At Great Performances, our story began in the arts. Founded as a waitress service for women in the performing arts, we’ve grown into one of the country’s leading catering and hospitality companies — yet our connection to culture, creativity, and community has never wavered. We’re proud to partner with theaters, museums, performance venues, and arts organizations across New York and beyond, fueling the experiences that inspire audiences every day.
As someone who travels around the world to experience theater — from major premieres to hidden-gem regional productions — I’m always excited for the upcoming season. And looking ahead to 2026, an extraordinary lineup of theater, opera, and new works is ready to take center stage. Whether you’re crafting your cultural calendar or searching for the perfect stocking stuffer (nothing beats the gift of live performance!), here are the productions topping our watchlist.
Broadway & New York Premieres
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
- Longacre Theatre
- Opens November 20, 2025
A vibrant, contemporary musical following an unlikely duo — an upbeat Brit and a no-nonsense New Yorker — navigating secrets, second chances, and the magic of the city.
Stocking Stuffer Alert: A charming pick for anyone who loves modern, heart-forward musicals.
GIANT
- Music Box Theatre
- Previews March 11, 2026
- Opens March 23, 2026
A gripping portrait of Roald Dahl and the scandal that shook his legacy. After a lauded West End run, this thoughtful, provocative drama arrives on Broadway with high expectations.
CATS: The Jellicle Ball
- Broadhurst Theatre
- Previews March 18, 2026
Fresh off its PAC sold out run, a reimagined, ballroom-infused revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic. With bold choreography, glittering design, and a Vogue-worthy edge, this production promises to be one of the season’s most talked-about events.
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
- Barrymore Theatre
- Previews March 30, 2026
- Opens April 25, 2026
August Wilson’s powerful 1911-set masterpiece returns, exploring identity, healing, and the resilience of Black travelers navigating the Great Migration. A must-see for lovers of rich, character-driven drama.
Moby Dick
- BAM – Howard Gilman Opera House
- April 29 – May 3, 2026
Robert Wilson’s visually striking, avant-garde retelling of Melville’s novel lands at BAM, featuring a haunting score by indie musician Anna Calvi. Expect something bold, hypnotic, and wholly original.
El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego
- The Metropolitan Opera
- May 14 – June 5, 2026
A magical-realist opera that brings the tempestuous love story of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera to vivid life. With a luminous score by Gabriela Lena Frank and staging inspired by the couple’s iconic artwork, this is a standout for opera and visual arts lovers alike.
Beyond Broadway: Regional Highlights
Come From Away
- Paper Mill Playhouse
- February 4 – March 1, 2026
The beloved musical returns locally, celebrating community, kindness, and the power of human connection.
The Recipe
- La Jolla Playhouse
- February – March 2026
A funny, heartfelt new play tracing Julia Child’s early years — from Pasadena to Paris and beyond — as she discovers her passion, purpose, and voice. A perfect match for the food-and-culture lovers in our GP community.
Support the Arts — Wherever You Are
As you plan your 2026 arts adventures, remember that the magic of live performance thrives not only on Broadway and major stages, but in communities everywhere. Consider supporting:
- National tours bringing Broadway favorites across the country
- Regional theaters developing new work
- Community playhouses that nurture local talent
- High school and college productions where the next generation of artists takes the stage
Every ticket purchased helps keep the arts vibrant, accessible, and sustainable.
At Great Performances, we’re honored to continue uplifting the artistic spirit that started our journey — and we can’t wait to see where 2026 takes us, on stage and beyond.
World Science Festival Gala 2025 | Jazz at Lincoln Center
On October 27th, we supported the World Science Festival Gala, an event that blended scientific inspiration with thoughtful design and a modern, tech-driven guest experience.
The highlight of the evening was the Barsy 360, which drew steady attention throughout the night. Barsy served the event’s featured drink, the Margarita al Carbon with activated charcoal, offering guests a fun and unexpected touch that aligned well with the science theme.
The gala also recognized ten influential figures whose contributions shaped science, medicine, environmental advocacy, and human rights, including: Hypatia of Alexandria, Lucilio Vanini, Galileo Galilei, Nikolai Vavilov, Linus Pauling, Andrei Sakharov, Wangari Maathai, Ignaz Semmelweis, Rachel Carson, and Frances Oldham Kelsey.
Event Gallery
Event Menu
This year our team delivered a menu rooted in creativity and quiet scientific playfulness. Each course carried a subtle element of exploration—textures, temperatures, unexpected contrasts—all served on custom trays chosen specifically for each bite.
- Green Chickpea Pani Puri – Mint, Candied Cumin Seeds
- Truffle Crème & Duxelle Puff – Truffled Creme, Pickled Pioppini, Chervil
- Butternut & Fig Tartlet – Goat Cheese, Toasted Pistachio
- Mushroom Tea – White Piopini, Enoki, Chanterelle, Morel, Smoked Mushroom Tea, Helio Cress,
- Fish & Chip Taco – Potato Taco Shell, Mushy Peas, Malt Vinegar Remoulade, Chives
- Fluke Ceviche – Leche De Tigre, Cilantro, Chili Pepper Pearl, Neon Rice Crisp
- Chinese Pancakes with Duck – Duck Confit, Ginger Rhubarb Jam, Pea Greens
- Seeds of Wisdom & Pearls of Knowledge – Soju Poached Apple, Sesame Tofu Bonbons, Shiso, Soy Pearls, Black Sesame Powder
- French Onion Short Rib – Caramelized Onion, Gouda Gratin, Broccolini, Crispy Thyme
- Soy Orange Braised Daikon (vegan) – Bok Choy, White Sesame Seeds, Forbidden Rice, Flower Yuzu Pearls, Fresh Herbs
- The Pearfect Experiment – Hazelnut Biscuit, Maple Red Wine Poached Pears, Candied Hazelnuts
- Carrot Cake & Pineapple (vegan, GF)- Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting, Pineapple Fluid Gel, Pickled Golden Raisins, Affilla Cress
The 2025 World Science Festival Gala honored those who pushed the boundaries of human knowledge, and the event itself echoed that mission. With its inventive menu and an unforgettable robotic bartender, the evening reminded us that science isn’t only something we learn—it’s something we feel, witness, and celebrate together.
Find Your Light Foundation Gala | Jazz at Lincoln Center
This past October, we were honored to support the Find Your Light Foundation Gala, hosted by Josh Groban. Find Your Light’s work has long championed creativity as a pathway to confidence, opportunity, and joy — a belief deeply shared by Great Performances and our partners at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Foundation’s tribute to Sesame Street, a cultural touchstone that has shaped generations through music, curiosity, and compassion. Their performance brought an unmistakable energy to the room — made even more charming by the surprise rubber duckies gifted to every guest, a playful nod that quickly became the unofficial icon of the night.
Beyond the celebration, the gala underscored something essential: when organizations rooted in the arts come together — Find Your Light through arts-education grants, Jazz at Lincoln Center through youth development and fellowships, and Great Performances through our long-standing commitment to nurturing emerging talent and creative communities — the impact multiplies. This shared mission continues to guide our growing collaboration.
Event Gallery
Event Menu
- Mighty Mushroom Maki Roll
- Carrot Tartare Cup
- Butternut & Fig Tartlet
- Lobster Roll
- Rare Seared Tuna with Apple–Celery Root Remoulade
- Grilled Chicken Taco with Chili Crema
- Boneless Lamb Chop with Mint Chimichurri
- Spaghetti & Meatball Bite
New York Steakhouse Station
Strip Steak
Smoked Cedar-Planked Salmon
Truffled Orecchiette
Wild Mushrooms
Twice-Baked Creamed-Spinach Potatoes
Waldorf Salad
Parker House Rolls
Classic Steak Sauces
Dim Sum Station
Vegetable and Chicken Dumplings
Short Rib and Eggplant Bao Buns
Vegetable Fried Rice
Crispy Noodles
Seaweed–Cucumber Salad with Traditional Accompaniments
Desserts
Cheesecake Lollipops
Fruit Tartlets
Key Lime Tartlets
Chocolate–Raspberry Truffles
S’Mores Squares
Carrot–Ginger Cake
About Chefs’ Choir®
A chorus of culinary voices from Great Performances—our chefs step out of the kitchen to share recipes, stories, and inspiration. Learn more →
Chef Omar Hegazi recently joined the Great Performances team as Corporate Chef de Cuisine and shares his recipe for a luscious Braised Lamb Shank.
Although this is not a traditional American holiday dish, it is a traditional recipe from where I am from.
Braised Lamb Shank
by Chef Omar Hegazi
Ingredients
- 4–6 lamb shanks
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1.5 cups red wine
- 2 cups beef or chicken stock
- 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4–5 sprigs thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Procedure
Prep the Lamb: Pat lamb shanks dry. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Sear: Heat olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Brown shanks on all sides (8–10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot: add onion, carrots, celery and cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute to caramelize
Deglaze: Pour in the red wine. Scrape up the browned bits. Simmer 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add Liquids & Herbs: Add stock, diced tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Return shanks to the pot, submerging them partially.
Slow Cook Braise:
• Cover and place in preheated oven set at 325°F for 2.5–3 hours, turning shanks halfway.
• They’re done when the meat is very tender and nearly falling off the bone.Reduce the Sauce: Remove shanks and simmer the sauce uncovered for 10–15 minutes until thicker.
More Recipes by Chef Omar Hegazi
About Chefs’ Choir®
A chorus of culinary voices from Great Performances—our chefs step out of the kitchen to share recipes, stories, and inspiration. Learn more →
A sweet add-on to their article, Holiday Cooking with the Deuel Family, Anastassia adds a special recipe for her Holiday Honey Pryanik Cookies.
Inspired by Anastassia’s Russian roots, these soft honey cookies bring warmth, spice, and nostalgia to the holiday table. They’re easy to mix, fun to shape, and perfect for little helpers to decorate.
Sweet Highlight: Anastassia’s Holiday Honey Pryanik Cookies
by Chef Anastassia Batsoula-Deuel
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp butter
- Spices:
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp clove
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups flour
Procedure
- Melt honey, sugar, and butter together in a small saucepan. Allow to cool slightly.
- Stir in the egg and spices.
- Add baking soda and flour to form a soft dough.
- Chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out and cut into festive shapes.
- Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Finish with an optional lemon-sugar glaze.
These make wonderful gifts or the perfect dessert with tea after a family meal.
More Recipes by Chef Anastassia Batsoula-Deuel
About Chefs’ Choir®
A chorus of culinary voices from Great Performances—our chefs step out of the kitchen to share recipes, stories, and inspiration. Learn more →
Chefs Mike and Anastassia (and Little Mila) share a delicious recipe for Slow-Roasted Citrus Herb Chicken, perfect for a festive winter meal and a bonus recipe for Anastassia’s Holiday Honey Pryanik Cookies.
As the holiday season approaches, the our kitchen comes alive with warm spices, gentle simmering, and the joyful chaos of cooking with a toddler. For our family, preparing food together is more than a routine—it’s a tradition rooted in our combined culinary backgrounds, shared memories, and the excitement of creating something delicious as a team.
Whether we’re making dinner for just the three of us, baking cookies with Mila’s tiny hands dusted in flour, or preparing a dish to bring to friends, the season gives us a chance to slow down and savor every flavorful moment. This year, we’re sharing two of our favorite festive recipes—one savory, one sweet—that reflect the heart of how we cook together.
Slow-Roasted Citrus Herb Chicken
by Chefs Mike, Anastassia, & Little Mila
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
- 3 oranges, halved
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 bulb garlic, halved
- Fresh thyme and rosemary
- 2 onions, quartered
- 3 carrots, thick-cut
- 3 parsnips, thick-cut
- 2 potatoes, chunked
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika
Procedure
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Place vegetables in a roasting pan; coat evenly with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the chicken with citrus, garlic, and herbs.
- Rub the outside with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Lay the chicken over the vegetables.
- Roast for 3.5–4 hours, basting occasionally.
- Finish at 425°F for 15 minutes to crisp the skin.
- Rest 10 minutes before carving.
Mila’s favorite part? Helping place the citrus inside the chicken—a perfect toddler-safe kitchen task.
Sweet Highlight: Anastassia’s Holiday Honey Pryanik Cookies
Inspired by Anastassia’s Russian roots, these soft honey cookies bring warmth, spice, and nostalgia to the holiday table. They’re easy to mix, fun to shape, and perfect for little helpers to decorate.
Get the recipe here: Anastassia’s Holiday Honey Pryanik Cookies
Warmest Wishes from the Deuel Family
For us, holiday cooking is all about connection—slowing down, sharing flavors, and making memories together. Whether you’re cooking with your own family or bringing a dish to friends, we hope these recipes add warmth and joy to your season.
More Recipes by Chef's Mike and Anastassia Deuel
Each month, our Food Festival series celebrates a single seasonal ingredient through a chef-driven recipe, creative tips, and serving inspiration. In December, we turn to pumpkin seeds—nutty, versatile, and rich in nutrients. A beloved snack in many cultures, pumpkin seeds shine in both savory and sweet dishes, adding crunch and depth to holiday spreads.
In honor of December pumpkin seeds, we’re spotlighting a festive favorite: Sage Pumpkin Seed Brittle. Sweet, spiced, and herbaceous, this brittle combines caramelized sugar with toasted seeds, cayenne pepper for gentle heat, and fresh sage for a seasonal twist. Perfect as a holiday treat, it makes a great edible gift or snack for gatherings.
Want more seasonal ideas? Explore the full Food Festival series here.
Ingredient Spotlight:
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are celebrated worldwide for their rich, nutty flavor and dense nutritional profile. Packed with protein, healthy fats, magnesium, and zinc, they’re as nourishing as they are delicious. From trail mixes to sauces and baked goods, pumpkin seeds are endlessly adaptable, making them a pantry staple during the winter months.
Recipe: Sage Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Ingredients
120 g pumpkin seeds, toasted
200 g sugar
170 g light corn syrup
120 g water
2.5 g baking soda
1.6 g salt
3 g fresh sage, finely chopped
3 g cayenne pepper
Vegan butter, as needed
Cooking spray, for parchment
Method
Toast pumpkin seeds and set aside.
In a thick-bottomed pot, combine sugar, light corn syrup, salt, baking soda, and water.
Cook over medium heat, stirring until mixture turns golden brown.
Add chopped sage and cayenne pepper, stirring to combine.
Stir in vegan butter.
Quickly pour mixture onto a parchment-lined sheet tray sprayed with cooking spray.
Spread evenly and let cool completely. Break into brittle pieces before serving.
Pro Tips from Our Chefs
For extra flavor, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the brittle before it sets.
Add a handful of dark chocolate chips while spreading for a sweet-savory twist.
Store brittle in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Package in cellophane bags or tins for a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift.
How to Use It: Serving Suggestions
Break into shards and serve alongside after-dinner coffee or tea.
Crush into pieces and sprinkle over ice cream or yogurt parfaits.
Pair with cheese boards as a crunchy, slightly spicy accent.
Use as a garnish for holiday cakes or brownies.
From Our Farm to Your Table: Meet Katchkie Farm and Our CSA
The peppers in this month’s recipe—and many of the ingredients we spotlight—come straight from Katchkie Farm, our organic farm in Kinderhook, NY. It’s where we grow with intention: focusing on flavor, sustainability, and connection to the land.
Through our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, you can enjoy the very best of the season each week—from just-picked produce to specialty pantry items and surprises from our kitchen.
Want a deeper connection to your food? Learn more about our CSA and Katchkie Farm →
Keep Cooking with Us
We’re cooking our way through the seasons—one ingredient at a time. Sign up for our newsletter to get each month’s recipe, tips, and art delivered to your inbox.
Get recipes, seasonal stories, and event tips delivered each month? Sign up for our newsletter →
Related Articles
More from the Food Festival series—seasonal recipes, chef tips, and ingredient inspiration.
Holiday events and cultural experiences happening from December 20 through December 31, 2025
The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve offers a wonderful opportunity to explore New York City with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting guests, reconnecting with loved ones, or visiting from out of town, this festive stretch of days is filled with inspiring exhibitions, joyful musical performances, and special programs across the city’s most celebrated cultural institutions.
We’ve curated a selection of standout events taking place from Saturday, December 20 through Wednesday, December 31, 2025, making it easier to find memorable experiences that capture the magic of the season.
Brooklyn Museum
Gallery Tour: A Few of Our Favorite Things
A curator-led tour featuring highlights across the museum’s collection and current exhibitions.
Pricing: Included with Museum Admission
Available on:
Saturday, December 20,
Sunday, December 21,
Wednesday, December 24,
Friday, December 26,
Saturday, December 27,
Sunday, December 28,
Wednesday, December 31
Pop-Up Talks: Monet and Venice
A short, engaging talk offering new insights into Monet’s Venetian works and the inspiration behind them.
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Pricing: Included with Museum Admission
xhibitions On View
Explore a rich lineup of exhibitions, from contemporary photography to historic milestones and bold abstraction.
Pricing: Museum Admission
Learn more: https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions
Everyday Rebellions: Collection Conversations
Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens
Monet and Venice
Oliver Jeffers: Life at Sea
Brooklyn Abstraction: Four Artists, Four Walls
Breaking the Mold: Brooklyn Museum at 200
Christian Marclay: Doors
Caramoor
An Amarcord Christmas
An elegant holiday concert by the acclaimed vocal ensemble Amarcord, filling the season with luminous harmonies and timeless music.
Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Pricing: Ticketed
Holiday Rosen House Tours
Step inside the historic Rosen House and explore its festive seasonal decorations and rich history.
Multiple dates throughout Christmas Week
Pricing: Ticketed
Dates:
Holiday Tea Musicale
A refined holiday tea accompanied by live chamber music inside the enchanting Rosen House.
Select dates
Pricing: Ticketed
Dizzy’s Club
Tammy McCann: Merry Christmas Baby
Vocalist Tammy McCann brings soulful artistry to holiday classics in this intimate jazz club setting overlooking Central Park.
Thursday, December 18 and Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Pricing: Ticketed
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Webop Family Jazz Party: A Holiday Jazz Jam
A festive and interactive introduction to jazz for families, featuring joyful singing, dancing, and live performance.
Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Pricing: Ticketed
Big Band Holidays
A cherished annual tradition with swinging holiday arrangements performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and guest vocalists.
Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21, 2025
Pricing: Ticketed
The New York Historical
Designing Women Market
A curated shopping experience highlighting women-led brands and makers. While the main event peaks earlier in the season, selected artists continue to be featured through December.
Pricing: Free to browse
Exhibitions On View
A robust lineup of exhibitions spanning history, art, culture, and design, offering something for every interest during the holiday week.
Pricing: Museum Admission
Learn more: https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions
The Gay Harlem Renaissance
Declaring the Revolution
Stirring the Melting Pot
New York, New York: The Elie and Sarah Hirschfeld Collection
The New York Sari
Turn Every Page: Inside the Robert A. Caro Archive
Gallery of Tiffany Lamps
Meet the Presidents and the Oval Office
Audubon’s Birds of America
Objects Tell Stories
Fashion Forward: The Bill Cunningham Archive
A Shot in the Arm: New York City Gets Vaccinated
Erie Canal 200th Anniversary
The Guggenheim Fellowship at 100
Creating Kosher Chop Suey
Circulating Control: Women’s Book Battles, 1880–1930
Poster House
The Future Was Then: The Changing Face of Fascist Italy
An evocative look at graphic design and political identity in early 20th-century Italy.
Pricing: Museum Admission
Blazing a Trail: Dorothy Waugh’s National Park Posters
A vibrant celebration of one artist’s iconic poster designs that helped define the visual identity of America’s national parks.
Pricing: Museum Admission
Wave Hill
Winter Solstice Pub Night
Celebrate the winter solstice with seasonal drinks, live music, and views of the Hudson River and Palisades.
Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Pricing: Ticketed
Holiday Tea at Wave Hill House
A festive afternoon tea served in the historic Wave Hill House, offering a restorative holiday experience.
Friday, December 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Pricing: Ticketed
Discover the best cultural events and holiday activities happening across the Bronx this December
December brings a special kind of energy to the Bronx. The borough buzzes with festive lights, family celebrations, art openings, community gatherings, and magical seasonal traditions. Whether you’re planning a winter outing with friends, looking for a family-friendly weekend event, or hoping to explore something new close to home, the Bronx offers a rich lineup of programs across its museums, gardens, cultural centers, and parks.
Below, find our curated guide to some of the most exciting events taking place throughout the Bronx this December.
The Bronx Museum of the Arts
First Friday: Art, Music, Dancing & More
December 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A lively evening at the museum featuring art, music, and dancing. Enjoy free admission and a community-centered celebration to kick off the month. FREE
Family Day: Winter Wonderland 2025
December 6, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM
A festive afternoon for families with hands-on art activities and winter-inspired fun. FREE
Book Club: The Sisterhood (Session 1)
December 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Join the museum’s book club for a thoughtful discussion of The Sisterhood: How a Network of Black Women Writers Changed American Culture.
Bronx River Alliance
Planting at Bronx River Forest
December 2, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Help restore native habitats along the Bronx River with this hands-on volunteer planting session. FREE
Also on December 11 and December 16.
Bronx Zoo
Holiday Lights
November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Select evenings.
The Bronx Zoo glows with immersive light displays, lantern sculptures, seasonal treats, and family-friendly activities. A beloved holiday tradition perfect for all ages.
Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture
Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Salsa Navidad
December 6, 2025 at 8:00 PM
The Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra returns for a high-energy Salsa Navidad performance filled with rhythm, joy, and holiday spirit.
Holiday Parranda with Papo Vázquez
December 21, 2025. Time TBD
A festive celebration blending jazz, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and Puerto Rican holiday traditions led by trombonist and composer Papo Vázquez.
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts
The Nutcracker
December 13–14, 2025. Multiple performances.
The Westchester Ballet Company presents a classic holiday favorite featuring elegant choreography, beautiful costumes, and enchanting storytelling.
The New York Botanical Garden
Holiday Train Show
November 15, 2025 to January 11, 2026
A winter favorite featuring model trains winding through detailed replicas of New York landmarks made from natural materials, all inside the stunning Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
Holiday Train Nights
Select evenings in December
The after-dark version of the Train Show offers illuminated pathways, festive music, and seasonal cocktails for a magical nighttime experience.
Wave Hill
Winter Haven
December 4, 2025 – January 4, 2026. Times vary.
Wave Hill transforms into a serene winter retreat with creative workshops, nature walks, and seasonal programming throughout December.
Game Night Social
December 13, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
A fun and relaxed evening of board games, snacks, and conversation in Wave Hill’s cozy indoor spaces.
Your guide to the best cultural events in NYC this holiday season
December in New York City is one of the most magical times of the year. The city comes alive with holiday lights, festive performances, inspiring exhibitions, and special programs that invite you to explore, learn, and celebrate. Whether you are planning a family outing, looking for a unique date idea, or browsing for holiday activities, our cultural partners offer some of the most exciting things to do across the five boroughs.
These beloved institutions feature exceptional public programming, and many also offer members-only benefits that make a thoughtful and meaningful holiday gift. If you are searching for something special for the culture lover in your life, consider giving the Gift of Culture and treat them to a full year of exploration and inspiration.
Below is your curated list of the top events happening across our partner locations this December.
Apollo Theater Events
Black Genius Talks: I’ll Make Me A World
December 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A dynamic conversation that celebrates Black cultural creativity and innovation. This talk explores how artists and visionaries continue to shape and influence the world.
Apollo Comedy Club
December 11, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Enjoy a night of sharp, energetic stand-up from emerging and established comedians on one of the most iconic stages in New York.
Du’Bois A’Keen
December 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Experience the soulful artistry of Du’Bois A’Keen in this intimate performance filled with emotion, storytelling, and powerful musical expression.
Ayana George Jackson
December 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Ayana George Jackson brings her soaring vocals and contemporary gospel sound to the Apollo in a concert filled with heart and inspiration.
Finding North
December 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM
A moving theatrical experience inspired by true stories of the Underground Railroad. This production weaves history and performance into a powerful narrative journey.
BAM Events
Les Arts Florissants
December 10 to 14, 2025. Times vary.
The celebrated Baroque ensemble returns to BAM with an elegant program that brings early music to life through masterful instrumentation and beautifully expressive vocals.
Brooklyn Museum Events
Poetry Workshops: Monet and Venice
December 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Write and reflect in a creative workshop inspired by Monet’s Venetian works. Participants explore themes of perception, light, and place through guided poetry exercises.
A Close Look (Ages 65+): Monet and Venice
December 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM
This relaxed, in-depth gallery experience invites older adults to engage closely with Monet’s paintings and explore their artistic context and techniques.
Beyond Keïta’s Frame: Ernest Cole
December 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A compelling film program that examines the groundbreaking work of photographer Ernest Cole and his documentation of life under apartheid.
Caramoor Events
Rosanne Cash Benefit Concert
December 6, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Join the legendary Rosanne Cash for an intimate benefit concert that supports Caramoor’s arts and education programs. Her soulful voice and storytelling promise a memorable evening.
Dizzy's Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center Events
Tammy McCain: Merry Christmas Baby
December 18 and 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Tammy McCain brings warmth and holiday spirit to the stage with soulful vocals and classic Christmas favorites in the cozy setting of Dizzy’s Club.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Events
Webop Family Jazz Party: A Holiday Jazz Jam
December 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
A joyful, interactive musical experience designed for young children and their families. Sing, dance, and explore the sounds of jazz together.
Big Band Holidays
December 20 and 21, 2025. Times vary.
A cherished holiday tradition featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and guest vocalists performing festive classics with a swinging twist.
The New York Historical Events
Live at the Museum: Raga Music
December 5, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of traditional Indian classical music performed live in an intimate museum setting.
Live at the Museum: 1920s Jazz
December 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Enjoy an evening of 1920s jazz standards performed by exceptional musicians who bring the energy and glamour of the Jazz Age to life.
Live at the Museum: 1920s Jazz Encore
December 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM
This encore performance offers another chance to experience the lively rhythms and rich sounds of the roaring twenties.
Poster House Events
First Friday
December 5, 2025. Free admission all day.
Explore Poster House for free during this monthly celebration that includes themed tours, hands-on activities, and extended hours.
Third Sunday Always Free
December 21, 2025. Free admission all day.
Enjoy complimentary access to the museum and experience its rotating exhibitions at your own pace.
Wave Hill Events
Winter Haven
December 4, 2025 to January 4, 2025. Times vary.
Wave Hill transforms into a winter wonderland with creative workshops, nature programs, and peaceful garden walks all month long.
Game Night Social
December 13, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
A relaxed evening of games, snacks, and community. This social gathering offers a cozy escape during the busy holiday season.
Give the Gift of Culture
Share the joy of discovery with a gift that lasts all year. Explore the Gift of Culture and treat someone to enriching programs, unforgettable performances, and meaningful experiences across New York City.