C hristmas is coming, but Hanukkah comes first as preparations, diversions and celebrations deck the week ahead.
Monday, December 16
Holiday party hosts take note: from 6:30 to 7:30 this evening, Amity Wine and Spirits (95 Amity Rd, New Haven) holds a free seminar meant to teach you “easy cocktails to wow guests.” Also, looking ahead to New Year’s, Amity hosts a seminar about sparkling wine on Friday from 7 to 8:30. “Learn from our expert staff and taste through the differences between Champagne, Grower Champagne, Prosecco, Cava and more!”
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Tuesday, December 17
At 8 p.m. at the University Theatre (222 York St, New Haven; 203-432-1234), the Yale School of Drama continues its weeklong production of Fun Home, where, “after the tragic death of her father, Alison plunges into the murky waters of memoir to understand this temperamental, eccentric man and finds that the secrets he kept have shaped her life, as well.” Producers warn that the play contains “coarse language, nudity, sexual content, and violence.” $25, with discounts for students and Yale employees.
Wednesday, December 18
The State House hosts Lush, an event meant to “provid[e] great sensory pleasure.” From 7 to 9 p.m., it offers a “living room vibe”—“a space of tea, fruits, poetry, stories, and sound healing” featuring local lineup curators Puma Simone and StarKat as well as Caprice, Thema Haida and DJ Edmano. At 9 p.m., it switches to an electro-soul dance party “spinning some of the world’s hottest electro-soul/funk DJs and producers.” $5.
Meanwhile, at 7:30 p.m., East Rock Brewing Company (285 Nicoll St, New Haven; 475-234-6176) holds a free trivia session focused on Christmas and holiday movies.
Thursday, December 19
During a 6 p.m. screening of The Gold Rush (1925) at the Yale Center for British Art (1080 Chapel St, New Haven; 203-432-2800), Alaska is the setting, but a Brit is the star. “A solitary prospector seeks gold in Alaska during a blizzard in this charming silent film starring the great British comedic genius Charlie Chaplin.” Free.
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“Joined by the New Haven Heritage Chorale in a concert that blends holiday classics with new seasonal favorites,” the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, led by pops conductor Chelsea Tipton, presents its annual Holiday Extravaganza. Starting at 7:30 p.m. in Woolsey Hall (500 College St, New Haven), the program includes “Sleigh Ride”, “Around the World at Christmas Time” and “Caribbean Sleigh Ride.” $15-74, with KidTix available.
Friday, December 20
For a high-key affair, Stony Creek Brewery’s holiday party promises “live music, fancy sweaters”—also your “ugliest” sweaters, of course—“food trucks, a toy drive and an appearance by Santa Claus.” Admission is free, but bring a toy to donate. 5 Indian Neck Avenue, Branford.
For a low-key gathering, the weekly “Party Games with New Friends” session at Elm City Games (71 Orange St, New Haven), in which “we get together and play light and casual games with some beers (BYO),” starts at 7 p.m. $10 for non-members.
Saturday, December 21 – Winter Solstice
“Stroll the paths, explore the greenhouse and enjoy warm refreshments and music in the Carriage House” during the Winter Solstice Luminary Walk at Edgerton Park (75 Cliff St, New Haven) from 5 to 8 p.m. “Hundreds of glowing lanterns” will light the way. Free.
The superb, locally rooted funk act Kung Fu headlines its ninth annual Toys for Tots show at Toad’s Place (300 York St, New Haven; 203-624-8623). Opening the show are Strange Machines and The New Motif. The music starts at 9 p.m. $25, or $20 in advance.
Sunday, December 22 – Hanukkah begins
At 6:30 p.m., klezmer big band Nu Haven Kapelye leads “a special first night of Hanukkah concert and celebration” at Best Video Film & Cultural Center (1842 Whitney Ave, Hamden; 203-287-9286). “Come hear your favorite holiday songs, spin the dreydl, and dance the hora to begin the festival of lights.” $15, or $10 in advance.
Written by Dan Mims. Image is a still from The Gold Rush. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and prices before attending events.
