2ND HALF DECEMBER WEEKEND THINGS TO DO NYC
This section contains our Weekend Things To Do reports for the second half of the month of December 2021. Click into this link to see second half of December 2021 weekend reports.
- CLICK here to read the December Things To Do reports for all five NYC boroughs and all December weekends, including reports about weekend things to do in NYC in the last half of December, including NYC holiday events, NYC holiday markets, Christmas tree lightings, Hanukkah menorah lightings, holiday light shows begin, choral performances, the Nutcracker performances in NYC borought, and New Years Eve parties are in a separate report.
Things To Do Last Weekend Before Xmas in NYC
Caroling, Nutcracker Ballet, Choral Performances, Santa Claus, Holiday Markets, Skating, Light Shows & the Train Show
December 18, 2021 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / Gotham Buzz NYC.
Weather. The temperature highs will be just below 60 on Friday, dropping into the mid 40's on Saturday and down to 40 on Sunday. The temperature lows will be near 40 on Friday and Saturday, dropping to below 30 on Sunday. About a half inch of rain is expected to fall intermittently all day long on Saturday, so you may be able to find plenty of intermittent dry spells in the day. Winds will rise from 5 - 10 mph on Friday to 10 - 15 mph on Saturday and Sunday. The humidity is going to jump from 40% on Friday to 80% on Saturday and back down to about 50% on Sunday.
It's not a perfect weather weekend, but should be manageable.
Manhattan Things To Do This Weekend NYC
Winter Solstice Concert at St John the Divine - UWS Holiday Events
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, December 17, 18 & 19, 2021 beginning at 7 pm Friday, 7 pm & 10 pm Saturday & 2 pm Sunday - This year it's VIRTUAL / LIVE STREAM / ON DEMAND
Description. Paul Winter hosts the 42nd Winter Solstice concert at St John the Divine on the Upper West Side. The concert is an angelic classical music concert, gospel singer performance and dance group. Certain to cleanse the mind and soul prior to the New Year.
Admission. $20 this year [2021] for VIRTUAL EVENT. HISTORICALLY for the live event - Tickets $38 / $58 / $98 on up to $148 at websites noted below.
Location / Times. St. John the Divine Cathedral is located at 1029 Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Contact. www.stjohndivine.org / www.solsticeconcert.com
Museum of City of NY - Holiday Events Manhattan UES
Friday, December 17, 2021 beginning at 6 pm - Cocktails & Culture: Day-Glo December Fiesta
OLD _ NOTE DATES _ YEAR _ November 30 & December 7, 14, 21, 2019 beginning 10 am - 6 pm - Santa Visits Museum / December 26, 2019 from 11 am - 12 noon - Kwanzaa Celebration / December 27, 2019 from 11 am - 2 pm - Hanukkah Celebration
Description. This year they slimmed things down to one holiday event with a generic theme vs in the past where themes were culturally directed [see below].
HISTORICALLY - Family oriented events. Santa will visit the museum on Saturdays and you can have your photo taken with him [$14 kids / $20 adults]. The Kwanzaa celebration provides an opportunity to learn of the traditional culture of African Americans [free w/ admission]. The Hanukkah celebration looks at images of Jewish culture [free w/ admission]. Manhattan holiday events on the Upper East Side NYC.
Location. 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Contact. www.mcny.org
Times Square Holiday Market - Midtown Manhattan NYC
Daily from Saturday, November 27, 2021 - Thursday, December 23, 2021 from 9 am - 11 pm
Description. A well known vendor who organizes dozens of street fairs during the warm weather months is operating this holiday market.
Location. At 1585 Broadway between 47th and 48th Streets at the north end of Times Square.
Contact. Mardi Gras Productions
Chelsea Holiday Market - Holiday Markets in Chelsea Manhattan NYC
December 2 - 19, 2021 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 10.30 am - 8 pm
Description. A holiday market featuring numerous different vendors, organized by . The Chelsea Market hours are: Monday through Saturday, from 7 am - 2 am and Sunday from 8 am - 10 pm.
Location. At 75 9th Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets in Chelsea in Manhattan NYC.
Contact. www.chelseamarket.com / www.artistsandfleas.com
Harlem Night Market at La Marqueta in East Harlem
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 17, 18 & 19, 2021 from 5 - 9 pm, 4 pm - 9 pm and from 3 pm - 8 pm respectively
Description. They tell us "... From tamales to coquito, sorrel to sweet potato pie: The Harlem Night Market at La Marqueta is back for the 2021 holiday season, to celebrate the diversity of cultures that make up Harlem... will fill three lots of La Marqueta with foods and artisanal gifts. D.J.s Ted Smooth and Stormin' Norman will anchor the turntables, plus parrandas and a gospel choir. Plus they're be a family space inside Urban Garden Center with children's activities by El Museo. ...".
Admission. Tickets are free, but rsvp and CoVid protocols remain in effect. Copy & paste this into your browser bar to rsvp.
www.eventbrite.com/e/harlem-night-market-tickets-220442849497
Location. At 1590 Park Avenue at 115th, 116th & 117th Streets in East Harlem, underneath the Metro North tracks.
Contact. www.instagram.com/tbo.harlem / www.unionsettlement.org / www.publicmarkets.nyc / www.uptowngrandcentral.org
Also, to see other ongoing holiday markets in your borough, click the Shopping link on the top tool bar and then click into the report on Holiday Markets in your borough.
Harlem School of the Arts - Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 3 - 5 pm - Home for the Holidays
Description. They describe the performance as, "... Featuring the Harlemettes, and students from the HSA Dance, Music, Theater, and Media and Design departments, accompanied by drummer Eric Brown and bassist Immanuel Williams ..." Holiday events in Harlem near the UWS, Inwood and Washington Heights.
Location. At 645 St. Nicholas Avenue in West Harlem north of the Upper West Side.
Contact. www.hsanyc.org / 212.926.4100
The Riverside Church Candlelight Carol Service - UWS Holiday Events
Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 4 to 5.30 pm
Description. This year it appears to be shortened a bit in light of the pandemic. I don't think the 3 pm prelude is included this year and it ends at 5.30 pm - not 6 pm as in prior years. Otherwise it's a Christian cultural way to celebrate Christmas.
HISTORICALLY - The musical prelude begins at 3 pm. Then a candle light service with the full cultural theater developed over thousands of years by the Christian church. They describe it as thus, "... combines carillon, organ, harp, and all of the choirs of The Riverside Church and culminates in a ritual sharing of candlelight illuminating the Nave ...". Tickets are $25 / $35 / donation.
Location. At 490 Riverside Drive between 120th and 122nd Streets on the Upper West Side. Manhattan holiday events on the Upper West Side NYC.
Contact. www.trcnyc.org
Carnegie Hall - Handel's Messiah - Holiday Cultural Events Manhattan NYC
Monday, December 20, 2021 beginning at 8 pm
Description. A classic Christmas choral performance at one of NYC's oldest and finest cultural venues.
Admission. $28 - $100
Contact. www.carnegiehall.org
Brooklyn Things To Do This Weekend NYC
Also see Dyker Heights lights & Glow at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
American Field Pop Up - Bk Holiday Markets in Greenpoint Neighborhood
Saturday & Sunday, December 18 & 19, 2021 from 11 am - 5 pm
Description. This market is billed as, " ... discover New York based artisans, support local brands, and shop gifts that give back to social justice causes. Over 30 independent designers and crafts people will be featured, offering fashion,
beauty and grooming products, home decor, leather goods and more..." Brooklyn holiday markets & shopping in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Admission. $5 tickets which include food & beer samples.
Location. There's the American Field at the Brooklyn Expo Center at 79 Franklin Street at [and] 72 Noble Street in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Contact. www.shopaf.co [Editor's Note - NOT www.shopaf.com] / www.brooklynexpocenter.com
Kings Theatre Holiday Theater in Flatbush Ditmas BK
Kings Theatre Holiday Nutcracker Performances in Brooklyn
Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 2 pm & 7 pm - Brooklyn Nutcracker
Sunday, December 18, 2021 at 2 pm & 6.30 pm - Hip Hop Nutcracker
Description. Brooklyn Nutcracker / Hip Hop Nutcracker. Tickets $30, but note ticket prices may vary based on demand. They also do a Historic Tour of the theater.
Location. At 1027 Flatbush Avenue in Flatbush Ditmas neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Contact. Webite is www.kingstheatre.com / Tel - 718.TBD.
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - Downtown Brooklyn Holiday Events NYC
Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday & Friday, December 13, 16, 19 & 24, 2021 at 7 pm, 7 pm, 5 pm and 8 pm respectively on PBS - see their website below
Description. Choral performances of 20 Years of Christmas. Free.
Location. On PBS TV. They are located at 17 Smith Street between Livingston & Fulton in Downtown Brooklyn NYC.
Contact. www.brooklyntabernacle.org / Tel - 718.290.2000.
Nostrand Avenue Holiday Market in Prospect Lefferts Gardens BK
Saturday - December 18, 2021 from 1 - 7 pm
Description. There's a holiday sale at the Art Nouveau featuring about 40 local vendors and artisans.
Location. At Art Nouveau at 1105 Nostrand Avenue in the Prospect Lefferts Garden neighborhoood of Brooklyn.
Contact. Email - tentsofkedarinc@gmail.com / 917.615.4555.
Saturday December 18, 2021 from 2 - 4.30 pm
Description. The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music embarks on its annual Christmas caroling in Brooklyn.
Admission. Free.
Location. Start at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music at 58 7th Avenue in the Prospect Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn NYC. After a half hour group warm up, spread out in small groups into the borough.
Contact. www.bkcm.org / 718.622.3300
Brooklyn Holiday Markets in the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park
Wednesday - Sunday, December 4 - 30, 2021 from 12 noon - 6 pm - CaribBeing Holiday Market
Saturdays, December 4 - 18, 2021 from 11 am - 6 pm - Brooklyn Pop Up Market
Description. The CaribBeing and Brooklyn Pop Up Markets may be found at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park. Holiday markets in Brooklyn BK NYC.
Location. At the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park.
Downtown Brooklyn Holiday Markets - Shopping FAD Market in Downtown BK
Saturday & Sundays, December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 2021 from 11 am - 6 pm
Description. The market includes 60 independent artists & designer jewelry, art, clothing and home decor. Brooklyn holiday markets & shopping in the downtown neighborhood of Brooklyn NYC.
Two Locations. At St. Paul's Church at 190 Court Street in Cobble Hill and the Invisible Dog Art Center at 51 Bergen Street in Boerum Hill. These markets are intended to serve Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens.
OLD _ From 2019 _ There's FAD Market [Fashion / Art / Design] market at City Point at 445 Albee Square West in the Downtown Brooklyn neighborhood. There's FAD Market [Fashion / Art / Design] market at Invisible Dog Art Center at 51 Bergen Street in the Boerum Hill neighborhood in Brooklyn.
Contact. www.fadmarket.co
Saturdays & Sundays Weekends, November & December 2021 from 11 am - 6 pm
Description. This Williamsburg Brooklyn market showcases local artists and designers on weekends year round. On Small Business Saturday they're hosting a celebratory event for the 75 or so small vendors selling out of this space. Brooklyn holiday markets & shopping in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Location. There's the Artists & Fleas / Regeneration market at Williamsburg Market at 66 North 7th Street in Williamsburg.
Contact. www.artistsandfleas.com
Sundays in November 7 - December 19, 2021 from 10 am - 4 pm
Description. Currently this appears to be a one-day per week holiday market that ends as noted in the dates above.
HISTORICALLY - This Brooklyn Flea market pre-pandemic was open year round [but moved to different locations based on seasons - summer Dumbo & Williamsburg] with seventy-five vendors selling vintage, antiques, clothing, and other goods. They've been doing this since 2013? and two of their three pre-pandemic winters / locales were in Industry City [2017] and Atlantic Center [2018]. Brooklyn holiday markets & shopping in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Location. There's the Brooklyn Flea at 25 Kent Avenue in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Contact. www.brooklynflea.com
The Brooklyn Botanical Garden opens its Lightscape Show today, Friday November 19, 2021 and it runs through January 9, 2022. Tickets are $18 / $34.
Saturday & Sundays, December 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 2021 from 11 am - 6 pm - The FAD market includes 60 independent artists & designer jewelry, art, clothing and home decor. Two Locations. At St. Paul's Church at 190 Court Street in Cobble Hill and the Invisible Dog Art Center at 51 Bergen Street in Boerum Hill. These markets are intended to serve Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens. www.fadmarket.co
And next week in Brooklyn
Fort Hamilton High School Nutcracker Ballet
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, December 20, 21 & 22, 2021 beginning at 5 pm Monday and 7 pm Tuesday & Wednesday
Description. Classic performance of the Nutcracker ballet by the Joffrey Dance Academy.
Location. Fort Hamilton High School at 8301 Shore Road in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn NYC.
Contact. www.fthhs.org / 718.748.1537
Queens Things To Do This Weekend NYC
There's a holiday celebration and toy drive at the Vista Sky Lounge in the Four Points Sheraton at 27-05 39th Avenue in Long Island City on Saturday from 11.30 am - 4 pm. Tickets $110 at 212.244.8440. Proof of vaccination required. Organized by the Albanian American Women's Organization.
A Queens Holiday Caroling / Sing-Along in Jackson Heights
Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 7 - 10 pm
Description. This Queens Christmas caroling event happens regardless of weather. They're celebrating their 13th anniversary [established 2009] and recommend dressing warmly and bringing a flashlight or well protected candle. All are welcome but people aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Location. Meet in front of Cassidy's Ale House at 75-02 31st Avenue and 75th Street in Elmhurst / Jackson Heights.
Contact. Tel - 718.424.6549 / https://www.facebook.com/events/10th-annual-jackson-heights-winter-caroling-sing-stroll/1426636640904001/
Queens Holiday Markets Astoria - Queens Craft Brigade in Astoria
Sunday, November 28th & Saturdays, December 11 & 18, 2021 from 12 noon - 5 pm
Description. There will be about two dozen artists and craftspeople selling their unique wares including jewelry, art, crafts, fashion and food.
Location. At Katch Astoria at 31-19 Newtown Avenue in Astoria between 31st Street and 30th Avenue in Astoria near LIC. Holiday markets in Queens.
Contact. www.queenscraftbrigade.com
Queens Center Mall Holiday Events & Shopping - Elmhurst near Rego Park Queens
Starts on Weekends November 12, 2021 / December 1 - 23, 2021 - Monday - Saturday 10 am - 8 pm & Sundays 11 am - 7 pm / December 24, 2021 closes at 4 pm
Description. Santa will be at the Queens Center Mall for photos daily. The Queens Center Mall is open from 10 am to 10 pm.
Location. Located at 90-15 Queens Blvd in Elmhurst Queens.
Contact. www.shopqueenscenter.com / 718.592.3900
This Santa posing for photos event is also occurring simultaneously at the Shops at Atlas Park at 8000 Cooper Avenue in Glendale. See www.shopatatlaspark.com for details.
Bronx Things To Do This Weekend NYC
The Nutcracker at Lehman College - Holiday Events in the Bronx
Saturday & Sunday, December 18 & 19, 2021 at 12.30 and 4.30 pm on Saturday and at 12 noon and 4 pm on Sunday
Description. Classic holiday ballet by the Westchester Ballet Company.
Admission. $24 - $49 / person. CoVid protocols remain in effect.
Location. Lehman College Performing Arts Center in Bedford Park in the Bronx.
Contact. www.lehmancenter.org
The Bartow Pell Mansion
December 9 - 18, 2021 from 10 am - 12 noon - Candlelight Tree Tours
Description. Candle light tours.
Admission. $12 for the Candlelight Tours
Location. At the Bartow Pell Mansion in Pelham Park.
Contact. www.bartowpellmansionmuseum.org
NY Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show in the Belmont Neighborhood of the Bronx on the Weekends November & December 2021 from 10 am to 4 pm. This 30 year old family-friendly Bronx holiday event includes a scenic train show of G-scale toy locomotives that run through 175 NYC landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge - all made of natural materials. Tickets cost $15 / $28 / $30 and kids under age two are free. This Bronx holiday event is located at 2900 Southern Blvd in the Enid Haupt Conservatory in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx. www.nybg.org
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights near the Belmont & Bedford Park Neighborhoods of the Bronx on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, November & December 2021 - from 3 - 9 pm. The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights program continues beyond the New Year. The Bronx Zoo stays open until between 9 - 10 pm during the holiday lights program. Tickets run $25 for kids / $35 seniors / $40 adults and children under age two are free. The Bronx Zoo is located at 2300 Southern Blvd in the Fordham Manor neighborhood of the Bronx. www.bronxzoo.com
Staten Island Things To Do This Weekend NYC
Tappan Park Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 3 - 6 pm - Tree lighting and Santa / Toy Giveaway
Description. Tappan Park Christmas Tree Lighting and toy giveaway. Also pictures with Santa.
Location. In Tappan Park on Bay Street in the Stapleton neighborhood of Staten Island.
Contact. Van Duzer Civic Association of Stapleton
Westerleigh Park Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, December 17, 2021 from 5 - 6.30 pm - Holiday Light Show in Veterans Park organized by the 121st Precinct, followed by a Christmas caroling crawl starting from Westerleigh Park
Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 4 - 7 pm - Traditional holiday tree lighting
Description. Westerleigh Park Christmas Tree Lighting.
Location. In Westerleigh Park at Maine & Willard Avenues in the Westerleigh neighborhood of Staten Island.
Contact. www.facebook.com/WesterleighParksCoalition
New Dorp Lane Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, December 17, 2021 from 4 - 6 pm
Description. New Dorp Lane District Christmas Tree Lighting.
Location. At New Dorp Lane between 8th and 10th Street in the New Dorp neighborhood of Staten Island.
Contact. www.siedc.org
Historic Richmond Town Holiday Events on Staten Island
Saturdays & Sundays, December 11, 12 & 18, 19, 2021 - departing every 20 minutes from 4.30 - 7.50 pm
Description. Walk through Historic Richmond Town on a candlelit tour that lasts an hour.
Admission. $25 and rsvp.
Location. Meet at the 3rd County Courthouse on the main campus in Historic Richmond Town at 441 Clarke Avenue. Holiday events in Historic Richmond Town on Staten Island.
Contact. www.historicrichmondtown.org / Tel. 718.351.1611.
Biddle House Holiday Events on Staten Island
Weekends, December 11, 2021 - January 8, 2022 - from 1 pm - 4 pm
Description. Live Christmas trees with women's handcrafted ornaments celebrating Staten Island's maritime heritage and women's handiwork in the Staten Island community.
Location. At the Biddle House at 70 Satterlee Street in Conference House Park. Tottenville Historical Society located there and organizes events.
Contact. https://theconferencehouse.org/the-historic-houses-of-conference-house-park/the-h-h-biddle-house/
Tel 718.984.6046 / - m/th/f 10a - 3p / Linda Hauck President - info@tottenvillehistory.com
Holiday Market & Holiday Brunch in Rossville on Staten Island
Sundays, December 5, 12, 19, 2021 from 11 am - 2 pm
Description. There's a holiday brunch at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. There are two seatings. It includes a buffet, but not alcohol, tax or gratuities. Holiday brunch in the Rossville neighborhood.
Price. $38 / $24
Location. The Historic Old Bermuda Inn is located at 301 Veterans Road West in the Rossville neighborhood on Staten Island
Contact. For rsvps call 718.948.7600 or www.theoldbermudainn.com.
St. George Theatre Nutcracker Ballet Shows - Downtown Staten Island
Sunday, December 19, 2021 - Two Showtimes 1 pm & 6 pm - The Nutcracker by the NYC Ballet
Description. The Nutcracker by the NYC Ballet.
Price. Tickets $50 / $35.
Location. The historic St. George Theatre at 35 Hyatt Street - only steps away from the ferry terminal in St. George.
Contact. www.stgeorgetheatre.com / Tel - 718.442.2900 xt 503
Have a nice weekend.