The city's oldest holiday tradition is almost here.
The annual reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" is set for this Sunday, December 17 at 3pm at the Church of the Intercession on the corner of Broadway and 155th Street.
This year marks 200 years since the poem by Clement Clarke Moore, who is buried nearby, was first published in an upstate New York newspaper.
It will be read Dr. Vincent Boudreau, president of the City College of New York.
After the reading attendees can join a procession to Moore's grave, located at the Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum just across Broadway.
(Yes, Santa Claus as we know him today—jolly, bearded and dressed in fur—is a New York invention.)
The visit usually includes a ceremonial wreath-laying and festive caroling. It is followed by a reception at the cemetery.
The event is free and open to the public.
