L ights in the dark mark the final week of 2021.
Monday, December 27
The next Secret Cinema event at Best Video (1842 Whitney Ave, Hamden; 203-287-9286), in which viewers don’t know what cult movie they’re going to watch until it begins, starts at 7 p.m. Additional enticements include “relevant film trailers” and “the Best Video popcorn machine.” Admission is free, with donations accepted.
Also, it’s the last week to enjoy the Fantasy of Lights drive-through display at Lighthouse Point—until late next year, anyway.
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Tuesday, December 28
[Ed. Note: Due to COVID concerns, this event has now been postponed and is going virtual-only, with details forthcoming.] A family-friendly “LIT Kwanzaa Celebration” co-presented by the Elm City LIT Fest and the International Festival of Arts & Ideas promises “drumming, food, games, crafts and more,” including “a youth talent showcase to honor the seven principles of Kwanzaa,” from 2 to 6 p.m. at Borough 496 (496 Newhall St, Hamden). The multi-day candle-lighting holiday began Sunday and finishes Saturday.
Teenagers can’t go out to bars or clubs for New Year’s, but they can head to Ives Main Library (133 Elm St, New Haven; 203-946-8130) at 4 p.m., where a DIY Party Poppers workshop will have them making their own means of ringing in 2022.
Wednesday, December 29
Sing your song at The Cellar on Treadwell (295 Treadwell St, Bldg H, Hamden; 203-390-5816), where a karaoke night hosted by Mike Leonard hands over the mic starting at 7 p.m.
Or test your knowledge about a mile away at The Playwright (1232 Whitney Ave, Hamden; 203-287-2401), where a team trivia night also begins at 7.
Friday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve
Before the city celebrates the coming of a new year—look out later this week for a guide to all the parties—Edgerton Park (75 Cliff St, New Haven) hosts its weather-deferred Winter Solstice Luminary Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. The park’s paths will be lined with “over 1,000 luminary lanterns” alongside “a glowing, musical parade of lanterns [at 8 p.m.], light sculptures by local artists including Atelier Cue, festive beverages, and demonstration tables,” all adding up to a “celebratory atmosphere as we ring in the new year and the arrival of longer days.”
Saturday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
A “First Day Hike” steps off at 1 p.m. from Meigs Point Nature Center (1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison) at Hammonasset Beach State Park. “Join Bob Kuchta and Ranger Russ on the Cedar Island trail for an easy walk to identify trees using buds and bark and searching for seals.”
At 5 p.m., Jazzy’s Cabaret (4 Orange St, New Haven) hosts the grand opening edition of its new weekly R&B Dinner Party series. Tickets cost $40 (plus $4.12 in fees) per person and get you “a plated dinner and full entertainment experience,” this time featuring the Top Notch Band.
Written by Dan Mims. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations, prices and pandemic protocols before attending events.
