Monday, Dec. 7
Where: Brookfield Place Winter Garden Atrium, 230 Vesey St., Battery Park City
When: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., through Jan. 10.
See a colorful canopy of 650 interactive lanterns glow at the Winter Garden. Several choreographed light shows are scheduled daily, and special “wishing wells” allow visitors to change and play with the lights themselves.
► BK Society of Draftsman, Drink and Draw
Where: Brooklyn Fire Proof, 119 Ingraham St., Williamsburg
When: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The BK Society of Draftsman hosts weekly figure drawing sessions. It costs $15 if you come alone, $10 if you bring a friend.
Where: Greater Astoria Historical Society, 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, Astoria
When: 7 p.m.
Join the Greater Astoria Historical Society for a lecture on the history of pasta maker Ronzoni — which got its start in Long Island City — presented by the founder of the company’s great grandson. The free event will also include holiday festivities, including a performance by Natalia the Sawlady and a reading of “A Visit By St. Nick.”
► Marines and Drag Queens Host Boots and Saddle’s Annual Toys for Tots Party
Where: Boots and Saddle, 100A Seventh Ave. South, West Village
When: 7 p.m.
This year’s Toys for Tots drive is Boots and Saddle’s 11th, but the first in its still-new home in the old Actors Playhouse building. Marines will be on site to “auction off” cocktails they make, and loads of drag performances are in store, as in years past. Toys and cash donations will go to the U.S. Marine Reserves organization that gives holiday presents for kids to parents who can’t afford to buy them.
► Buying into Brooklyn: Pro Tips on Home Buying
Where: Brooklyn Brewery, 79 N. 11th St., Williamsburg
When: 7:30 p.m.
Buying a home in Brooklyn might seem daunting to the average buyer but a panel of experts will lead buyers through the process at Brooklyn Based’s upcoming crash course. The discussion will feature advice from real estate agents, attorneys and mortgage brokers. Tickets are $10 in advance.
Tuesday, Dec. 8
► New York, New York Music Series
Where: Bloomingdale School of Music, 323 W. 108th St., Upper West Side
When: 7 p.m.
This concert, part of the New York, New York series showcases works by American composers who lived and worked in New York City, including including Copland, Ives, Previn, and Del Tredici.
► Marcus Garvey Park Alliance Winter Concert
Where: Pelham Fritz Rec Center at Mount Morris Park West and 122nd St., Central Harlem
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The annual winter celebration will have a performances from Vy Higginsen's Gospel for Teens Choir and a special award to honor the Franciscan Handmaids of Mary who are turning 100 this year. There will also be a tree lighting ceremony and light refreshments.
► Madison Square Park Tree Lighting
Where: Madison Square Park, Flatiron
When: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Come get into the holiday spirit candy cane reindeer crafting, musical performances, and treats from local businesses, all leading up to the lighting of the park’s Christmas tree.
Wednesday, Dec. 9
► Holiday Centerpiece Workshop
Where: Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Ave., Flushing
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn to create centerpieces for the holidays at this hands-on workshop. Participants will work with different varieties of greens, ribbons, and decorative materials and will be able to take home their creations. Tickets are $15 (includes materials). Call 718-359 6227 to reserve a spot.
► Poetry and Art Celebrating the Birth of Jesus: an Art Slide Lecture
Where: Wallace Hall, The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Ave., Upper East Side
When: 7:30 p.m.
View “stirring” visual portrayals of the birth of Jesus during a presentation by Father Leo J. O’Donovan of Georgetown University, who will examine how the incarnation has affected history.
► East Village Holiday Shopping Night
Where: Various locations
When: Shopping all day, party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Despite the event’s name, the discounts and specials offered by more than a dozen local businesses will last all day. The event, hosted by the East Village Community Coalition and the East Village Independent Merchants Association, also includes a free holiday party at Ballaro Vino & Svelte, located at 77 Second Ave., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 10
► Long Island City Holiday Lighting
Where: LIC Bar, 45-58 Vernon Blvd., LIC
When: 5 p.m.
Celebrate the start of the holiday season as local business improvement district LIC Partnership turns on the neighborhood’s festive lights. The ceremony will include drinks, caroling and storytelling.
► Figure Drawing at Shoestring Press
Where: Shoestring Press, 663 Classon Ave., Crown Heights
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Try your hand at drawing the human body at this weekly sketch class. The event is $15 a person, or $10 a person if you bring a friend. After the drawing class, stay for dinner served at the arts space where the event takes place.
► Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Where: Bruce’s Garden, Isham Park across from 10 Park Terrace East, Inwood
When: 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The annual tree lighting celebration continues at Bruce’s Garden in Inwood. This year’s expected guests include Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chirlane McCray, Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, and Uptown’s own state Sen. Adriano Espaillat, Assemblyman Guillermo Linares and Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez. This year’s event flyer was designed by local 12-year-old, Ella Maré.
► Opening Reception for 440 Gallery’s Small Works Show
Where: 440 Gallery, 440 Sixth Ave., Park Slope
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This year’s version of the small works show will feature 80 works, all under 12 inches wide. Viewers can vote for the crowd favorite by liking works on the 400 Gallery Facebook page.
Where: The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, East 68th St., Upper East Side
When: 7 p.m.
Set in 1895, Dances Patrelle’s “The Yorkville Nutcracker,” features lavish sets and costumes and takes the audience on a tour of the city’s landmarks with its sets, including a party at Gracie Mansion, dancing at the Crystal Palace in the New York Botanical Garden, and skating in Central Park.
Where: Inkwell Jazz and Comedy Cafe, 1165 Bedford Ave., Bed-Stuy
When: Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
Comedians from all over the country will gather at this comedy fest hosted and produced by A.G. White and Mike Troy. Tickets are two for $20.
► "When You Got It, You Got It" Opening Reception
Where: Gallery House, 272 Clinton Ave., Clinton Hill
When: Thursday, 7:30 to 11 p.m.
Gallery House presents a new group exhibition showcasing work by trans, working-class and other marginalized queer artists and performers. Original works will be raffled off, with proceeds going to the Queer Detainee Empowerment Project. This event is free and open to the public.
These listings were compiled by DNAinfo's reporters: Jeanmarie Evelly, Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, Irene Plagianos, Danielle Tcholokian, Emily Frost, Gustavo Solis, Noah Hurowitz, Gwynne Hogan, Nikhita Venugopal, Shaye Weaver, Lisha Arino, Leslie Albrecht, Camille Bautista, Alexandra Leon, and Carolina Pichardo.
