By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky,
Healthy Planet Arts Editor
Photo: Winter Celebrations at St. Louis Art Museum, Dec. 9-10.
It’s December 2023—really?? I sometimes wonder how we arrive so quickly to the end of a year—and how did we arrive at 2024 already?? It seems that we were just contemplating the start of a new millennium! Of course, it also seems that I was just in high school (and that ship sailed a long time ago!). My grandpa used to say that time went faster as we get older. He was so right.
I do, however, have a number of ARTful suggestions on how to maximize your time during this holiday season. And a reminder that ARTful gifts are the best gifts you can give (just saying….).
The Bach Society of Saint Louis performs a Christmas Candlelight Concert on December 9 at 2 and 7 p.m. Performances at 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Avenue. www.bachsociety.org
The Fabulous Fox makes the holiday season fabulous with Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before, through December 10. Following that is Disney’s Aladdin, December 12-17, a treat for the entire family. www.fabulousfox.com
Stifel hosts the St. Louis Symphony all month long with Gospel Christmas (Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.), Home Alone screening with live score (Dec. 9-10, 7 and 2 p.m. respectively), Mercy Holiday Celebration (Dec. 16-17, 2 and 7:30 p.m.) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.). Or take in the Mercy Holiday Celebration performance at Lindenwood University, Dec. 12-13, 7:30 p.m.). www.slso.org
Jazz St. Louis offers up one smooth holiday season with A Very Manley Holiday with Jim Manley’s Mad Brass and Rhythm (Dec. 6-7), Denise Thimes’ Soulful, Swingin’ Holiday (Dec. 8-9), Nicole Henry (Dec. 13-17), Jazz St. Louis Big Band Plays Ellington’s Nutcracker (Dec. 21-23), Good 4 the Soul (Dec. 29-30) and New Year’s Eve with Victor Goines & Friends (Dec. 31). What a lineup! All at 3536 Washington. www.jazzstl.org
COCA presents MOTheR, a new work by Kirvin Douthit-Boyd, December 8-10. With robust original music inspired by Afrofuturism, MOTheR tells the story of a family who uses the power of dance to elevate their existence. www.cocastl.org
St. Louis Art Museum showcases Winter Celebrations, December 9-10. There are free family art activities throughout the event, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.slam.org
The National Museum of Transportation delivers oh-so- much holiday fun for the entire family, Wednesday-Sunday through December 30. There’s a special model train exhibit, Boxcar Boutique, live reindeer–something different every week at 2933 Barrett Station Road. Special discount offered to first responders. Check www.tnmot.org for details.
Through December 28, view Tenacity: Pushing the Boundaries of Color and Humanity, painting and multimedia works by local artist De’Joneiro Jones, at University City Library. www.ucitylibrary.org
Webster Arts hosts its inaugural Member’s Showcase through December 15. The gallery, located at 2 Summit Avenue, also hosts the Weaver’s Guild of St. Louis Holiday Pop-Up shop, through December 7. www.webster-arts.org
Warm up a cold December evening with some hot glass, food, music and fun at Third Degree Glass Factory’s Open House, December 15, 6-10 p.m. at 5200 Delmar. Netflix’s “Blown Away” John Sharvin and MiNHi England will make a special appearance, with an artist talk and glass demo at 7 p.m. Music by Devon Cahill. www.stlglass.com
Make your holiday shopping easy at The Luminary, 2701 Cherokee, at Your Friends Apartment (YFA) Market, featuring vintage items, art, jewelry and more on December 8. Profield Market – Together We Ball: A South City Holiday Classic provides a night of art, music, food and community on December 16. www.thelumiaryarts.com
Crossroads Arts Council, 310 W. Pearce Blvd. in Wentzville, presents its December Gallery Show and Holiday Gifts Under $100, through December 24. www.crossroadsartscouncil.org
A Holiday Pop-Up shop comes to Laumeier Sculpture Park, 12580 Rott Road, on December 9. Makers, artists, food vendors, even fire pits, offer a holiday shopping fun-day. www.laumeier.org
Celebrate Kwanzaa on December 31 when International Music Initiative brings Sonic Safari African Drum and Dance Troupe to Pilgrim Congregational Church, 826 N. Union. The event is free but reservations are required. www.imusici.net
Or take in the Kwanzaa celebration at St. Louis Art Museum, December 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.slam.org
As 2023 comes to its close, I hope you can consider it a year well-spent. And now, as we step into a new year, may it be one of kindness and of peace for all.