HOLIDAY CAROLING WITH THE 300 WEST BLOCK ASSOCIATION | A casual but vocal stroll up and down charming side streets, musical accompaniment courtesy of a brass quartet from the Chelsea Symphony, and mingling back in the lobby of the building where it all began, buoyed by a festive spread of hot chocolate, cider, and holiday cookies — that’s what’s on the agenda of this annual event sponsored by the 300 West Block Association.
Thurs., Dec. 15, meet in the lobby of 360 W. 22nd St. (btw. Eighth & Ninth Aves.) any time after 6pm; depart close to 6:30pm. For more info, email 300wba@gmail.com.
THE NEW YORK CITY COMMUNITY CHORUS WINTER CONCERT | Under the direction of its founder, Jack Eppler, the New York City Community Chorus continues to celebrate its third decade in Chelsea with “Psalms, Sermons, and Prayers” — a concert that marks the holiday season with music of faith and inspiration. Frequent guest composer Thomas Garber has created a new work, specific to the strengths, quirks, and sensibilities of this 50-voice choir: “The Divine Teaching of St. Francis of Assisi,” which incorporates the words of Francis’ famous “Sermon to the Birds,” and features instrumentation that invokes bird calls. Councilmember Corey Johnson will speak, and noted baritone Anthony Turner and will perform musical expressions of hope from the Christian, Hindu, Islam, Judaic, and Native American traditions.
Sun., Dec. 18, 4pm at Church of the Holy Apostles (296 Ninth Ave., at W. 28th St.). Suggested donation: $12. More info at nyccha.org.
CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING & CHANUKAH MENORAH LIGHTING AT CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE PARK | It doesn’t matter what you believe in: Faith will be rewarded when you show up expecting cheer and good will, at these annual events taking place in Chelsea’s beloved Clement Clarke Moore Park (W. 22nd St. & 10th Ave.), and sponsored by the West 400 Block Association. On Sat., Dec. 17 at 11am, the annual Christmas tree decorating party takes place. After enjoying refreshments and decking the towering tannenbaum (donated by Tom’s Trees, of W. 22nd St. & Ninth Ave.), neighbor Tony Torn will perform a reading of “Twas The Night Before Christmas.” Then, on Sat., Dec. 24 at 4:30pm, a lighting of the Chanukah Menorah’s first candle sets the stage for a daily display of the lights, 5pm, through dawn, for the duration of the festival. For info, email w400ba@gmail.com.
23 DAYS OF FLATIRON CHEER EVENTS | An interactive art installation of hammocks on one of its pedestrian plazas may be all the rage this time around — but year in and year out, it’s the merchants, artists, and culinary crews from surrounding shops that provide the real reason to swing by and stay awhile, during any given point on the “23 Days of Flatiron Cheer” calendar. On the afternoon of Sat., Dec. 17, for example, the North Flatiron Public Plaza is alive with sounds from The Jazz Gallery, an the international cultural center that pairs emerging talent with industry veterans No worries if the temperature dips on Dec. 17 — just enjoy the jazz as you sip a very hot, totally free beverage from nearby Argo Tea Cafe. Between sets, spin the Flatiron Prize Wheel for a gift from a local business (up your luck-cum-karma factor when you bring a donation for the Food Bank For New York City).
Visit flatirondistrict.nyc/holiday for a schedule of events through Dec. 23. Follow the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership on Twitter and Instagram, via @FlatironNY. Visit The Jazz Gallery online at jazzgallery.nyc and in the brick and mortar world, at 1160 Broadway (btw. W. 27th & W. 28th Sts.). Also visit argotea.com, and at 949 Broadway (at W. 23rd St.).
—BY SCOTT STIFFLER
