Making Of Lamb on display at Real Art Ways through December 11th
Making 'Of Lamb' on display at Real Art Ways through December 11th

December tends to be a whirlwind of activity, between festive events, office parties, and the gatherings for family and friends. Here are just a few of December’s open-to-the-public highlights:

December 1, 2011

December 1st is World AIDS Day, which means it is also The Day With(out) Art. Real Art Ways will be participating by screening Untitled all day. This is free. While there, check out the “Making ‘Of Lamb'” exhibit.

In the evening, there is the opening reception for Andres Chaparro’s artwork at Theatreworks (233 Pearl Street) from 5-7:30pm.

Festival of Trees & Traditions of yore

It is also the opening night for the Festival of Trees and Traditions at the Wadsworth Atheneum — 5-9pm. After seeing what there is to see, you can listen to holiday music, get a sneak preview of CONNetic Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite & Spicy!, and watch The Bishop’s Wife. There is a $3 fee above regular admission.

If that is still not enough to choose from, know that from 6-8pm, there is a “Champagne & Chocolate Soiree” at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. For those uninterested in the champagne, there will be eggnog. And 20% off at the museum store.

December 2nd

If you have not seen the Beat City Beauties yet, you will have a chance at Liquid Lounge. This event has a $10 advance/$15 door price tag…but I believe that burlesque shows can be written off as business expenses. There will also be live jazz, a dj, and a photo booth. This goes from 6-10pm and is 21+ only.

December 4th

The Puerto Rican Diaspora Solidarity Coordinating Committee (Coordinadora de Solidaridad Diáspora Boricua) is sponsoring a National Alliance Conference against the gas pipeline proposed for Puerto Rico. Speakers will include David Galarza (of New York Contra el Gasoducto Solidarity Committee) and Karen E. Schmidt (of the Environmental & Natural Resources Law Clinic). This event begins at 1:30pm at La Paloma Sabanera (405 Capitol Avenue).

December 8th

Yoga & Wine: Personally, I think the order of events is wrong, but nonetheless, a Vinyasa Flow class, starting at 6pm, will be followed by a half hour of organic wine tasting. This will be at Downtown Yoga Studios (57 Pratt Street) and they suggest registering for this class in advance.

At 7:30pm there will be a free “Home for the Holidays” performance by the Travelers Chorale at the Bushnell. The West Hartford Symphony Orchestra will also be performing. They request that each person bring one non-perishable food item.

December 10th, 17th, and 24th

From noon until 6pm, stop by the MD Robertson Photo Arts Holiday Open House. Maurice photographs musical events and various landscapes. If you have any interest in live music, particularly jazz, it’s worthwhile to drop by and chat.

December 11th

Sea Tea Improv performs at City Steam Brewery. Free improv. Show begins at 7pm.

December 14-18th

Baraka at Cinestudio.The screening of this non-verbal film has become a tradition at Cinestudio.

December 19-24th

It’s a Wonderful Life at Cinestudio…for those who are okay with sobbing in public.

December 26th

Kwaanza Celebration: music, dance, and refreshments at the Charter Oak Cultural Center beginning at 4pm. Free.

December 28th

Juvenile Incarceration vs. Education: A Community Town Hall Meeting: At the Urban Hope Refuge Church (136 Westland Street), you can view CPTV’s Education vs. Incarceration and then participate in a discussion about the issues highlighted in the documentary. This event begins at 6pm and is free.

December 31st

First Night: This runs from 2pm until midnightish. There will be shredding of bad memories. There will be magic. Parade, carousel, ice skating, music, dance, Arch tours, improv, face-painting, you name it. This is an alcohol-free way to bring in the New Year. If you have not ridden the carousel after midnight, make it a point to do so.

Are there any events that got overlooked? Leave a comment.