On and around the shortest day of the year, New Haven and its neighbors seize the night.
Monday, December 16
At MakeHaven, a thrifty Christmastime workshop at 6 p.m. invokes “the Japanese art of Furoshiki,” in which spare fabric can be used (and reused) to wrap gifts instead of single-use paper. (Also at MakeHaven this week, a resin crafting workshop helps attendees produce their own holiday ornaments.)
Tuesday, December 17
At 6 p.m., a new film series at Lyric Hall continues with a screening of The Apartment (1960), which enjoyed “widespread critical acclaim and… commercial success, despite controversy owing to its subject matter.” Starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine and Fred MacMurray, “the film follows an insurance clerk (Lemmon) who, in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder, allows his superiors to use his Upper West Side apartment to conduct their extramarital affairs. He becomes attracted to an elevator operator (MacLaine) in his office building, unaware that she is having an affair with the head of personnel (MacMurray).”
Wednesday, December 18
Co-working complex District New Haven holds a Holiday Night Market with “local vendors, music, light snacks, and plenty of fun to get you into the holiday spirit” from 4 to 8.
At 6:30, East Rock Brewing Company hosts a Christmas movie trivia night (and, on Saturday, a seasonal popup shop of its own).
Thursday, December 19
At 7 p.m. at Woolsey Hall, seven-time Grammy-winning saxophonist Paul Winter and his Paul Winter Consort “will present, for the first time in Connecticut, their legendary Winter Solstice Celebration,” an annual aural feast that’s gone from NYC-only to New England-touring.
Meanwhile, an 8 p.m. party at Stella Blues gathers DJs Android Dreaming, Jordan Graham, Joe Wilkes, Wendy Adams and Joe April, a.k.a. apez, for a “night of electronic music” and dancing aided by a “BASSBOSS subwoofer for reinforced sound and extra lighting/lasers for a night of proper raving.”
Friday, December 20
Two Roads Brewing in Stratford hosts an Apres Ski Party with Radio 104.1 from 6 to 10 p.m. Your path down these slopes may include “alpine bites,” shot skis/ice luges, giveaways (including a four-person, four-day ski trip, with raffle tickets awarded to those who follow the radio station’s advance instructions), live music, cocktail specials and, of course, beer, with themed attire encouraged.
The next installment of Heaven—“New Haven’s post-disco dance night,” featuring “Italo, electro, hi-NRG, synth-funk, alternative pop, and disco-infused electronics of all kinds”—starts at 9 at Cafe Nine.
Saturday, December 21 - Winter Solstice
From 1 to 3 p.m. today and 2 to 4 tomorrow, you can “skate with Santa” at Ralph Walker Ice Rink.
A Winter Solstice Celebration from 1:30 to 4:30 at Common Ground promises “a magical way to kick off the winter school break in the woods… “Make a solstice lantern to take home, enjoy a campfire and a special hot solstice drink, explore and imagine in our Forest Village play space [and] shop at our Holiday Farm Stand,” which will “have roots, greens, winter squash, eggs, handmade wreaths, popcorn, herbs, and more!”
Branford’s annual Harbor Lights luminary event spans the Town Green and the Branford Point neighborhood from 4:30 to 6. After that, revelers can find harbor and light at one or two nearby bars: The Stand, where a complimentary appetizer buffet from 5:30 to 7 leads to a show by Block Island stalwarts the Rob Davis Band; or Longley’s, whose Christmas party promises “a holly jolly night of live music, dancing and festive fun” starting at 7.
The annual Winter Solstice Luminary Walk from 5 to 8 at Edgerton Park promises “over 1,000 luminary lanterns lining the paths with light sculptures by local artists,” “music, activities and beverages in the Carriage House” and “a parade led by [the] Hillhouse High School Marching Band in a true celebration of longer days to come.”
From 6 to 8, the Madison Arts Barn, a.k.a. The Barn, a.k.a. MadBarn, hosts its annual family-friendly Harry Potter-themed Yule Ball. “Witches and Wizards are welcome to wear formal wear, house colors/robes, or muggle wear. Come how you feel comfortable. DJ Bry will be playing the crowd's favorite songs, there will be snacks and treats for sale in the cafe and open game tables as always.”
A 7:30 bill at Hamden’s Space Ballroom goes hard with headliner Many Eyes, a partly Milford-based band who’ve brought their melodic metalcore on tour with Thursday and Sum 41. The opener is Bone Church, whose “blues-based, acid-laced, doom-infused rock & roll” also hails from Connecticut.
At 9 at Cafe Nine, the Sanctuary party series presents a Psycho Holiday featuring outsider “psyche-o-billy” artist Bloodshot Bill. “Dress in your most gothabilly, pin-up or festive holiday attire…”
Sunday, December 22
’Twas the Night to Turn Up, a holiday edition of Turn Up Bingo at Terminal 110, actually starts in the afternoon, at 2 p.m. In addition to the bingo gameplay and prizes, ticket holders—who will get an extra bingo card if they contribute to a toy drive—can expect a buffet brunch, two hours of bottomless mimosas and bellinis, “DJ Diamond Dee… playing your favorite hip hop and R&B jams throughout the event” and “line-dancing and sing-a-longs.”
Written by Dan Mims. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations, prices and other details before attending events.
