Let there be candlelight: Chelsea Community Church’s annual Carol Service happens Dec. 14 at St. Peter’s (W. 20th St.).
COME CAROL WITH THE 300 WEST BLOCK ASSOCIATION
Help make West Chelsea merry and bright — when you stroll, brass quartet in tow, while singing holiday carols. Free. Tues., Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. Meet in the lobby of 360 W. 22nd St. (btw. 8th & 9th Aves.). For more info, email 300wba@gmail.com. Refreshments follow the caroling!
NEIGHBORHOOD TOY DRIVE
Friends of the High Line is partnering with Hudson Guild, Fulton Youth of the Future, Chelsea Market, Posman Books and The High Line Hotel to collect gifts for neighborhood youth. Contribute an unwrapped toy or winter gear, through Dec. 12. For drop-off locations and hours, visit thehighline.org and select the “Activities” option, at the top of the page.
CANDLELIGHT CAROL SERVICE
With voices raised to the rafters and soothing visuals that evoke the Renaissance, Chelsea Community Church’s 40th Annual Candlelight Carol Service features choral music ranging from the 16th century to the present — including Jacob Handl’s “Omnes de Saba,” Stephen Paulus’ anthem “Angels We Have Heard on High” and exce srpts from G.F. Handel’s “Messiah.” Under the direction of Larry J. Long, organist/composer Christopher Houlihan accompanies the choir, along with a string quartet. In a departure from years past, they’re keeping the identity of this year’s special guest under wraps — but promise a big reveal worth waiting for, during the traditional reading of Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (the host venue stands on land that was part of Moore’s estate).
Sun., Dec. 14, 6 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church (346 W. 20th St., btw. 8th & 9th Aves.). Free (offerings accepted). Regular services for the non-denominational, lay-led church are held every Sun. at noon, at St. Peter’s. For info: 212-886-5463 or chelseachurch.org.
On Dec. 16, join the West 300 Block Association and find out why carols sound better when backed by a brass quartet.
PENN SOUTH CERAMICS STUIDIO POTTERY SALE
Some gifts go right back to the store, and others just gather dust in the closet. So why spin your wheels scouring the major retailers for impersonal, mass-produced presents? The annual Penn South Ceramics Studio Holiday Sale has affordable, one-of-a-kind functional art that some lucky soul on your list will be able to look at, wear or use for years to come. All bowls, platters, vases, mugs, candleholders, sculpture and jewelry are created by Studio instructors and students. When you’re done shopping, pick up info on their classes — and by this time next year, you could be wrapping up work formed by your own hands, and forged in the Penn South kilns.
On Sat., Dec. 6 & Sun., Dec. 7, from 11 a.m–5 p.m. At 276 9th Ave. in the Penn South Ceramics Studio (Building 6B, at the northeast corner of 26th St.). For more info, email pennsouthceramics@gmail.com or visit pennsouthceramics.com.
23 DAYS OF FLATIRON CHEER
Courtesy of The 23rd Street Partnership, this annual three-week event fills the Flatiron Building’s public plazas with food, contests and family-friendly activities — most of it free, and all of it featuring good stuff from local merchants. Highlights include performances by the Peoples Improv Theater, 90-minute, holiday-themed walking tours (Sundays, 11 a.m.), balloon and candy cane giveaways, and complimentary gift-wrapping to anyone showing $25 or more in receipts from a Flatiron establishment. Spin the Flatiron Wheel and you might win a prize from area shops and restaurants. Post images on public Instagram and Twitter accounts of your encounter with the art installation (using the hashtag #NewYorkLight), and you’ll be entered to win prizes from Flatiron businesses. Nonperishable food items will be accepted at the North Public Plaza, then donated to the Food Bank For New York City.
At Broadway & 23rd St. For the “23 Days” events calendar, visit FlatironDistrict.nyc. Facebook: FlatironDistrict.nyc/facebook. Twitter & Instagram: @FlatironNY. Email: info@flatironbid.org.
Shop (but please don’t drop) at the Penn South Ceramics Studio Pottery Sale, Dec. 6 & 7.
NORTH CHELSEA HOLIDAY TOUR
Brush up on your history, or discover it for the first time — during this Municipal Art Society walking tour that makes the case for North Chelsea’s status as “America’s original Christmas Village.” Once home to abolitionists, theatrical luminaries, painters of the Ash Can School and vibrant French and Greek communities, the area boasts fine examples of 19th century townhouses, cast iron, terra cotta, modernist, industrial and academic architecture. In the previous century, it was a district for toy/gift wholesalers and home to New York’s flower industry. Now, development and rezoning puts the historic resources and architecture at risk. Guide Laurence Frommer ponders the implications, while celebrating treasures such as the General Theological Seminary (built on land donated by Clement Clark Moore, author of the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas”). The tour ends with its own iconic visit, to the Chelsea Historic District’s oldest dwelling (1829), where you’ll view a vast collection of objects related to Christmas and Santa Claus. This event is co-presented by SAVE Chelsea, who invites you to join them for the annual Chelsea Reform Democratic Club Holiday Gathering (at Hudson Guild) after the tour.
Rain or shine on Sun., Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. For tickets ($20), visit the “Calendar” page of mas.org or call 212-935-2075, Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m–5 p.m. For more info on the event’s co-sponsor, visit savechelsea.net.
A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS IN CHELSEA
Sing along to classic Christmas carols, mingle, and enjoy complimentary treats, hot chocolate and warm cider — at the High Line Hotel’s holiday celebration. Guests and neighbors alike are welcome. Free. Caroling takes place from 5–7 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 11 & 18 at the High Line Hotel (180 10th Ave., at 20th St.).
NEIGHBORHOOD CAROL SING
Members of St. Columba and Guardian Angel Churches will be singing Christmas carols throughout the Chelsea neighborhood. All residents are welcome to participate. Free. Sun., Dec 14. Meet at 3 p.m. at St. Columba’s Church (343 W. 25th St., btw. 8th & 9th Aves.).
HUDSON GUILD ADULT SERVICES HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Hudson Guild offers year-round activities and services for the “55 & Better” community in Chelsea at its Senior Center — and at this annual event, you’ll find hundreds of items created by participants, as well as from local vendors. In addition to the crafts, jewelry, household goods, small appliances, and toys, the Food Court features homemade ethnic specialties. A raffle will be held, with donated prizes. Proceeds from the Bazaar will support programs and services for older residents of Chelsea and elsewhere.
Sat., Dec. 13, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. in the Hudson Guild’s Fulton Auditorium (119 9th Ave., btw. W. 17th & 18th Sts.). To participate as a vendor, or for info on Hudson Guild’s Adult Services program, call 212-924-6710. Also follow them on Facebook and Twitter. All programs at the Senior Center are free and open to the public.
