Holiday Guide 2011

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HOLIDAY GUIDE 2011

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GU G UID U IID DE D E2011

[ INTRODUCTION ] BY ERIC REZSNYAK

Who’s got spirit?

I’ve been having a hard time getting into the holiday spirit this year. The weather has certainly played a big part.

This prolonged Indian summer we’ve been enjoying has given us comfortable temperatures and a total lack of accumulated snow prior to Thanksgiving.

Not that I’m complaining, mind you.

It’s just weird. I can hardly believe that December starts this week.

But the holidays are here, and we all better get into the swing of them but quick. Because even with all of the downsides — the crass commercialism, the crowded stores, the relatives whose necks you want to squeeze so tightly that their heads pop right off (but I digress) — there really is something amazing about this time of year. The music is cheerier, there’s an excitement in the air, and people have a tendency to be a little bit nicer to one another (minus that whole relative-strangling thing).

Working on this year’s Holiday Guide helped me to get excited for the next few weeks, and I hope it does the same for you. I am totally snatching Deb Schleede’s “holiday auction” idea from her piece on gift-giving alternatives to Secret Santa (page 10). I can’t count the number of concerts I hope to attend that Paloma Capanna included in her holiday music preview (page 14). And hopefully I can squeeze in one or two events from the holiday calendar (page 18) before January 1 rolls around. I cannot believe I have never seen that gingerbread-house exhibit at the George Eastman House, or been to the lighting of the Liberty Pole. I’m making time for both this year. How are you going to make sure to make the most of your holidays?

Inside GAMES......................................... 4 What’s hot this holiday season

MEMBERSHIP.. .............................. 6 big benefits at local orgs

SECRET SANTA.. .......................... 10 alternative ways to give gifts

MUSIC........................................ 14 a survey of upcoming holiday concerts

CALENDAR.................................. 18 holiday events guide

Publishers: William and Mary Anna Towler Asst. to the publishers: Matt Walsh Editorial department themail@rochester-citynews.com Features editor: Eric Rezsnyak Contributing writers: Kate Antoniades, Paloma Capanna, Eric LaClair, Deb Schleede Art department artdept@rochester-citynews.com Production manager: Max Seifert Designers: Aubrey Berardini, Matt DeTurck Advertising department ads@rochester-citynews.com Advertising manager: Betsy Matthews Sales Representatives: Tom Decker, Annalisa Iannone, Christine Kubarycz, Bill Towler Operations/Circulation info@rochester-citynews.com Circulation Assistant: Katherine Stathis Distribution: Andy DiCiaccio, David Riccioni, Northstar Delivery On the cover: Illustration by Matt DeTurck Holiday Guide is published by WMT Publica-

tions, Inc. Copyright by WMT Publications Inc., 2011 - all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without permission of the copyright owner.

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FEATURE | by DEB SCHLEEDE

Games people play A look at some of the biggest video games of the holiday season

A screenshot from first-person shooter “Battlefield 3,” available on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. Photo PROVIDED

Video games have become much more mainstream over the past few years. In fact, according to the Entertainment Software Association, by 2010 more than 67 percent of American households owned at least one video-game console. Video games can make great gifts for all age ranges. Many great games have come out this year, and in order to fit as many recommendations as possible we’re focusing strictly on titles released since August. When shopping for games, be sure to keep an eye on the ratings, so you don’t inadvertently buy little Tommy a title rated M (for ages 17 and up). There are a host of games that will make great gifts this season, so here’s the low-down on some of the best game titles to hit shelves for the holiday.

Shoot ‘em up

For the casual-gaming crowd, shooters are a popular choice and are abundant this year. One of the bigger multi-player shooter games, “Battlefield 3” (available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC), is a superrealistic military title that will blow your mind graphically, but most people pick it up for the multi-player mode that rivals the industry-dominating “Call of Duty” series.

Less realistic and more sci-fi is “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” (Xbox 360 only). This is a beautiful remake celebrates 10 years for the series and allows fans to replay the original campaign in high-definition, or at any point swap back to the old graphics. (Online play has also been upgraded.) Last of the big shooters is “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” (available on all systems). The “Duty” franchise has blown up in the past few years and saw one of the largest media launches in history. If you have a gamer on your list who City

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2011

likes shooters and doesn’t already own this game, they probably want it.

Role play

For the non-shooter crowd there are some great adventure games this year. Anyone who enjoys a good superhero story will like “Batman: Arkham City” (360/PS3/PC). This game has fun gameplay and a great story, playing much like the Batman movies, and is regarded as one of the best action-adventure games currently on the shelves. Similar to Batman, “Uncharted 3” (PS3) is another thrilling title. You get to play as Nathan Drake as he hunts for 16th century treasure while also trying to avoid being offed by an occult organization after the same loot.

Think modern Indiana Jones and slap him into a game series and you’ll get “Uncharted.”

Outside of the action-adventure genre there is “Professor Layton and the Last Spector” (Nintendo DS). Here you play as a Sherlock Holmes-esque professor solving murderous mysteries. The game plays like an interactive book but with lots of puzzles that test your brain. In addition to the main story this game has a 100-hour role-playing quest, so you get two games in one. (Geek moment: old-school gamers will recognize elements of the RPG to be very similar to “Earthbound,” a popular 1995 title, as it’s made by the same team.)

For serious gamers

There are some good options for the more hard-core gamers on your list. A personal favorite, and game-industry legend for being insanely difficult, is “Dark Souls” (360/PS3).

Players are thrown into an open world with no real objectives other than to explore and stay alive. You’ll go up against countless

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“The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword” on Nintendo Wii substantially ups the franchise’s difficulty level.

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skeletons, demons, and monsters of all types.

This game is definitely a challenge but is incredibly rewarding, and is a solid title for any gamers willing to give it a shot. Another industry legend is “Ico” and “The Shadow of the Colossus” Collection (PS3). This game is actually two completely separate games bundled together. Both were cult hits when they originally came out on the PlayStation 2 in the early 00’s. Nearly everyone who picked up these titles fell in love with them for their unique game play and iconic stories. Lastly, Link is back for one last quest on the Nintendo Wii with “Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword” (Wii). This title helps celebrate the 25th anniversary of the hugely popular franchise.

The game takes place in heaven-like skies as players take control of Link as he once again comes to the rescue of Princess Zelda and the land of Hyrule. The game brings some new additions to the series and a beautiful graphical boost. There is also a sweet collector’s bundle that comes with a 25th anniversary soundtrack and a golden, Zelda edition Wii controller — a great steal, if you can find it.

Kid stuff

For the kids — or adults who are still kids at heart — there are some fun titles in stores this season. Also celebrating a 25th anniversary is Sega’s mascot Sonic, celebrated with “Sonic Generations” (360/PS3/3DS). This title

features two parts: part one is side-scroller akin to the original Sonic games, part two is modern Sonic style with a more mobile camera and traditional platforming. It’s pays service to old fans of Sonic and it does a great job of sucking in new fans as well. After many years of bad Sonic games this one is almost perfect. “Kirby: Return to Dreamland” (Wii) is the first traditional Kirby game since the 90’s. It has simple side-scrolling gameplay and an added multi-player aspect that allows up to four players to join in. This game has a lower difficulty level along with a fun story and fanciful stage designs, making it a good choice for younger gamers. A big title focused on having fun with friends is “Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure” (available on all systems).

This title comes as a bundle with the game, a “Portal of Power” peripheral, and three playable character toys. The unique aspect of this game is that you play as the toy you choose to place on the portal, and run around saving the world from and evil mastermind. Each toy character has their own abilities, features, and upgrades, and they are playable in any game on any system, making collecting, trading, and sharing them an objective for kids. I’ll admit that I’m addicted to this game and collecting and upgrading the toys. Outside of the three characters that come in the bundle, dozens more are available for purchase in stores, which makes for even more gift options.

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Honorable game mentions: “Disney Universe” (360/PS3/PC/Wii) “Dead Island” (360/PS3) “Jurassic Park” (360/PS3/PC) “Kirby Mass Attack” (DS) “Super Mario Land 3D” (3DS)

“Gears of War 3” (360) “Elder Scrolls: Skyrim” (360/PS3/PC) “Assassins Creed: Revelations” (360/PS3) “Sims 3 Pets” (All systems) “Just Dance 3” (360/PS3/Wii) rochestercitynewspaper.com

City

FEATURE | by KATE ANTONIADES

Membership has its privileges Joining local institutions can pay off all year long

Membership to the Genesee Center for the Arts & Education (pictured) includes discounts on pottery classes for kids, and more. Photo PROVIDED

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HOLIDAY GUIDE 2011

To make sure that the gifts you give your kids this year won’t be outgrown, forgotten, or broken by the time the holiday season rolls around again, consider presenting them with a family membership offered by a local museum or organization. With perks like free admission and discounted classes, family memberships keep on giving all year long. Listed below find several places around town that offer such memberships.

If you know of others, submit them as comments at the bottom of this article on rochestercitynewspaper.com.

National Museum of Play at The Strong

The National Museum of Play offers several membership levels that start at $76 per year. The minimum benefits include unlimited free admission for family members (up to two adults plus kids under 18) for a year and a $1 discount on general admission for guests, in addition to discounts on tickets to the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, the Making American Music concert series, and museum-shop merchandise; six free carousel or train rides; and a newsletter.

Families who pay $130 or more will also get free or discounted admission to more than 170 children’s museums in the U.S. and Canada — the perfect excuse for a road trip. The museum is located at 1 Manhattan Square. For more information, call 263-2700 or visit museumofplay.org.

New York Museum of Transportation

The New York Museum of Transportation, which is run by volunteers and open only on Sundays, shares the history of getting from point A to point B, with exhibits and historical vehicles (like a 100-yearold trolley car). From mid-May through October, visitors can also explore the nearby Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum, which is connected to the Museum of Transportation by a two-mile railroad.

A family membership to the NYMT costs $35 a year and includes free admission, a 10 percent discount on gift-shop items, and a subscription to the museum’s quarterly journal. The NYMT is located at 6393 East River Road in Rush. For more information, visit http://nymtmuseum.org.

Seneca Park Zoo

The popularity of our local zoo can mean big crowds, but from April through October, members can visit the animals a half-hour earlier than everyone else: 9:30 a.m. rather than 10 a.m. Other benefits include free admission year-round; discounts on gift-shop merchandise, classes, events, birthday parties, and camps; coupons for the zoo’s café; and a quarterly newsletter. You’ll also get free or discounted entry to more than 170 other zoos and aquariums around the U.S. and Canada. continues on page 8

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Membership continues from page 6

Family membership levels begin at $75 per year. The zoo is located at 2222 St. Paul St. For more information call 336-7200 or visit senecaparkzoo.org.

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Classes at the Genesee Center, which houses the Community Darkroom, Genesee Pottery, and the Printing and Book Arts Center, are open to anyone in the community.

However, only members can gain access to the building’s facilities and equipment (like the darkroom, computer lab, kilns, and offset press). Members also receive discounts on classes. Recent course offerings included “Street Photography,” “Smush and Smash” (a clay class for toddlers), “No Time for Squares: The Art of Precision Cut Mosaics,” and many more. A household membership costs $80 per year. The center is located at 713 Monroe Ave. For more information, call 244-1730 or visit geneseearts.org.

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Ganondagan

The historic site of Ganondagan covers 619 acres and contains five miles of hiking trails and a bark longhouse. Its visitor-center services, events, and programs — which share the history of the Seneca and Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people — are offered from May through October, while the trails are accessible all year long from 8 a.m. to sunset.

The $60 family membership offers free admission to the longhouse, admission to the summer Native American Dance and Music Festival, 10 percent off selected merchandise in the gift shop, and a quarterly newsletter.

Ganondagan is located at 1488 State Route 444 in Victor. For more information, call 742-1690 or visit ganondagan.org.

Rochester Museum & Science Center

A membership to RMSC means that you won’t have to pay a dime to enjoy the Museum & Science Center, Strasenburgh Planetarium star shows and “giant-screen” films, the Cumming Nature Center, and more than 270 other science museums around the world. Members also receive invitations to special events, a $5 discount on classes for adults and kids, a 10 percent discount on gift-shop items and RMSC research publications, and a quarterly newsletter. Family membership costs $83 per year, and the “Family Plus” level ($108) lets kids celebrate birthday parties at the museum. RMSC is located at 657 East Ave. For more information, call 6971942 or visit rmsc.org.

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HOLIDAY GUIDE 2011

Genesee Waterways Center

The GWC, based at the Genesee Valley Park Boathouse and the Lock 32 Whitewater Park, offers classes and equipment rentals.

(The whitewater park is only open to those under 18 if they are registered for a program.) A family membership costs $87.50 for the first adult, plus $65 for a second, plus $25 per child, with additional equipment fees. It includes rowing and canoeing access at the GWC facility, kayak or canoe rental, and other rowing and kayaking benefits. Members also receive a 10 percent discount on class fees. The boathouse is located at 149 Elmwood Avenue, and the whitewater park is at 2797 Clover Street in Pittsford. For more information, call 3283960 or visit http://geneseewaterways.org.

Memorial Art Gallery

Two kinds of family memberships are available at the MAG, and the additional benefits of the higher level are a nice perk for parents. The “supporter” level ($90/year) includes free tickets to opening parties for gallery exhibitions — great opportunities for nights out without the kids. Both the supporter and “associate” ($70) levels include unlimited free general admission to the museum, along with two guest passes; and discounts on Creative Workshop classes, Clothesline Festival admission, gallery store merchandise, and meals at Max at the Gallery. Members can also borrow from the gallery’s library and will receive a bimonthly newsletter. The MAG is located at 500 University Ave. For more information, call 276-8939 or visit http://mag.rochester.edu.

Rochester Orienteering Club

Orienteering is an outdoor activity based around navigation; participants use a map, and sometimes a compass, to find certain marked points in an outdoor area. The Rochester club, which welcomes newbies and the experienced alike, holds timed meets throughout the year (except during the winter) at local spots like Ellison Park and Mendon Ponds Park. The group has also set up permanent courses in area parks that can be enjoyed outside of scheduled events. Family membership benefits include $3 discounts at meets and a quarterly newsletter. A one-year term costs $25. For more information, e-mail membership@roc. us.orienteering.org or visit the club’s website at http://roc.us.orienteering.org.

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FEATURE | by DEB SCHLEEDE ILLUSTRATIONS BY MATT DETURCK

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Beyond Secret Santa Alternative ways to exchange gifts with friends and family

Gift-giving between family, friends, coworkers, and other peers is a large part of the holiday season. At many celebrations, most offices, groups, organizations and families on a budget do a variation of the traditional “get a gift for everyone involved” by implementing a Secret Santa system — also known as Secret Friend, Invisible Friend, or Non-Denominational Holiday Icon — to keep costs down. The general rules are that each person involved anonymously gives a gift to one other person in the group, there is often a cost limit, and revealing the giftgivers name is usually optional.

Secret Santa is easy to put together, it works, it saves money, and it’s fun. But as someone who participates in many Secret Santa events during the holidays, it has gotten stale. Last year I participated in a personal record of 12 different Secret Santa events between festivities with my coworkers, different groups of friends, club members, and multiple branches of the family. While entirely grateful for the opportunity to be cheap during the holidays, each celebration was almost identical, and by the 12th run I never wanted to hear the words “Secret Santa” again. For anyone else out there sick of the norm, let’s kick the secret out of Santa once and for all. There are many gift-giving alternatives or variations that are both

group- and budget-friendly, and which can make a holiday party a lot more memorable One of the most popular alternatives is a

White Elephant Exchange, also known as Yankee Swap, Dirty Santa, Devil’s Santa, Nasty Christmas, Snatchy Christmas Rat, or The Grinch Game. Similar to Secret Santa, participants only purchase one gift (often within a budget limit) while making sure that the gift is appropriate for anyone in the group. At the holiday event all of the gifts are wrapped and put together in a pile. Some sort of opening order is then determined — perhaps in order of age, or alphabetical by name, by birth date, or by numbers in a hat.

The first person opens a gift of their choosing from the pile, shows it to the crowd, and then second person chooses.

Person No. 2 can either open a gift from the pile, or they may snatch the gift that was already opened. If they choose to take a gift from someone else, the injured party gets to open another gift from the pile. This game play continues for the rest of the participants until all gifts are gone. Gifts can be stolen from anyone, but generally a limit on “steals” is placed so that a highly desirable gift isn’t stolen by every single person. This exchange turns holiday gift-giving into a fun game and involves each participant, all while preserving continues on page 12

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bank accounts. Most importantly, it’s not nearly as boring as regular Secret Santa.

White Elephant works especially well for offices and clubs, as group-appropriate gifts are sometimes easier to purchase.

Another alternative is the Christmas Casino

Game, which is similar to the White Elephant Exchange but with a bit more risk involved. Again, each participant purchases only one gift, making sure that the item is appropriate for anyone in the group. At the gathering the wrapped gifts are piled together. Each participant is also asked to put a specific amount of money in a pot — $5 is good enough even for the biggest penny-pinchers. Similar to the White Elephant, participants again need to decide an order in which everyone takes their turn.

Game play in Christmas Casino gives each person three options: they may choose a gift from the pile, they may put their name in a raffle for the loot of cash, or they can put their name in for a raffle of all unclaimed gifts (as people who go for either of the raffles will not be guaranteed a gift). The gifts are opened and the two raffles are drawn once each person has made their choice.

This game can be fun for everyone, as conservatives who prefer to avoid risk can simply pick to open a gift, while those who want some excitement can gamble for a larger prize. Some people will walk away with nothing, but it is typically not a problem if no one is a sore loser and the party has plenty of food and fun. This is a game better suited for adults since it is a bit of a gamble.

A fun alternative game that is both

exciting and a little goofy is the Christmas Auction. Each participant is asked to bring a few gifts for this game, generally two to four items per person. However, only half of their gifts are “real” gifts that are appropriate for the participants, while the other half are gag gifts. The “real” gifts 12 City HOLIDAY GUIDE 2011

can be cheap — yummy treats, books, or scratch-off lottery tickets will suffice.

On the other hand, the gag gifts can be completely worthless (think toilet paper, gaudy jewelry, or a toilet seat).

At the event, all gifts are placed together and every person is given play money that they will use during the auction itself.

Monopoly money or fake money printed off a computer works well enough. You can give whatever amount you want to participants depending on how many gifts there are, or how crazy you want the auctioning to get, as more money often means more outrageous bets on worthless crap. Someone will pay $500 for that roll of scotch tape, guaranteed.

As far as game play, there are two ways of going about it. You can do a silent auction where everyone goes around the table and writes down what they’re willing to bet for items. But that’s boring. Instead, you can have willing participants take turns playing as an auctioneer with everyone else signaling their bets. The game is more fun with an auctioneer who can describe the gifts and try to make them more or less appealing, plus it makes it more engaging for everyone. While it is possible for someone to walk away with only gag gifts, if enough gifts are available at the beginning, it’s an unlikely outcome. This game can be fun for all groups including families, and can be appropriate for kids too as long as they somewhat understand how bidding works.

If gift exchanges like these are a too much for your group, you can spice up traditional the Secret Santa by making it a theme. Say everyone has to exchange ornaments, food, or other items possibly pertaining to whatever organization your holiday party relates. Or if you want to forego giving gifts altogether, you can also choose to benefit a charity and donate all the gifts involved instead.

rochestercitynewspaper.com City 13

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This holiday season there are more than 40 choral and classical concerts taking place between December 1 and January 15. Why not actually spend time with those you love while supporting local musicians and nonprofit music organizations?

Start on Friday, December 2, as the Eastman Rochester Chorus with the Eastman Philharmonia performance of Schubert’s Mass No. 5, D678, in A-flat and Schumann’s “Scene’s from Goethe’s Faust — Part III: Faust’s Transfiguration” (8 p.m.; Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater, 26 Gibbs St.; free). In addition to its Eastman School of Music, located on Gibbs Street downtown, the University of Rochester at its River Campus has a separate music department, including a Wind Symphony that also performing the same night (8 p.m.; Strong Auditorium; free). Another area college, RIT, will also hold its “Let RIT Snow Christmas Concert” by the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (7 p.m.; Webb Auditorium; free).

On Friday and Saturday, December 2-3, the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus will make the yuletide — well, you know — with its

annual holiday show (8 p.m.; Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Ave.; $6$15). That Friday is also the opening night of “A Time to Rejoice!” by chamber chorale Madrigalia, which will also be performed December 4, 7, 16, 17, and 18 at various area venues (visit madrigalia.org).

Don’t stray far from UR because on Saturday, December 3, the University of Rochester Symphony Orchestra will present Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony, under the baton of conductor David Harman (8 p.m.; Strong Auditorium; free). Also performing that Saturday night is WolfGang, one of the choirs of the Amadeus Chorale, with the Spencerport Community Chorus at the First Congregational Church (7 p.m.; 65 Church St., Spencerport; free).

Concentus Women’s Chorus will perform a holiday program at White Haven Chapel (4 p.m.; 210 Marsh Road, Pittsford; free).

Also, get involved with Hochstein School of Music and Dance on December 3 with a performance by its Finger Lakes Concert Band (7:30 p.m.; Middle School, 215 Granger St., Canandaigua; free-$5). If you’re determined to go to the mall, at least go to the Eastview Mall on Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4, to support Hochstein students in their annual “performathon” of instrument and vocal ensembles (noon-6 p.m.; BonTon Court; free/donation).

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Following the 9:30 a.m. service at the Church of the Incarnate Word, Michael Unger will give an advent organ recital, including J.S. Bach’s “Schübler Chorales” (9:30 a.m.; 597 East Ave; free). That afternoon, Grace Notes, another of the choirs of the Amadeus Chorale, will perform with the Spencerport Concert Choir at the First Congregational Church in Spencerport (3 p.m.; free). Or hop in your car and go to hear and sing Handel’s “Messiah” at the First Congregational Church in Canandaigua (1 p.m. rehearsal, 3 p.m. sing-along; free). The Greece Choral Society will give its Christmas concert at the St. Charles Borromeo Church (7 p.m.; 3003 Dewey Ave., Greece; free/donations). The Brockport CollegeCommunity Chorus will present its “Holiday Harmonies” concert at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (7:30 p.m.; 14 State St.; $5). Also that evening, ephemeral chamber group Ad Hoc will present Mozart’s E-flat Serenade, K. 375 as part of the Christ Church Candlelight Concerts (8:30 p.m.; 141 East Ave; free); Compline and a reception will follow.

Monday, December 5, the Penfield Symphony Orchestra with the Penfield High School Chorale offers a “Spice Up the Holidays” concert (7:30 p.m.; Penfield High, 25 High School Drive; $12-$14).

On Tuesday, December 6, it’s back to core classics when the UR Chamber Orchestra performs Prokofiev’s “Classical Symphony” (8 p.m.; Strong Auditorium; free).

Madrigalia performs again on Wednesday, December 7, in its annual “A Cup of Good Cheer” concert, which will be broadcast live on WXXI 91.5 FM (12:10 p.m.; Hochstein, 50 N. Plymouth Ave.; free).

Thursday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 10, at 8 p.m., the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will perform holiday classics, including Pachelbel’s “Canon” and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1 “Winter Dreams” (Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre; $15-$77). Also on December 8, the UR Percussion Ensemble continues to pull out all the stops with a performance (8 p.m.; Strong Auditorium; free).

On Friday, December 9, chamber orchestra Cordancia begins its four performances of Gian Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” also held on December 10, 11, and

16 at multiple venues (check cordancia.org for details). Friday afternoon includes a holiday celebration featuring the UR Gospel Choir and Brass Choir (3 p.m.; Goergen Building; free). That evening also includes the first of two performances by a cappella group Musica Spei of the medieval liturgical drama “The Son of Getron, a St. Nicholas Play,” which continues December 10 (check musicaspei.org for details). A chamber music holiday concert takes place Friday at Hochstein (6 p.m.; 50 N. Plymouth Ave.; free). Also on December 9 is a concert of “Brass, Bells, and Candlelight” performed by the Rochester Oratorio Society, the Empire State Lyric Theatre Children’s Chorus, Cantorei Singers, and the Church of the Transfiguration Bell Choir (7:30 p.m.; Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St.; $25).

The performance will include a sing-along.

Saturday, December 10, the RIT Music Department will put on its holiday concert (7 p.m.; Ingle Auditorium; $2), and on the same night the UR Men’s Glee Club and Chamber Singers will perform (4 p.m.; Interfaith Chapel Sanctuary; free). On Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11, Pegasus String Band offers a concert featuring the music of Bach, featuring Elizabeth Wallfisch on violin and Michael Beattie on harpsichord (different locations; check pegasusearlymusic.org for details; $10-$25). Also on Saturday and Sunday the Lyric Chorale will present concerts with traditional and Spanish carols in Pittsford and Fairport, respectively (check lyricchorale. org for details; $12-$18) and Roberts Wesleyan Chorale will host its Christmas gala (Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun 3 p.m.; Hale Auditorium; $8).

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Sunday, December 11, is the biggest of the season’s concert dates with at least seven different shows. Third Presbyterian Church starts the day with an offering of “Choral Music for Advent” (11 a.m.; free). The Eastman Repertory Singers and Women’s Chorus will perform at Christ Church (3 p.m.; free). The Rochester Boys Choir will perform its Christmas concert at St. John the Evangelist Church (3 p.m.; 55 Martha St., Spencerport; donations). The Rochester Chamber Orchestra, in conjunction with the Bach Children’s Chorus, will perform Handel’s “Messiah” at Hochstein (4 & 6 p.m.; 50 N. Plymouth Ave.; $10-$25). At the Irondequoit United Church of Christ, continues on page 16 rochestercitynewspaper.com City 15

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you’ll find the 75-voice Irondequoit Chorale performing the classic arrangement of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” (3 p.m.; 644 Titus Ave.; $8-$12). Also that afternoon the UR Women’s Chorus will perform with the Eastman School of Music choirs at Christ Church (3 p.m.; free). Over at the Church of the Incarnate Word, you will find its annual service of advent lessons and carols, including Francesco Durante’s “Magnificat” (7 p.m.; free).

Wednesday, December 14, through Sunday, December 18, the RPO performs its annual Gala Holiday Pops program, directed

by Jeff Tyzik, which will also feature the Festival High School Chorale (Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, $15-$77). December 14’s performance will benefit Monroe Community Hospital, while December 15’s will benefit Rochester Rotary Charitable programs.

The Vox Lumine chamber choir performs a three-day run of “What Sweeter Music” Thursday, December 15, through Saturday, December 17 (check voxlumine.org for details; $10). And on December 15 you can enjoy a “Holiday Prism Concert” at Hochstein, followed by an artists’ reception (7 p.m.; 50 N. Plymouth Ave.; $5).

On Saturday, December 17, Empire State Lyric Theatre and the Amadeus Chorale will present a holiday family concert, including “Custard the Dragon” by visiting Broadway performers and “The Polar Express,” at the Aquinas Institute (2 p.m.; 1127 Dewey Ave.; $10). On both December 17 and 18, you’ll find the Genesee Valley Orchestra & Chorus presenting Handel’s “Messiah” in Fairport and Henrietta, respectively (check gvoc.org for details; $10-$12).

Sunday, December 18, make sure to hear the sounds of the mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ during the Rochester Theater Organ Society’s “Christmas Follies” show at the Auditorium Center (2:30 p.m.; 885 E. Main St.; $15). Afterward stay in the Neighborhood of the Arts for the Baroque

Organ Showcase at the Memorial Art

Gallery, featuring Eastman School of Music students and faculty performing holiday music (5:30 p.m.; 500 University Ave.; $7$10). You can also get your ESM fix with the Eastman at St. Michael’s Concert Series, which will feature organist Annie Laver and others for a special advent concert (2:30 p.m.; 124 Evergreen St.; free).

Hopefully you’ll have recuperated by Saturday, January 7, and Sunday, January 8, to enjoy the Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival at the Third Presbyterian Church.

It’s a musical program of carols with a processional cast, costumes, and props, dating back to the Holy Roman Empire in the 900’s for the serving up of the boar’s head, the lighting of the Yule log, and, by English traditions begun in the 1300s, the feasting on the mince pie and plum pudding.

For details visit thirdpresbyterian.org.

By Thursday, January 12, we’ll start to see the bridge between holiday and the rest of our winter concert season with a Hochstein faculty concert by Tamari Gurevich and Alla Kuznetsov titled “Adventures for Two Pianos: Works of Brahms, Bizet, and Piazolla” (7 p.m.; 50 N. Plymouth Ave.; $5-$10).

I’m designating Sunday, January 15, as the grand finale of the holiday concerts as the Church of the Incarnate Word brings us “Pageantry for the Festival of Epiphany,” a concert of Medieval poetry and pageantry, combined with music from “The First Nowell” by Ralph Vaughan Williams (7 p.m.; East Ave; free). And, just so that our calendar list is complete with holiday cheer, also being offered that Sunday at Christ Episcopal Church are the Mozart string quintets by Publick Musick (3 p.m.; 36 S. Main St., Pittsford; Free-$15), followed by a reception featuring local wines.

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Geneseee Country Village & Museum goes back in time for its Yuletide in the Country program December 2-18. Photo PROVIDED

*NOTE: For additional holiday concerts check the music feature on page 14.

Continuing [Exhibit] Annual Holiday Poinsettia Show at Lamberton Conservatory.

180 Reservoir Ave. Daily 10 a.m.4 p.m. (Saturdays until 9 p.m.); closed Christmas Day. $2-$3 (children 5 and under free). 7537270. Monroecounty.gov/parks.

Opens December 2, continues through January 8.

[Exhibit] Holiday Displays at the George Eastman House “Sweet Creations” gingerbread house display and tabletop trees. 900 East Ave. $5-$12. 271-3361. eastmanhouse.org. Continues through December 15.

[Special Event] Dickens Festival, featuring “A Journey through ‘A Christmas Carol,’” a new holiday attraction created by Jack Haldoupis and Dianne Dengel featuring scenes from the Dickens classic. Shops on West Ridge, 3200 W. Ridge Road. Check theshopsonwestridge.net for hours. 368-0670.

[Special Event] Festival of Trees at the Granger Homestead. 295 N. Main St, Canandaigua. $1-$5.

394-1472. grangerhomestead. org. Continues through December 10.

[Special Event] Holiday Laser Show at the Strasenburgh Planetarium. 657 East Ave. $4-$10. 271-4320. rmsc. org/strasenburghplanetarium.

Continues through January 2.

[Special Event] Holly Trolley Rides and holiday-themed exhibits in the museum.

New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Rd., Rush. $4-$5. 533-1113. nymtmuseum.org. Continues Saturdays & Sundays through December 18.

[Special Event] North Pole Express on the Arcade and

Attica railroad. 278 Main St., Arcade. $14. 4923100. arcadeandatticarr. com. Continues Saturdays & Sundays through December 18.

[Special Event] The Polar Express train excursion on the Medina Railroad. 530 West Ave., Medina. $28-$45. 7986106. railroadmuseum.net.

Continues Saturdays & Sundays through December 18.

[Theater] “A Christmas Carol” at Geva Theatre. 75 Woodbury Blvd. $25-$42.50. 232-4382. gevatheatre.org. Continues through December 24.

Thursday, December 1

[Special Event] Park Ave Holiday Open House hosted by the Park Avenue Merchants Association.

Deals at local merchants, ice sculptures, holiday festivities, more. Park Avenue from Culver to Alexander. 5-9 p.m. park-avenue.org.

Friday, December 2 [Music] “A Holiday Song Book” with the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus. Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Ave. 8 p.m. $6-$15. 423-0650. thergmc.org. Continues Saturday, December 3.

[Music] Cahal Dunne Christmas Concert at The Shops on West Ridge, Craft Antique Co-Op. Two shows starting at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Free. 3200 W. Ridge Rd. 368-0670. theshopsonwestridge.net.

[Shopping] 30th Annual Alternative Fair hosted by Metro Justice.

Food, music, and holiday-themed activities. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Road. 5-9 p.m. $3. metrojustice.org. Continues Saturday, December 3.

[Shopping] Craftmas: A Handmade Holiday Art & Craft Show at the Hungerford Building. Door 8, 1115 E. Main St. 5-9 p.m. Free.

[Shopping] Holiday Shopping Fair for Seniors with jewelry, candies, crafts, and other gifts. At Chapel Oaks on the St. Ann’s Community Irondequoit campus. 1500 Portland Ave. 1-4:30 p.m. 6976000. stannscommunity.com.

[Shopping] Holiday Shopping Spree along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Visit wineries for chances at prizes and holiday deals. 1-5 p.m. $30-$55. 607-869-4281. cayugawinetrail.com. Continues through Sunday, December 4.

[Special Event] Fairport Village Christmas Party at the Green Lantern Inn. 1 E. Church St. 6:30 p.m. $40. 223-5929. village.fairport.ny.us.

[Special Event] Holiday Decorating and Symposium Workshop at Hurd Orchards.

17260 Ridge Rd., Holley.

2:15-4:15 p.m. 638-8838. hurdorchards.com.

[Special Event] Yuletide in the Country at the Genesee Country Museum. Historic decorations, music, merriment. Optional dinner buffet for additional charge. 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford. 5-8:30 p.m. $12-$22. 538-6822. gcv.org.

Continues through December 18.

[Theater] “The Gift of the Magi”

by Black Sheep Theatre at Village Gate. 274 N. Goodman St. 7:30 p.m. $15. 861-4816.

Blacksheeptheatre.org. Continues through December 11.

Saturday, December 3

[Movie] “Black Christmas” at the Dryden Theatre. 900 East Ave. 8 p.m. $6-$8. 271-3361. dryden.eastmanhouse.org.

[Music] “A Holiday Song Book”

with the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus. Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Ave. 8 p.m. $6-$15. See listing for Friday, December 2.

[Music] Holiday Music by Paul Strowe at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

657 East Ave. 1-3 p.m. Free w/museum admission, $10$12. 271-4320. rmsc.org.

[Music] Transfiguration Bell Choir at Casa Larga Vineyards.

2287 Turk Hill Rd. 1-4 p.m.

Free. 223-4210. casalarga.com.

[Recreation] Jingle Bell Run/ Walk for Arthritis to benefit the Upstate New York Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.

Registration at 3300 Monroe Ave. 264-1480. grtconline.com.

[Shopping] 30th Annual Alternative Fair hosted by Metro Justice. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $3. metrojustice.org. See listing for Friday, December 2.

[Shopping] Annual Holiday Sale at More Fire Glass. Glass and ceramic pieces for sale, and glass-blowing demonstrations.

80 Rockwood Place. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 242-0450. morefireglass.com. Continues Sunday, Dec 4.

[Shopping] Holiday Barrel Tasting at Keuka Spring Winery.

243 Route 54, E. Lake Rd., Penn Yan. 315-536-3147. keukaspringwinery.com.

Continues through December 4.

[Shopping] Holiday Shopping at the Lighthouse at the CharlotteGenesee Lighthouse. 70 Lighthouse St. Noon-5 p.m.

621-6179. geneseelighthouse. org. Continues Sunday, December 4.

[Shopping] Holiday Shopping Spree along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

$30-$55. See listing for Friday, December 2.

[Special Event] “It’s a Wonderful Life in the South Wedge” Holiday festivities and specials at South Wedge businesses all day. South Wedge neighborhood. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. southwedge.com.

[Special Event] Breakfast with Santa at the Seneca Park Zoo. Three seatings at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. to enjoy breakfast and take a “sleigh ride” through the zoo. 2222 St. Paul St. $8-$18. 336-7200. senecaparkzoo.org. Continues through December 18.

[Special Event] Christmas Gala at the Italian American Community Center. 150 Frank DiMino Way. 6 p.m. $65. 5948882. iaccrochester.org.

[Special Event] Geneva Santa Express on the Finger Lakes Scenic Railroad. 5 excursions departing at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. Corner of Railroad Pl. and Wadsworth St., Geneva. $12. 315-374-1570. fingerlakesscenicrailway.com.

[Special Event] Holiday Family Fun Day Holiday events and activities at the Sibley Building (228 E. Main St.) 3-5 p.m.

Lighting of the Liberty Pole at 5 p.m. Followed by the family parade to Manhattan Square Park for the season opening of the ice rink at 5:15 p.m.

Free event, $3 skate rental fee. cityofrochester.gov.

[Special Event] Holiday Tour of Homes in the Corn Hill neighborhood. Two standard tours starting at 9 a.m. and noon. Candlelight tour with refreshments starting at 4 p.m. Meet at 144 Edinburgh St. $22-$28. 262-3142. cornhillholidaytourofhomes.com.

[Special Event] Pirate Toy Fun Celebration Toy donation drive with a special performance by Gary the Happy Pirate. Strong Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square. 2:15 p.m. $11-$13.

263-2700. museumofplay.org.

[Special Event] Sonnenberg Holiday Tour of Homes and Historic Sites Visit 6 homes and historic sites in Canandaigua.

151 Charlotte St., Canandaigua.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. $22-$25. 3944922. sonnenberg.org.

[Special Event] Yuletide in the Country at the Genesee Country Museum. 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford. 1:30-7:45 p.m. $12-$22. Se listing for Friday, December 2.

[Theater] “The Gift of the Magi”

by Black Sheep Theatre at Village Gate. 274 N. Goodman St. 4 p.m. $15. See listing for Friday, December 2.

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Sunday, December 4

[Movie] “Black Christmas” at the Dryden Theatre. 900 East Ave. 5 p.m. $6-$8. 271-3361. dryden.eastmanhouse.org.

[Music] Christmas Concert performance by the Brighton Symphony Orchestra. 3156 East Ave. 3 p.m. 490-9351. brightonsymphony.org.

[Music] Home for the Holidays performance by the Genesee continues on page 20 rochestercitynewspaper.com City 19

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Sunday, December 4 Symphony Orchestra at the St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia. 405 E. Main St., Batavia. 4 p.m. $5-$30. 343-9313 ext. 32. geneseesymphony.com.

[Shopping] Annual Holiday Sale at More Fire Glass. 80 Rockwood Place. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See listing for Friday, December 3.

[Shopping] Holiday Barrel Tasting at Keuka Spring Winery.

243 Route 54, E. Lake Rd., Penn Yan. 315-536-3147. keukaspringwinery.com.

[Shopping] Holiday Shopping at the Lighthouse at the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse.

70 Lighthouse St. Noon-5 p.m. See listing for Saturday, December 3.

[Shopping] Holiday Shopping Spree along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $30-$55. See listing for Friday, December 2.

[Shopping] Holidays at the Market shop the market and enjoy holiday themed decorations and activities.

280 N. Union St. 8 a.m.3 p.m. cityofrochester. gov/publicmarket. Continues through December 18.

[Special Event] Breakfast with Santa at the Seneca Park Zoo. 2222 St. Paul St. $8-$18. 3367200. senecaparkzoo.org. See listing for Saturday, December 3.

[Special Event] Gerald Charles Dickens at the Geva Nextstage.

Great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens presents “A Child’s Journey with Dickens” at 3 p.m., and “Mr. Dickens is Coming!” at 7 p.m. 75 Woodbury Blvd. $25. 2324382. gevatheatre.org.

[Special Event] Yuletide in the Country at the Genesee Country Museum. 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford. 1:30-7:30 p.m. $12-$22. Se listing for Friday, December 2.

[Theater] “The Gift of the Magi”

by Black Sheep Theatre at Village Gate. 274 N. Goodman St. 2 p.m. $15. See listing for Friday, December 2.

Monday, December 5 [Music] Spice Up the Holidays performance by the Penfield Symphony Orchestra featuring guest composer Alan Lowne.

Penfield High School, 25 High School Dr. 7:30 p.m. $12-$14.

872-0774. penfieldsymphony.org.

[Theater] “Christmas with the Calamari Sisters” holiday-themed singing, dancing, and of course cooking. The Smith Opera House, 82 Seneca St., Geneva.

7:30 p.m. $30. 315-781-5483. thesmith.org. Continues through December 7.

Tuesday, December 6 [Special Event] Candlelight Night holiday celebration in the Village of Pittsford with horsedrawn wagon rides, Santa sightings, more. 4-9 p.m. 2486280. townofpittsford.org.

[Theater] “Christmas with the Calamari Sisters” Smith Opera House, 82 Seneca St., Geneva.

20 City HOLIDAY GUIDE 2011

7:30 p.m. $30. See listing for Monday, December 5.

St. 7:30 p.m. $15. See listing for Friday, December 2.

Wednesday, December 7

Saturday, December 10

[Music] A Cup of Good Cheer holiday concert with special guests Madrigalia. Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Ave. 12:10 p.m.

Free. 454-4403. hochstein.org.

[Theater] “Christmas with the Calamari Sisters” Smith Opera House, 82 Seneca St., Geneva.

2 & 7:30 p.m. $30. See listing for Monday, December 5.

Thursday, December 8 [Music] 100.5 The Drive’s Mistletoe Show feat. O.A.R. w/Brent James Music, Tinted Image at Water Street Music Hall. 204 N. Water St. 7 p.m. $25-$35. Waterstreetmusic.com.

[Music] RRO: Philharmonics Holiday Classics featuring Pachelbel’s “Canon” and other selections. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St. 7:30 p.m. $15-$75. 454-2100. rpo.org.

Continues December 10.

[Special Event] Holiday Homecoming Celebration Seasonal festivities at the George Eastman House. 900 East Ave. 5-8 p.m. $3-$12.

271-3361. eastmanhouse.org.

Friday, December 9 [ Music ] RPO Holiday Concert Canandaigua Academy, 435 East St., Canandaigua. 7:30 p.m. 454-2100. rpo.org.

[Dance] Red Hot Holiday Ball hosted by Groove Juice Swing at the Tango Café Dance Studio. 389 Gregory St. 711 p.m. Free. 415-3714. groovejuiceswing.com.

[Dance] Winter Dance Gala holiday performance

by Hochstein School of Dance students. Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Ave. 7:30 p.m. Free.

454-4403. hochstein.org.

[Movie] “Christmas in Connecticut” at the Dryden Theatre. 900 East Ave. 8 p.m. $6-$8. 271-3361. dryden. eastmanhouse.org.

[Music] Chamber Music Holiday Recital performance

by Hochstein School of Music chamber groups. 50 N. Plymouth Ave. 6 p.m. Free.

454-4596. hochstein.org.

[Special Event] Celebrate the Season at the New York Wine & Culinary Center. 800 S. Main St., Canandaigua. 6-9 p.m. $35. 394-7070. nywcc.com.

[Special Event] Yuletide in the Country at the Genesee Country Museum. 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford. 5-8:30 p.m. $12-$22. Se listing for Friday, December 2.

[Theater] “Miracle on 34th Street” presented by STAGES. Auditorium Theater, 3rd Floor, 885 E. Main St. 7:30 p.m. $12$15. 935-7173. Mjtstages.com.

Continues through December 11.

[Theater] “The Gift of the Magi”

by Black Sheep Theatre at Village Gate. 274 N. Goodman

[Dance] Savior Ballet dance performance by the Yahweh Ballet. 2344 Ridge Rd., Ontario. 6:30 p.m. $7. 3509012. yahwehballet.org.

[Movie] “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at the Dryden Theatre. 900 East Ave. 8 p.m. $6-$8. 271-3361. dryden. eastmanhouse.org.

[Music] Carols Around the World presented by the Lyric Chorale. St. Louis Church, 60 S. Main St., Pittsford. 7:30 p.m. $12-$18. lyricchorale.org.

[Music] Holiday Jagermeister Metal Meltdown at Montage Music Hall. 50 Chestnut St. 7:30 p.m. $7. themontagemusichall.com.

[Music] Music in My Mother’s House holiday performance by the Rochester Women’s Community Chorus. St. Anne’s Church. 1600 Mt. Hope Ave. 7:30 p.m. $5-$10.

234-4441. therwcc.org.

[Music] RPO: Philharmonics Holiday Classics Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St. 8 p.m. $15-$75. See listing for Thursday, December 8.

[Recreation] 1000 Acre Swamp Holiday Hike free guided hike through 1000 Acre Swamp in Penfield. 1587 Jackson Road.

10 a.m.-noon. Free. 340-8655. penfield.org.

[Recreation] Holiday Season Personal Fitness Healthy indoor activities to help pass the winter months at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

657 East Ave. noon-4 p.m. $10-$12. 271-4320. rmsc.org.

Continues December 11.

[Recreation] It’s a Wonderful Run 5K holiday run/walk through Seneca Falls. 108 Fall St., Seneca Falls. 4:40 p.m. $20-$25. 315-568-1438. itsawonderfulrun5k.com.

[Shopping] Holiday Festival of Crafts & Gifts at the Monroe County Fair Grounds.

2695 E. Henrietta Rd. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $3. 334-4000. fairandexpocenter.org.

Continues December 11.

[Special Event] Breakfast with Santa at the Seneca Park Zoo. 2222 St. Paul St. $8-$18. 3367200. senecaparkzoo.org. See listing for Saturday, December 3.

[Special Event] Museum of Kids Art Holiday Fundraiser with holiday-themed artwork and treats. 90 Webster Ave. 7-9 p.m. 288-4239. museumofkidsart.org.

[Special Event] Wigilia Dinner Polish Christmas Eve at St. John Fisher College.

Kearney Hall, St. John Fisher College, 3690 East Ave. 5 p.m. $15-$35. 248-0152. polishheritagerochester.org.

[Special Event] Winter Wonderland at the Strong Museum of Play. Holidaythemed displays, crafts, and events. 1 Manhattan Square. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $11-$13. 263-2700. museumofplay.org. Continues through December 18.

[Special Event] Yuletide in the Country at the Genesee Country

Monday, December 12 [Theater] Magic in the Making Geva Theatre Center’s annual open house. 75 Woodbury Blvd. 6-8 p.m. Free. 232-1366. gevatheatre.org.

Wednesday, December 14 [Music] RPO Holiday Gala Pops with conductor Jeff Tyzik; December 14 concert to benefit the Monroe Community Hospital.

Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St. 7:30 p.m. $20-$65.

454-2100. rpo.org. Continues through December 18.

Thursday, December 15 Lamberton Conservatory’s poinsettia show runs December 2January 8. Photo PROVIDED Museum. 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford. 1:30-7:45 p.m. $12-$22. Se listing for Friday, December 2.

[Theater] “Annie” presented by Rochester Children’s Theatre at Nazareth College Arts Center.

4245 East Ave. 2 p.m. $14-$20.

Artscenter.naz.edu. Continues through December 18.

[Theater] “Miracle on 34th Street” presented by STAGES. Auditorium Theater, 3rd Floor, 885 E. Main St. 2 & 7:30 p.m. $12-$15. 935-7173. Mjtstages. com. See listing for Friday, December 9.

[Theater] “The Gift of the Magi”

by Black Sheep Theatre at Village Gate. 274 N. Goodman St. 4 p.m. $15. See listing for Friday, December 2.

Sunday, December 11 [Movie] “Christmas in Connecticut” at the Dryden Theatre. 900 East Ave. 5 p.m. $6-$8. 271-3361. dryden. eastmanhouse.org.

[Movie] “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at the Dryden Theatre. 900 East Ave. 2 p.m. $6-$8. 271-3361. dryden. eastmanhouse.org.

[Music] Carols Around the World presented by the Lyric Chorale. Perinton Presbyterian Church, 6511 Pittsford Palmyra Rd. 2:30 p.m. $12-$18. lyricchorale.org.

[Music] Holiday Concert performance by the Irondequoit Concert Band. Eastridge High School, 2350 E. Ridge Rd. 3 p.m. Free. irondequoitband.org.

[Music] Holiday Music at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. 657 East Ave. Noon-1 p.m.: Quartet of Ra Cha Cha; 1-2 p.m.: The Bowties. Free w/museum admission, $10-$12. 2714320. rmsc.org.

[Music] Holiday Music with Kathy Wilkins (guitar and piano). George Eastman House, 900 East Ave. 3 p.m. Included w/museum admission ($5-$12). 271-3361. eastmanhouse.org.

[Music] The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols presented by the Chorus Novus. Nazareth College Linehan Chapel. 4245

East Ave. 2:40 p.m. Free. 3892700. naz.edu.

[Recreation] Holiday Season Personal Fitness at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. 657 East Ave. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. $10-$12. See listing for Saturday, December 10.

[Shopping] Holiday Festival of Crafts & Gifts at the Monroe County Fair Grounds. 2695 E. Henrietta Rd. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $3. See listing for Saturday, December 10.

[Shopping] Holidays at the Market shop the market and enjoy holiday themed decorations and activities.

280 N. Union St. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. See listing for Sunday, December 4.

[Special Event] Breakfast with Santa at the Seneca Park Zoo. 2222 St. Paul St. $8-$18.

336-7200. senecaparkzoo. org. See listing for Saturday, December 3.

[Special Event] Pancake Breakfast with Santa at the George Eastman House.

900 East Ave. 10 a.m. $15$20 (sold out). 271-3361. eastmanhouse.org.

[Special Event] Winter Wonderland at the National Museum of Play. 1 Manhattan Square. noon-5 p.m. $11$13. See listing for Saturday, December 10.

[Special Event] Yuletide in the Country at the Genesee Country Museum. 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford. 1:30-7:30 p.m. $12-$22. Se listing for Friday, December 2.

[Theater] “Annie” presented

by Rochester Children’s Theatre at Nazareth College Arts Center. 4245 East Ave. 2 p.m. $14-$20. See listing for Saturday, December 10.

[Theater] “Miracle on 34th Street” presented by STAGES. Auditorium Theater, 3rd Floor, 885 E. Main St. 2 p.m. $12$15. 935-7173. Mjtstages. com. See listing for Friday, December 9.

[Theater] “The Gift of the Magi” by Black Sheep Theatre at Village Gate. 274 N. Goodman St. 2 p.m. $15. See listing for Friday, December 2.

[Music] Holiday Prism Concert Holiday music performed by Hochstein School of Music & Dance faculty. Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Ave. 7:00 p.m. $5.

454-4403. hochstein.org.

[Music] RPO: Holiday Gala Pops December 15 concert benefits Rochester Rotary programs.

Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St. 7:30 p.m. $45.

454-2100. rpo.org.

DAILY LUNCH BUFFET

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Friday, December 16 [Dance] “Walking D’mba,” holiday show by Bush Mango Drum & Dance. 34 Elton St. 7:30 p.m. $8-$18. 235-3960.

Bushmango.com. Continues December 17.

[Movie] “We’re No Angels” at the Dryden Theatre. 900 East Ave. 8 p.m. $6-$8. 271-3361. dryden.eastmanhouse.org.

[Music] RPO Holiday Gala Pops with conductor Jeff Tyzik.

Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St. 8 p.m. $15-$75.

454-2100. rpo.org.

[Music] The Blastoffs holiday show with Flower City Knuckleheads, The Emersons, and more at Montage Music Hall. 50 Chestnut St. 8 p.m. themontagemusichall.com.

[Special Event] Yuletide in the Country at the Genesee Country Museum. 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford. 5-8:30 p.m. $12-$22. Se listing for Friday, December 2.

[Theater] “1947: A Vintage Christmas” by The Father’s House. 719 Paul Road. 7 p.m. $8-$12. 889-4870. Tfhny.org.

Continues through December 24.

[Theater] “The Santaland Diaries” adaptation of the David Sedaris story, at the Blackfriars Theatre.

795 E. Main St. 8 p.m. $27. 4541260. blackfriars.org. Continues through December 21.

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Saturday, December 17 [Dance] “Walking D’mba,” holiday show by Bush Mango Drum & Dance. 34 Elton St. 7:30 p.m. $8-$18. See listing for Friday, December 17.

[Movie] “The Muppet Christmas Carol” at the Dryden Theatre.

900 East Ave. 8 p.m. $6$8. 271-3361. dryden. eastmanhouse.org.

[Music] “Messiah” performance by the Genesee continues on page 22

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Valley Orchestra & Chorus at the Fairport Church of the Assumption. 20 East Ave., Fairport. 7:30 p.m. $10-$12.

223-9006. gvoc.org. Continues December 18.

[Music] A Holiday Celebration with the Empire State Lyric Theatre featuring “Custard the Dragon,” a musical setting of “The Polar Express,” and more. Aquinas Institute, 1127 Dewey Ave. 2 p.m. $10. empirestatelyrictheatre.com.

[Music] Holiday Havoc at the Montage Music Hall.

50 Chestnut St. 7 p.m. $7. themontagemusichall.com.

[Music] Holiday Music

by Fusion Quartet at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. 657 East Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Free w/museum admission, $10-$12. 2714320. rmsc.org.

[Music] RPO Holiday Gala Pops with conductor Jeff Tyzik.

Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St. 2 p.m.: $10-$75. 8 p.m.: $15$77. 454-2100. rpo.org.

[Recreation] George Bailey “It’s a Wonderful Life” 3K Walk to raise funds for Camp DayDreams. Meet at the Sibley Building/Liberty Pole Downtown. 6 p.m. eggwork. com/georgebailey5k.

[Recreation] Holiday Roller Skating Party at the Minett Hall, Monroe County Fairgrounds.

2695 E. Henrietta Rd. Family skate 2-4 p.m., open skate 6-9 p.m. $6 (includes skate rental).

334-4000. fairandexpocenter. org.

[Special Event] Breakfast with Santa at the Seneca Park Zoo. 2222 St. Paul St. $8-$18. 3367200. senecaparkzoo.org. See listing for Saturday, December 3.

[Special Event] Winter Wonderland at the National Museum of Play. 1 Manhattan Square. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $11$13. See listing for Saturday, December 10.

[Special Event] Yuletide in the Country at the Genesee Country Museum. 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford. 1:30-7:45 p.m. $12-$22. Se listing for Friday, December 2.

[Theater] “1947: A Vintage Christmas” by The Father’s House. 719 Paul Road. 4, 6 & 8 p.m. $8-$12. See listing for Friday, December 16.

[Theater] “Annie” presented by Rochester Children’s Theatre at Nazareth College Arts Center.

4245 East Ave. 2 p.m. $14$20. See listing for Saturday, December 10.

[Theater] “The Santaland Diaries” performance at the Blackfriars Theatre. 795 E. Main St. 8 p.m. $27. See listing for Friday, December 16.

Sunday, December 18 [Movie] “The Muppet Christmas Carol” at the Dryden Theatre.

900 East Ave. 2 p.m. $6$8. 271-3361. dryden. eastmanhouse.org.

22 City HOLIDAY GUIDE 2011

[Movie] “We’re No Angels” at the Dryden Theatre. 900 East Ave. 5 p.m. $6-$8. 271-3361. dryden.eastmanhouse.org.

[Music] “Messiah” performance by the Genesee Valley Orchestra & Chorus at the Pinnacle Lutheran Church in Henrietta. 250 Pinnacle Rd. 3 p.m. $10-$12. See listing for Saturday, December 17.

[Music] Holiday Music with Silver Tones Flute Choir George Eastman House, 900 East Ave. 3 p.m. Included w/museum admission ($5-$12). 271-3361. eastmanhouse.org.

[Music] RPO Holiday Gala Pops performed by the RPO with conductor Jeff Tyzik. Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St. 2 p.m., $10-$75. 454-2100. rpo.org.

[Shopping] Holidays at the Market shop the market and enjoy holiday themed decorations and activities. 280 N. Union St. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. See listing for Sunday, December 4.

[Special Event] Breakfast with Santa at the Seneca Park Zoo. 2222 St. Paul St. $8-$18.

336-7200. senecaparkzoo. org. See listing for Saturday, December 3.

[Special Event] Winter Wonderland at the National Museum of Play. 1 Manhattan Square. Noon-5 p.m. $11$13. See listing for Saturday, December 10.

[Special Event] Yuletide in the Country at the Genesee Country Museum. 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford. 1:30-7:30 p.m. $12-$22. Se listing for Friday, December 2.

[Theater] “1947: A Vintage Christmas” by The Father’s House. 719 Paul Road. 7 p.m. $8-$12. See listing for Friday, December 16.

[Theater] “Annie” presented by Rochester Children’s Theatre at Nazareth College Arts Center.

4245 East Ave. 2 p.m. $14$20. See listing for Saturday, December 10.

[Theater] “The Santaland Diaries” performance at the Blackfriars Theatre. 795 E. Main St. 2 p.m. $27. See listing for Friday, December 16.

Tuesday, December 20 *Hanukkah begins at sundown.

[Theater] “The Santaland Diaries” performance at the Blackfriars Theatre. 795 E. Main St. 7:30 p.m. $27. See listing for Friday, December 16.

Wednesday, December 21 [Music] A Christmas Celebration performance by Jim Brickman with special guests Anne Cochran, and Benjamin Utecht. Auditorium Theatre, 885 E. Main St. 7:30 p.m. $32.50-$77.50. 3257760. rbtl.org.

[Theater] “The Santaland Diaries” performance at the Blackfriars Theatre. 795 E. Main St. 7:30 p.m. $27. See listing for Friday, December 16.

Thursday, December 22 [Theater] “1947: A Vintage Christmas” by The Father’s House. 719 Paul Road. 7 p.m. $8-$12. See listing for Friday, December 16.

Friday, December 23 [Movie] “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Dryden Theatre. George Eastman House, 900 East Ave. 8 p.m. $6-$8. 271-3361. dryden.eastmanhouse.org.

[Music] The Isotopes Christmas Bash at Montage Music Hall. 50 Chestnut St. 8 p.m. themontagemusichall.com.

[Theater] “1947: A Vintage Christmas” by The Father’s House. 719 Paul Road. 6 & 8 p.m. $8-$12. See listing for Friday, December 16.

Saturday, December 24 [Theater] “1947: A Vintage Christmas” by The Father’s House. 719 Paul Road. Noon. $8-$12. See listing for Friday, December 16.

[Theater] “The Night Before Christmas” by the RMSC Players at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

657 East Ave. 1 p.m. Free w/ museum admission, $10-$12.

697-1942. rmsc.org.

Sunday, December 25 *Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 26 *Kwanzaa begins.

Tuesday, December 27 [Special Event] Holiday Science & Technology at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

Holiday-themed science and technology activities. 657 East Ave. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-$12.

271-4320. rmsc.org. Continues through December 30.

[Special Event] Kwanzaa Family Day at the Memorial Art Gallery.

Celebrate with music, dancing, and storytelling. 500 University Ave. Noon-5 p.m. $5-$12. 2768900. mag.rochester.edu.

Wednesday, December 28 [Special Event] Holiday Science & Technology at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

657 East Ave. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-$12. See listing for Tuesday, December 26.

Thursday, December 29 [Music] Achilles Holiday Show at the Bug Jar. 219 Monroe Ave. 7:30 p.m. 454-2966. bugjar.com.

[Special Event] Holiday Science & Technology at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

657 East Ave. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-$12. See listing for Tuesday, December 26.

Friday, December 30 [Special Event] Holiday Science & Technology at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

657 East Ave. 11 a.m.-4

p.m. $10-$12. See listing for Tuesday, December 26.

[Special Event] Kwanzaa: Celebration of Family, Community, and Culture at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. 657 East Ave. 3-6 p.m. Free w/museum admission, $10-$12. 2714320. rmsc.org.

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[Movie] New Year’s Eve Double Feature at the Dryden Theatre. Featuring “The Thin Man” starting at 7 p.m. and “After The Thin Man” starting at 9 p.m. 900 East Ave. $6-$8. 271-3361. dryden. eastmanhouse.org.

[Music] Garage-Pop Records presents Trashcan Records’ Class Reunion Show feat.

Nod, The Thundergods, The Quitters, Muler, Intrinsic, and DJ El Destructo at Bug Jar. 219 Monroe Ave. 9 p.m. $7-$9. bugjar.com.

[Special Event] Family New Year’s Eve at the Dome Arena, including fireworks at 9:30 p.m. 2695 E. Henrietta Rd. 6-10 p.m. $4. 334-4000. fairandexpocenter.org.

[Special Event] La Befana: An Epiphany Eve Legend from Italy at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. 657 East Ave. 1 & 2 p.m. Free w/museum admission, $10-$12. 2714320. rmsc.org.

[Special Event] New Year’s Eve at the Radisson party with live music, food, drinks, and more. 120 E. Main St. $275 per couple. 546-6400. rochesternewyearseve.com.

[Special Event] New Year’s Eve Celebration & Fireworks at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Free indoor activities 79:45 p.m. followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. Free. 123 E. Main St. cityofrochester.gov.

[Theater] “Hollywood Sings” & “I Do, I Do” at the Jewish Community Center. Special performances of “I Do, I Do!” and “Hollywood Sings.” 1200 Edgewood Ave. “Hollywood”: 6 p.m. “I Do”: 9 p.m. $18-$24.

461-2000. jccrochester.org.

[Theater] Geva Comedy Improv’s New Year’s Eve Mainstage Spectacular at Geva Theatre.

75 Woodbury Blvd. Shows at 7:30 & 10:30 p.m. $20. 232GEVA. Gevacomedyimprov.org.

[Theater] New Year’s Eve Explosion by Village Idiots Comedy Improv. Village Gate, 274 N. Goodman St. Three shows: 7:30, 9, 10:30 p.m. $10. Improvvip.com.

[Theater] The Capitol Steps traditional New Year’s Eve political satire and comedy show. Callahan Theater at Nazareth College, 4245 East Ave. Shows at 6:30 p.m. & 10 p.m. $45-$75. 389-2525. artscenter.naz.edu.

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Love and Joy Come to You Unity welcomes people of all faiths to celebrate the Divine Presence of Love.

Unity

Sunday Celebrations 11 a.m.

Dec. 24: Candlelighting Service, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 25: Christmas Celebration, 11:00 a.m.

Dec. 31: Burning Bowl Service, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 1: Bless the New Year, 11:00 a.m.

Christ Church Unity Church of the Daily Word.

We welcome you!

55 Prince St., Rochester, NY 14607 • www.unityrochester.org • 585-473-0910

See our website for more info

302 N. Goodman St. Village Gate, Rochester 256.5980

rochestercitynewspaper.com City 23

24 City HOLIDAY GUIDE 2011