christmas

Film historian Jeremy Arnold’s new book, "Christmas in the Movies: 35 Classics to Celebrate the Season," showcases the very best among this uniquely spirited strain of cinema. Each film is profiled on what makes it a "Christmas movie," along with behind-the-scenes stories of its production, reception, and legacy.

This year, a lot of people have commented to me, “Rabbi, it’s amazing that in 2024 the first night of Hanukkah coincides directly with Christmas day. That’s so rare.” This coincidence is rare, having occurred only four times since 1910, but it’s not amazing.

We welcome back Jennifer Clair, founder of Home Cooking New York. Today we'll talk about the great cooking traditions of Christmas and Hanukkah. Ray Graf hosts.

Capital District - As far as theater goes it’s the time of year when holiday themed shows tend to proliferate area stages.

This Sunday, December 8, The Albany Symphony Orchestra will perform its annual holiday celebration “The Magic of Christmas.” The Palace Theatre will be filled with festive holiday music, family fun, and special guests. Later this month, on December 21 and 22, The ASO will perform a world premiere guitar concerto by Nicky Sohn – along with holiday music by Mozart and Vivaldi.

Film historian Jeremy Arnold’s new book, "Christmas in the Movies: 35 Classics to Celebrate the Season," showcases the very best among this uniquely spirited strain of cinema. Each film is profiled on what makes it a "Christmas movie," along with behind-the-scenes stories of its production, reception, and legacy.

Merry has always wanted to go on a grand adventure, like the great Hero Owls from her favorite stories. But she is just a little owl. Little owls don't have adventures. Then one day, Merry falls asleep in her favorite tree—and wakes up in a big, noisy city! Can a little owl on a grand adventure find her way home?

The two-time GRAMMY Award-winning Albany Symphony, will provide some extra sparkle this holiday season at two of the Capital Region’s favorite concert venues.On Sunday, December 3, The Magic of Christmas fills The Palace Theatre with gorgeous holiday music, family fun, and special guests. On December 9th and 10th, world-acclaimed pianist Yefim Bronfman will perform Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 in the legendary Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. The concerts on the 9th and 10th will also feature composer Loren Loiacono’s work Beanie’s Chapbook, a world premiere commissioned by the Albany Symphony.

Jim Brickman is the best-selling solo pianist of our time, earning 21 number-one albums, 32 Top 20 radio hits and two Grammy nominations and next, he’ll be in the Great Hall at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 17.Jim Brickman will present to the crowd with his uplifting, “HITS LIVE! with A Little Bit of Christmas” concert. The Grammy-nominated songwriter gets up close and personal in this intimate setting with his hit songs “Love of My Life” “Valentine” and “Angel Eyes” plus a few holiday favorites like “The Gift.”

Nothing brings the spirit of the season into our hearts quite like a great holiday movie. "Christmas films" come in many shapes and sizes and exist across many genres. Jeremy Arnold is a film historian, commentator.