Sleigh Bells & The City: How New York Invented Christmas l The Wisdom Bar

Did New York invent Christmas? Not exactly, but it did invent how we celebrate. Expert-led lectures in bars and creative spaces across NYC.
About this Event

❄️ Do you enjoy the holidays in New York City? What do they mean to you? ❄️

🎄 What does "Christmas" mean to the majority of society in 2026 and how did NYC create that narrative?

Of course, New York didn’t really "invent Christmas", but it did invent the Christmas Americans now celebrate: domestic, child-centered, gift-giving, Santa-powered, and heavily commercial...Join us as we explore why this version of Christmas continues to work as well as what it was before. 🎄

This might be for you if you...

• Are curious about the history of the commercialization of Christmas as it centers on the city we share
• Are intrigued by the idea of learning about the culture associated with holidays in NYC
• Enjoy lecture-based and conversation-focused events of any kind — think Ted Talks in bars, Lectures on Tap, or micro learning meets dinner party
• Want to switch up your usual weeknight. Why not make it interesting? 🤓

AGENDA

6:30 PM: Doors Open

6:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Grab a Drink!

7:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Lecture Begins

7:45 PM - 8:00 PM: Q&A

8:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Meet the Speaker & Mingle

Jessie Fahay is a visionary theatre producer who has spent 17 years creating provocative productions that spark change beyond the stage. Merging artistic excellence with social impact, she pioneered a model of post-show conversations with human rights leaders and integrated philanthropy. In addition to delivering a A TEDx Talk on arts-driven advocacy, Jessie has spoken on educational affordability nationwide. As an actor/producer with an MFA and MBA, she bridges the worlds of artistic innovation and strategic leadership, proving that theatre isn't just entertainment—it's a catalyst for dialogue, empathy, and transformative action on critical human rights issues. A lifelong New Yorker and tourism industry veteran of 15+ years, she has countless stories about this city, all designed to make you think.

Agenda

🕑: 06:30 PM
Doors Open
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Grab a Drink!
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:45 PM
Lecture Begins
🕑: 07:45 PM - 08:00 PM
Q&A
🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Meet the Speaker & Mingle