‘Tis the season for festive entertainment. Watch for Christmas concerts, light festivals, and modern holiday classics at local venues

by Jessica Jones Gorman

BUON NATALE!
“The People’s Tenor,” Michael Amante, will perform classic carols and nostalgic Italian and international Christmas songs on December 6 at Lorenzo’s Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret. Amante, whose repertoire includes Broadway, jazz, rock, gospel, and American standards, as well as the soaring notes of high opera (he’s also been dubbed “The Prince of High Cs”), has appeared before four U.S. Presidents and a myriad of A list celebrities. He’s played at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, and Citifi eld. Tickets for the show are $45 for regular seating, $60 for premium, with “See the Show and Stay the Night Packages” starting at $195 per couple. 1100 South Avenue, 718.477.2400, lorenzosdining.com

THE NUTCRACKER, REIMAGINED
The Brooklyn Nutcracker, a soup to nuts reinvention of the holiday classic, fuses ballet, hiphop, and a number of other world dance genres, and will visit Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theater on December 14. This culturally inclusive production transforms familiar characters and scenes, updating them to represent the diverse traditions and vibrant culture of the borough. Fresh and full of virtuosity, it has been described by New York Times writer, Alastair Macaulay, as “vivid and magical… a satisfyingly gorgeous and endearing production.” Audience members will recognize the landscape of old Dutch Brooklyn as well as the iconic Flatbush Avenue as the production celebrates this special part of New York’s varied neighborhoods and residents. Tickets are $30. 1027 Flatbush Avenue, kingstheatre.com

ILLUMINATING SPECTACLE
The NYC Winter Lantern Festival is returning to Snug Harbor on November 20. The largest festival of its kind in the borough, it focuses on the thousand year Chinese lantern tradition, which symbolizes hope for a prosperous community, a loving family, and a healthy life. Dozens of artists collaborate for months to create each lantern. Last year’s highlights included a 150 foot dragon, 25 pandas, and a giant shark mouth that allowed visitors to venture inside. Co-sponsored by Empire Outlets, Empire State Bank, and Broadway Stages, the event will transform eight acres of Staten Island’s Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden into a whimsical world of light. This year, guests can expect live cultural shows and interactive exhibits, and the festival will remain on display until January 12. snugharbor.org, nycwinterlanternfestival.com