Weekly roundup (December 31)
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December 31, 2025 | Issue #139
NYC FOR FREE WEEKLY ROUNDUP
Note from Rebeka:
It’s the last day of 2025, and what a year its been! This upcoming week is all about celebrating New Year’s and kicking off 2026 strong: Watch the iconic ball drop in Times Square, catch fireworks in Prospect Park or head to one of plenty NYE parties at bars across NYC with no cover. Looking forward to tons of amazing events and pop-ups in 2026!
– Rebeka
FEATURED EVENTS (THIS WEEK):
🎉New Year's Eve in Times Square (December 31): Wwatch the iconic ball drop on New Year’s Eve - just get there early!
🎆New Years Fireworks in Prospect Park (December 31): Ring in the New Year with Brooklyn’s most spectacular fireworks display at Grand Army Plaza.
🎊Free / No Cover NYE Events (December 31): From a midnight bike ride to parties with no cover and free champagne toasts, we’ve got you covered for New Year’s Eve plans without spending a ton of $!
🌊Coney Island New Year’s Day Polar Plunge (January 1): Plunge into the new year with the oldest winter bathing club in the United States.
🍎Zohran Mamdani Inauguration Block Party (January 1): Join the celebration of New York City’s new mayor with a block party along Broadway, with music and viewing of the ceremony.
🍲Free Soup Joumou at BunNan (January 1): BunNan is giving away free Soup Joumou to celebrate the new year. Stop by and try the iconic Haitian dish.
🥣Yakiniku Futago Oshiruko Giveaway (January 2 - 4): Yakiniku Futago will be giving away free Japanese Oshiruko, a sweet made with warm red bean soup and soft rice cakes
MORE EVENTS (THIS WEEK):
🏃🏻♀️Central Park Run Club 2026 New Years 5K (January 1)
☕️Ouma Grand Opening (January 3)
🫖Tealicious New Year Celebration (January 3)
🚂Holiday Nostalgia Rides (January 4)
👑Three Kings Day at La Marqueta (January 6)
🎬PRIMATE Advance Screening (January 7)
🖼️ES DEVLIN: CONGREGATION (through January 4)
🎡Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show 2025 (through January 4)
😆PAC-MAN Celebrates 45th Anniversary (through January 18)
🚂New York Transit Museum Holiday Train Show (through February 2026)
ON THE RADAR:
⛸️World's Largest Ice Skating Lesson (January 10): Be a part of attempting to break the Guinness World Record for largest skating lesson on the iconic Wollman Rink in Central Park!
🏝️PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION Summer Dome (January 10 - 11): You are invited to the PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION Summer Dome, an immersive, pop-up experience that will transport you to warmth and escapism with photo ops, giveaways, and more
📚PJ Library Jewish Children's Book Festival (January 11): Spend the day immersed in the magic of Jewish storytelling! Children of all ages are invited to pick up free PJ Library books, meet storybook authors, explore creative workshops, enjoy hands-on crafts, and dance along to live music.
MISC, RECURRING & DEALS:
🍴 $10 on Seated: Earn money back on every meal (sometimes up to 30%) with Seated that you can convert to gift cards, including a $10 bonus when you sign up!
🖼️Free Museums: Most major museums have dedicated days & hours where there is free entry every week/month!
🙇🏽♀️ Get $225 for a Focus Group: Earn $225 in rewards to help to shape the future of technology! Sign up for a 3 hour in-person study in Midtown Manhattan and get $225 for your time and participation.