Traditionally and nontraditionally classic seasonal touchstones mix with other moments both inside and outside the gift box.
Monday, December 8
At 4 p.m., “the playing of the merry organ” happens for real at Battell Chapel, where students at Yale’s Institute of Sacred Music perform an Improv Organ Showcase featuring “improvised preludes and fugues, improvisations on seasonal texts and art works, and much more.”
Tuesday, December 9
From 6 to 8:30 p.m., a bonsai workshop at New England Brewing in Woodbridge offers the chance to “learn the fundamental skills and techniques behind the art of bonsai while enjoying a night out with friends! Our teachers will introduce core concepts and guide your experience as you pot, prune, and design your very own bonsai tree,” which you get to keep.
At 7, the game garden at East Rock Brewing screens a Christmas movie, technically: Batman Returns (1992). Meant to feel “like an outdoor movie (but inside),” the screening of Tim Burton’s wackier, weirder followup in a franchise widely credited with solidifying a place for comic book stories in Hollywood invites viewers to bring “lawn chairs, blankets, camping chairs [and] bean bags” (if the brewery’s default folding chairs won’t do).
Wednesday, December 10
At 4 p.m. at the Yale Center for British Art, “join us for Paul Pryce’s presentation of a soliloquy from King Lear, directed by graduate students in the David Geffen School of Drama, Yale University. This presentation will use the architecture of the YCBA as the stage setting, moving through the museum galleries.”
Thursday, December 11
From noon to 8 (with the drinks pouring after 4), “shop at local businesses, enjoy festive beverages, and stroll through decorated streets” during downtown Branford’s annual Shop, Sip & Stroll event.
From 6 to 9 just over the Hamden border, the Eli Whitney Museum hosts a rare 21+ gathering around its annual, usually family-focused A.C. Gilbert’s American Flyer Train Show. “Snacks, drinks, and building a wooden train or decorating laser-cut ornaments are included in your ticket.”
Friday, December 12
Beloved action/Christmas movie Die Hard (1988) returns to the big screen at 7 p.m. at Yale’s Humanities Quadrangle. “NYPD’s John McClane (Bruce Willis) battles Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) and his terrorist gang when they take the staff of the Nakatomi Corporation hostage in an LA skyscraper at an office party gone bad.”
At 9, party jam band Jammwich returns to Stella Blues with their “dynamic blend of psychedelic rock, classic rock, and blues.”
Also starting at 9, four DJs power As If You Could Outdance Me, “a dark electro sleazy bash” that “isn’t” but clearly is a Twilight theme party.
Saturday, December 13
The Bethany Lions Club’s eighth annual holiday craft fair convenes food and other artisans, authors, crafters and others from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bethany Community School.
From 10 to 4, the Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance’s Artful Holiday Market offers “arts, crafts, jewelry, photography, wood, textiles, leather, and original gifts galore” at the old Branford Post Office.
During a seasonal edition of What’s in the Whitney Library?, held from noon to 4 at the New Haven Museum, “remembrances of New Haven holidays past offer a rare look at what we all hold dear—family, friends, and a longing to be together—and just enough of a Dickens-related scandal to add a dash of holiday spice.” At 2, Dickens will also feature prominently in the museum’s auditorium, where actor Michael Rose will perform his one-man “90-minute cut” of A Christmas Carol.
In Westville, 13 local vendors populate an Anti-Mall Shop Small popup at Lotta Studio from noon to 6; Kehler Liddell Gallery hosts a Holiday Open House and Maker’s Workshop from 3 to 5; and the revelers celebrate the neighborhood tree lighting starting at 5 on the Central Avenue Patio.
From 2:30 to 11:30 at Hamden’s The Cellar on Treadwell, the 10th Punxmas music festival promises “a stacked lineup, holiday chaos, and one of the heaviest headliners we’ve ever had”: Method of Destruction, “bringing legendary crossover thrash to cap off an all-day celebration of punk, hardcore, and holiday spirit.”
At 7 at SCSU’s Lyman Center, Grammy-nominated producer and keyboardist Chris “Big Dog” Davis “brings together an all-star lineup featuring Art Sherrod, Ragan Whiteside, Nicole Henry, Jazmin Ghent, and more surprise guests for a magical night of smooth jazz, soulful holiday classics, and unforgettable performances.”
Sunday, December 14
Another New Haven Comic & Collectible Spectacular sets up at the Annex YMA Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering “door giveaways and FREE prize draws along with over 55 tables brimming with treasures and cool finds.”
At 4 p.m. in Battell Chapel, the Civic Orchestra of New Haven presents Tutus & Tinsel, “a sparkling program of timeless classics and festive cheer. The evening features Tchaikovsky’s enchanting Swan Lake, Beethoven’s spirited Symphony No. 1, and Louise Farrenc’s lively Overture No. 1. We’ll also take a whimsical turn with Courtney’s A Musicological Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas, followed by a joyful, Christmassy sing-along for all to enjoy.”
Also at 4, the 12th annual Wooster Square Menorah Lighting marks the first night of Chanukah, with attractions including latkes, donuts, hot cider, hot cocoa, music, dreidels and a “dazzling 8-foot LED robot.”
From 6 to 9, Three Sheets hosts, NHV Jazz Underground presents and The Clutchtet executes a performance of the legendarily vibrant yet relaxing music from A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965).
Written and photographed by Dan Mims. Image features a moment during a past American Flyer train show at the Eli Whitney Museum. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations, prices and other details before attending events.
