Friday, Dec. 18
12pm-5pm // South Bronx
Artist Laura Naiper displays work as part of the Bronx Blue Bedroom Project, which is located in the bedroom of fellow-artist Blanka Amezkua in Mott Haven. The artwork invites visitors to participate and "become part of the act."
2pm-4pm // Central Park
The Central Park Conservancy hosts a solstice celebration at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (inside Central Park, at 110th Street between Lenox and Fifth avenues). Storytelling and candle-making events mark the darkest day of the year.
9pm // Brooklyn
Lee Fields & the Expressions plays at Southpaw in an event sponsored by the venue and New York Magazine. Soul and R&B do a body good.
10:30pm-1am // West Village
The Pete Malinverni Quintet "Invisible Cities" plays at Smalls Jazz Club and features Scott Wendholt and Rich Perry. Yes, the New York institution Smalls is still around and kicking out jazz with no end in sight.
Saturday, Dec. 19
2pm, 8pm // Queens
Queens Theater in the Park puts on Sweet Karma, a play about the life of a Cambodian doctor who dies in Los Angeles. The play, performed indoors at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, is an Immigrant Theatre Project Production.
5:30pm // Bronx
The Bronx Underground is throwing a holiday dance party for all ages at The Point Community Center. The event features Patent Pending and DJs.
6:30pm-10pm // Upper East Side
A Martinique-style holiday celebration, Chanté-Noël takes places at the French Institute/Alliance Française. There will be traditional carols, festive zouk dances, food and live music.
7:30pm-10pm // Inwood
If skies are clear, the Inwood Astronomy Project offers star- and planet-gazing at Inwood Hill Park. Bring your own telescope or borrow one there.
Sunday, Dec. 20
10a-6:30pm // Bronx
The Gingerbread Adventures program at The New York Botanical Garden teaches kids about gingerbread. They get to smell, touch and taste the spices and plants that make up the holiday treat.
4pm // Queens
Oratorio Society of Queens will perform an annual holiday concert at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center. The 120-plus members will be singing parts of Handel's Messiah, in addition to other holiday songs.
4:30pm // Manhattan, Brooklyn
Lights in the Heights by Time's Up shepherds bicycle riders up to see the holiday lights in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Meeting spots in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Remember: Nothing keeps you warmer than a bike helmet.
3pm, 7:30 // Brooklyn
The 12 Acts of Christmas performance by Suspended Cirque takes the stage at Galapagos Art Space in Dumbo. Expect "ice maidens on a triangle trapeze, a ribbon dancing Nutcracker and Santa on a unicycle." Doors open one hour before the show.