pm with DJs and dance shows until late. From $13. 🇨🇴 🇨🇺 🇩🇴 🇵🇦 🇵🇪 🇵🇷 🇻🇪

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

American Holidays Festival

Giving Tuesday is a 21st century tradition of charity on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Giving is the natural currency of the universe. Basically, you get what you give. #GivingTuesday

Vintage Hot Jazz

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks play vintage hot jazz in the Birdland Theater at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen; on Tuesdays at 5:30pm (4:30pm doors) & 8:30pm (7:30pm door). From $25. 🇮🇹

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Uruguayan Festival

Uruguay’s National Candombe Day celebrates the Afro-Uruguayan drum, song, and dance tradition that is also the rhythm of Uruguayan Carnival. Dances of the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomblé, became candombe in Uruguay (like a Cuban comparsa or carnival march), which became milonga in Argentina, and then tango with European influences. Never thought of this before, but tango is a walking dance. This walking element probably derives from candombe’s roots in community marches. 🇺🇾

Famous Cuban Birthday

Latin jazz legend Machito was born in Havana, Cuba on December 3, 1909. Machito and His Afro-Cubans were the first musicians in the USA to promote the fact that they were Black. At the same time that Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and others were creating bebop modern jazz in 1940s New York City, Machito and his music director Mario Bauzá were creating cubop (Cuban bop). Today we know cubop as Latin jazz. Jazz and Latin jazz are the Caribbean hero twins separated at birth and reunited by Dizzy Gillespie and Mario Bauzá. 🇨🇺

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts a new era with new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack. Her inaugural season features world premieres by Fredrick Earl Mosley, Maija García, Matthew Neenan, Jamar Roberts, and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar in collaboration with Samantha Figgins and Chalvar Monteiro; plus a company premiere of Medhi Walerski’s “Blink of an Eye” and Ailey company classics. The Season opens with a Gala Performance at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 7pm, and runs for five weeks through January 4, 2026. From $45. 🇺🇸

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Cuban Yoruba Orisha

Changó, the Yoruba Orisha of drumming, singing, and dancing (also thunder, lightning, and war) is celebrated in Cuba and Puerto Rico on December 4. Many languages have the same words with different accents. We suspect that the word “tango” is derived from “Changó” because Argentine tango has African roots. In Angola and the Congos, “tango” is the sacred dance circle where people gather to drum, sing, and dance. Maferefún Changó. 🇨🇺 🇵🇷

Cuban Catholic Saint

Santa Barbara, a mythical Christian martyr who was nearly unkillable, is the female manifestation of Changó. She is celebrated in Cuba and Puerto Rico on December 4. 🇨🇺 🇵🇷

Argentine Tango Dance Party

Tango La Nacional, New York City’s most traditional and longest-running milonga (tango dance party), is at La Nacional, the old Spanish social club in Chelsea, Manhattan; on Thursdays, with an intermediate lesson at 7pm, dancing at 8pm, gets busy at 9pm, performances around 11pm, and “El Choclo” (last dance) around 2am. $25. 🇦🇷

Friday, December 5, 2025

World Soccer

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw that determines which teams will play each other in the opening Group Stage, is at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on Friday, December 5, 2025. North America 🇨🇦 🇨🇼 🇭🇹 🇲🇽 🇵🇦 🇺🇸 South America 🇦🇷 🇧🇷 🇨🇴 🇪🇨 🇵🇾 🇺🇾 Africa 🇩🇿 🇨🇻 🇪🇬 🇬🇭 🇨🇮 🇲🇦 🇸🇳 🇿🇦 🇹🇳 Europe 🇫🇷 🇵🇹 🇪🇸

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts an era under new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 7:30pm. From $45. 🇺🇸

Israeli Cuban Contemporary Dance

Ephrat Asherie Dance, led by the Israeli-born, New York b-girl (breaker) and Bessie Award Winner, is joined by multiple Grammy-winning Cuban American jazz pianist Arturo O’Farrill in “Shadow Cities,” a reflection on what it means to be multicultural in America today; at The Joyce Theater in Chelsea, Manhattan; on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 7:30pm. From $57. 🇮🇱 🇨🇺

Saturday, December 6, 2025

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts an era under new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 2pm & 7:30pm. From $45. 🇺🇸

Israeli Cuban Contemporary Dance

Ephrat Asherie Dance, led by the Israeli-born, New York b-girl (breaker) and Bessie Award Winner, is joined by multiple Grammy-winning Cuban American jazz pianist Arturo O’Farrill in “Shadow Cities,” a reflection on what it means to be multicultural in America today; at The Joyce Theater in Chelsea, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 2pm & 7:30pm. From $57. 🇮🇱 🇨🇺

Dominican Theatre

“En el tiempo de las mariposas,” is the story of the Dominican Mirabal Sisters “Las Mariposas,” who supported a rebellion until they were murdered by the dictator Trujillo. Adapted by Caridad Svich from the Julia Álvarez novel, and directed by José Zayas. In Spanish with subtitles at Repertorio Español in Kips Bay, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 7pm. From $28. 🇩🇴

Puerto Rican Holiday Salsa

Spanish Harlem Orchestra with Oscar Hernández plays a Puerto Rican holiday salsa concert featuring Grammy-nominated vocalist Hermán Olivera and Puerto Rico’s “Master of the Cuatro” Edwin Colón Zayas; in the Main Theater at Hostos Center at Hostos Community College in Mott Haven, The Bronx; on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 8pm. From $35. 🇵🇷

Oscar Hernández’ Spanish Harlem Orchestra is one of today’s leading salsa orchestras. They play 1970s style New York salsa dura, and all of their songs are danceable. Puerto Rico’s holiday music is strongly influenced by música jíbara (Puerto Rican country music), for which you need a great cuatro player like Zayas.

[Iroko “Kíko” Keith ~ I can’t get the cuatro out of my head now. Now I hear coquí. Ay, bendito, ponme el arbolito, y da’ me un coquito, vamos a gozar, WEPA!]

Dominican Dembow

Mega Bash by Alex Sensation goes Dominican as “El Teteo de Dembow” with El Alfa, Lapiz Conciente, Yalin La Mas Viral, La Insuperable, Crazy Design, Vakero, Donaty, Lomiiel, Yaisel LM and more; at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey; on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 8pm (7pm doors). From $71. 🇩🇴

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Israeli Cuban Contemporary Dance

Ephrat Asherie Dance, led by the Israeli-born, New York b-girl (breaker) and Bessie Award Winner, is joined by multiple Grammy-winning Cuban American jazz pianist Arturo O’Farrill in “Shadow Cities,” a reflection on what it means to be multicultural in America today; at The Joyce Theater in Chelsea, Manhattan; on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 2pm. From $57. 🇮🇱 🇨🇺

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts an era under new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 2pm & 7pm. From $45. 🇺🇸

Colombian Festival

Día de las Velitas, the Colombian festival of lights, commemorates the people’s anticipation that the Church would recognize the divinity of the Virgin Mary (and thereby all women) on the eve of the acceptance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 7, 1854. Her veneration didn’t come from the Church, it came from the people. Think about it. When you are hurt, who do you turn to, the Sky Father or the Earth Mother? 🇨🇴

Spanish Theatre

“La Ternura,” Alfredo Sanzol’s reality-showish Shakespearean Spanish comedy about three women trying to avoid the domination of men on a desert island, is directed by Leyma López. It’s in Spanish with subtitles at Repertorio Español in Kips Bay, Manhattan; on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 3pm. From $28. 🇪🇸

Argentine Tango Dance Party

El Destino milonga draws brings some of NYC’s best Argentine tango dancers to Solas Bar in Manhattan’s East Village; on Sundays from 6-11pm. From $20. 🇦🇷 🇺🇾

Latin Jazz

Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra plays Latin jazz at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan; on Sundays at 8:30pm & 10:30pm (Doors 7:30pm & 10pm). From $36 + per person minimum. 🇨🇺

Things To Do in NYC This Week: December 8-14, 2025

Monday, December 8, 2025

Vodou Festival

Ayida-Weddo, the Sky Mother in Haitian, Surinamese, and Beninese Vodou traditions, is celebrated on December 8, syncretized with the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception. She is the partner of Damballa, the Sky Father. They are the first creations of the one supreme God Bondye. As the Rainbow Serpent, Ayida-Weddo represents creation and balance in the cycle of life. With Damballa she uses her coils to create Mother Earth. Don’t be confused by the snake imagery. Christian traditions see snakes as bad because of the Adam and Eve story, but most traditions see them as good, like the snakes on the doctor symbol. The snake is a sign of healing because it heals itself when it sheds its skin. Ayida-Weddo’s salutation is “Ayibobo” (Hallelujah). 🇧🇯 🇭🇹 🇸🇷

Marian Festival

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception marked the Roman Catholic church’s acceptance of the divinity of women on December 8, 1854. 🇮🇹

Big Band Hot Jazz

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks play big band hot jazz in the Birdland Theater at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen; on Mondays at 5:30pm (4:30pm doors) & 8:30pm (7:30pm doors). From $25. 🇮🇹

Salsa Dance Party

Latin Mondays NYC by Talia Castro-Pozo, one of NYC’s most popular salsa dance parties, is at 5th&Mad in Murray Hill, Manhattan; on Mondays. Doors open with DJs at 5pm. Salsa lesson at 7pm. Live music for dancing at 9pm and 11pm with DJs and dance shows until late. From $13. 🇨🇴 🇨🇺 🇩🇴 🇵🇦 🇵🇪 🇵🇷 🇻🇪

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Dominican Theatre

“La breve y maravillosa vida de Oscar Wao,” is Marco Antonio Rodríquez’ adaptation of Junot Díaz’ Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a New Jersey Dominican teenager who dreams of becoming a writer and finding love, but fears that he suffers from the fukú curse, a legacy of the Dominican colonizers. The story touches on many very Dominican themes including, Dominican Spanglish, the way children are raised, belief in curses, working class sexuality, politics, gender relations, racism, and police violence. It’s all tied into the wonderfully strange multicultural experience of being both Dominican and American. It’s in Spanish with subtitles at Repertorio Español in Kips Bay, Manhattan; on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 11am. $37. 🇩🇴

African American Kwanzaa Dance Theatre

Arts in Blue, the African dance collective, celebrates Kwanzaa, the African American holiday tradition, and specifically Ujima, the Kwanzaa principle of collective work and responsibility; in the Repertory Theater at Hostos Center at Hostos Community College in Mott Haven, The Bronx; on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 4pm. FREE with rsvp. 🇺🇸

Blue is a reference to traditional West African indigo blue and the Atlantic Ocean (the Kalûnga) that carried us to the Americas. Kwanzaa philosophy has a lot to offer whether you are African descendent or not. Most Latinos and Latin culture (American culture too) have African roots anyway. The principles of Kwanzaa are very much about civic duty which is something we have lost in America. In our current moment of self-inflicted national crisis, we really need to work together and be responsible for each other. So Habari Gani (the Kwanzaa greeting is basically “what’s up” in the East African language Swahili).

Vintage Hot Jazz

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks play vintage hot jazz in the Birdland Theater at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen; on Tuesdays at 5:30pm (4:30pm doors) & 8:30pm (7:30pm doors). From $25. 🇮🇹

African American Dance Theatre

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts an era under new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 7:30pm. From $45. 🇺🇸

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; nightly (including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day) from December 9, 2025 through January 4, 2026, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Puerto Rican Theatre

“La gringa” is a classic comedy about a New York Puerto Rican who visits the island and thinks she knows everything Puerto Rican. “Ay bendito.” Even though Boricuas travel back and forth a lot, Island Puerto Rican life is very different from New York Puerto Rican life. By Carmen Rivera. Directed by René Buch. It’s at Repertorio Español in Kips Bay, Manhattan; on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 11am. From $37. 🇵🇷

African American Dance Theatre

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts an era under new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 7:30pm. From $45. 🇺🇸

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Dance Festival

International Tango Day celebrates the Argentine and Uruguayan dance of love on December 11. 🇦🇷 🇺🇾 🇫🇷

Tango Legend

Carlos Gardel, the iconic tango singer and second Latin movie idol, was born in Toulouse, France, on December 11, 1890. 🇫🇷 🇦🇷

Tango Legend

Julio de Caro, the early Argentine tango composer, was born in Balvanera, Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 11, 1899. 🇦🇷

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

African American Jazz

Dave Guy plays trumpet with his sextet for Carnegie Hall Citywide at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, Manhattan; on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 7:30pm. FREE. 🇺🇸

Argentine Tango Dance Party

Tango La Nacional, New York City’s most traditional and longest-running milonga (tango dance party), is at La Nacional, the old Spanish social club in Chelsea, Manhattan; on Thursdays, with an intermediate lesson at 7pm, dancing at 8pm, gets busy at 9pm, performances around 11pm, and “El Choclo” (last dance) around 2am. $25. 🇦🇷

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

Mexican Festival

Many Mexican American families celebrate Las Mañanitas a Nuestra Virgen de Guadalupe, the Mexican birthday tradition applied to Our Lady of Guadalupe, on the eve of her appearance. 🇲🇽

Friday, December 12, 2025

Mexico’s Patron Saint

By tradition, the Marian apparition known as the Virgin of Guadalupe, appeared on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City on December 12, 1531. The patron saint of Mexico represents the fusion of Indigenous and European peoples and culture. That’s the story of the Americas where she is also patroness. Guadalupe is one of the saints who has become a unifying figure and part of Mexican identity. There is some controversy about whether the apparition was real or made up by the Church, but it doesn’t matter. Guadalupe is iconic and the people love her. 🇲🇽

Iroko “Kíko” Keith ~ After seeing a Marian apparition (with my entire family), I could no longer deny such things and wondered who my saint might be. I choose Guadalupe because I’m multiracial and multicultural, and she represents cultural fusion. Years later Guadalupe came to me in a dream. She said, “Christmas isn’t about him, and it’s not about me. It’s about something bigger, Mother Earth.” Wow, but I think she is right. Most of the holidays are based on Winter Solstice which is for everyone. So in whatever way makes sense to you, Happy Holidays. ¡Felices Fiestas!

Kenya Independence Day

Jamhuri Day, Kenya Independence Day, celebrates the restoration of independence on December 12, 1964. 🇰🇪

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

Salsa & Bachata Dancing

Piel Canela Latin Dance Social with DJ CocoTaso is at Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, Manhattan; on Friday, December 12, 2025. Doors 6pm. Salsa Partnerwork Class 6:30pm. Bachata Partnerwork Class 7:30pm. Piel Canela Dance Company performances 8:30pm. Then dancing! $15. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/DSGK5tyEgMh/ 🇵🇷

Puerto Rican Salsa

Tito Nieves “50th Anniversary Tour” brings Puerto Rican salsa to the Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth, New Jersey; on Friday, February 12, 2025 at 8pm. From $59. 🇵🇷

Nigerian Afrobeats

Burna Boy “No Sign of Weakness Tour” brings Grammy-winning Nigerian afrobeats to Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey; on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 8:30pm. From $60. 🇳🇬

Saturday, December 13, 2025

Mexican Ballet Folklorico Holidays

“Navidad: A Mexican-American Christmas,” by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company is a Mexican American “Nutcracker;” at Flushing Town Hall in Flushing, Queens; on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 2-5pm. $15. 🇲🇽

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸


Sunday, December 14, 2025

Jewish Festival

Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, begins at sundown on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Hanukkah Sameach! 🕎

Puerto Rican Holiday Music & Dance

Los Pleneros de la 21 celebrate La Gran Fiesta Navideña; in the Crystal Ballroom at Taíno Towers in “El Barrio” East Harlem, Manhattan, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2:30-9:30pm. From $26, $166 for a table. 🇵🇷

Argentine Tango Dance Party

El Destino milonga draws brings some of NYC’s best Argentine tango dancers to Solas Bar in Manhattan’s East Village; on Sundays from 6-11pm. From $20. 🇦🇷 🇺🇾

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

Centro Español

Pedro Giraudo plays Argentine tango for dancing at the Bailemos milonga at Centro Español in Astoria, Queens; on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 7:30pm. From $25. 🇦🇷

Latin Jazz

Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra plays Latin jazz at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan; on Sundays at 8:30pm & 10:30pm (Doors 7:30pm & 10pm). From $36 + per person minimum. 🇨🇺

Things To Do in NYC This Week: December 15-21, 2025

Monday, December 15, 2025

Big Band Hot Jazz

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks play big band hot jazz in the Birdland Theater at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen; on Mondays at 5:30pm (4:30pm doors) & 8:30pm (7:30pm doors). From $25. 🇮🇹

Salsa Dance Party

Latin Mondays NYC by Talia Castro-Pozo, one of NYC’s most popular salsa dance parties, is at 5th&Mad in Murray Hill, Manhattan; on Mondays. Doors open with DJs at 5pm. Salsa lesson at 7pm. Live music for dancing at 9pm and 11pm with DJs and dance shows until late. From $13. 🇨🇴 🇨🇺 🇩🇴 🇵🇦 🇵🇪 🇵🇷 🇻🇪

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Film

The 98th Oscars 2026 Academy Awards shortlist of 15 films will be announced on December 16, 2025.

Puerto Rican Theatre

“BURNED,” by Alejandra Ramos Riera, is an interactive play (the audience chooses the ending) about the burnout and challenges faced by a Bronx hospital worker during the pandemic. It seeks to raise a conversation about the mental health issues that many New Yorkers are facing. Most of us live in our own bubble, but it’s important to know that you are not alone. The best antidote is community which you can find at Pregones PRTT in Concourse, The Bronx; on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 11am and 1pm. FREE with RSVP. 🇵🇷

Vintage Hot Jazz

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks play vintage hot jazz in the Birdland Theater at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen; on Tuesdays at 5:30pm (4:30pm doors) & 8:30pm (7:30pm door). From $25. 🇮🇹

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Puerto Rican Theatre

“BURNED,” by Alejandra Ramos Riera, is an interactive play (the audience chooses the ending) about the burnout and challenges faced by a Bronx hospital worker during the pandemic. It seeks to raise a conversation about the mental health issues that many New Yorkers are facing. Most of us live in our own bubble, but it’s important to know that you are not alone. The best antidote is community which you can find at Pregones PRTT in Concourse, The Bronx; on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 11am and 1pm. FREE with RSVP. 🇵🇷

Big Band Holiday Jazz

Big Band Holidays with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is a New York holiday tradition. This season is directed by JLCO trombonist Chris Crenshaw, featuring vocalist Shenel Johns and Sarah Vaughn International Jazz Vocal Competition winner Kate Kortum. Swing on into the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center at Columbus Circle, Manhattan; on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 7pm. Through Sunday. From $52. 🇺🇸

Italian Pop Opera

Andrea Bocelli sings a holiday concert of Italian pop opera; at Madison Square Garden in Chelsea, Manhattan; on Wednesday-Thursday, December 17-18, 2025 at 8pm. From $119. 🇮🇹 🎄

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Puerto Rican Holiday Jazz Parranda (Daytime)

Papo Vázquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours play Holiday Jazz and a Latin Jazz Parranda featuring Camille Thurman on sax and vocals; in the Repertory Theater at Hostos Center at Hostos Community College in Mott Haven, The Bronx; on Thursday, December, 2025 at 11am & 12:30 pm. Free with RSVP. (See also Sunday) 🇵🇷

Puerto Rican Theatre

“BURNED,” by Alejandra Ramos Riera, is an interactive play (the audience chooses the ending) about the burnout and challenges faced by a Bronx hospital worker during the pandemic. It seeks to raise a conversation about the mental health issues that many New Yorkers are facing. Most of us live in our own bubble, but it’s important to know that you are not alone. The best antidote is community which you can find at Pregones PRTT in Concourse, The Bronx; on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 1pm. FREE with RSVP. 🇵🇷

Latin Jazz Holidays

Eugene Marlow’s Heritage Ensemble “A Not So Silent Night” is a holiday jazz program that blends Christian, Jewish, Latin, and classical traditions into jazz in a very New York way; at the Bronx Music Hall in Melrose, The Bronx; on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 7pm. The Bronx Music Hall Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble directed by Bobby Sanabria opens at 6pm. $15. 🇺🇸

Dr. Eugene Marlow is an American composer, author, and Senior Professor of Journalism and Writing at Baruch College (CUNY). He is a polymath who is super smart and good at everything he does. He is a great arranger. Like his drummer Bobby Sanabria, Dr. Marlow brings many traditions together in a wonderful way. Both of these artists are the kind of people you dream of having as your mentor. Go and meet them. Ask them to show you polyrhythms and see what happens.

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

Big Band Holiday Jazz

Big Band Holidays with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is a New York holiday tradition. This season is directed by JLCO trombonist Chris Crenshaw, featuring vocalist Shenel Johns and Sarah Vaughn International Jazz Vocal Competition winner Kate Kortum. Swing on into the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center at Columbus Circle, Manhattan; on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 7:30pm. From $52. 🇺🇸

Italian Pop Opera

Andrea Bocelli sings a holiday concert of Italian pop opera; at Madison Square Garden in Chelsea, Manhattan; onThursday, December 18, 2025 at 8pm. From $119. 🇮🇹 🎄

Argentine Tango Dance Party

Tango La Nacional, New York City’s most traditional and longest-running milonga (tango dance party), is at La Nacional, the old Spanish social club in Chelsea, Manhattan; on Thursdays, with an intermediate lesson at 7pm, dancing at 8pm, gets busy at 9pm, performances around 11pm, and “El Choclo” (last dance) around 2am. $25. 🇦🇷

Friday, December 19, 2025

Colombian Standup Comedy

“Más sabe el Saulo por viejo” is Colombian comic Saulo García’s latest standup comedy show. It’s directed by Juan Carlos Talero in Spanish at Repertorio Español in Kips Bay, Manhattan; on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7pm. Continues through Sunday, and Friday-Sunday, December 26-28, 2025. From $28. 🇨🇴

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era with a Jawole Willa Jo Zollar/Samantha Figgins/Chalvar Montiero World Premiere, plus Lar Lubovitch, Elisa Monte, and Ronald K. Brown; at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7:30pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Big Band Holiday Jazz

Big Band Holidays with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is a New York holiday tradition. This season is directed by JLCO trombonist Chris Crenshaw, featuring vocalist Shenel Johns and Sarah Vaughn International Jazz Vocal Competition winner Kate Kortum. Swing on into the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center at Columbus Circle, Manhattan; on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 7:30pm. From $52. 🇺🇸

Dominican Dembow

La Insuperable sings Dominican dembow at Salsa Con Fuego Dominican lounge in Fordham Manor, The Bronx; on Friday, December 19, 2025 late (10pm doors). Ladies free before midnight. $14. 🇩🇴

Saturday, December 20, 2025

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era with a program of Ailey Classics including “Revelations;” at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Big Band Holiday Jazz

Big Band Holidays with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is a New York holiday tradition. This season is directed by JLCO trombonist Chris Crenshaw, featuring vocalist Shenel Johns and Sarah Vaughn International Jazz Vocal Competition winner Kate Kortum. Swing on into the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center at Columbus Circle, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 2pm & 7:30pm. From $52. 🇺🇸

Colombian Standup Comedy

“Más sabe el Saulo por viejo” is Colombian comic Saulo García’s latest standup comedy show. It’s directed by Juan Carlos Talero in Spanish at Repertorio Español in Kips Bay, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 7pm. From $28. 🇨🇴

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era with an All New Works program of world premieres by Majia García, Matthew Neenan, Jamar Roberts, and Fredrick Earl Mosley; at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 7pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Longest Night of the Year

It’s Winter Solstice, the ancient root of the Holiday Season.

Big Band Holiday Jazz

Big Band Holidays with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is a New York holiday tradition. This season is directed by JLCO trombonist Chris Crenshaw, featuring vocalist Shenel Johns and Sarah Vaughn International Jazz Vocal Competition winner Kate Kortum. Swing on into the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center at Columbus Circle, Manhattan; on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 2pm & 5:30pm. From $52. 🇺🇸

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era with a Jawole Willa Jo Zollar/Samantha Figgins/Chalvar Montiero World Premiere, plus Lar Lubovitch, Elisa Monte, and Ronald K. Brown; at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 2pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Puerto Rican Holiday Jazz Parranda

Papo Vázquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours play a Holiday Jazz Parranda featuring Camille Thurman on sax and vocals, Joe Locke on vibes, and Alvin Medina on cuatro; in the Repertory Theater at Hostos Center at Hostos Community College in Mott Haven, The Bronx; on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 3pm. $15, Students/Children $5. 🇵🇷

The parranda is a Puerto Rican holiday tradition of making a surprise party at a neighbor’s house, then taking it to another neighbor’s house, and so on all night long. It’s a reenactment of the Biblical tradition of Joseph and Mary looking for shelter on the night before the birth of Christ. It doesn’t happen much in Puerto Rico any more, where the tradition has evolved into car caravans. We should keep our traditions alive in whatever way we can.

Colombian Standup Comedy

“Más sabe el Saulo por viejo” is Colombian comic Saulo García’s latest standup comedy show. It’s directed by Juan Carlos Talero in Spanish at Repertorio Español in Kips Bay, Manhattan; on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 3pm. From $28. 🇨🇴

Argentine Tango Dance Party

El Destino milonga draws brings some of NYC’s best Argentine tango dancers to Solas Bar in Manhattan’s East Village; on Sundays from 6-11pm. From $20. 🇦🇷 🇺🇾

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era with a program of Ailey Classics including “Revelations;” at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 7pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

Latin Jazz

Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra plays Latin jazz at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan; on Sundays at 8:30pm & 10:30pm (Doors 7:30pm & 10pm). From $36 + per person minimum. 🇨🇺

Things To Do in NYC This Week: December 22-28, 2025

Monday, December 22, 2025

Big Band Hot Jazz

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks play big band hot jazz in the Birdland Theater at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen; on Mondays at 5:30pm (4:30pm doors) & 8:30pm (7:30pm doors). From $25. 🇮🇹

Salsa Dance Party

Latin Mondays NYC by Talia Castro-Pozo, one of NYC’s most popular salsa dance parties, is at 5th&Mad in Murray Hill, Manhattan; on Mondays. Doors open with DJs at 5pm. Salsa lesson at 7pm. Live music for dancing at 9pm and 11pm with DJs and dance shows until late. From $13. 🇨🇴 🇨🇺 🇩🇴 🇵🇦 🇵🇪 🇵🇷 🇻🇪

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Vintage Hot Jazz

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks play vintage hot jazz in the Birdland Theater at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen; on Tuesdays at 5:30pm (4:30pm doors) & 8:30pm (7:30pm door). From $25. 🇮🇹

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era with a program of world premieres by Majia García, Matthew Neenan, Jamar Roberts, and Fredrick Earl Mosley; at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 7:30pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Holidays

It’s Christmas Eve / Noche Buena.

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era with a program of world premieres by Majia García, Matthew Neenan, Jamar Roberts, and Fredrick Earl Mosley; at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 2pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era with a program of world premieres by Majia García, Matthew Neenan, Jamar Roberts, and Fredrick Earl Mosley; at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 7:30pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Holidays

It’s Christmas, the traditional birthday of Christ. Merry Christmas! 🎄

Argentine Tango Dance Party

Tango La Nacional, New York City’s most traditional and longest-running milonga (tango dance party), is at La Nacional, the old Spanish social club in Chelsea, Manhattan; on Thursdays, with an intermediate lesson at 7pm, dancing at 8pm, gets busy at 9pm, performances around 11pm, and “El Choclo” (last dance) around 2am. $25. 🇦🇷

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

Friday, December 26, 2025

African American Holidays

Kwanzaa, the African American holiday that was started in New York City, begins with a family celebration of Umoja ~ Unity. Habari Gani?

Colombian Standup Comedy

“Más sabe el Saulo por viejo” is Colombian comic Saulo García’s latest standup comedy show. It’s directed by Juan Carlos Talero in Spanish at Repertorio Español in Kips Bay, Manhattan; on Friday, December 26, 2025 at 7pm. From $28. 🇨🇴

Puerto Rican Jazz

Carlos Henriquez Nonet, led by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra bassist, plays New York Puerto Rican jazz from his latest album, “A Nuyorican Tale;” at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center; on Friday, December 26, 2025; at 7pm & 9pm (6pm & 8:30pm doors). Through Tuesday. $65 ($25 valid student ID) + $25 per person food and beverage minimum. 🇵🇷

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Friday, December 26, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era; at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Friday, December 26, 2025 at 7:30pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Saturday, December 27, 2025

African American Holidays

Kwanzaa, the African American holiday that was started in New York City, continues with Kujichagulia ~ Self-Determination. Habari Gani?

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era with a Family Matinee; at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 2pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Colombian Standup Comedy

“Más sabe el Saulo por viejo” is Colombian comic Saulo García’s latest standup comedy show. It’s directed by Juan Carlos Talero in Spanish at Repertorio Español in Kips Bay, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 7pm. From $28. 🇨🇴

Puerto Rican Jazz

Carlos Henriquez Nonet, led by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra bassist, plays New York Puerto Rican jazz from his latest album, “A Nuyorican Tale;” at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center; on Saturday, December 27, 2025; at 7pm & 9pm (6pm & 8:30pm doors). Through Tuesday. $65 ($25 valid student ID) + $25 per person food and beverage minimum. 🇵🇷

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era with an All New Works program; at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 7:30pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Holidays Opera

Christmas Night Opera with Nadine Sierra, Sondra Radvanovsky, Thomas Hampson, Asmik Grigorian, Brian Jagde, and Anita Monserrat; is a holiday opera concert on the Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall in Midtown, Manhattan; on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 8pm. From $61. 🇮🇹 🇵🇹 🇵🇷

African American Hip Hop

Fabolous raps African American hip hop at Salsa Con Fuego Dominican lounge in Fordham Manor, The Bronx; on Saturday, December 27, 2025 late (10pm doors). From $29. 🇺🇸

Sunday, December 28, 2025

African American Holidays

Kwanzaa, the African American holiday that was started in New York City, continues with Ujima ~ Collective Work and Responsibility. Habari Gani?

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era with an Ailey Classics program; at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 2pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

African American Kwanzaa Dance Theatre

Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theater presents a Kwanzaa Regeneration Celebration of African and Diasporic dance featuring FIYAA (Forces Incredible Youth Arts Alliance) and choreography by Jay Ponder; in the Main Theater at Hostos Center at Hostos College in Mott Haven, The Bronx; on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 3pm. From $25. 🇺🇸

Abdel Salaam also produces DanceAfrica at BAM on Memorial Day, one of the leading African and Afro dance festivals in America. Forces of Nature is code for the Orishas (los Santos) in Yoruba and other West and Central African traditions. Mother Earth renews her annual cycle on the Winter Solstice, and her people renew themselves with holiday celebrations. When Forces of Nature performs, watch for the special moment when drummers pray before the show. It’s important that Salaam includes children in the performance in the same way that “The Nutcracker” introduces young dancers to the ballet stage. He is not just teaching dance, he is offering a world view. This is not just a show, because in many traditions dance is how we pray. ¡Aché!

Colombian Standup Comedy

“Más sabe el Saulo por viejo” is Colombian comic Saulo García’s latest standup comedy show. It’s directed by Juan Carlos Talero in Spanish at Repertorio Español in Kips Bay, Manhattan; on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 3pm. From $28. 🇨🇴

Argentine Tango Dance Party

El Destino milonga draws brings some of NYC’s best Argentine tango dancers to Solas Bar in Manhattan’s East Village; on Sundays from 6-11pm. From $20. 🇦🇷 🇺🇾

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era; at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 7pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Puerto Rican Jazz

Carlos Henriquez Nonet, led by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra bassist, plays New York Puerto Rican jazz from his latest album, “A Nuyorican Tale;” at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center; on Sunday, December 28, 2025; at 7pm & 9pm (6pm & 8:30pm doors). Through Tuesday. $65 ($25 valid student ID) + $25 per person food and beverage minimum. 🇵🇷

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

Latin Jazz

Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra plays Latin jazz at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan; on Sundays at 8:30pm & 10:30pm (Doors 7:30pm & 10pm). From $36 + per person minimum. 🇨🇺

Things To Do in NYC This Week: December 29-31, 2025

Monday, December 29, 2025

African American Holidays

Kwanzaa, the African American holiday that was started in New York City, continues with a family celebration of Ujamaa ~ Cooperative Economics. Habari Gani?

Big Band Hot Jazz

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks play big band hot jazz in the Birdland Theater at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen; on Mondays at 5:30pm (4:30pm doors) & 8:30pm (7:30pm doors). From $25. 🇮🇹

Salsa Dance Party

Latin Mondays NYC by Talia Castro-Pozo, one of NYC’s most popular salsa dance parties, is at 5th&Mad in Murray Hill, Manhattan; on Mondays. Doors open with DJs at 5pm. Salsa lesson at 7pm. Live music for dancing at 9pm and 11pm with DJs and dance shows until late. From $13. 🇨🇴 🇨🇺 🇩🇴 🇵🇦 🇵🇪 🇵🇷 🇻🇪

Puerto Rican Jazz

Carlos Henriquez Nonet, led by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra bassist, plays New York Puerto Rican jazz from his latest album, “A Nuyorican Tale;” at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center; on Monday, December 29, 2025; at 7pm & 9pm (6pm & 8:30pm doors). Through Tuesday. $65 ($25 valid student ID) + $25 per person food and beverage minimum. 🇵🇷

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

African American Holidays

Kwanzaa, the African American holiday that was started in New York City, continues with a family celebration of Nia ~ Purpose. Habari Gani?

Vintage Hot Jazz

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks play vintage hot jazz in the Birdland Theater at Birdland jazz club in Hell’s Kitchen; on Tuesdays at 5:30pm (4:30pm doors) & 8:30pm (7:30pm door). From $25. 🇮🇹

Puerto Rican Jazz

Carlos Henriquez Nonet, led by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra bassist, plays New York Puerto Rican jazz from his latest album, “A Nuyorican Tale;” at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center; on Tuesday, December 30, 2025; at 7pm & 9pm (6pm & 8:30pm doors). Through Tuesday. $65 ($25 valid student ID) + $25 per person food and beverage minimum. 🇵🇷

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era with an All New Works program; at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 7:30pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Holidays

It’s New Year’s Eve!

African American Holidays

It’s Watch Night, the African American tradition of waiting in church for the Emancipation Proclamation to take effect on New Year’s Eve, January 1, 1863.

African American Holidays

Kwanzaa, the African American holiday that was started in New York City, continues with a family celebration of Kuumba ~ Creativity. Habari Gani?

African American Modern Dance

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the African American dance company that popularized modern dance around the world, starts the Alicia Graf Mack Era; at New York City Center in Midtown, Manhattan; on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 2pm. From $45. 🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇴 🇫🇷 🇬🇫

Jazz Pop

Chris Botti, the Italian American trumpet player who is one of the world’s most popular jazz instrumentalists, and has crossed over into jazz pop, plays his 21st Annual Holiday Residency at The Blue Note jazz club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 7pm and 9:30pm. From $89. 🇺🇸

Puerto Rican Jazz New Year’s Eve

Carlos Henriquez Nonet, led by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra bassist, plays New York Puerto Rican jazz from his latest album, “A Nuyorican Tale” at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center; on Wednesday, December 31, 2025; at 7:30pm & 11pm (6pm & 10pm doors). Table $350 + $25 per person food and beverage minimum. 🇵🇷 🥳

Dominican New Year’s Eve

La Fruta, the Dominican influencer, lights up New Year’s Eve at Salsa Con Fuego Dominican lounge in Fordham Manor, The Bronx; on Friday, December 31, 2025 late with 10pm doors. From $24. 🇩🇴

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