Welcome to There or Square, the New School Free Press’ weekly post that delivers the low-down on the most time-worthy and can’t-miss upcoming events. This special edition includes events to keep you busy throughout winter break.
SEE.
In Human Time: An Exhibition In Two Parts
Wednesday, Dec. 20 until Feb. 11, 2018
View “In Human Time” — the first exhibition of the Climate Museum, featuring video and photography installations by artists Peggy Well and Zaria Forman. The exhibition explores the relationship between polar ice, humanity and time, highlighting what climate change research continues to prove: human activity has a profound effect on polar ice. Though the galleries are closed until January 18, the window installation is viewable from the street. Free.
Arnold and Sheila Aronson Galleries, Sheila C. Johnson Design Center, 66 5th Ave.
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WATCH.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Coloring Party
Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m.
Enjoy the first Harry Potter movie while filling in your new coloring book. Each ticket includes a Harry Potter coloring book with more than 70 illustrations and a set of 12 color pencils — though you’re welcome to bring additional coloring supplies. Watch the movie at Videology Bar & Cinema, then stick around to save $2 on any drink at the bar. Tickets available online for $25.
308 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn
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DRINK.
Bar Car Nights at New York Botanical Garden
Dec. 22, 23, 29, and 30; Jan. 6 and 13; from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
Enjoy outdoor dance performances, live piano, food and drinks while you wait to see the Holiday Train Show. The New York Botanical Garden’s annual model train exhibit features miniature locomotives traveling through New York City sights. Purchase tickets in advance, as events sometimes sell out. Non-member tickets are $35, while members pay $25. 21+.
2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
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DANCE.
Saturday, Dec. 23 at 9 p.m.
Dance the night away to a mix of electronic, trap and house tunes by DJs NGHTMRE, Valentino Khan and Justin Caruso. Advance tickets available online for $31.50, or purchase at the door for $36.
Terminal 5, 610 W 56th St.
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SHOP.
Open daily until Sunday, Dec. 24
Catch the last days of one of New York City’s oldest holiday markets. With more than 40 vendors offering locally-sourced and handmade products, it’s the perfect place to pick up some last minute Christmas gifts.
Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd St.
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CELEBRATE.
Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 7 to 11 p.m.
Just a few days before the ball drops in Times Square, join Con Artist Collective in bidding farewell to 2017. Reflect on the highs and lows of the past year with New York City’s largest collective of emerging artists. Free.
119 Ludlow St.
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WALK.
Daily until Wednesday, Jan. 3
What better way to see the best of New York City’s holiday lights — whether you’re admiring the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center or the window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue — than a good old-fashioned walking tour? Join Free Tours By Foot and learn more about the artists and development behind the famous light installations that bring Christmas to life throughout the city. Reserve your spot here. Free.
Tour meets on the steps of New York Public Library’s Schwarzman Building
476 5th Ave.
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LISTEN.
New Year’s Day Marathon Reading
Monday, Jan. 1 at 2 p.m.
Grab a drink and listen to more than 140 poets reading personal works from 2 p.m. to after midnight in a marathon of words. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 or at the door for $25.
The Poetry Project, 131 E 10th St.
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LOOK.
Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.
Art, politics, censorship and representation have long been found at contentious intersections. The Whitney was at the center of controversy earlier this year for the inclusion of a Dana Schutz painting that critics said exploited black pain. Current works on display touch on identity, cultural appropriation, power systems, and privilege — both intentionally and unintentionally. View current works on display at the Whitney and then join Whitney Museum Teaching Fellows for a discussion on representation. Student admission to the Whitney is $18, while the discussion is free.
99 Gansevoort St.
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EXPLORE.
Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wave Hill is a 28-acre public garden that overlooks the Hudson River. Come check out Wave Hill as the seasons change. Free shuttle service is available from nearby subway and Metro North stations. If you arrive by noon on either a Tuesday or Saturday, admission is free. Other times, student admission is $4.
649 W 249th St., Bronx
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LAUGH.
Friday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m.
The 12th annual 50 First Jokes comedy show is coming up soon! 50 comics will perform the first joke they’ve written in 2018. Buy your ticket online or at the door for $15. 21+.
The Bell House, 149 7th St., Brooklyn
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WATCH.
Friday, Jan. 5 through Monday, Jan. 15
The Museum of the Moving Image presents the seventh “First Look” film festival, showcasing international cinema in more than 25 events. Lang alumni Sayre Quevedo will present his audio documentary Wait as part of “Radio Atlas: Intimacy and Distance” on Jan. 12. Tickets for individual events are $15, while full festival passes are $45.
36-01 35th Ave., Astoria
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PARTICIPATE.
Sunday, Jan. 7 from 3 to 5 p.m.
The 17th Annual No Pants Subway Ride is approaching quickly. Hundreds of New Yorkers board subway cars, acting completely normal aside from their lack of pants. Improv Everywhere, the host of the event, says the “international celebration of silliness” started as a small prank with a group of friends. Track the event on Facebook to get further information closer to the event. Subway fare is $2.75.
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WATCH.
New York Jewish Film Festival 2018
Wednesday, Jan. 10 through Tuesday, Jan. 23
For the 27th year, the Jewish Museum and the Film Society of Lincoln Center are partnering up for the New York Jewish Film Festival. The festival will showcase documentary, narrative and short films, as well as restored classics. Tickets go on sale December 28th and range from $12 to $25.
10 Lincoln Center Plaza
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VOLUNTEER.
2018 Hunger Free America MLK Weekend of Service
Friday, Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. through Monday, Jan. 15 at 5 p.m.
Give back this winter and keep the holiday cheer going. Hunger Free America is looking for volunteers for SNAP/WIC outreach, food service at soup kitchens and food pantries, advocacy work and civic engagement workshops through Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
50 Broad St.
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SAVE.
Tuesday, Jan. 16 until Sunday, Feb. 4
Since 2011, Broadway Week has offered discount tickets to participating Broadway productions. Check the website on Jan. 5 to look through the shows and book your 2-for-1 tickets.
Various locations.
Illustration by Ashlie Juarbe