Christmas in Little Italy: December Events Starting this Weekend

It’s that most wonderful time of the year, and Chinatown NYC and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of New York (CCCNY) are adding to their seasonal events with the First Annual Chinatown Holiday Street fair this Saturday, December 1 from 12 Noon - 5pm.  Colorful, fun, and engaging for families of all ages, the street fair will take place on Mott Street from Canal to Worth streets, Bayard Street (from Bowery to Mulberry Street), Pell Street, and Doyers Street. Be sure to stop by the stage in front of Confucius Plaza Square, adjacent to Bowery, for performances of singing, dancing, and Chinese martial arts throughout the afternoon. Of particular note are the Lion Dance at noon and the ribbon-cutting with reps from the Mayor’s office and other elected officials.  Another don't miss is the traditional tree lighting and Christmas musicale at 6:30pm at the Courtyard of the Most Precious Blood Church on 109 Mulberry Street.  It will truly show you how important community life is to New York City.  Tony Danza will be there as well.   In keeping with the spirit of Christmas and the post-Sandy recovery effort, the neighborhood’s shops will be featuring a Christmas market of sorts with specially discounted items and food.  

On December 22, the annual East Meets West Parade kicks off at 2pm along Canal and Mulberry streets, replete with lions, dragons, floats, marching bands and Santa Claus.  All events are sponsored by the Little Italy Merchants Association and the Chinatown Partnership, 212-764-6330.