Emily in Paris Pop Up, Santa Mail in DUMBO and New Year’s Eve Plans
We're sharing neighborhood openings, events, happenings and more.
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Here’s what’s happening this week:
✨ Local Happenings and Festivities ✨
This will be our last newsletter of 2025! We’ll be back January 8, 2026. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year.
Have a little one with a message for Santa? Drop their letter at the North Pole mailbox by the Construction Cone Tree in the DUMBO Archway Plaza. And, if their wish list can be found locally, Dumbo’s elves may even deliver an early surprise. Don’t forget to include an email address so the elves can work their holiday magic!
Swoony’s is serving brunch this month! They’re serving up Saturday brunch all month long with waffles, coffee, burgers, and all the cozy weekend vibes. Reservations HERE.
Work has started on transforming the one-story former parking garage at 38–44 State Street in Brooklyn Heights into a five-story, five-unit condo building while preserving its historic yellow-brick facade, with below-ground parking included in the plan.
Blink Fitness has been phased out following its 2024 bankruptcy, with locations rebranded as UK-based PureGym. The transition includes operational changes such as app-based entry and new enclosed security pods for member access.
Amy Schumer has sold her historic Brooklyn Heights townhouse famously used as the exterior of the “Moonstruck” house for $11 million, taking about a $1.25 million loss from what she paid in 2022 after months on the market and price cuts.
A Gowanus Business Improvement District commercial tenants meeting is scheduled for Dec. 18, 3 – 4:30 PM at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Brooklyn, where the steering committee will present the proposed BID’s boundaries, services, budget and assessments and host a Q&A for local commercial tenants.
The Brooklyn Museum has added nearly 600 new works to its collection in 2025, expanding holdings across American, African, Asian, Contemporary, Feminist, and Decorative arts in honor of its 200th anniversary. Highlights include major works by Nicole Eisenman, Fujikasa Satoko, and iconic photography by Richard Avedon and Irving Penn.
Saturn Road is hosting a winter sock drive to support Take Two NYC, helping provide our unhoused neighbors with the most-requested essential in shelters. Drop off new adult socks anytime through January 1st and spread a little comfort and care this season.
Every Sunday this month, only 2 left!! Step back in time and enjoy the New York Transit Museum’s vintage 1930s Holiday Nostalgia Train! These beautifully restored cars let you experience the magic of New York City’s past, all for the price of a regular subway fare. FREE with subway fare
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Thinking About What Comes Next? A Relaxed Real Estate Conversation for Families
Curious about finding more space in Brooklyn or Manhattan-or considering what life beyond the city could look like? Join the agents of Compass’ East Coast Network for a relaxed, info-rich conversation about lifestyle and relocation options (kids welcome!). Meet trusted agents from across the tri-state area, including Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut, Long Island, upstate New York, the Hamptons, and Palm Beach County, Florida. A laid-back gathering where kids play and adults connect.
Friday, Jan 9, 4-6:30PM at Space Club (DUMBO)
Our Top Picks
Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!
Today, December 18:
Emily in Paris Popup @ L’Appartement 4F (8:00am-4:00pm): Emily in Paris is popping up with Planet Oat for a chic morning treat. Stop by for complimentary Raspberet Lattes and raspberry croissants while supplies last. Très délicieux!!
Tree Lighting & Neighborhood Party @ 134 Sackett St (After Party @ Jalopy Tavern) (5:30pm): The Columbia Street Waterfront Association has its holiday tree lighting, bringing music, treats, and a visit from Santa to Human Compass Garden. Stick around for the afterparty at Jalopy Tavern and enjoy this neighborhood holiday tradition.
Friday, December 19:
Holiday Wine Party @ Anaïs Wine Bar (6:00pm): Enjoy a festive holiday wine party with Venture Studios Imports, featuring a guided tasting of the charming red wines of Les Valseuses. Expect holiday treats, a great playlist, and the perfect chance to explore a new lineup.
Puppetsburg: Free Kids’ Puppet Show @ Time Out Market (10:00am-11:00am): Featuring hip, handcrafted puppets and imaginative storytelling designed especially for little ones ages 4 months to 4 years, each 45-minute show offers a different adventure. With music, dancing, bubbles, dress-up moments, and even celebrity puppets like Frida Kahlo and Bob Dylan, tickets HERE.
Weekend Events:
Brooklyn Pop-Up x DUMBO Holiday Market @ 92 Plymouth St (December 20-21 11:00am-6:00pm): They’ll be taking over the Smack Mellon Gallery for a festive weekend of shopping. Browse 35+ artisans and makers from all five boroughs offering fashion, jewelry, beauty, and home goods. Details HERE.
FAD Market Holiday Pop-up @ 51 Bergen Street, St. Paul, and Empire Stores (December 20-21 11:00am-6:00pm): Here for the next 3 weekends, discover 50+ rotating local makers and artisans each weekend and find thoughtful, handcrafted gifts while supporting small businesses.
Sunday, December 21:
Yoga Flow with Shopping @ Baci Studios (4:00pm-8:00pm)*: Baci Studios is hosting the ultimate self-care and shopping afternoon, featuring a 75-minute restorative yoga class, a complimentary professional holiday portrait, live DJ, and festive treats. Your ticket also includes exclusive access to holiday collections and a $50 Baci Clothing gift card. What a perfect way to reset and get holiday-ready! Tickets HERE.
A Very Merry Brooklyn by Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra @ St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church (December 21 5:00pm)*: Celebrate the season with the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra and New York Choral Society. Expect beloved carols and festive orchestral works. Purchase tickets HERE.
Tuesday, December 23:
The Drunk Texts: A Christmas Carol @ The RAT NYC (8:00pm-10:00pm): This boozy, interactive twist on classic theatre mixes drinking games, improvisation, and audience participation. Come dressed in your holiday finest, sip along, and watch the classics unfold in ways you’ve definitely never seen before. Tickets HERE.
Book these popular events in advance:
New Year’s Eve Spots 🎉: Sticking around for New Year’s Eve? Check out these festive specials for December 31st: June Wine Bar, Congress Bar, Third Time’s The Charm, Long Island Bar, Bar56 DUMBO, Strong Rope Brewery, Bar Rêve, Café Brume, Clover Club, Time Out Market, Threes Brewing Family-Friendly Balloon Drop, Prospect Park Fireworks.
Annual Chili Cook-Off @ Strong Rope Brewery (January 11, 1:00pm-4:00pm)*: This annual Chili Cook-Off is back and competitor spots are limited, so sign up HERE by December 22 if you’re ready to bring the heat!
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Did we miss anything? Add in comments below. 👇
Neighborhood Job Board
Jobs are reviewed/updated daily, and each week we create a new job board link with the latest local listings! Sign up for Cobble Hill Collective to get the latest job board delivered to your inbox.
This week: General Manager for a new kids’ play space, Operations Associate at Center for New Jewish Culture, Stretchologists (free 1-week training provided), Social Media Creative Strategist
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