Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with incredible non-profits to help bring their events to life. Whether it’s a fundraising gala, a community appreciation day, or an intimate donor dinner, we know that every detail matters when it comes to sharing your mission and inspiring support.
Planning a non-profit event can be both exciting and challenging. It’s not just about hosting a gathering—it’s about crafting an experience that resonates with your audience and drives meaningful impact. We sat down with Linda Abbey, our resident Non-Profit Expert, and talked about her top tips for planning a Non-Profit event. Here are a few tips she’s learned along the way to help make your next event a success.
Identify the “Spend”
We know budgets can be tight for non-profits, so it’s important to start with a clear understanding of your resources. Consider both your financial limits and the time and people you can dedicate to planning. This clarity allows you to focus on priorities that maximize the impact of your event without stretching beyond your means.
What Event Format Best Suits the Mission?
The right event format helps you connect with your audience while staying true to your mission. Are you celebrating achievements? A formal gala might be perfect. Hoping to engage the community? A casual picnic or a virtual panel could work wonders. The format sets the tone, so choose one that complements both your cause and your guests.
Manage Guest Expectations with Optics
Every element of your event sends a message—whether intentional or not. From the invitations to the venue, make sure every detail reflects your mission and values. A sustainable catering menu, thoughtful decor, or a welcoming community space can all help communicate your commitment to your cause while building trust with attendees.
Incorporate the Goal into Hospitality
Food and hospitality are central to any event, and they’re a perfect opportunity to tie back to your mission. For a health-focused non-profit, we’ve worked with clients to craft menus featuring locally sourced, nutritious dishes. For environmental organizations, we’ve helped create zero-waste events. Thoughtful hospitality choices make your mission tangible and memorable.
Encourage Sponsorships to Offset Costs
Sponsorships can be game-changers. Partnering with businesses whose values align with your own can bring in much-needed funding or in-kind donations. Sponsors often appreciate the visibility your event offers, and their contributions can elevate the experience for attendees without straining your budget.
Prompt Post-Event Follow-Up
The event might end, but the conversation shouldn’t. Follow up with guests, sponsors, and volunteers to thank them for their support and share the impact of the event. Highlight successes through newsletters or social media, and let attendees know how they can stay involved. Keeping those connections alive builds lasting relationships for future support.
Let’s Make Your Next Event Unforgettable
At Great Performances, we believe every event tells a story—and we’re here to help you share yours. Whether you’re envisioning an elegant gala or a laid-back community gathering, our team is ready to bring your vision to life with menus and experiences that reflect your mission and values.
Let’s connect to talk about how we can make your next non-profit event as impactful as your cause. Together, we can create moments that inspire.
Let’s Start Planning Your Nonprofit Event!
The holidays are a time for sharing—sharing meals, laughter, and the traditions that make this season special. At Great Performances, we’re fortunate to work with an incredible team of individuals who bring their creativity and care to everything they do, both professionally and personally. This year, we asked a few of our team members to share their holiday traditions in their own words. Their stories reflect the joy, warmth, and meaning that make this time of year so magical.
Morgan Golumbuk, Senior Event Director
“This tradition came about purely by accident, which—I think—makes it all the better. Growing up, our Hanukkah gifts increased in value or size as the nights went on, but the first gift was always the same: scratch-off lottery tickets and candy bars. I knew that I had to offer these same foundational gifts to guests of my first solo-hosted Hanukkah last year, so I traipsed across the neighborhood in search of matzoh ball soup ingredients, spiked seltzers, and the gifting goodies. When I called my parents to tell them about my plans, they said that they didn’t even realize the gift-giving pattern; it was just a happy mitzvah.”
De’Enna Quinn, Inside Sales Associate
“Each year, I bring a southern tradition of a show-stopping dessert for my husband’s New Jersey family holiday gatherings. Since 2011, it’s become my personal holiday mission: no Christmas is complete without a show-stopping trifle to match the festive feast. My husband’s family has an incredible Christmas tradition—each year, they choose a different cuisine to center the holiday meal. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed homemade sushi and udon bowls, Southern fried chicken with all the fixings (a theme I proudly picked), and even a classic holiday spread.”
Ali Rea Baum, Senior Event Director
“When I was 9, my mother and I moved to California from New York. It was a very big move for me, as I was leaving most of my family (most importantly my dad). I grew up half Jewish/half Unitarian, so both Christmas and Hanukkah were big parts of my life. To ensure that we continued some of my New York family Hanukkah traditions, every Christmas Eve, my mother would make a brisket and latkes. This tradition continues to this day. Last year, I couldn’t be with my mother on Christmas Eve, so I made the brisket and latkes on my own for my husband, daughter, dad, bonus mom, and brother. It was delicious.”
Brandon Reichert, Director of Information and Technology
“Every Christmas, my apartment turns into the ultimate board game battlefield. Friends and family show up, each bringing a brand-new game, and from the moment the first dice roll hits the table, it’s game on. The stakes? Eternal bragging rights and the all-important game night lineup for the next year.
The day is pure chaos in the best way. Someone’s always dramatically flipping through the rulebook while another person insists, ‘I swear this is my first time playing!’ right before crushing everyone. Trash talk is flying, alliances are made and broken, and laughter fills the room—usually at someone’s ridiculous strategy that somehow works.
By the time dinner rolls around, the scoreboard is the center of attention. Who’s on top? Who’s the underdog? Over plates piled high with ham (because it’s not Christmas without ham), we argue about the best plays and the most epic fails. It’s all in good fun… mostly.
At the end of the night, we tally up the winners, and everyone leaves with a mix of pride, plans for revenge, and maybe a little too much ham in the belly. It’s the perfect mix of competition, laughter, and holiday cheer—and it’s the tradition I look forward to every single year.”
Linda Abbey, Executive Vice President
“Our apartment on LaSalle Street between Broadway & Amsterdam has a perfect view of the lighted tower that is Riverside, an interdenominational church modeled after the 13th-century Gothic cathedral in Chartres, France. The bells toll every Sunday at 10:15 a.m., at which time we open the windows wide to bask in the sound.
One of our holiday traditions is to attend the Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols at this stunning church. Classic and modern carols are interspersed with readings, and often a harp solo here, a piano and flute solo there. The organ music is moving; the singing of the choir stirring. A pocketful of tissues is a must. To slowly meander home afterward in the quiet winter chill is to appreciate just how blessed we are to have access to the magic that is Riverside.”
Brigid Randolph, Culinary Development Coordinator
“One of my favorite holiday traditions (that my mom in particular enforces!) is that our family doesn’t listen to any Christmas music until after Thanksgiving dinner is over. Once all the dinner plates have been cleared though, Christmas music is fair game, and we’ll bust out the classics along with the pumpkin pie—usually a Johnny Mathis Christmas album or the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
From scratch-off tickets and brisket to carols and competition, these traditions reflect the many ways our team celebrates the season. Each story reminds us that the holidays aren’t just about the food we share or the songs we sing but the people we gather with and the memories we create together.
Here’s to embracing traditions old and new, savoring the flavors of the season, and finding joy in every laugh, every note, and every roll of the dice. Happy holidays from all of us at Great Performances!
Being from the South, I know one thing for sure: every big meal has to end with dessert. And not just any dessert—it has to be delicious, plentiful, and the kind that leaves everyone talking. We’re especially partial to pound cakes, banana puddings, and trifles. So, when I first met my future husband and began attending his family holiday gatherings in New Jersey, I knew this was one tradition I could bring to the table.
Since 2011, it’s become my personal holiday mission: no Christmas is complete without a show-stopping trifle to match the festive feast. My husband’s family has an incredible Christmas tradition—each year, they choose a different cuisine to center the holiday meal. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed homemade sushi and udon bowls, Southern fried chicken with all the fixings (a theme I proudly picked), and even a classic holiday spread.
For every theme, there’s been a trifle to match. For an Italian dinner, I whipped up a tiramisu trifle. When we had a traditional Christmas feast, it was a pumpkin pie and gingerbread trifle. One year, the family opted for French cuisine, complete with beef bourguignon, and I created a crème brûlée trifle with raspberries and vanilla genoise.
This year, the theme is German, and I’m thrilled to dive into a Black Forest trifle. Layers of rich chocolate cake, kirsch-soaked cherries, and pillowy whipped cream—it’s the perfect sweet finale to a hearty German feast.
For me, these trifles are more than dessert—they’re a way of sharing a little bit of my Southern roots and adding a personal touch to a beloved family tradition. And no matter the cuisine, one thing remains the same: Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a trifle on the table.
What brings me joy every holiday season is the arrival of my Auntie Joan’s Black Cake. Not too sweet, perfectly moist, and of course just the right amount of rum! Black Cake is essential in every Caribbean household during the Christmas season. Auntie Joan began perfecting her craft since when she was a child with her aunt on a coal stove! It is praised by family and friends from New York to Jamaica and orders are requested months in advance.
For clarity we’re not talking about those little nonsense Tortuga baby bunt cakes in a box (sorry Cayman Islands). I’m talking about the monthslong process of soaking fruit and using the only rum that really matters: Wray & Nephew Jamaican Rum. Now that Auntie Joan no longer lives in New York, I keep my fingers crossed that I get my own “tin” with black cake inside just in time for Christmas. I associate eating black cake with a time to relax, catch up family, hear stories of the past and present with lots of laughter in between. Every slice is a gift😊
Auntie Joan’s Black Cake
Ingredients
The Dried Fruit
3-4 cups of dried fruit (dark & golden raisins, currants, cherries, pitted prunes) covered in 1 cup J. Wray & Nephew White Rum & J. Wray & Nephew Red Label Wine
***Soak in an airtight Jar 3 month to 1 year Yes, I’m serious!! ***
Wet & Dry Ingredients
- 1 lb salted butter
- 1 lb sugar
- 10 eggs
- 1 lb all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 whole nutmeg grated
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 ½ tbls vanilla extract
- 4 tbls of browning sauce or Molasses
- 1 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbls Lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Procedure: Cake and Assembly
- Step 1 After fruits have soaked, chop the fruit or pulse in food processor for a few seconds. You want to have some pieces of fruit visible. Do not puree!! Keep all the liquids!!
- Step 2 Meanwhile, whisk all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a bowl. Place to the side.
- Step 3 Remove the eye of the egg*, then beat the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract & almond extract in a separate bowl. Place to the side.
- Step 4 Cream room temperature butter for approximately 3 minutes. Then add sugar to the creamed butter and continue to beat until fluffy.
- Step 5 Then slowly add small portions of the wet ingredients ( approximately ½ cup at a time) to the butter and sugar and mix until everything is well blended and creamy.
- Step 6 Add your fruits and mix in well approximately ½ cup at a time.
- Step 7 Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 325°. Grease two 9″ cake pans with butter and cover the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. In the bottom rack of the oven place a pan with water. This will prevent the cake from getting dry while baking
- Step 8 Add your dry ingredients approximately ½ cup at a time. This should be folded in with a spatula. Then add your browning or molasses to your desired color.
- Step 9 Place batter in cake pans. Don’t fill to the top! “Tap” the pans on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Cover pans with foil. Bake for approximately 1 hour. Check if done with a toothpick or knife. If it is still wet leave for another 30mins. Check again.
- Step 10 Take cakes out of the oven. Pour small amount, 2 Tablespoons of Wine & Rum (premixed) over the cake with a spoon. Let cakes cool in pans. Do not serve until cool. Best if served the next day.
Pro Tip: Add a just little rum & wine mixture every other day to keep it moist! I promise it will be even better! 😊
Editor’s Note: The “eye of the egg”, also known as the chalaza, a white, stringy part of the egg that supports the yolk. It’s safe to eat, but removing it can improve the texture of custards and curds.
I grew up savoring this comforting soup every Christmas season, and it holds a special place in my heart. My mom made it with so much love that it became the highlight of our family gatherings. Every spoonful brings back warm memories of her care and the joy of the holidays. Here’s how to make this cherished recipe.
Ajiaco Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, skin removed
- 12 cups water
- 3 ears fresh corn, cut into 2 pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 3 scallions
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 cups papa criolla (Andean potato)
- 3 medium white potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium red potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1/3 cup guascas
- 1 cup heavy cream (for serving)
- 1 cup capers (for serving)
Method
1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, corn, bouillon cubes, cilantro, scallions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the water and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is tender. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Let the corn continue cooking for another 15 minutes. Discard the scallions, then add the white and red potatoes along with the guascas. Simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Add the papa criolla and cook for 15 more minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot. Serve the soup hot with heavy cream and capers on the side so everyone can add them to their liking.
Calcutta, my hometown, was the British-Capital of India for two hundred years. So, the food has a lot of English influence. Calcutta Christmas cake is a classic made by local bakers, filling up the small cake shops of the city with nostalgia, aroma and deliciousness.
Calcutta Christmas Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Fruit Mixture:
- 300g mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants)
- 150g chopped dried figs
- 150g chopped apricots
- 100g chopped dates
- 100g mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts), chopped
- 200ml dark rum or brandy
For the Cake:
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 250g brown sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Decoration (optional):
- Marzipan
- Royal icing
- Candied fruits
Method
1. Prepare the Fruit Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, chopped figs, apricots, dates, nuts, and dark rum or brandy. Mix well and let it soak for at least 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Grease and line a 23cm (9-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.
3. Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, salt, and citrus zests. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the soaked fruit mixture and any remaining rum or brandy.
4. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
5. Cool and Decorate:
Let the cake cool in the tin for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can cover it with marzipan and royal icing if desired, or simply dust with powdered sugar.
Enjoy!
This rich and fruity Calcutta Christmas cake is a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. It can be made ahead of time and stored for weeks to develop even more flavor.
Growing up my father always made a big batch of beef chili for the holidays. A few years ago we updated it by doing a nice smoked white chicken chili that was amazing, so now he uses this recipe every year in place of the beef recipe. It is really good to serve with a side of cornbread and freezes well if you want to make a big batch.
Smoked Bourgon Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 1.5 QT poblano, diced small
- 2 QT onion, diced small
- 1/2 pt garlic, robot couped
- 1/2 pt chicken fat
- 1/4 C salt
- 1/4 C cumin seed, toasted and ground
- 1/8 C coriander seed, toasted and ground
- 1 T Liquid Smoke
- 1.5 T lime juice
- 1.5 T cider vinegar
- 1 QT chili base
- 1/2 pt masa harina
- 3/4 C heavy cream
- 1/4 C Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 C white soy
- 1.5 C chicken stock (pureed with 1 QT white beans)
- 7# chicken thighs, smoked and shredded
- 1 QT hominy
- 1.5 QT white beans
- 1/2 C bourbon
Method
1. In a stock pot sweat poblanos, onions and garlic over med-low heat until vegetables are softened.
2. Add cumin and coriander and cook an additional 5 minutes. Add all liquids, chili base, chicken and salt.
3. Cook for approximately 1.5 hours. Slow and low. Stir frequently to ensure the pot does not burn.
4. Add white beans and hominy. Cook an additional 30 minutes. Add Masa Harina until desired consistency is reached.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings w/ chili base, salt and lime juice if needed.
Double Dutch Holiday Classic
Saturday, December 7th at 1:00pm
Location: Apollo’s Historic Theater
Tickets: start at $41.85
In 1973, David A. Walker, then a New York City Police Community Affairs Detective, developed the street game of Double Dutch into the World Class Sport that it is today. Since that initial tournament in 1974, competitive Double Dutch has expanded with citywide and national championships. Nearly 100,000 girls and boys representing schools and community centers throughout the United States and the world compete for team positions at the national and international events. The NDDL 33rd Annual, David A. Walker Memorial, Double Dutch Holiday Classic makes possible speed and music fusion events for the best Double Dutch teams in the world. Each year, since 1991, the Double Dutch Holiday Classic has sold out to parent supported, standing room only audiences.
Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration
FEATURING ABDEL R. SALAAM’S FORCES OF NATURE DANCE THEATRE
Saturday December 21st at 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Location: Apollo’s Historic Theater
Tickets: Start at $25
Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration lights up The Apollo! This annual tradition brings the community together for a night filled with energy, reflection, and joy.
Join The Apollo and Abdel R. Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre to experience a vibrant celebration rooted in unity, self-determination, and community. Through powerful dance, music, and spoken word performances, we’ll uplift the 7 principles.
Hosted by Olabamidele Husbands, and featuring the talented young artists from FIYAA: Forces Incredible Youth Arts Alliance this is more than a show—it’s a cultural celebration. Feel the rhythm of traditions that span the African continent in a night of music, percussion, and electrifying dance that will leave you inspired and connected with your community. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of Kwanzaa at The Apollo!
Leo Bar Happy Hour
Featuring Maḏayin: Eight Decades of Aboriginal Australian Bark Painting from Yirrkala, Asia Society’s fall exhibition
Thursday, December 5th from 5:30pm t0 8:00pm
Tickets: $25 includes one drink, followed by a cash bar
Enjoy a night of fun and culture! Join us at Leo Bar for Asia Society Museum’s fall exhibition, Maḏayin: Eight Decades of Aboriginal Australian Bark Painting from Yirrkala. Our signature monthly happy hour features free museum admission and guided tours of the exhibition, drink specials, DJ, and opportunities to make new connections. Music by DJ Kai Song.
How to Drink Australian: Honoring the Global Impact of Australian Wines Followed by a Wine Tasting
Season of Australia
Wednesday, December 11th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
“There are plenty of options out there when looking for a bottle of wine to drink. We think you should choose Australian.”
Those are the opening lines in the Introduction to the book How to Drink Australian, and Asia Society is pleased to present master sommeliers and authors Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross, for an evening of wine education followed by tastings. In their book, they aim to show the world why Australia is one of the most exciting wine-producing countries in the world right now. A work of art itself, the book is encyclopedic and brings perspectives of the Australian wine regions with insights on the culture, nuances, and happenings from the important players themselves. The volume is packed with information on wineries, beautifully illustrated visuals and maps, and importantly an Acknowledgement of Country, which pays respect to the traditional custodians of the wine regions — the Aboriginal Australians. Few industries involve the long-term care of land like the wine industry, and there are huge lessons to be learned from how Indigenous communities cared for their land.
The Hard Nut
Thursday, December 12th through Sunday, December 22nd
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, Howard Gilman Opera House
Tickets: Start at $45
Part of Next Wave 2024 & Emerging Visions
Unquestionably a classic in its own right, the Mark Morris Dance Group’s boisterous reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s beloved The Nutcracker—a sly retro-modern treatment based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s original story and the comic book art of Charles Burns—comes home to BAM for the holidays. A cascade of wit and wintry beauty featuring Morris’ lyrical modern dance choreography, this lavish, gender-bent love letter to a canonical ballet transplants the story from the strait-laced 1890s to the swinging 70s, with raucous parties, dancing G.I. Joes, whimsical costumes, and a “Waltz of the Snowflakes” like no other. Tchaikovsky’s complete score, performed live by the MMDG Music Ensemble, drives this colorful retelling, which playfully preserves the warm spirit of an essential holiday tradition.
Mercedes, Part 1
Tuesday, December 3rd through Sunday, December 8th
Location: BAM Fisher, Fishman Space
Tickets: Start at $25
Part of Next Wave 2024 & Emerging Visions
Mercedes, Part 1, a multidisciplinary documentary, gallery, and healing room installation by Modesto Flako Jimenez (Taxilandia), brings viewers into a poetic, visually stunning recreation of the Bushwick home where he was raised by his grandmother Mercedes after he arrived from the Dominican Republic. As an adult, Flako served as her main caregiver as she battled dementia, and uncovered years of letters, receipts, and papers that documented her impact on the Latine community. Part of a larger multidisciplinary project, Mercedes, Part 1 unlocks one woman’s home to amplify community outreach, spread the word about mental healthcare resources, and captivate audiences with an immersive story of multigenerational care.
Share the Toy: Fifth Annual Toy Drive and Giveaway
Sunday, December 15th from 11:00am to 2:00pm
’Tis the season! To help spread the holiday cheer, we’re hosting our fifth annual toy drive. From November 21 through December 15, stop by the Admissions Desk to drop off new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0–14 in the designated bins.
On Sunday, December 15, 11 am–2 pm, pick up gifts for your little loved ones while supplies last. After the giveaway, any remaining toys will be donated to local family shelters.
This program is free and open to the public, and presented in partnership with Kinnect Foundation.
Pop-Up Performances: VocalSouL Carolers
Saturday, December 21st from 2:30pm to 4:00pm
Location: Beaux-Arts Court, 3rd Floor
Tickets: Free with admission
Don’t miss VocalSouL as the acapella group brings its signature Motown stylings to the Museum. Enjoy a range of holiday classics set to soulful melodies. At 2:30–3 pm, listen while shopping at the Holiday Market in the Beaux-Arts Court. At 3–4 pm, catch a tune while taking in the dramatic reinstallation of the American Art Galleries.
Benefit Dinner
Saturday, December 7th at 5:00pm
You are invited to a special pre-concert dinner on Saturday, December 7 in Caramoor’s Formal Dining Room.
Your ticket gets you special access to an unforgettable evening and directly supports Caramoor’s mission to ensure that everyone in our community can lead an art-filled life. Attendees will be treated to outstanding wines, including 2007 Taittinger and NV Krug Champagnes, 1978 Aldo Conterno Barolo, and 1983 Château Lafite Rothschild, and Provencal specialties prepared by Chef Jared Sippal of L’Ostal.
Following dinner, enjoy an intimate performance with Bonny Light Horseman. A rare opportunity to experience three acclaimed musicians —Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D. Johnson, and Josh Kaufman—up close in an exclusive setting in Caramoor’s exquisite Rosen House. Their blend of traditional and contemporary folk music, weaving together elements of Americana, indie rock, and Celtic influences, will transport you to a world where past and present converge.
Trio Mediæval & Catalina Vicens, organetto
Sunday, December 8th at 3:00pm
Tickets: Start at $49
With crystalline voices that have captivated audiences worldwide, Grammy-nominated vocal group Trio Mediæval will beguile you with Scandinavian traditional folk songs and hymns, English medieval Carols, and contemporary music written for them, all infused with the group’s signature blend of chant, folksong, and improvisation. The Trio is beautifully accompanied by Catalina Vicens on the hand-blown organetto and percussion. Step into a realm where ancient chants intertwine with celestial harmonies, creating a tapestry of sound that transcends time itself.
Ulysses Owens, Jr. Big Band
Tuesday, December 3rd through Saturday, December 7th
Tickets: start at $25
Award-winning drummer and bandleader Ulysses Owens, Jr. returns to Dizzy’s Club with his powerhouse big band for a five-night engagement. Known for his electrifying performances, Owens crafts a thrilling musical journey through original compositions and vibrant arrangements of works by giants like Terence Blanchard, John Coltrane, and Mulgrew Miller. His repertoire serves as a canvas for masterful improvisation, rich orchestrations, and spirited performances that carry on the legacy of the great big band drummers who have inspired him. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the joy and passionate musicianship that defines Owens’ artistry.
Dizzy's Club New Year's Eve Celebration
Tuesday, December 31st at 7:30pm and 11:00pm
Tickets: $335 (price includes cover, food, non-alcoholic beverages, & gratuity)
Ring in the New Year at Dizzy’s Club! We’re thrilled to announce the return of Grammy-nominated bassist and bandleader Carlos Henriquez leading his star-studded nonet. Treat yourself to a delicious holiday menu, unbeatable views of Columbus Circle, and a spirited set featuring tracks from Carlos’ 2023 release A Nuyorican Tale. Experience an unforgettable night of new music and New Year magic!
Big Band Holidays with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Wednesday, December 18th through Sunday, December 22nd
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $42
Big Band Holidays returns to Rose Theater for its 12th season! Music-directed by JLCO trombonist and brilliant arranger Chris Crenshaw, this annual fan-favorite features two critically acclaimed vocalists: Ekep Nkwelle, whose swinging phrasing and characteristic warmth light up the bandstand, and Robbie Lee, whose crystalline tone and thoughtful interpretation engage listeners of all ages. Experience this swinging seasonal classic that showcases new arrangements of timeless holiday tunes.
TASTE OF MOTT HAVEN
Wednesday, December 11th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Oyate Group, Mott Haven Rising, Hoodspitality, Canon Strategy Group and our additional partners collaborate to present Taste of Mott Haven. Mott Haven Rising focuses on neighborhood services, marketing, and emergency funding for South Bronx small businesses. These events will showcase the community’s diverse food scene. Together, they aim to revitalize the area and celebrate its unique culture.
Register and receive 1 free cocktail & 1 free appetizer.
First Friday
Friday, December 6th from 10:00am to 9:00pm
Tickets: FREE!
Join Poster House on the First Friday of every month for free admission and extended hours! Museum Members can check in at the Info Desk to receive one free drink ticket to use at the bar from 6 – 9 PM. Explore the museum’s latest exhibitions and get in on the fun by attending a tour, workshop, performance, or activity throughout the day. Every First Friday is different, offering unique opportunities to engage with rotating exhibitions and the permanent collection.
Winter Haven Opening Weekend
Friday, December 6th through Saturday, December 7th, all day
Location: on the grounds
Tickets: prices vary
Celebrate the winter season in the natural beauty and serenity of Wave Hill! From seasonal displays and self-guided activities to special programming and workshops, there’s something for everyone of all ages. And it all begins on the first weekend of December!
Mystery Night
Friday, December 13th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: Armor Hall
Tickets: $65 for non-members, $50 for members
It is our pleasure to announce Wave Hill’s first ever mystery night!
What happens after dark on Friday December 13th? Join us and find out! Wave Hill is the perfect setting for an old Hollywood themed mystery adventure in stately Armor Hall, our jewel space in historic Wave Hill House. For just one evening, we will transform into the estate of Sir Warren Peace and all guests will be drawn into a night of mystery, intrigue and murder you will never forget!
Enjoy a mix and mingle with a cast of characters to start your whodunit adventure—but keep looking over your shoulder and guessing who the next victim will be! Bribe suspects for clues and gather information to uncover the stealthy guest who is ending a few film careers all too early. Just be careful, because you could be next! Dress in your best evening wear and suits—this is a refined party, after all. Feather boas are optional!
ICE SEASON HAS BEGUN!
Ice skating at Wollman Rink NYC is an iconic winter experience that captures the magic of New York City. Nestled in the heart of Central Park, the rink offers skaters of all ages and skill levels the chance to glide across the ice while taking in breathtaking views of the city skyline. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-timer, Wollman Rink provides a welcoming environment, complete with skate rentals, lessons, and a festive atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the season.
Beyond just skating, Wollman Rink NYC is a place where memories are made. The rink hosts special events, themed skating nights, and live performances, making it a hub of wintertime activity. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night, a family outing, or simply a moment of peace in the bustling city, Wollman Rink offers a unique and unforgettable experience that has been a cherished New York tradition for generations.
Igloo Village
Elevate your skating experience at Wollman Rink NYC inside our cozy, private, heated Rink Side igloos, under the Midtown Manhattan skyline in Central Park. Each of our transparent igloos feature an electric fireplace, soft lighting, and comfy seating for eight, as well as delicious food and beverage options.
Explore exciting community events around the Bronx this month.
RENOVATION IS UNDERWAY
now until 2026!
A transformative $33 million renovation of The Bronx Museum is currently underway!
Designed by award-winning architectural practice, Marvel, this renovation will create a world-class arts facility the people of The Bronx deserve and that the Museum needs to further elevate and expand access to its vital free arts programming.
The renovation will seamlessly unite the Museum’s buildings into one recognizable campus; create a continuous and fully accessible gallery loop; reorient the main entrance to the highly visible corner of 165th St and Grand Concourse; and add a new triple-height lobby space with an adjoining cafe.
During construction, the Museum’s North Wing remains open at regular hours—Wednesday through Sunday from 11AM to 6PM—with free admission for everyone to all exhibitions, events, and activities. The south galleries are closed until the renovation is complete.
First Friday NOVEMber 2024: Art, Music, & Dancing!
Friday, December 6th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
FREE!
December is a time to celebrate with family—and what better way to do so than with an all-ages party at The Bronx Museum featuring art, music, dancing, and poetry!
First Friday is free and all are welcome! If you plan to attend, please consider letting us know with an optional RSVP.
Family Day December 2024: Winter Wonderland!
Saturday, December 7th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
FREE!
Celebrate the season at The Bronx Museum with our popular annual event: Winter Wonderland!
The festive occasion is fun for all ages and appropriate for families with young children. Winter Wonderland includes:
- Art activities inspired by The Bronx Museum’s current exhibition, FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT, and by the winter holidays!
- A holiday-themed backdrop for photos with family & friends
- A musical performance by a parranda group led by Jorge Vázquez
- StoryTime with Bronx Museum Educators
- Hot chocolate, treats, and more!
Drop-ins are welcome, but you can let us know if you plan on stopping by with an optional RSVP.
Nature's Workshop: Nature Ornament Making
Sunday, December 15th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center
This winter, join the Urban Park Rangers for the Nature’s Workshop series. Each program in this series explores its topic in-depth and allows you to develop a skill, participate in a hands-on project, and indulge your curiosity. Create your own nature inspired holiday ornament to take home for the holidays.
Nature Puppet Show for Kids
Monday, December 30th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center
Even when school’s out, our parks are still the city’s natural classroom! Bring your kids to parks throughout the city during Winter Break. With programs led by our Urban Park Rangers, kids will get to experience nature in a hands-on and fun way. The Urban Park Rangers welcome you for some nature-themed puppet shows! Learn more about animals that can be found in our local parks.
One Book One Bronx - The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
SATURDAYS, 12-1:30pm: Dec 14, 21, 28, & Jan 4, 2025
• BronxArtSpace, 700 Manida St (entrance on Spofford Ave.)
THURSDAYS 7-8:30pm: Dec 19, 26, & Jan 2, 2025 on Zoom
At once a powerful evocation of James Baldwin’s early life in Harlem and a disturbing examination of the consequences of racial injustice, the book is an intensely personal and provocative document.
TASTE OF MOTT HAVEN
Wednesday, December 11th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Oyate Group, Mott Haven Rising, Hoodspitality, Canon Strategy Group and our additional partners collaborate to present Taste of Mott Haven. Mott Haven Rising focuses on neighborhood services, marketing, and emergency funding for South Bronx small businesses. These events will showcase the community’s diverse food scene. Together, they aim to revitalize the area and celebrate its unique culture.
Register and receive 1 free cocktail & 1 free appetizer.
Holiday Train Show
November 16, 2024 through January 20, 2025
Enter a winter wonderland unlike any other at the Holiday Train Show, where cherished seasonal traditions find a home in our enchanting train displays, by day…or night. The timeless holiday magic of rail travel fills the Garden with nostalgia as model locomotives and trolleys trundle through our picture-perfect outdoor lawn display and bring the Haupt Conservatory to life with the busy sounds of the season. In the warmth of our landmark glasshouse, you’ll find twinkling, plant-based replicas of famed local architecture creating a cityscape in miniature—a meticulously crafted world brimming with the lively energy of New York City during the holidays.
After dark, our roving Train Conductors welcome you to Holiday Train Nights, and set you on your journey through the warm glow of the Holiday Train Show. Experience the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory like never before, with colorful lighting bringing the holiday spirit under glass. During your visit, you can bop along to holiday classics and Christmas pop favorites sung by performers in our Locomotive Lounge. And with sweet and savory bites, spiked cider cocktails and mocktails, and hands-on gingerbread fun for purchase, the night is made complete with your favorite treats. Whether you’re out on the town with friends for our 21+ nights, or bringing the whole family for an all-ages celebration, make new holiday memories while discovering the magic of New York City’s favorite holiday experience.
Everett Children’s Adventure Garden Pop-Up
November 16, 2024 through January 20, 2025
Kids and families can join us in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden Pop-Up for drop-in play that gets your little ones outdoors and engages their creativity!
NYRR Open Run
every Saturday from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Entrance – Lafayette Avenue and Morrison Avenue
NYRR Open Run brings free, 5K weekly community-led runs, to neighborhood parks across the greater New York City area. The program is free and open to runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.
Called the “Gateway to the Bronx River,” 205-acre Soundview Park is located where the Bronx River opens into the East River. This urban green space is filled with grassy baseball and soccer fields, a cricket pitch, basketball courts, a running track, walking/biking paths, picnic fields, and more! With its extensive views of the water, Soundview Park celebrates the beauty of both the Bronx and East Rivers. The back part of our Open Run course has beautiful views of the Bronx River waterfront for participants to enjoy!
Birding: Owls
Saturday, December 14th from 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: Broadway and Mosholu Avenue in Van Cortlandt Park
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best bird viewing spots in New York City. Learn more about the various species of owls found in our parks and hopefully be lucky enough to spot them. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Winter Solstice Campfire and Storytelling
Saturday, December 21st from 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center
Winter is here! Join the Rangers in celebration of the shortest day of the year and the slow approach of spring. Learn the essentials of starting and maintaining a campfire and afterwards enjoy s’mores around the fire to celebrate the end of the celestial year!
Pajama Party
Thursday, December 12th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Tickets:Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays
Location: Wave Hill House, Armor Hall
On a cold winter night, let’s warm up with a pajama party! Enjoy some arts and crafts, snuggle up with a book or dance your energy out before bedtime. Featuring storytimes from Riverdale Public Library and a special mystery guest. Be sure to wear your favorite pajamas for extra fun!
Winter Solstice Wishes
Thursday, December 19th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm and 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Tickets:Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays
Location: Wave Hill House, Armor Hall
Celebrate the longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice, with lantern-crafting, cookie-decorating, and warm wishes for the season. Gather in majestic Armor Hall to decorate solstice-inspired sugar cookies and design a simple paper lantern with your wish or intention, then float your wish lantern at Aquatic Garden. As the lanterns drift together, their light represents the individual and collective sentiments of the Wave Hill community.
It's a Winter Wonderland
Friday, December 6th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Location: Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center
All are invited to join Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center for a winter festival event. Join us for an evening of family games, winter crafts, tree lighting, a visit from Santa, and more! This event is free and open to the public.
Did you know that Great Performances is headquartered in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx? We love being a part of the Bronx community, supporting other Bronx-based companies, and giving back to our community.
The holiday season is here, but don’t worry—there’s still time to plan an unforgettable celebration! Whether you’re hosting a corporate holiday gathering, a nonprofit gala, or a festive social soirée, we’re here to help you create a memorable experience.
Need some guidance? Our holiday party planning tips are packed with insights to make the process seamless. From choosing a theme to curating the perfect menu, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
Searching for the ideal venue? Great Performances has a comprehensive list of exceptional venues and a user-friendly Venue Searcher to match your event size, style, and needs.
For even more inspiration, explore our Holiday Party Guide, brimming with ideas for food, décor, activities, and more.
Looking ahead? Many companies are opting for January celebrations to avoid the December rush. It’s a smart way to secure top venues and ensure your guests have a clear calendar.
Let us help you bring your vision to life. Start planning today and make this season’s festivities truly extraordinary!
Start Planning Your Holiday Party Today
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