7 things to do in NYC this weekend: Dec. 19–21
This weekend’s highlights are holiday-themed, like an immersive reimagining of “A Christmas Carol” in Lower Manhattan and a “Soul Train”-inspired dance performance on the Upper West Side.
Plus, Norm Lewis returns to the “Broadway Lounge” with his hearty infusion of Christmas classics, while Hanukkah is celebrated nightly at Hudson Yards.
Theater
“A Christmas Carol”
PAC NYC — 251 Fulton St., Manhattan (Financial District)
Until January 4, different sessions.
Writer Jack Thorne’s immersive adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” from Charles Dickens’ 1843 novel “A Christmas Carol” is big, bold and seductive. The multi-Olivier and Tony Award-winning production, designed by Matthew Warchus at London’s Old Vic Theatre, has become London’s longest-running adaptation of the beloved holiday favourite. It made its way to Broadway in 2019 with a star-studded production that left audiences mesmerized.
In his most recent return to the city, two-time Tony winner Michael Cerveris plays Ebenezer Scrooge. Co-directed by Thomas Caruso, the unique production tells the more fleshed-out origin story of a cold-hearted and temperamental businessman who has an out-of-body epiphany to do good after a visit from three ghosts on Christmas Eve.
Audience members are at the center of all the action throughout the production. Performers in top hats and top coats play mandolins and accordions on stage before the show begins, and at one point, a giant turkey zipline crosses the theater. All the while, the action is lit by countless lanterns and brought to life by beautiful orchestrations, a dazzling array of ringing bells and singing (and dancing) to Christmas carols.
“We were lucky enough to receive a call from [PAC NYC artistic director Bill Rauch] wondering if we were going to bring this production to PAC and it was like being kids in a candy store in that theater,” Caruso said after Sunday’s matinee.
The “cruciform staging” – in the shape of a cross in the middle of the theater – allows spectators to experience the show from all angles. “It gave us so much space to play and expand the production and make it more inclusive for audiences on all sides,” he explained.
Cerveris, last seen on Broadway in “Tammy Faye,” said playing in the round again was a highlight for him.
“I love that you have to act with your back, you have to act with every part of you,” the “Assassins” star said. “I love that you can look directly at your scene partners, instead of having to open yourself up for the audience to see you. And I love that there are moments where… the people behind me literally have the same perspective… and that suddenly connects me even more to the audience.”
Tickets start at $67, discounts available.
Dance
“A Moving Christmas: A Groovy Review”
The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater — 10 West 64th St., Manhattan (Upper West Side)
Until December 21. Various sessions.
Kendrell Bowman returns for the ninth year of his “Soul Train”-inspired revue celebrating the holidays with disco, R&B, pop and soul.
The writer, producer and theater director, known for his off-Broadway bio-musicals of disco pioneer Sylvester and R&B singer Phyllis Hyman, told the Daily News he added new elements to “A Soulful Christmas,” which has become a New York holiday tradition.
“I added new costumes, new songs and a new cast, which is the best casting I’ve had in nine years, especially vocally,” Bowman said, adding that the new venue allows him to bring in more immersive elements that encourage audience members to join in the fun.
The campy, worn production, co-created with Broadway showman Anthony Wayne, is a return to 1970s grooves and tight choreography, with all the elements of a “Soul Train” show hosted by “Ron Cornelius” (played here by Denzel Fields) and featuring performers singing classics from the Jackson Five, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations and Diana Ross.
Tickets start at $99.
Opera
“The Magic Flute – Holiday Presentation”
Metropolitan Opera House – 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, Manhattan (Upper West Side)
Until January 3. Various sessions.
The Met’s holiday presentation of the abridged English-language version of Mozart’s fairy tale returns with a family-friendly production featuring the operatic debuts of tenor Duke Kim and soprano Aigul Khismatullina.
Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner Julie Taymor – famous for her groundbreaking adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King – directs the show, choreographed by Mark Dendy, translated by poet JD McClatchy, and directed alternately by Nimrod David Pfeffer and J. David Jackson.
Younger opera fans should take part in the “Fridays Under 40” series with special discounted rates, free wine and themed activities before the 90-minute performance.
Tickets start at $35.
Cabaret
“Norm Lewis: Christmas Lives Here”
54 below — 254 W 54th St, Manhattan (Midtown)
Until December 24, 7 p.m.
Tony and Grammy Award nominee Norm Lewis – who made Broadway history as the first black actor to play the title role in “The Phantom of the Opera” – will perform a mix of new songs and fan favorites such as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “At Home” and “Why Can’t It Be Christmas Every Day?”
Tickets start at $106.50, plus fees.
Family
“Paw Patrol Vacation”
Brooklyn Children’s Museum — 145 Brooklyn Ave., Brooklyn (Crown Heights)
Sat. December 20. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
As part of Nickelodeon’s Our World initiative, this event offers families the opportunity to spend the day with beloved PAW Patrol characters while creating art, singing and watching the new holiday special, “A PAW Patrol Christmas.”
There will also be a meet-and-greet that includes photo ops with police pup Chase and helicopter pilot Skye.
“These beloved puppies are adored by families because they are heroic community helpers, quick to respond to an emergency with skill and teamwork – and they are also playful, just like the children we serve,” said Atiba T. Edwards, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
Tickets are $15.
Music
“Big band vacation”
Rose Theater — 10 Columbus Circle, Manhattan (Upper West Side)
Until December 21, various sessions.
The Grammy-nominated Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra welcomes the holidays with its “upbeat seasonal classics and new arrangements of timeless holiday tunes.”
This year, two emerging jazz singers are featured: Hartt School of Music alumnus Shenel Johns and Kate Kortum, 2025 winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Competition.
During the Sunday afternoon show there will be a special ‘relaxed show’ for people with autism, sensory and communication disorders or learning disabilities.
Tickets start at $60.
Free
Celebration of the Lighting of the Menorah
Hudson Yards — 20 Hudson Yards, Manhattan (Hudson Yards)
Until December 22, at sunset.
For New Yorkers who don’t want to deal with crowds at Brooklyn’s largest Hanukkah menorah at Grand Army Plaza, Hudson Yards has partnered with Chabad of Midtown for daily sunset menorah lightings on the town square and gardens.
Other festive events are offered after the ceremony, such as selfies with Santa, a twinkling light show and hot chocolate at the La Maison du Chocolat pop-up.
Free.
If you would like to submit an upcoming weekend event for consideration in an upcoming roundup, please email: nycevents@nydailynews.com with full announcement details. Consideration does not guarantee inclusion.
