Santa Claus
Avoid the dudes in red suits at department stores (haven’t you read Holidays on Ice?) and instead learn about New Yorkers who did some good in the name of Kris Kringle. A new exhibit, “The Santa Claus Association,” looks at a group of volunteers—led by John Duvall Gluck Jr., an early-20th-century publicist—who would answer the letters that NYC children mailed to Santa. Compiled by Gluck’s relative Alex Palmer (a TONY contributor), the exhibit traces the group’s history, showcasing archival images and newsletters, as well as some of the actual missives that started it all in 1913. City Reliquary Museum, 370 Metropolitan Ave at Havemeyer St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-782-4842, cityreliquary.org). Thu–Sun noon–6pm; suggested donation $5. Through Feb 10.
During the holidays, the city is bedecked with traditional Christmas trimmings such as trees, holly wreaths and twinkly lights. We’ve rounded up events where you can find even more traditional Christmas icons, including an exhibit devoted to Santa Claus and a sing-along concert hosted by Sufjan Stevens featuring a cornucopia of holiday iconography.
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