NY1's weekly segment "Your Weekend Starts Now" shows entertaining picks for great things to do this weekend all around the city.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at City Center
www.nycitycenter.org
First up, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is back at City Center for its annual winter residency. This world-renowned dance company is performing new works and old favorites now through January 3. Tickets start at just $25.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Holiday Decorations
www.metmuseum.org
At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, enjoy its annual Christmas tree and Neapolitan Baroque crèche, plus a spectacular late 19th-century silver menorah. Up at the Cloisters, the museum's branch for Medieval Art and architecture in Fort Tryon Park, see medieval decorations. Both locations have a great calendar of holiday concerts and events.
Hanukkah Art Festival at Jewish Children's Museum
www.jcm.museum
It's a great time of year to visit the Jewish Children's Museum on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. From December 7 through December 14, kids can enjoy the Hanukkah Art Festival with hand- on workshops and more.
"About-Face" at Lyons Wier Gallery
www.lyonswiergallery.com
Don't miss this exhibit called "About-Face" by artist Cayce Zavaglia at Lyons Wier Gallery on West 24th Street in Chelsea. These portraits are hand-embroidered. That's thread, not paint. You also get to see the reverse side of some works, and paintings as well. It's up now through December 12.
Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Caravan Stylist Studio
www.caravanstyliststudio.com
If you're doing holiday shopping this weekend, I have some great recommendations. Caravan Stylist Studio at the Gregory Hotel at 35th and 6th is doing a holiday pop up shop Friday and Saturday, with only Made in NY and Made in America designers.
"Gifts by Artists" at Ground Floor Gallery
www.groundfloorbk.com
At Ground Floor Gallery in Gowanus, Brooklyn, check out the exhibit and sale "Gifts by Artists." It's a showcase of more than 30 local artists who have created art work intended as gifts, all less than $100. It's now through December 20.
Legendary Lyricist Sheldon Harnick at the Landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue
www.eldridgestreet.org
Breaking all box office records in its day, Fiddler on the Roof, currently in previews at the Broadway Theater and scheduled to open December 20, has thrilled audiences on Broadway and around the world for more than half a century. Generations have embraced Tevye’s story and such unforgettable songs as “Tradition,” “If I were a Rich Man,” and “Sunrise, Sunset.” Now, as this beloved musical returns to the New York stage, the Museum at Eldridge Street welcomes the show’s legendary lyricist: Tony, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize winner, Sheldon Harnick, on December 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18.
Tressle.com Holiday Pop-Up Shop
www.tressle.com
Tressle.com is taking their online marketplace for home design to the trendy streets of NoLIta with a one-of-a-kind Holiday Pop-Up Shop. Featuring massive discounts on luxury home goods, Tressle's Holiday Pop-Up Shop will be running its showroom December 4-6 and will feature a slew of activities for visitors, including free coffee and hot cocoa, and even free interior design consultations. You can also have a holiday portrait taken, with the proceeds donated to the charity of your choice. The pop-up shop will be located at 149 Elizabeth Street (Nolita Cleaning Co.)
Elf Party Concert
www.playstationtheater.com/events/detail/296521
The Elf Party concert is more of a nightclub take on your annual holiday party. It is happening Friday night at the Playstation Theater. This is the second year The Elf Party will be in NYC. It has been going on for 13 years in San Francisco, where it originated as a local charity event, with proceeds from the ticket sales donated to local and national charities (The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, MyTwoFront Teeth, FamilyGivingTree and many more).