The Citiblog
Around Town - Christmas Caroling, Peter & the Wolf, Quirky Cats, Be An Expert Taster and more!
December 2, 2023, 12:16.08 am ET
Photo: Bryant Park
New York City Opera Presents An Evening of Caroling at the Winter Village at Bryant Park on December 12th at 6pm. A quartet of singers from New York City Opera will perform an hour of iconic Christmas carols and holiday favorites alongside students from LaGuardia High School Show Choir, accompanied by a brass quintet featuring artists from New York City Opera Orchestra. Perfect for all ages, this free concert takes place in front of Bryant Park's iconic skating rink and can be enjoyed by skaters and visitors throughout the village.
SoHo Playhouse is announcing its December holiday programming that includes the New York premiere of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, performed by Olivier Award winner Guy Masterson (Broadway’s The Shark is Broken), and adapted and directed by Nick Hennegan, and the return of Edinburgh Fringe Award winner and two-time MAC Award nominee Daniel Cainer’s Jewish Chronicles (and other stories-in-song) – Christmas Special, his solo musical storytelling cabaret. SoHo Playhouse is located at 15 Vandam Street in New York City. For tickets visit https://www.sohoplayhouse.com.
Photo: Dan Holl
Isaac Mizrahi narrates and directs Sergei Prokofiev’s charming children’s classic, Peter & the Wolf, accompanied by Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect, conducted by Michael P. Atkinson from December 8-10. The cast, wearing costumes by Mizrahi, performs choreography by John Heginbotham, bringing the 30-minute story to life for the young and young at heart. Part of Works & Process at the Guggenheim. Tickets here.
Photo: Matt Timms
Pet Paintings return at Grand Army Bar (336 State Street, Brooklyn) on Saturday 12/2, 2pm – on. Local artist Matt Timms of All The Bad Cats will be painting custom pet portraits live on site. His quirky watercolor illustrations aim to capture each animal's individual spirit. $80 per painting and can be taken home that day. While Matt paints their pet, guests can hang out and enjoy a cocktail from their current Mean Girls-themed menu.
Photo: Boqueria
Boqueria is hosting a Cocktail Making Class (260 West 40th Street) on Sunday, 12/3 at 3pm. Guests will learn to make two of Boqueria's most popular seasonal cocktails: the Margarita de Rosas and the Caballo Alto - while enjoying a spread of Boqueria's signature tapas classics. Tickets $65, inclusive of gratuity.
Photo: Like a Local Tours
Like A Local Tours is expanding its Chelsea Market and High Line Food Tour to include the James Beard Foundation-backed Market 57. The addition of Market 57 offers visitors and locals alike the opportunity to delve deeper into New York City’s diverse food culture, and explore eateries Nom Wah known for its dim sum, and The Good Batch known for its cookies and baked goods.
Photo: Ace Hotel Brooklyn
At the Ace Hotel Brooklyn, join Leah Koenig for a Hanukkah Soiree (Wed, 12/6, 7-9pm) in celebration of her latest cookbook, Portico: Cooking and Feasting in Rome's Jewish Kitchen. Koenig and the Jewish Food Society a live taping of their award-winning storytelling podcast, Schmaltzy, and a conversation with JFS Program Director and host, Amanda Dell, about Rome’s 2000 year-old Jewish community and its uniquely delicious cuisine. After the story and conversation, attendees will sample a variety of Hanukkah-inspired dishes from the cookbook with wine or champagne. Tickets can be purchased here
Also at the Ace, learn How to Taste with author and expert taster Mandy Naglich (Mon, 12/4, 7-8:30pm). Guests will learn how to tune their senses and taste like a pro. Alongside information from her new book, How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life, Mandy will share the tips to take everyone from novice to master. Each guest will swirl, sniff, and sample a variety of bites, from whiskey to chocolate. Tickets can be purchased here.
Photo: Via Carota
Sip into the holidays with Via Carota Craft Cocktails this weekend with a pop-up gift shop at Spazio Creativo on Saturday (12/2) and Sunday (12/3)! Whether you’re waiting for a table at the eponymous West Village restaurant or on a stroll, check off holiday shopping from your to-do list with these gorgeous gift sets available for purchase, alongside complementary custom engraving and gift wrapping. For $99, each set includes two RTD cocktails accompanied by two beautiful crystal glasses for serving in style. The pop-up will be held from 11:30am – 5:30pm ET at 50 Grove Street in Manhattan.
Until next time, we'll be seeing you around town!
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