And the holiday fun continues. Handel’s Messiah is the most moving musical experience of the Christmas season. It will be performed at Lincoln and Carnegie Hall. The Winter Solstice concert is at St. John’s the Divine. And instead of a holiday gathering at a restaurant, why not a Holiday Cruise around NYC? And don’t miss the Latke Festival at the Brooklyn Museum.

Dec. 13-17. Handel’s Messiah at Lincoln Center

Messiah’s dazzling solos, instrumental fireworks, and glorious choral writing have made it the quintessential New York Philharmonic holiday tradition. Come experience the beauty and joy of this masterpiece, performed in its entirety.  Get discount tickets via Goldstar.

https://youtu.be/tdXXxNGGRRA

Dec. 13-18. Holiday Musical at the Apollo

Classical Theatre of Harlem has a gift for audiences this holiday, as they bring their original musical to the main stage of the Apollo Theater. The First Noel centers around a multigenerational Harlem family whose Christmas season is dampened by the loss of a loved one, until a surprise visit from grandma delivers some much-needed joy. With a score that incorporates everything from pop and jazz to gospel, this entertaining production also offers an emotional message of healing and hope. The New York Times says, “This good-looking, high-energy show is packed with vocal talent and propelled by a terrific five-piece band.” Get discount tickets. 

Dec. 15-17. Winter Solstice Concert

Paul Winter’s Winter Solstice celebrates the spirit of the holidays within the extraordinary acoustics of New York’s greatest Cathedral. This multi-media event features musicians, vocalists and the 25 dancers and drummers of the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre. A dazzling extravaganza of music and dance, these performances offer a contemporary take on ancient solstice rituals, when people gathered together on the longest night of the year to welcome the return of the sun and the birth of the new year. The event has become New York’s favorite holiday alternative to the Nutcracker and Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular. Get tickets. 

Dec. 16 & 23. Holiday Lunch Cruise

Eating, drinking and being merry on a Hornblower cruise is a holiday tradition that never goes out of style. Set sail for a daytime cruise with panoramic views of the New York City skyline while enjoying a holiday-inspired lunch buffet. Leaving Pier 40 at 353 West Street 12:30 PM.  Discount tickets via Goldstar.

Dec. 19. Latke Festival at Brooklyn Museu,

The Latke Festival is dedicated to celebrating the best latkes and creative interpretations of a potato pancake in New York City. Now in its eighth year, this year’s Latke Festival is at the Brooklyn Museum. Net proceeds will benefit The Sylvia Center, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing childhood obesity and food-related diseases through hands-on programs in the kitchen and on the farm. Get the details.

Dec. 22. Handel’s Messiah at Carnegie Hall

The Musica Sacra Chorus and Orchestra performs Handel’s Messiah with a 30-member chorus and 20-player orchestra at Carnegie Hall. 7:30 performance.  Discount tickets available via Goldstar.