All Weekend
Where: BrickHouse Ceramic Art Center, 10-34 44th Dr., Long Island City
When: Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m, Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Stock up on unique holiday gifts, crafted by BrickHouse’s artists. Wares will include things like vases, plates, mugs, sculptures, jewelry and home accessories.
Friday, December 11
► World Amigurumi Exhibition Vol. 2 Opening Reception
Where: RESOBOX Gallery, 41-26 27th St., Long Island City
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Japanese cultural center RESOBOX will celebrate the opening of this exhibit, which explores Amigurumi, the art of crafting knit or crocheted stuffed animals and small toys, which originated in Japan but has become popular around the world. The free exhibit will contain amigurumi pieces from artists from 46 different countries, some of whom will attend the opening event. The show will be on display until Feb. 29.
Saturday, December 12
► Hands on History: Winter Wonderland
Where: King Manor Museum, Rufus Kings Park, 150th Street and Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica
When: Noon to 3 pm.
Learn about 19th century seasonal festivities and find out how the King family spent the cold winter months. Participants will also have a chance to make snowflakes and a scented pomander using citrus, spice, and ribbon. The event is free.
Where: Rockaway Beach restaurants
When: noon to 6 p.m.
For the cost of a $15 pass ($10 in advance), taste samples from 15 restaurants within walking distance in and around the neighborhood's "restaurant row." Stops include Uma's, Bungalow Bar, Sayra's Wine Bar and Elegante Pizza.
► MoMA PS1 Night at the Museum
Where: MoMA PS1, 22-25 Jackson Ave., Long Island City
When: 8 p.m. to midnight
Experience the museum and its current “Greater New York” exhibit during this special after-hours party that will include drinks, music and food from the acclaimed M. Wells Dinette. Tickets are $12.
Sunday, December 13
► Birdwatching in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Where: Albert Mauro Playground, 73-2 Park Drive East, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Kew Gardens Hills
When: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Spot the various birds that live in the park while walking around the green space with the Urban Park Rangers. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair from the rangers.
► Queens Museum Winter Warm-Up Market
Where: Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing
When: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
More than 60 artists and craftsmen will sell their items at a winter market this weekend, which will also feature live music and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Shop hundreds of items broken down into eight categories, including books and cards, home goods, clothing, art and skincare. There will also be a photobooth, live performances and music, and arts and crafts for kids.
► Saint Nicholas: The Saint Who Became Santa
Where: King Manor Museum, Rufus Kings Park, 150th Street and Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica
When: 3 p.m.
Food historian and author Peter Rose discusses the history and life of Dutch Saint Nicholas as well as his transformation into Santa Claus during the 19th century. The talk will combine literature, history, art, and religion. It will also include a demonstration of Dutch wooden cake boards and a discussion of holiday baked goods. The event is free.
Where: Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 110-06 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills
When: 4 p.m.
The Sacred Music Society of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church joined by the Oratorio Society of Queens will present their Annual Christmas Concert. The event will feature portions of Handel’s “Messiah,” Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” “Gloria” by Randol Bass, “Gesù Bambino,” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Tickets, which cost $30 ($10 for children 12 and under) are available at the rectory during office hours. For more information, call (718) 268 6251.
These listings were compiled by Queens neighborhood reporters Jeanmarie Evelly, Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska and Katie Honan.
