A guide to great alternative holiday musical events in NYC this month

Ed Yim is the chief content officer for WXQR, New York Public Radio’s classical music station. We asked him to share some of his favorite holiday shows this season.

‘Tis the season for holiday concerts.

And while I love carols and Handel’s “Messiah” as much as the next person, sometimes I want something … a little different, perhaps a little more unusual.

Here are four alternative and equally compelling musical events to add to your traditional fare. Tickets for each are under $50 and some of these performances are even free.

A scene from a previous year’s “Unsilent Night.”

Photo by Jena Cumbo / Courtesy of “Unsilent Night”

“Unsilent Night”

Although composer Phil Kline’s “Unsilent Night” has taken place annually for over 30 years and now happens in cities across the country, its flagship event still takes place in New York.

The procession starts in Washington Square Park and makes its way to Tompkins Square, and participants can join in for free.

Bring your own boombox because Kline hands out cassettes — and everyone blasts his original, experimental music as they walk. As Kline has said, the event combines his “love for experimental electronic music and memories of Christmas caroling.” It takes place on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m., and more information can be found here.

Veronica Swift

Courtesy of the artist

“Nefesh Mountain: A Holiday Celebration!” and more

New York Public Radio’s Greene Space has an array of holiday fare this month, starting with U.S. band Nefesh Mountain playing a lineup of Hanukkah songs, holiday covers, and its usual brand of bluegrass and folk on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

The following week, Veronica Swift will perform swinging seasonal tunes on Tuesday, Dec. 19, and drag performance artist Thorgy Thor will return to mix her unique cocktail of music, fun and laughter on Wednesday, Dec. 20. The Greene Space, like Gothamist, is owned by New York Public Radio. You can learn more about all performances, and get tickets here. You can watch…

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