Along hallways and streets, in maritime and art centers, through blocks of ice and even a yurt, the lights are turned up this week in New Haven.
Monday, December 3
The 29th Annual Trees of Hope—a holiday season fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut, which gives families with critically ill children a place to stay near the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital—is underway at the Long Wharf Maritime Center (555 Long Wharf Dr, New Haven). Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and featuring “over 140 decorated trees, wreaths and holiday baskets” to be raffled off after the display’s conclusion on December 9, the event also includes a pop-up Holiday Boutique. Free to attend; raffle tickets cost $1 apiece.
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Tuesday, December 4
At 6 p.m., half an hour after the start of its members-only Annual Meeting, the New Haven Museum (114 Whitney Ave, New Haven; 203-562-4183) hosts “The Rebranding of Connecticut,” a panel discussion about the image makeover undergone by the state from the 1930s to the 1950s—particularly as exemplified in the 1938-founded magazine Connecticut Circle, which “promoted and projected the image of the state as a residential haven suitable for artists, celebrities, gentleman farmers and those well-heeled enough to flee the city to second homes for the weekend.” Free.
Wednesday, December 5
From 6 to 8 p.m. at The State House (310 State St, New Haven), Collab, which “provides funding, mentorship and education to Connecticut entrepreneurs that aim to impact the communities they love,” is hosting its latest Pitch Day, when the program’s current crop of businesses and nonprofits—“addressing issues like emergency response technology, neighborhood justice and food recovery”—present themselves to “community members, potential partners and investors.” Free; register here.
Stick around The State House to get in on the ground floor of a recurring dance party fueled by house music and DJs Kture and Mr. Realistic. This first “epic house party,” called LiquidSol, starts at 9 p.m. and costs just $5.
Thursday, December 6
All the world’s a stage, and that includes the Yale Center for British Art (1080 Chapel St, New Haven; 203-432-2800), where, starting at 4 p.m., graduate students at the Yale School of Drama—aided by “internationally recognized theater artist” and Yale Drama lecturer Karin Coonrod as well as “a leading dramatist from New York”—perform dramatic readings of three soliloquies from Shakespeare’s King Lear. Free.
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Friday, December 7
From 6 to 11 p.m., the first New Haven Night Market, organized by the Town Green District, lights up Orange Street between Center and George. Promising “streets lined with beautiful luminaries,” eight food and drink vendors, about 20 retail vendors, numerous other vendors (via three popups within the larger popup), art installations, live music and various specials at brick-and-mortar spots around the neighborhood, it’s a chance to buy some gifts—or even a Christmas tree—but also just to enjoy yourself and behold the creativity of the city. A welcome tent at the corner of Orange and Crown Streets, where you can pick up a map and complimentary cookie, is a good first stop. Free to attend.
Saturday, December 8
From noon to 4 on the lower portion of Broadway Island, organized by The Shops at Yale, “eight professional ice carvers will each transform 900 pounds of ice into a spectacular sculpture.” Meanwhile, carvers and visitors alike will be serenaded by numerous a cappella groups. Free.
Sunday, December 9
On the last night of Chanukah, “with the menorah at its most radiant,” The Yurt (550 Amity Rd, Woodbridge)—“a soul-nourishing space for bringing people together in community”—hosts “Bring on the Light!” Billed as a “Chanukah light and sound gathering,” whose participants will be “transported from darkness to light with music and mediation,” the free event begins at 7:15 p.m. Comfortable clothing is recommended.
Written by Dan Mims. Image depicts the menorah display on the New Haven Green. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and prices before attending events.
