Parties, arts and a party for the arts set the holiday season alight.
Monday, December 2
Branford’s Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter is the beneficiary of Home for the Holidays, a cocktail party at American-style restaurant Home (1114 Main St, Branford). Starting at 6 p.m. and promising “delicious appetizers, specialty drinks, desserts and an amazing raffle,” admission costs $20 in advance (by calling 203-315-4125) or $25 at the door.
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Tuesday, December 3
For three Tuesdays starting today, young musicians from New Haven public schools are performing holiday tunes at 11:30 a.m. in the airy entrance court of the Yale Center British Art (1080 Chapel St, New Haven; 203-432-2800). Free.
Speaking of Britain, Yale’s Horchow Hall (55 Hillhouse Ave, New Haven) is the site of a panel discussion that asks, “What Might Post-Brexit Reconciliation Look Like”? The aim of the talk, which starts at noon, is to “bring together global perspective of societies and nations that have experienced divisions (former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Northern Ireland) and
If you’re single for the holidays but would prefer not to be, a round of Elm City Speed Dating starts promptly at 7 p.m., this time at wine bar Cave à Vin (975 State St, New Haven). Register here. Free.
Wednesday, December 4
As the Peabody Museum (170 Whitney Ave, New Haven; 203-432-8987) prepares to close its Great Hall of Dinosaurs at the end of this year (thanks to a major forthcoming renovation), it’s sending off its marquee brontosaurus, stegosaurus and other dino skeletons in style. Tonight at 6, a Bone Voyage soiree ($65 regular tickets, with VIP options available) offers cocktails from Hamilton Park, High George and Ordinary; local beer served by The Beer Collective; “snacks and bites” from Bear’s BBQ, Haven Hot Chicken, Olmo and Tavern on State; wine, cheese and charcuterie from Yale Catering; and the right to bid in an auction of Peabody memorabilia and Audubon prints. Later this week, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is a free Heads-Off Community Day, where visitors can “witness the removal of the brontosaurus’s skull” and partake in children’s activities “including a fossil dig and dinosaur crafts.”
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Thursday, December 5
New Haven’s annual holiday tree lighting on the Green happens from 4 to 8 p.m., but it’s not quite business as usual. Along with Santa’s visits, amusement rides (one of last year’s is pictured above), food trucks, live music, ice carving, costumed characters and, of course, the lighting of the tree (at 7:30 or so), the evening also presents the kickoff for something new this year: the Holiday Village on the Green, where you can “shop for the perfect gift from local artisans.” The Village is sticking around through Sunday, December 8, kicking up again each day at 4 p.m., with Santa, the rides and other holiday entertainments sticking around too. Free to attend.
Friday, December 6
The Arts Council of Greater New Haven’s 39th annual Arts Awards luncheon, themed “Neighbor to Neighbor,” is sold out, but you can still join the 4 p.m. after-party at Bregamos Community Theater (491 Blatchley Ave, New Haven), whose founder, Rafael Ramos, will have just received a lifetime achievement award. “Expect music, food
If you’re somehow still not feeling the glow of the season, the Henry Whitfield State Museum’s Firelight Festival should do the trick. “Luminaria, lanterns, and two outdoor fires will light the festivities at Connecticut’s oldest house as visitors gather to enjoy roasted marshmallows and chestnuts, popcorn, hot cocoa, mulled cider, and readings of The Night Before Christmas.” $6, $5 for seniors (60 and over) and free for kids (12 and under). 248 Old Whitfield Street, Guilford. 4 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 7
With I=N=T=E=R=F=A=C=E, an original “performative installation examining how cyberspace fundamentally changes the way humans interact with each other and the world,” Yale Cabaret (217 Park St, New Haven; 203-432-1566) proclaims once again that it’s a home for experimental theater. “Inspired by artificial intelligence, democracy, and anonymity, this event invites you to be part of an interactive, encompassing shared experience.” Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursday and 8 and 11 p.m. Friday and today, with tickets running $25 (or $15 for Yale faculty/staff and $12 for Yale students).
Sunday, December 8
Starting while it’s still light out, at 3 p.m., the Shubert Theatre (247 College St, New Haven; 203-562-5666) hosts a live presentation by David Sedaris, who you probably already know is “one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers.” He’ll be reading from—or is it performing?—his most recent release, Calypso (2018), which organizers describe as “his most deeply personal and darkly hilarious collection” yet. $53-69.
Written and photographed by Dan Mims. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and prices before attending events.
