Winter calendar

Race

Eco Holiday Market Place
This isn’t your typical holiday bazaar of cheesy decorations and lame gifts. Everything sold at this carbon-neutral market is ethical and sustainable—even the gift-wrapping is eco-friendly. The indoor market will feature tons of free beauty samples and demos, such as a nontoxic Priti manicure with purchase of a polish. You’ll also score discounts on fashionable fare, like chic Charmone shoes, which are marked down from $325 to $129. Other earth-conscious goods include handcrafted jewelry from local designer Yania Creations and organic children’s clothing from PO. 2 Great Jones St between Broadway and Lafayette St (212-777-0707, greenfinds.com). Thu–Sun, through Dec 23.

1 Grand Central Kaleidoscope Light Show
The train station gets into the holiday spirit and transforms into a winter-wonderland stage, with brief shows playing every half hour on the half hour. Grand Central Terminal, Lexington Ave at 42nd St (212-340-2345, grandcentralterminal.com)

2 Housing Works Annual Holiday Sale
All nine Housing Works stores will be extending their hours (9am–9pm), to give people a chance to get in all of their holiday shopping. On hand will be holiday merchandise and small gift items, as well as Housing Works' usual stock of high-end clothing, furniture, housewares and accessories—all of which have been saved exclusively for this sale. Locations throughout the city; visit housingworks.org for info.

2 Theater: Orpheus X opens
Rinde Eckert's rock-infused version of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth finally comes to New York, with the darkly brilliant director Robert Woodruff intact. The Duke on 42nd Street, 229 West 42nd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (646-223-3010, tfana.org)

2–4 Live show: Phish
The reunited, rejuvenated jam band holds court for three nights at the Garden; the shows might be sold out, but ticket prices are reasonable on StubHub and Craigslist. Madison Square Garden, Seventh Ave at 32nd St (212-307-7171, thegarden.com)

3 Opera: Les Contes d'Hoffmann
Director Bartlett Sher's new Metropolitan Opera production of Offenbach's tipsy, tuneful fantasy sets lyrical hero Joseph Calleja opposite three irresistible leading ladies: Anna Netrebko, Kate Lindsey and Ekaterina Gubanova. Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, Columbus Ave at 65th St (212-362-6000, metoperafamily.org/metopera). $50-$250.

3 “Night & Day” opens at the Museum at FIT
The exhibition covers 250 years of fashion history, focusing on definitions of daywear and nightwear and exploring how the rules about appropriate women’s dress have shifted. The Museum at FIT, Seventh Ave at 27th St (212-217-4558, fitnyc.edu). Through May 11.

4 Live show: Raphael Saadiq
This singer and producer gives old soul a smart, slightly contemporary tweak. Terminal 5, 610 W 56th St at Eleventh Ave (212-260-4700) $30.

5 Bowie Ball
A chance to repurpose your Halloween costume, perhaps? Expect glam-rock fashion and nonstop David Bowie hits at this party. (Le) Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St at Thompson St (212-505-3474)

6 Mode Merr Holiday Spectacular Featuring Dirty Dolls Lingerie
The holiday edition of this kinkfest features live music, a sexy lingerie sale and burlesque performances from the likes of Delirium Tremens and the World Famous *BOB*. (Le) Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St at Thompson St (212-505-3474)

6 Theater: Race opens
Take a black lawyer, a white lawyer, and a high-profile case that mixes sex, race and money and you've got writer-director David Mamet's latest satire. James Spader, David Alan Grier and Kerry Washington star. Barrymore Theatre, 243 W 47th St between Broadway and Eighth Ave (raceonbroadway.com). $59.50–$251.50.

7 John Ashbery
The nimble-minded master of poetic collages—and the first-ever mtvU poet laureate—reads from his latest poetry collection, Planisphere. 7pm. 11th Street Bar, 510 E 11th St between Aves A and B (212-982-3929)

8 "Evangelicalism and the Contemporary Intellectual"
The journal n+1 hosts a roundtable featuring Malcolm Gladwell, James Wood and Christine Smallwood. 8pm. New School, Tischman Auditorium, 66 W 12th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-229-5488)

8–17 “The Next Director: So Young Kim and Bradley Rust”
Per its annual survey of cinema's Next Big Thing(s), BAM pays tribute to the first couple of neo-Neorealism (Treeless Mountain, The Exploding Girl). It couldn't have happened to a nicer pair of Brooklynites. BAM, 30 Lafayette Ave between Ashland Pl and St. Felix St, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-636-4100, bam.org). $TBA.

10 Anne Carson
Poet, art critic, essayist, scholar of ancient Greek: Anne Carson has many talents, and her public appearances tend to be both interdisciplinary and fascinating. 7pm. New York University, Lillian Vernon Center, 58 W 10th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-998-8850)

11 Trinie Dalton
This young, smart and deeply imaginative writer reads from her brand-new modern fairy tale, Sweet Tomb, the follow-up to her indie classic Wide-Eyed. Outpost Lounge, 1014 Fulton St between Downing St and Irving Pl, Clinton Hill, Brooklyn (718-636-1260)

11 The Desk Set Presents…Biblioball 2009: Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Just because you read books doesn’t mean you don’t like to party. This shindig caters to the fun-loving bibliophiles out there with live music, trapeze artists, literary drinks specials and much more. The Bell House, 149 7th St between Second and Third Aves, Gowanus, Brooklyn (thebellhouseny.com). 8pm–4am.

11, 12 Live shows: The Fiery Furnaces
The prolific brother-sister combo plays a pair of shows behind one of its strongest albums, I’m Going Away. Dec 11 at 8pm: Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6th St between Kent and Wythe Aves (718-486-5400). $15. Dec 12 at 8pm: Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey St between Bowery and Chrystie St (boweryballroom.com). $15.

11 Film: Invictus opens
Finally: a rugby movie. But what god did we please to have it directed by Clint Eastwood and costar Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman?

12 Dances of Vice: Trouble in Toyland
The masters of opulent, old-fashioned nightlife throw a holiday spectacular. 9pm. Rebel, 251 W 30th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (dancesofvice.com)

13 Theater: A Little Night Music opens
In its first Broadway revival, the beloved, witty and elegant Stephen Sondheim musical (based on a Bergman film) features a cast that includes Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Walter Kerr Theatre, 219 W 48th St between Broadway and Eighth Ave (212-239-6200, nightmusiconbroadway.com). $52–$137.

15 Live show: The Antlers
No, really—it’s not just the Christmas/reindeer connection! The Antlers were quite the toast of CMJ on account of their wistful, delicate tunes. Want proof? Check ’em out performing live in TONY’s office at timeoutnewyork/thevolume. Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey St between Bowery and Chrystie St (boweryballroom.com). $13.

16–20 Classical: Stifter's Dinge
Composer, director and conceptual artist Heiner Goebbels uses the vast Park Avenue Armory as the site for his latest creation, a dreamlike meditation on the unknown, featuring voices without speakers and pianos without players. Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave between 66th and 67th Sts (212-616-3930, armoryonpark.org). $55.

16, 18, 19 Dance: Reggie Wilson/Fist & Heel Performance Group and Compagnie 1er Temps
In The Good Dance—dakar/Brooklyn, choreographers Reggie Wilson and Andréya Ouamba explore issues of identity and migration. BAM, 30 Lafayette Ave between Ashland Pl and St. Felix St, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-636-4100, bam.org). $20–$30.

17 New York Philharmonic: CONTACT!
The Phil's all-new contemporary-classical ensemble makes a big first splash, with a program featuring world premieres by Marc-André Dalbavie, Arlene Sierra, Lei Liang and Arthur Kampela. Metropolitan Museum of Art and Symphony Space, 11 W 53rd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-708-9400, moma.org). $48.

18 Live show: Cannibal Corpse
If you check out only one death-metal gig this year, these Buffalo-bred legends are a great bet. Nokia Theatre Times Square, 1515 Broadway at 44th St (212-307-7171). $26–$29.

18 Film: Avatar opens
James Cameron spent a titanic amount on this 3-D sci-fi actioner about a blue-skinned race of aliens and the human soldiers who want to terminate them.

19, 20 Brooklyn Lyceum 2nd Annual Craft Party
Got some last-minute shopping to do? Instead of settling for something crappy, head to Brooklyn Lyceum to browse handmade wares from more than 60 local crafters. 227 Fourth Ave between President and Union Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (brooklynlyceum.com)

20–22 Cabaret: Meow Meow
The fabulously demented international chanteuse prowls into New York with a holiday show. Joe's Pub at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St between Astor Pl and E 4th St (212-539-8778, joespub.com). $25.

22 National Chorale’s Messiah Sing-In
If you’ve always dreamed of performing at Lincoln Center, join a chorus of nearly 3,000 audience members for a spirited sing-along. You’ll be led by four top-flight soloists and 17 of the city’s best conductors. Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, 1941 Broadway at 65th St (212-875-5030, lincolncenter.org). $31–$101.

23 Film: Police, Adjective
The Romanian cine-revolution continues with the sophomore effort of Corneliu Porumboiu (12:08 East of Bucharest), about a cop, a stakeout and the power of words to asphyxiate free will.

24 Heebonism
This Heeb magazine blowout promises free vodka (8–9pm), a karaoke room and gift bags (last year, they included a Babeland vibrator). Survival tip: “Wear double pairs of socks for strip dreidel,” says Heeb publisher Josh Neuman. Fontana’s, 105 Eldridge St between Broome and Grand Sts (212-334-6740). 8pm–3am, $20, $25 at the door.

25 Film: Sherlock Holmes opens
What up, Holmes? Director Guy Ritchie is hit-and-miss, but we'll watch Robert Downey Jr. crack wise in just about anything.

25 Chinese & a Movie: Mel Brooks Double Feature Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs, an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet, and booze? Count us in! 92Y Tribeca, 200 Hudson St between Desbrosses and Vestry Sts (212- 601-1000, 92ytribeca.org). 2pm. $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

31 New Year's Eve ball drop
Hide the flask in your shoe and jostle for position to see the Waterford Crystal ball make its descent. At least you know you won’t be lonely on NYE—about a million people show up each year for the festivities. One Times Square. Arrive early for optimal viewing.

31 New Year's Eve fireworks
Fireworks will light up the skies above Staten Island, Brooklyn, Central Park, New Jersey and various rooftops throughout the city. Head to the Brooklyn Bridge to see them all.

31 New Year’s Eve Emerald Nuts Midnight Run
Get your New Year’s resolutions off to a raring start at this annual four-mile race in Central Park. Expect music, fireworks and lots of crazy costumes. Central Park (nyrr.org). $45, members $40; before Dec 16 $35, members $30.

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Daybreakers

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2 Theater: Present Laughter starts previews
Noël Coward: champagne, witty lines and high style. Expect all of that when the Roundabout Theatre Company revives his 1939 comedy, starring Broadway vet (and Alias costar) Victor Garber. American Airlines Theater, 227 W 42nd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-719-1300, roundabouttheatre.org). $66.50–$116.50.

6 Kurosawa Fest begins
Film Forum fetes the godfather of J-cinema with a whopping 28-film (!) salute. Feast on everything from coronated classics to rarities; Akira-san would have wanted it that way. Film Forum, 209 W Houston St between Sixth Ave and Varick St (212-727-8110, filmforum.org). Through Feb 4. $12.

6–17 Theater: Under the Radar
Start the New Year with this first-rate festival of domestic and international work, with the emphasis on boundary-pushing, multimedia and experimentation. France's Vivarium Studio is one act we're particularly excited about. Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St between Astor Pl and E 4th St (212-967-7555, publictheater.org). Various prices.

8 Film: Daybreakers opens
This futuristic vampire movie has gory kills, strong acting and style to burn. It's like Gattaca with fangs.

8 Live show: The Duchess & the Duke
A young duo from the Bay Area turns an obsessive ear to ’60s pop. Mercury Lounge, 217 E Houston St between Essex and Ludlow Sts (212-260-4700, mercuryloungenyc.com). $10.

8–10 Professional Bull Riders “Built Ford Tough” Series at MSG
Pull the cowboy boots and Stetson out the closet for this one—the bulls are coming to the Garden, and these ones aren’t from Chicago. Madison Square Garden, Seventh Ave at 32nd St (212-307-7171, thegarden.com) $10–$195.

11 Platforms 2010
Danspace Project unveils a series of guest-curated platforms, beginning with Ralph Lemon's "I Get Lost," which kicks off with David Zambrano's Soul Project, January 21–23. The program includes residencies, discussions, films and performances. Danspace Project at St. Mark's Church, 131 E 10th St at Second Ave (866-811-4111, danspaceproject.org). Through Apr 17. $TBA.

12 TONY's Dining & Libation Society Chanterelle Dinner
Those mourning the passing of Chanterelle can rejoice: the pioneering downtown French restaurant will be resurrected, however briefly. Join TONY’s DLS at the James Beard House for a Chanterelle dinner, where devoted Francophiles can relive their Harrison Street glory days. 167 West 12th St (212-675-4984, visit dlsociety.com for more info)

14 Jazz: Brad Mehldau
Highline continues its jazz series with a master of melodic elegance. Highline Ballroom, 431 W 16th St between Ninth and Tenth Aves (212-414-5994, highlineballroom.com). $35–$75.

15 Film: The Book of Eli opens
It would be handy having Denzel Washington around to protect us in the postapocalyptic wasteland. He could go all Training Day on ruffians.

15–17 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Daniel Barenboim and Pierre Boulez share podium duties for the latest visit from a venerated orchestra that literally embodies Old World tradition. Carnegie Hall, 154 W 57th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org). $33.50–$219.

18 Classical: Simon Boccanegra
After decades on the stage and despite countless accolades, veteran tenor Plácido Domingo continues to break new ground; in this gripping Verdi drama he'll take on a title role composed for a baritone. Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, Columbus Ave at 65th St (212-362-6000, metoperafamily.org/metopera/home.aspx). $20–$275.

19 Opera: Il Mondo della Luna
The always-inventive Gotham Chamber Opera takes its act uptown for a new production of Haydn's spacey comedy (The World on the Moon) at the most appropriate site imaginable: the Hayden Planetarium. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St (212-769-5100, amnh.org). $30–$125.

22 Film: Legion opens
The trailer to this end-times thriller—especially the demonic,gravity-defying old lady—certainly promises some spine-tingling scares.Plus, Paul Bettany is rockin' those fallen-angel wings.

22–31 Winter Antiques Show
Antique buffs and art collectors will be looking to buy, but for the layperson, it’s basically a fantastically eclectic museum. Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave between 66th and 67th Sts (718-292-7392, winterantiquesshow.com). Mon–Wed, Fri–Sat noon–8pm; Thu, Sun noon–6pm. $20.

24 Theater: A View from the Bridge opens
Stage geeks and historians certainly want to see a revival of the Arthur Miller classic, but the real draw with this production is the stars: Liev Schreiber and Scarlett Johansson. Cort Theatre, 138 W 48th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-239-6200). $TBA.

25 Winter Restaurant Week begins
Get wallet-friendly deals at many of the city’s best restaurants. Suddenly, Eleven Madison Park is in your price range.

26 "From Gothic to Graphic: Adapting Jane Austen Novels" at the Morgan Library
In conjunction with an exhibition called “A Woman's Wit: Jane Austen's Life and Legacy” (through March 14), authors of Austen-inspired books come together to discuss the writer’s enduring influence. 225 Madison Ave at 36th St (212-685-0008, themorgan.org). 6:30pm; $15, members $10.

26 Chinese New Year
Celebrate the Year of the Ox with festivities throughout the city, including the 10th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival.

27 Live show: Hal Willner’s "I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues?"
Van Dyke Parks, Rufus Wainwright, Bill Frisell and others celebrate Jewish American song. The Allen Room (at Frederick P. Rose Hall), Broadway at 60th St (212-721-6500). Sold out.

29 Film: Edge of Darkness opens
Casino Royale director Martin Campbell shepherds Mel Gibson through his latest revenge narrative. Ain't nothing quite like Mad Mel.

29 Hip-Hop Karaoke Championship at Irving Plaza
Upset that no one ever does “Juicy” on American Idol? Check out this event, at which the top contestants from across the city perform hip-hop classics with the help of a hype man. Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Pl at 15th St (212-777-6800, irvingplaza.com). $15, advance $13.

30 Live show: Doom featuring Mos Def
Perpetually bemasked rapper Doom brings his eccentric rhymes to Times Square. Nokia Theatre Times Square, 1515 Broadway at 44th St (212-307-7171, nokiatheatrenyc.com). $40.

30 Live show: Michael Friedman
One of New York's best downtown theater composers gets a fancy uptown platform for his smart, eclectic music, as performed by such ringers as Norm Lewis and de'Adre Aziza. The Allen Room (at Frederick P. Rose Hall), Broadway at 60th St (212-721-6500). $35–$75.

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La Roux

December | January | February

5 Empire State Building Run-up
Qualifying runners try to make their lungs explode in a race to the top of the city’s tallest building. Start training now in your ninth-story walk-up. (nyrr.org)

11 Live show: La Roux
This British synth-pop duo presents a sassy, wickedly danceable show to match its big hit, “Bulletproof.” Expect to see fans of Yaz, Lady Gaga and fluoro accessories. Webster Hall, 125 E 11th St between Third and Fourth Aves (212-353-1600). Advance $25, day of show $30.

12 Live show: B.B. King and Buddy Guy
Two electric-blues legends throw down in a regal, rejuvenated uptown hall. United Palace Theatre, 4140 Broadway at 175th St (212-685-1414). $49–$99.

12 Theater: The Miracle Worker starts previews
This dramatic chestnut returns to Broadway under the direction of Kate Whoriskey (Ruined). Headlining the cast as deaf, mute and blind Helen Keller: rising young starlet Abigail Breslin. Starts Circle in the Square Theater, W 50th St between Broadway and Eighth Ave (212-239-6200, miracleworkeronbroadway.com)

12 Film: The Wolfman opens
Sorry, but you're just lying if you're not interested in seeing Benicio del Toro grow hairy and bite people. Anthony Hopkins is in it too. Happy Valentine's Day!

13 Kari Kriikku with the New York Philharmonic
Astounding Finnish clarinet acrobat Kari Kriikku comes to Carnegie Hall for a performance of a concerto by his old friend, Phil composer-in-residence Magnus Lindberg. Carnegie Hall, 154 W 57th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org). $39–$116.

Barneys warehouse sale
The famous warehouse sale at Barneys isn’t just some inventory-purging event; it’s a 30-year-old institution that attracts 80,000 or so hunter-gatherers twice a year to sift through 14,000 square feet of bins and racks of sweaters, pants, shirts, shoes, suits and accessories. Merchandise comes to the sale marked down 75 percent, and then, after two weeks, select items are marked down another 20 to 40 percent. Usually the third week in February. 255 W 17th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-450-8400, barneys.com)

16 Theater: Next Fall starts previews
An atheist goes on a date with a born-again Christian…no, it's not the setup to a joke, but the premise of Geoffrey Naufft's affecting and thoughtful new play. Two guys meet cute, fall in love, and wrestle over the existence of God. 240 W 44th St between Broadway and Eighth Ave (212-239-6200, nextfallbroadway.com)

17–21 Theater: Making It opens
A multimedia theatrical rock show with tunes, text and video, following the unlikely career of funk-fusion singer-songwriter Stew (Passing Strange). Our host and hero goes from the dive rock clubs of Hollywood to the footlights of Broadway. St. Ann’s Warehouse, 38 Water St, Dumbo, Brooklyn (718-254-8779, stannswarehouse.org). $42-$75.

17, 19 Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
It's a Dutch treat from red-hot conducting star Yannick Nézet-Séguin, who comes to Lincoln Center for two concerts with his experienced Rotterdam players and two ace soloists: pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and violinist Viktoria Mullova. Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, 1941 Broadway at 65th St (212-875-5030, lincolncenter.org). $35–$75.

18 Live show: Nellie McKay
The Harlem songwriting dynamo pays tribute to her idol, Doris Day. The Allen Room (at Frederick P. Rose Hall), Broadway at 60th St (212-721-6500). $40–$85.

19 Live show: Dirty Projectors
Are Dirty Projectors now part of the Great American Songbook? Looks that way. The Allen Room (at Frederick P. Rose Hall), Broadway at 60th St (212-721-6500). $40–$85.

19 Film: From Paris, with Love opens
The director of Taken gives guns and ammo to John Travolta and points him toward the Eiffel Tower. Le City of Light will never be the same.

19 Film: Shutter Island opens
Martin Scorsese sets cop Leonardo DiCaprio loose in an insane asylum…run by Ben Kingsley and Max von Sydow! That'd drive anybody crazy!

23–27 Opera: Attila
No slight intended to Ildar Abdrazakov, the virile Russian bass-baritone singing the title role in this early Verdi opera, but the real news is the long-overdue Met Opera debut of seasoned Italian maestro Riccardo Muti. Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, Columbus Ave at 65th St (212-362-6000, metoperafamily.org/metopera). $20–$375.

23–28 Bill Frisell, Ron Carter and Paul Motian
Guitarist Frisell brings his postmodern twang to the Blue Note, in the company of two genuinely legendary rhythm-section titans. Blue Note, 131 W 3rd St at Sixth Ave (212-475-8592)

24 The Paul Taylor Dance Company
Modern master Paul Taylor celebrates his 80th birthday during his company's annual season; on March 6, all tickets to the matinee are $8. Crazy—cheaper than a movie! New York City Center, 130 W 56th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-581-1212, nycitycenter.org). Through Mar 14.

26 Film: Hot Tub Time Machine opens
And now for something completely different: John Cusack and his dim-witted buddies transport themselves back in time (see title) and find themselves stuck in the '80s. Not unlike this film, really. Like, totally awesome!

26 Film: A Prophet opens
The Cannes prison-movie sensation—a standout in a weak festival—finally gets its stateside release.

28 Black Brooklyn Renaissance kicks off
The Brooklyn Arts Council’s year-long arts program of performances and events will explore black culture and arts in Brooklyn over five decades. It begins with “African Dance/Brooklyn Style Showcase,” an afternoon of dance performances including Baraka de Soleil and the Brooklyn Jumbies. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College, Whitman Theater, 2900 Campus Rd at Hillel Pl (718-951-4600, brooklynartscouncil.org). $TBA.

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