By Meg A. Parsont

To make your days merry and bright, we’ve scouted out festive events on the Upper West Side throughout the holiday season, from beloved time-honored traditions to new memories-in-the-making. So, mark your calendars and let the fa-la-la-la-la festivities begin!

Public Christmas trees to enjoy throughout the season:

* Tree at Dante Park – Broadway and Columbus Avenue at 63rd and 64th Streets
* Tavern on the Green Tree – 67th Street and Central Park West
* American Museum of Natural History Origami Holiday Tree (free with admission) – 200 Central Park West, in the Grand Gallery, 1st floor
* West 125th & Marginal Streets

Through December 31

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, the New York City Ballet (ticketed event)
David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza
https://www.nycballet.com/season-and-tickets/season-page/george-balanchines-the-nutcracker/

One of the most enduring traditions of the holiday season, this production featuring the full New York City Ballet company and two alternating casts of students from the School of American Ballet transports viewers of all ages to an enchanted land of swirling snowflakes.

Through December 24 – Monday to Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm and Sundays 11:00 am – 7:00 PM. Closes at 4:00 pm Christmas Eve

Columbus Circle Holiday Fair
Located at the southern entrance to Central Park at 59th Street
https://www.centralpark.com/events/columbus-circle-holiday-market-2022/

Over 100 booths at this fair include hand-crafted jewelry, artisanal chocolates and other foods, knitwear, Christmas ornaments, toys for children, and more. Stroll with a hot chocolate and homemade gingerbread person to fortify yourself for shopping.

Thursday, December 8 – Saturday, December 10, Thursday & Friday, 8 am-8 pm, Saturday, 9 am-4 pm; opening reception, 5:30-8:30 pm

ArtWorks Holiday Pottery Show and Sale at the West Side YMCA
5 West 63rd Street

29 ArtWorks students, assistants, and teachers will be selling their one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces.

Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10, 7-8:30 pm

Joy of Christmas Concert at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (ticketed event)
1047 Amsterdam Avenue
https://www.stjohndivine.org/calendar/42481/joy-of-christmas

Conducted by Kent Tritle, Director of Cathedral Music, and Bryan Zaros, Associate Director of Music and Choirmaster, the Cathedral choirs, orchestra, and soloists will perform Antonio Vivaldi’s Magnificat, Gerald Finzi’s In Terra Pax (Peace on Earth), and the world premieres of two works by living composers: “In Bethlehem above” by Yshani Perinpanayagam and “The Christmas Bird” by Sheena Philips. Carols sung by all are interspersed with selections sung by the Cathedral Choristers.

Saturday, December 10, 2:00-6:00 pm

Coca Cola Winter Wonderland at the Apollo Theater (free event)
253 W. 125th Street
https://www.apollotheater.org/event/coca-cola-winter-wonderland-2022/

Under the twinkling lights of its iconic marquee, the Apollo invites audiences to bring the family for holiday-themed activities including picture taking with Santa, a book and toy drive, and various performances. This event is hosted by the Apollo Theater’s Tour Director and Ambassador, Billy Mitchell.

NEWLY ADDED EVENT:

Sunday, December 11, Concert at 6:30 pm followed by an art exhibition and wine reception

US – Georgia Xmas Gala at Merkin Hall (ticketed event)
Merkin Hall, Kaufman Music Center, Abraham Goodman House, 129 W. 67th Street
https://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/mch/event/a-georgian-christmas/

This joyous celebration of the Xmas season features the Georgian Dancing Crane Company (ELVA), Pesvebi Choral Group, and outstanding vocal soloists and musicians in an international program of beloved arias, songs, and Christmas carols. The concert is followed by an art exhibition and wine reception.

Friday, December 16, Concert 7:00-9:30 pm, followed by reception from 9:30-10:00 pm

Riverside Orchestra Winter Concert, St. Paul/St. Andrew (ticketed event)
St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church,
263 West 86th Street
https://www.riversideorchestra.org

This festive program features the Prelude and selections from Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel, Debussy’s Scottish March, Korngold’s overture to his pantomime The Snowman, and beloved selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. The ticket includes light bites at the post-concert reception.

NEWLY ADDED EVENT:

Friday, December 16, 11:00 am-2:00 pm

Infants and Young Children Chanukah Celebration at the Marlene Myerson JCC (ticketed event)
334 Amsterdam Avenue
https://mmjccm.org/programs/person-infants-young-children-chanukah-celebration?utm_source=CJL&utm_medium=ChanukahLandingPage-Dec2022&utm_campaign=IYCChanukah

Appropriate for children under age 4, this celebration includes live music, storytelling, activities, and special Chanukah treats.

Sunday, December 18

Hanukkah begins

We are awaiting confirmation of public menorah lightings on the Broadway Mall. A giant menorah in the interior courtyard of the historic Apthorp apartment building can be viewed from Broadway, between 78-79^th Streets. Please check back with West Side Rag for updates.

NEWLY ADDED EVENT:

Sunday, December 18, 7:30 pm

Celebrating Hanukkah 2186 and Israel 75 at Merkin Hall (ticketed event)
Merkin Hall, Kaufman Music Center, Abraham Goodman House, 129 W. 67th Street
https://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/mch/event/celebrating-hanukkah-2186-israel-75/

This program celebrates the first night of Hanukkah as well as the upcoming 75th anniversary of Israel with performances of holiday favorites and music from Israel. Zamir Chorale and Zamir Noded appear separately and together under the direction of Matthew Lazar.

NEWLY ADDED EVENTS:

 Sunday, December 18 – Thursday, December 22 at 5:00 pm; Friday, December 23 at 1:00 pm

Hanukkah candle lighting at the Marlene Myerson JCC (free event)
334 Amsterdam Avenue
https://chanukah.mmjccm.org/#reveal_4

Gather in the JCC lobby for candle lighting on the first six nights of Hanukkah. Note: On the seventh and eighth nights of Hanukkah (December 24 and 25), candle lighting and a festive celebration will take place at 4:00 pm at 305 West End Avenue with residents of this assisted living facility.

Monday, December 19 – 3:30-5:30 pm

Wechsler Center for Modern Aging Chanukah Party at the Marlene Myerson JCC (ticketed event)
334 Amsterdam Avenue
https://mmjccm.org/programs/person-wechsler-center-modern-aging-chanukah-party?utm_source=CJL&utm_medium=ChanukahLandingPage-Dec2022&utm_campaign=WechslerChanukahParty

Festivities include lighting the candles, Chanukah songs, and games. Wine, latkes, and other treats will be served. The Engage Women’s Group will be collecting donations at the party of new and gently used scarves, gloves, and hats for recently arrived asylum seekers. (Note: The JCC will also collect items on Tuesday, December 20 from 11-2 in the Library on the 7th Floor.)

Wednesday, December 21, 7:30 pm

El Nino: Nativity Reconsidered, at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (ticketed event)
1047 Amsterdam Avenue
https://www.stjohndivine.org/calendar/?year=2022&month=12&day=21

American Modern Opera Company (AMOC) and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine present contemporary composer John Adams’ El Niño: Nativity Reconsidered with libretto by Peter Sellars and concept by Julia Bullock, featuring AMOC with The Choir of Trinity Wall Street, conducted by Christian Reif.

NEWLY ADDED EVENT:

Thursday, December 22, 7:00-10:00 pm

20s + 30s Annual Chanukah Party at the Marlene Myerson JCC (ticketed event)
334 Amsterdam Avenue
https://mmjccm.org/programs/person-20s-30s-annual-chanukah-party?utm_source=CJL&utm_medium=ChanukahLandingPage-Dec2022&utm_campaign=20s30sChanukahF23

 Co-sponsored by Aviv at B’nai Jeshurun, Moishe House Upper West Side, and Moishe House Lower Manhattan, this party features an open bar, DJ, photo booth, and Chanukah treats including latkes and sufganiyot.

Friday, December 30, 7:30 pm

Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration at the Apollo Theater (ticketed event)
253 W. 125^th Street
https://www.apollotheater.org/event/kwanzaa-a-regeneration-celebration-2022/

An Apollo tradition for 17 years, the annual Kwanzaa Celebration returns after two years in an uplifting program of modern and African dance, music, percussion, and spoken word honoring the principles of Kwanzaa: family, community, and culture. The Celebration features Forces of Nature Dance Theater under the leadership of critically acclaimed choreographer Abdel Salaam and hosted by actress Stephanie Berry.

Saturday, December 31, 7 pm

New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace, St. John the Divine (ticketed event)
1047 Amsterdam Avenue
https://www.stjohndivine.org/calendar/42482/new-years-eve-concert-for-peace

A holiday tradition for over 30 years, the Concert for Peace was founded by Leonard Bernstein as a tribute to the people of New York City. This program includes Gustav Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite, David Lang’s Make Peace, and Philip Herbert’s Elegy: in Memoriam. It also marks the world premiere of Joseph Turrin’s Lullaby for Vaska, dedicated to the Ukrainian people.