It’s the most wonderful time of year! “Happy Holidays!” proclaim New Yorkers cheerfully to acknowledge the diversity within the community across celebrations for Hannakuh, Kwanzaa and Christmas. Here’s what’s on in December 2018:
AWNY offers many events all year round to celebrate and enjoy this wonderful city:
Dec 10, 7 – 11pm: Save the Date – Christmas Dinner with Aussie Mums & Dads in NYC Group
Join the friendly parents and families for their annual Christmas gathering, 7 – 11pm at Arte Cafe, Upper West Side. RSVP via the event on the Australian Mums and Dads Facebook page or directly to AWNY at awny@aaanyc.org.
We have had a brilliant year of social AWNY activities across book launches, meetups, drinks, tours, and panelists events! There are more exciting events to come in 2019, so “watch this space”.
Throughout Dec: Holiday Events in NYC
Whether you’re interested in visiting Santa, seeing the Christmas lights, finding a tree, ice skating, holiday drinks or more, our AWNY guide to embracing Christmas and The Holidays in New York offers something for everyone, grownups and kids alike.
Throughout Dec: Holiday Markets
Skip the big box stores and shop local at the many pop-up holiday markets offering unique gifts from local artisans. There are plenty on offer, here are a few that caught our eye:
- The Union Square Holiday markets are on from Nov 15 – Dec 24.
- Open House by Young & Able celebrates women-led businesses by featuring 50 women-led brands in Brooklyn from Nov 2 – Dec 23.
- The Better Shop Ethical Market offers an oasis of sustainability in Brooklyn from Nov 1 – Dec 30.
- The Wild One pop up shop in SoHo offers gifts for pets and the people who love them.
Nov 12 – Mar 31: Warhol at the Whitney
From A to B and Back Again, is an Andy Warhol retrospective, examining the artist through a new lens. The exhibit spans his career from the 1950s through to his death in 1987, presenting more than 350 works from this iconic and influential artist.
Dec 1 – Jan 1: NYC Holiday Lights Walking Tour
Experience the winter wonderland that is Christmas and Holiday lights on foot, with a 2 hour pay-what-you-wish walking tour, covering the many festive sites of light across Manhattan.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpsaIE8A1We/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Dec 8: Kimbra: An Intimate, Reimagined Evening
Off the back of her most recent EP, Songs From Primal Heart: Reimagined, New Zealand singer-songwriter, Kimbra comes to the cosy and intimate Murmrr theatre in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Tickets for her US tour have been selling fast.
Dec 8: Vigil for John Lennon
Every year, devoted fans gather at the Strawberry Fields memorial to celebrate the life and music of John Lennon on the anniversary of his tragic killing.
Dec 24, 5 – 6pm: Christmas Eve Caroling at Washington Square Park
Celebrate Christmas Eve with carols at the Washington Square Arch, led by the Rob Susman Brass Quartet. This is a free
Dec 28, 12 – 1pm: Good Riddance Day
Gather at Times Square to let go the negative energy of 2018. Good Riddance Day is inspired by a Latin American tradition in which New Year’s revelers stuffed dolls with objects representing bad memories before setting them on fire. But don’t worry… no fires here! Shred-It will take the lead on destroying those unwanted memories. #GoodRiddanceDay
Dec 31: New Year’s Eve
Where will you ring in the New Year? Times Square always plays host to the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, where people come at 3pm to get a spot for a 6pm start, with no public restrooms and freezing cold. Otherwise watch from home, snuggled under a blanket with friends and something bubbly close by. If you’re lucky maybe a friend in NYC has a view of the action. Otherwise make like a true New Yorker and shun the ball drop altogether. Instead you can ring in the New Year at a rooftop bar, cruise around the harbour or take a midnight ride or run through Central Park.
Jan 1: New Year’s Day Swim with Coney Island Polar Bear Club
Hangover cure or health boost? Find out for yourself with an “invigorating” plunge in the Atlantic with hundreds of other brave swimmers on this New Year’s Day tradition. The suggested donation is $25.
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 