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9 fun things to do this weekend in Harlem and beyond


Holiday lights at the Small Square plaza on Columbia's Manhattanville campus

A new batch of holiday lights to admire, a Christmas classic to stream for free, and more fun things to see and do this weekend:


Through January 3

Streaming for free at cthnyc.org

For the next few weeks you can stream the Classical Theatre of Harlem's updated version of Charles Dickens' holiday classic. In their take, Scrooge is a modern-day Harlem real estate mogul who turns a blind eye to those in the community in need.


Through the holiday season

Morningside Heights College Walk, 116th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Ave

Manhattanville Small Square plaza, W 129th St between Broadway and 12th Ave

Take a socially distanced walk to see Columbia's iconic holiday lights along College Walk as well as the newer ones lining the Small Square plaza in Manhattanville. Both were lit earlier this week.


Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13

Central Harlem

Shop at any of the Black-owned shops on Experience Harlem's curated list, then show your receipt at a participating restaurant to sip on a complimentary cocktail.


 

In case you missed it:


Through the holiday season

Central Harlem Harlem Meer, 110th St between Fifth and Lenox Aves​

This year's lighting of the magical flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer went virtual, and the video—including a live rendition of "Joy to the World" by Vy Higginsen's Sing Harlem—is up for all to see. Better yet, take a walk to the Meer at dusk and see the lights in person.


Through January 3; Wed-Fri 2pm-8pm, Sat & Sun noon-8pm

Central Harlem Kente Royal Gallery, 2373 Adam Clayton Powell Jr between W 138th and W 139th Sts

Organized by Art Crawl Harlem, this art-packed show features the work of 18 contemporary New York artists exploring Black history and culture.



Through January 16; Tue-Sat 11am-6pm, by appointment only

Central Harlem Claire Oliver Gallery, 2288 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd between W 134th and W 135th Sts

Miami Art Week comes to Harlem via this four-artist exhibition that's also part of this year's virtual Untitled Art Fair.


Through December 31

Central Harlem 125th St from Fifth to 12th Aves

The holiday lights along 125th Street are officially on (rewatch the kickoff here). Take a stroll down Harlem's famous retail strip after dusk to see them all aglow.


Ongoing

East Harlem JHS 99, 410 E 100th St between FDR Drive and First Ave

A new mural by Cuban-American artist Carmen Herrera's "Uno Dos Tres"—painted by students from the arts and education nonprofit Publicolor—is now up on the eastern wall of East Harlem school JHS 99. The 105-year-old abstract painter had her first solo exhibition at the Whitney in 2016.


"Uno Dos Tres," a new mural in East Harlem by Carmen Herrera
"Uno Dos Tres" mural by Carmen Herrera

Extended through the new year

Central Harlem Jackie Robinson Park, Bradhurst Ave and W 145th St and St. Nicholas Park, St. Nicholas Ave at W 132nd St and W 140th St

Part of the citywide Photoville festival, this free outdoor photo exhibit centers on Black joy and is inspired by the poetry of Ross Gay and the music of Stevie Wonder.


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