From haiku to Harry Potter cosplay to dog and cat (and maybe lizard) photos with Santa, you can do it yourself this week, albeit with helping hands.
Monday, December 10
Yale’s Luce Hall (34 Hillhouse Ave, New Haven) is hosting a pair of haiku workshops led by Japanese poet Sho Otaka. The first, starting at 11:30 a.m., is only for “advanced Japanese learners.” But the second, happening from 4 to 6 p.m., is for “everyone,” thanks to the presence of an interpreter. Free.
Musical improvisation isn’t normally associated with the organ, but it is today from 4 to 5 p.m. at Trinity Church on the Green (230 Temple St, New Haven; pictured above), where students at Yale’s Institute of Sacred Music are giving “a one-hour improvisatory recital.” Free.
Tuesday, December 11
At Fussy Coffee (290 Winchester Ave, New Haven), Shelton-based Rustle Floral Co. is leading a holiday centerpiece workshop starting at 6:30 p.m. A $50 ticket gets you “bushels of holiday foliage… along with a galvanized pail container, gilded holly, pine cones, ball ornaments, cinnamon sticks, red berries and ribbon” to play with, as well as “one drink (beer, wine or coffee) and family-style apps.” Just be sure to bring your own clippers.
At 7 p.m., the Institute Library (847 Chapel St, New Haven; 203-562-4045) is putting on the latest installment of its Listen Here series, in which actors with the New Haven Theater Company read short stories curated by editors of the New Haven Review. The theme this time is “The Price We Sometimes Pay,” and the stories are DH Lawrence’s Rocking-Horse Winner and Michael Lowenthal’s Ordinary Pain. $10 suggested donation.
Wednesday, December 12
At Geronimo (271 Crown St, New Haven; 203-777-7700), which boasts “the largest [tequila selection] on the East Coast,” a complimentary Tequila 101 tasting goes from 5 to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, from 5 to 8, The Beer Collective (130 Court St, New Haven; 203-507-2602) is hosting a used book sale to benefit Literacy Volunteer of Greater New Haven, with happy hour pricing “on drinks and snacks” given to anyone who buys a book.
Or, from 6 to 9, you can drink your fill at Amarante’s Sea Cliff (62 Cove St, New Haven; 203-467-2531), where a gingerbread house workshop, whose $60 tickets include candy-covered house fixings as well as “unlimited wine, soft drinks and light bites,” is being led by “our award-winning chefs.” Along the way, an “expert chocolatier will be demonstrating the art of tempering chocolate” and constructing a Belgian “chocolate Swiss chalet,” which will be given to one attendee as a grand prize.
Thursday, December 13
Described as “a popup market with free live performances, arts and craft demonstrations and photo opportunities,” the city is launching a four-day Holiday Village outdoors in Temple Plaza (between Chapel, Temple, Crown and College Streets), happening from noon to 7 p.m. through Saturday and noon to 6 on Sunday. Items for sale are set to include home and holiday decor, beauty products, locally authored books, handmade toys, puzzles and vintage music records.
Wizardfest, which aims to recreate an adult, muggle-friendly version of the Yule Ball from Harry Potter lore, starts at 7 p.m. at Space Ballroom (295 Treadwell St, Hamden). Components include DJed dancing, “trivia, games, [themed] drink specials, magicians, music and”—of course—“cosplay,” which you can enhance with a premium ticket. Just add $10 to a $15 regular advance ticket to get a magic wand upon admission.
Friday, December 14
Yesterday through Sunday at Long Wharf Theatre (222 Sargent Dr, New Haven; 203-787-4282)—with three 8 p.m. showtimes through Saturday, plus a 3 p.m. matinee that day and a 2 p.m. one on Sunday—Anne Tofflemire, a longtime veteran of the stage who’s also a Yale School of Drama lecturer and Neighborhood Music School instructor, presents “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” performing “a glittering concert of [holiday] standards and novelties written by your favorite composers including Irving Berlin, Stephen Sondheim and Joni Mitchell, among others.” $39.50-54.50.
Saturday, December 15
“… from the enchanting party where [Clara] meets the charming nephew of her Uncle Drosselmeyer and is enthralled by dancing dolls to the daring battle between the Mouse King and brave Nutcracker Prince,” New Haven Ballet presents its take on The Nutcracker at 1 and 5 p.m. today and tomorrow in the Shubert Theatre (247 College St, New Haven; 203-562-5666). $24-70.
After seven years, local show producer Taco Hut is shutting down, but not before one last hurrah. Located at The State House (310 State St, New Haven) and billed as “a celebration of love, diversity, Latinx unity and boundless musical energy,” the show features locally connected acts JOATA, a.k.a. Taco Hut founder José Oyola-Vélez, and Ceschi, whose “signature mix of hip hop, pop and folk music is heavily influenced by Caribbean nueva trova.” Rounding out the bill are punk/glam band Corner Soul and singer-songwriter Ani Cordero. 8 p.m. $12.
Sunday, December 16
In an annual tradition at the New Haven Animal Shelter (81 Fournier St, New Haven; 203-946-8110), your furbabies—and possibly furless companions, like a past gecko who came through—can get a photo with Santa from noon to 3, though you’ll be the one taking the picture. “Light refreshments” will be available and donations—of money, or of “animal treats, food, toys and accessories”—accepted.
Written and photographed by Dan Mims. Image depicts the nave of Trinity Church on the Green. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and prices before attending events.
