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Park Slope Planner: The Best Events December 11-14

Park Slope Planner: The Best Events December 11-14
Photo by Yucca Miyata via Brokelyn
Photo by Yucca Miyata via Brokelyn

The holiday season is well underway, and if you’re looking for some fun ways to celebrate, we’ve got ’em, starting tonight with an office holiday party like none other, and ending Sunday with a whole lotta Muppets. Or, if you’re hoping to avoid any mention of Christmas, you can focus on the occult and its effect on music, check out a tribute to Sam Cooke on the anniversary of his death, learn to tango, and more.

Want to find more events the whole family will enjoy? Check out our children’s events roundup!

Joshua Nelson’s Salute To Sam Cooke
When: Thursday, December 11, 7pm
Where: Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: Exactly 50 years ago today, singer Sam Cooke died at the age of 33. To celebrate his life and work, the Prince of Kosher Gospel, Joshua Nelson, returns to the library for a rollicking performance.
How much: Free, though if you RSVP you’ll be seated before walk-ups.

4th Annual No Office Holiday Party
When: Thursday, December 11, 8pm
Where: Littlefield, 622 Degraw Street
What: Our friends at Brokelyn and the skint invite all you freelancers, work-from-homers, the under-employed, and really anyone who just wants to party to this annual event that’s like a crappy office holiday party, but with better karaoke and raffle prizes!
How much: $8 at the door.

Shape Up NYC: Cardio Toning
When: Friday, December 12, 12pm
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: Shape up your core with a free cardio class in Prospect Park that will combine strength, balance, and toning exercises. No reservation is required, but it is recommended that you bring a workout mat.
How much: Free!

Decadence, Symbolism, And Rock And Roll’s Occult Imagination
When: Friday, December 12, 6pm
Where: Morbid Anatomy Museum, 424 3rd Avenue
What: Peter Bebergal, author of Season of the Witch: How the Occult Saved Rock and Roll, presents a multi-media lecture on the ways in which the aesthetics and mythos of rock and roll have been deeply influenced by the painters, writers, and composers of the 19th century. The soundtrack should be bitchin.
How much: $10, tickets available in advance.

Opera On Tap
When: Friday, December 12, 10pm
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street
What: Get those viking helmets and beer steins ready, because the brilliantly talented Opera on Tap returns to Barbes on Friday night. Even if you don’t think opera is your cup of tea, go. There’s a good chance these guys will change your mind.
How much: $10 (strongly) suggested donation.

Tango Lessons
When: Saturday, December 13, 10am-12pm
Where: Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: Learn the fundamentals of one of a dramatic dance at this fun, informal series from the IATI Theater. Lessons are in English and Spanish, and there are two sessions: 10-11am is for beginners, and 11am-12pm is for advanced dancers.
How much: Free, but space is limited, so arrive early, and bring your library card for admission.

Jingle Bell Jamboree
When: Saturday, December 13, 7pm
Where: Congregation Beth Elohim, 274 Garfield Place
What: This fun, festive and family-friendly concert will feature the PS 38 pop chorus, kid-favorite Rolie Polie Guacamole, and more. There will also be a Toys for Tots collection site, so bring any new and unwrapped presents you’d like to donate.
How much: Suggested admission donation of $5 for children and $10 for adults.

Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar
When: Sunday, December 14, 11am-6pm
Where: 501 Union Street, between Bond and Nevins Streets
What: Holiday shopping and more can be found down in Gowanus this Sunday as Brooklyn Makers hosts its second annual holiday bazaar. The bazaar will feature over 35 handpicked local artisans, including Slope-based Gift Shop Brooklyn, Goorin, Jen Cogliantry Handmade, Oh Maille God, Plate and Pencil, and Rock That Gem. Thistle Hill Tavern and Palo Santo will be on hand with tasty vittles, and kids ages five and up can look forward to fun activities from Curious Jane while Mom and Dad shop. Plus, there are free cocktails and gift wrapping. We’re in!
How much: Free!

Muppet Vault: Christmas!
When: Sunday, December 14, 8pm
Where: Union Hall, 702 Union Street
What: Revisit the most memorable moments from the Muppets’ dozens of Christmas specials, movies, and appearances. Expect a sing-along screening of the classic Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas, plenty of audience participation, giveaways, drink specials, and more.
How much: $8, tickets available in advance.