Hey neighbor,

The new year is almost here, but first we have to survive this cold - the kind of weather that makes even the pigeons look confused. The good news is you do not need to freeze on a train to Manhattan to celebrate! The party is right here in the neighborhood.

Local spots like Himalayan Yak, D’Antigua, Queensboro, Café Salamanca, Parrilladas Sunrise, La Ruana Paisa, Salvaje Social Club, El Maguey, Terraza 7, and more are all gearing up for New Year’s Eve. There are so many celebrations that I pulled them into one handy blog post (mentioned last week, but with many others added since tehn) because there was no way to squeeze them all in here.

Some regular weekly events are taking a short break (even my assistant is enjoying some well earned time off, sipping pina coladas on a beach somewhere I hope) but even with me flying solo, this newsletter never sleeps!

So let’s warm up and get into what’s cooking this week.

(the website full event calendar is on vacation this week)

This Week in Jackson Heights

December 30, 2025 – January 5, 2026

Featured Event

🎈 Happy Noon Year’s | Wed, Dec 31, 11am–12pm | Paseo Park at 34th Ave & 82nd St

The cutest countdown in Queens. A family-friendly, midday New Year’s celebration for kids who cannot make it to midnight. Expect hot chocolate, music, bubbles, confetti poppers, and lots of tiny humans yelling “Happy Noon Year” at noon. Rain or shine. All ages welcome. Free. No RSVP required.

​Read/watch more from last year’s celebration​

A place to talk, listen, and connect after 55 Join a friendly, in-person group for adults 55+ focused on conversation, support, and mental well-being. Led by a licensed provider. Register for January 10th

Tuesday, December 30

Manifestation Painting Workshop 2026 | 6–8pm | D’Antigua

Paint your 2026 dreams. Vision boards, good vibes, happy hour energy • $30 • RSVP encouraged → Sign up​

Wednesday, December 31

Happy Noon Year’s | 11am–12pm | Paseo Park

Confetti at noon. Pajamas approved. Kid-friendly countdown fun → Details​

New Year’s Eve in Jackson Heights | Evening | Multiple neighborhood spots

Too many parties to list. Zero need to leave Queens. Dinner, DJs, dancing, champagne, and vibes • RSVP varies → See the full roundup​

Thursday, January 1

El Cafetón Thursday Special | All day | Salvaje Social Club

$12 sancocho. Live cantante. Designed for hangover recovery • $12 → More info​

Helio Alves Trio. Brazilian Jazz | 7:30–8:30pm | Terraza 7

Smooth jazz. Deep grooves. Start the year classy • RSVP recommended → Tickets​

Saturday, January 3

Toastmasters International. America’s Best | 10am–12pm | NYC Health + Hospitals Elmhurst and Zoom

Practice public speaking. Supportive crowd. On time means on time • Free • Hybrid • RSVP encouraged → Join here​

Nueva York Flamenco City & Ricardo Osorio | 8–11pm | Terraza 7

Footwork, guitar, and vocals that stop conversations • RSVP recommended → Get tickets​

Sunday, January 4

Jackson Heights Greenmarket | 8am–3pm | 34th Ave & 79th–80th St

Fresh produce. Neighborhood energy. Vendors may leave early if cold → Market details​

Monday, January 5

Queens Distance Runners. Jackson Heights Community Run | 6–7:30pm | Queensboro mural

Weekly 5K. All paces welcome. No Lycra required → Run details​

Román Díaz & La Rumba de los Lunes | 7:30–10:30pm | Terraza 7

Live Afro-Cuban rumba. Dance or just soak it in • Cover applies → Event info​

Recently Moved Here? This Is a Good First Step. Just moved here, thinking about it, or simply curious to meet people nearby? Join our next newcomer meetup on Monday January 19th where we swap tips, ask questions, and get to know folks around the neighborhood. RSVP for the Meetup on Jan 19th

More to do in Queens

In partnership with events newsletter Astoria Live - another local events newsletter well worth having in your inbox

Astoria Live Astoria Live is your weekly guide to what’s happening in Astoria, Queens — from live music and comedy shows to pop-ups, classes, and community events. Sign up for the newsletter to discover local gems and connect with your neighbors every week. Subscribe​

Tuesday Evening 3.5-Mile Run | Tue Dec 30, 7–8pm | Woodside Ave & 54th St • all paces welcome • free • arrive on time → Join the run​

SWMA New Member Orientation & Monthly Social Hour | Fri Jan 2, 7–9pm | Virtual at swma.nyc/meet • learn, connect, get involved • free • RSVP encouraged → Register here​

Girls Who Walk Queens. Happy 2026 New Years Walk! | Sat Jan 3, 12–2pm | Astoria to Sunnyside • no rushing, just vibes • RSVP required → Join the waitlist (event full)

Sakai Ukulele Solo Show | Sat Jan 3, 7–9pm | Uke Hut, Sunnyside • cozy music, artsy crowd • admission applies → Event details​

Heads-up: times and places can change, so make sure you confirm event details with the organizers before you go.

High-Fives & Local Love

Shout-out to the brands keeping this newsletter going:

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Until next week - bundle up, keep it local, and remember there is absolutely no reason to cross into Manhattan when Northern Boulevard exists. From confetti at Paseo Park to late nights at your favorite neighborhood spot, I’ll see you out there!

Jonathan (JBS)