Exciting Events Around New York – December 2025

As the year draws to a close, New York City comes alive with music, art, and celebration. At Great Performances, we’re proud to partner with some of the city’s most inspiring cultural institutions—each offering festive programs that capture the wonder and warmth of the holiday season. From joyful jazz concerts and interactive workshops to family film screenings and community performances, here’s what we’re looking forward to this December at our partner venues.

Apollo Theater

• Black Genius Talks: I’ll Make Me A World
  This thought-provoking conversation series spotlights visionary Black creators shaping the worlds of art, culture, and innovation, offering insight and inspiration from leading voices.
• Du’Bois A’Keen – December 12, 2025
  An evening of dynamic artistry featuring Du’Bois A’Keen’s soulful vocals and genre-blending style, live from the legendary Apollo stage.
• Ayana George Jackson – December 13, 2025
  Experience the powerful voice of Ayana George Jackson in an unforgettable night of gospel, soul, and R&B at Harlem’s iconic theater.
• Apollo Comedy Club – December 11, 2025
  Wrap up the year with laughter as Apollo Comedy Club showcases some of NYC’s funniest emerging comedians in a relaxed, intimate setting.

BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music)

• Best of BAMkids Film Festival: Ages 9+
  Delight in a curated selection of family-friendly short films designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection for kids ages 9 and up.
• FOR REAL
  Don’t miss this inventive theatrical experience that blends humor, dance, and storytelling in a heartfelt exploration of authenticity and identity.

Brooklyn Museum

• Poetry Workshop: Monet and Venice – December 7, 2025
  Explore creative expression through verse in this immersive poetry workshop inspired by the museum’s acclaimed exhibition Monet in Venice.
• A Close Look (Ages 65+): Monet and Venice – December 9, 2025
  A thoughtful program designed for older adults, featuring in-depth discussion and guided viewing of Monet’s luminous paintings of Venice.
• Beyond Keïta’s Frame: Ernest Cole – December 13, 2025
  This special screening explores the life and legacy of South African photographer Ernest Cole, expanding on themes from the exhibition Seydou Keïta.

Caramoor

• Rosanne Cash Benefit Concert
  Legendary singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash performs an intimate concert to benefit Caramoor’s mission of bringing world-class music to audiences year-round.

Jazz at Lincoln Center

• Webop Family Jazz Party: A Holiday Jazz Jam
  The youngest jazz lovers can swing into the season with this festive, interactive concert that introduces families to jazz through rhythm, song, and play.
• Big Band Holidays
  A beloved annual tradition returns as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra perform swinging holiday favorites with dazzling guest vocalists.

New York Historical

• Live Revolutionary Music – November 14, 2025
  Step back in time with an evening of music from the Revolutionary era. Experience the sounds that inspired a nation, performed by expert musicians on period instruments in a setting that brings history to life.
• Live Revolutionary Era Music – November 21, 2025
  Celebrate America’s musical heritage with a stirring program of 18th-century compositions and patriotic tunes. This engaging concert offers a fascinating glimpse into the soundscape of the Revolutionary War era.

Poster House

• First Friday
  Celebrate the start of the month with free admission, engaging tours, and creative programs at the world’s only museum dedicated to poster art.
• Third Sunday: Always Free
  Explore Poster House’s current exhibitions at no cost during their monthly free-admission Sunday event for visitors of all ages.

From joyful concerts and hands-on workshops to festive films and family celebrations, December is full of warmth and inspiration at our partner venues. Great Performances is honored to be part of these cultural spaces that make New York shine all year long—and we can’t wait to see what the new year brings.