Celebrate the arts this weekend. These Binghamton events are full of holiday spirit
If you are looking forward to starting off December in the holiday spirit, this week offers several opportunities to celebrate the season through the arts in Broome County.
December's First Friday Art Walk, from 6-9 p.m. Friday, will be holiday themed, and will take place on various streets in downtown Binghamton.
The First Friday Trolley will depart from Phelps Mansion Museum at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., and will give riders a free tour of downtown Binghamton, stopping at sites such as Lost Dog Café, Roberson Museum and Science Center and the Bundy Museum of History and Art before returning to the Phelps Mansion Museum.
According to organizers, Father Christmas will be at Phelps Mansion from 5-7 p.m., and will be visiting businesses on State Street starting at 7:15 p.m. as a part of the First Friday event.
On Tuesday, Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham joined the Broome County Arts Council to announce the theme of December's First Friday. Kraham referenced the tree lighting in downtown Binghamton the week before, and said Binghamton is just starting to enter a busy holiday season.
"This event is further proof that downtown Binghamton is vibrant — there is a lot to do," said Kraham "We really encourage everyone to get out and support their independent restaurants and local artists. Buy local, buy small. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the holiday season."
For more information, readers can visit the Broome County Arts Council website.
Sunday, Dec. 3: The Nutcracker
The Broome County Forum Theatre, located at 236 Washington St. in downtown Binghamton, will feature a variety of Christmas and holiday-themed shows this December.
Rafael Grigorian Ballet Theatre will present a performance of "The Nutcracker" at 2 p.m. Dec. 3.
Tickets can be purchased online through the theater's website.
Wednesday-Thursday, Dec. 6-7: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Cirque Dreams will perform "Holidaze," a family-oriented holiday show at 7:30 p.m. on both nights at The Forum.
According to a description on the Forum's website, the show will feature "a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more."
Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Thursday, Dec. 7: Vienna Boys Choir
The Vienna Boys Choir will be performing Christmas in Vienna on the Binghamton University campus.
The show will be held at the Anderson Center for the Performing Arts from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased on the Anderson Center's website.
Looking ahead: Winter Wonderland
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra will perform their "Winter Wonderland" show at 3 p.m. Dec. 16.
Audiences can purchase their tickets on Ticketmaster.com, or avoid fees by purchasing tickets at the Mirabito Box Office at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena. For more information about the performances and prices, readers can visit the theater's website.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Holiday things to do in Binghamton this weekend if you love the arts
