December has arrived and with it comes the inevitable cold, snow and holidays. With Hanukkah already underway and Christmas approaching, it is time for your handy-dandy guide to holiday hot spots and events in New Jersey and New York during the season that we at the College fondly call "Winter Break."
Concerts
The Seton Hall University radio station, WSOU 89.5 FM, will host WSOU's (Not So) Silent Night. Nine bands will perform at the concert, which will take place at the Rexplex in Elizabeth, N.J. on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. Show headliner Andrew W.K. is popular among college students for his hit singles, "Party Hard," "She is Beautiful" and "We Want Fun." In addition, concertgoers will enjoy performances from From Autumn to Ashes, Poison the Well, Blood Brothers, Unearth, Boys Night Out, From First to Last and Seemless. The show is for all ages and is completely alcohol-free. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com and are $17.50 each. Portions of the ticket sales will be donated to the Make-A-Wish foundation.
Drama
McCarter Theater in Princeton will continue its annual tradition and bring Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" to its stage from Dec. 7 through Dec. 24. Directed by Michael Unger, the classic tale will follow Ebenezer Scrooge, played by David Cromwell, on his journey to discover the generosity and good will that lives within himself and others. Tickets for the performances range from $31 for rear balcony seats to $45 for box or Grand Tier seats. They can be ordered online or by calling the theater at 609-258-ARTS (2787). For more information, visit mccarter.org.
Exhibits
Hamilton Jewelers will sponsor a weekend celebration of jewelry designs from four Italian designers, Bvlgari, Di Modolo, Favero and Powellato. The exhibit, which will be held in Red Bank, N.J. on Dec. 11 and 12, will feature collections from these jewelers as well as selected giftware and home accessories. And no exhibit is complete without its sampling of Italian food and beverages to complement the jewelry. For more information, visit hamiltonjewelers.com.
PNC Bank Arts Center presents its Holiday Light Spectacular, open now until Jan. 2. A Holiday Village offers a beautiful light show as well as refreshments and holiday decorations for families. Santa is also available for pictures and the ice skating rink is open during normal park hours. The park is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Prices range from $12 to $30. More information can be found at artscenter.com.
Dance
The Company of Dance Arts will present its production of "The Nutcracker" on Dec. 11 and 12 at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, N.J. The production of this classic ballet, originally composed by Peter Tchaikovsky, will use the choreography of three-time Emmy winner Peter Anastos. Featuring several dancers from the New York City Ballet with the Company dancers, the production follows Clara through her journey through the Kingdom of Sweets with set design by Emmy Award winner Zak Brown. Tickets are $12, $20 or $28 with a discount for senior citizens and children. Performances are at 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 12. For more information, visit countbasietheatre.org. Other notable "Nutcracker" performances include The New York City Ballet at the New York State Theatre at Lincoln Center through Jan. 2.
Shopping
From now through Dec. 24, shoppers can sample gift ideas in Union Square on West 14th Street in New York City. All the gifts are ones that won't be found in stores, including handmade jewelry, French linens, cashmere socks and fine art. See cityguidemagazine.com for more information.
Take advantage of these and other opportunities over the break, have some fun and enjoy the holidays!
