Holiday 2014 Edition
Performances, art shows, lectures, sports, conferences...with so much going on at NYU, there’s no excuse for an empty calendar—and especially not in December! From caroling and community service to performances and parties, here's a look at how to enjoy the holiday season (and let off steam during finals) around Washington Square.
See the Lights
The annual lighting ceremony for the Christmas tree in Washington Square Park is Dec. 10 at 6:00 pm. The Washington Square Association will provide complimentary songbooks for this event and for a caroling session with the Rob Susman Brass Quintet on Dec. 24.
The world’s largest menorah—a 32-foot-high, 4,000-pound icon at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn—will be lit for the first night of Hanukkah on Dec. 16 at 3:30 pm.
And consult this NYC Parks list for more holiday lightings around the city.
Keep Exam Stress in Check
The Health Promotion Office offers FREE study kits and cereal breakfasts each day Dec. 8-19.
Violet Nation hosts a day of basketball holiday hoopla, wrestling matches, and free giveaways on Dec. 6.
Take a study break by making a puzzle—and then donate your creation to NYU’s Constantine Georgiou Children’s Library on Dec. 9. A second stress-busting Puzzled for Good event at Bobst on Dec. 14 has a “Where’s Waldo?” theme.
NYU’s Center for Multicultural Education and Programs invites all to snack, chat, and watch movies at a study break on Dec. 12.
Celebrate the Season
NYU Global Spiritual Life holds a Winter Soul-stice Holiday Jam on Dec. 4.
The Chinese May Society and NYU Lotus present a holiday soiree on Dec. 4.
Gallatin’s graduate student organization hosts a holiday fete on Dec. 5.
The Harry Potter Alliance encourages “well-mannered frivolity” at its Yule Ball on Dec. 6.
Students and alumni of the international education program (and their families) are invited to a potluck on Dec. 10.
The LGBTQ Jews at NYU host 8 Flaming Nights—a Hanukkah party with menorah lighting, singing, food, dreidl and more—on Dec. 13.
Reflect and Refresh
On Dec. 10 at the Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life, Rabbi David Ingber leads a workshop on meditation, the winter solstice, and the December holidays.
The LGBTQ Student Center’s Queering Faith group hosts a discussion on Dec. 11 about feelings (no matter how ambivalent!) of home, self-identity, and spiritual practices around holiday times.
Watch and Listen
Coming to NYU’s Skirball Center this month:
Singer Cristina Fontanelli’s “Christmas in Italy” program, Dec. 6.
The Third Street Music School Settlement’s 120th anniversary holiday concert, Dec. 7.
The Nutcracker, performed by students from the Joffrey Ballet School, Dec. 12-14.
The New York Gay Men’s Chorus holiday spectacular, Dec. 19-21.
The Science of Santa with Doktor Kaboom, Dec. 20.
Also check out Steinhardt’s lineup of FREE winter concerts—featuring choirs, bands, orchestras, and more.
Give Back
The Administrative Management Council hosts a holiday toy drive from Dec. 4-18 for children aged 4-13. See where to donate.
And consider giving to NYU's Community Fund, which contributes direct financial support to local nonprofit organizations working in one of five target areas: arts cultural enrichment, at-risk youth services, homelessness and hunger prevention, education and literacy, and low-income health services. Since the Community Fund's inception in 1982, NYU employees have contributed over $2.7 million to thousands of local nonprofits, supporting organizations that improve the health and well-being of New York City.